Later this month, Greenfield residents will learn the answer to a long-hidden mystery.

What items were stuffed inside a time capsule placed in the former city hall when it was built in 1956?

“The suspense is building,” said Larry McGuire, an aide to Greenfield Mayor Brad DeReamer.

Officials will open the capsule, which was placed by members of the local Masonic lodge, at the Nov. 18 meeting of the Greenfield City Council.

Walter Worland, 86, was a member of both the Greenfield City Council and Masonic lodge when the capsule was placed.

He served on the City Council from 1956-68. Because the old city hall has been torn down, he feared the time capsule would be forgotten.

“I’ve pestered them the last three years, since they tore down the old city hall,” Worland said. “I was afraid it would go by the wayside.”

He remembers some of the items put in the capsule, he said. The materials include mostly bits and pieces of memorabilia, he said, rather than anything of impressive monetary value.

However, he still looks forward to being present when the capsule is opened.

“It’s a history of Greenfield,” he said. “I think there are old photos and lists of memberships of various organizations.”

Bob Rodocker, 83, also was a member of the City Council and Masonic lodge at the time the capsule was placed. If he ever knew what the capsule contained, he doesn’t remember now, he said.

“That’s been a lot of years ago,” Rodocker said. “My old memory is not what it used to be.”

Like others, Rodocker is curious and plans to be on hand when the capsule is opened.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Rodocker, who worked as a teacher and principal in Greenfield. “I think it’s great. It might bring back some old memories.”

The council meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 in the current city hall, 10 S. State St.