1962 Time Capsule

For as long as I've known Preston, he has talked about the "Time Capsule".  Buried next to the courthouse on High Street just a couple blocks from his home, the time capsule was the source of great speculation, mystery, and anticipation as the 250th Anniversary of Charlottesville finally arrived.

As part of the committee to unearth the 50 year old capsule, Preston was involved with every aspect, including making a precise determination of its location to the opening and reviewing of its contents.  He granted interviews with the press and discussed the pros and cons of how it was buried and dug up with anyone who was interested.

He tied the capsule to the history of Charlottesville and always made sure to include other people in the excitement of the whole event.  He connected the past to the future by making note of all the people who were present in 1962 and speculating about who might return for the next time capsule event 50 years from now.

Here are a few pictures of Preston's involvement with the time capsule.

Quiddler

This is the last picture I took of my dad.

It's in the middle of a family game of Quiddler, his most recent passion.

1916 Young Building

Two days before Preston died, he and his wife Julie, who had just purchased the historic building on Carlton Avenue, showed some friends the upcoming project.  Preston described in great detail numerous features of the construction as well as the challenges ahead.  Here are a few photos of the J.S.Young Building:

First Thoughts

When Julie contacted me on the morning of September 11th, I was speechless and in shock at the news of the death of a good friend. Though I had only really known Preston a couple of years we were in contact weekly, often daily, discussing shared interests, planning projects, or exploring the hidden history of Charlottesville. When Julie phoned I had just hit "send" on an email to Preston discussing an upcoming slideshow we were working on.

I was just numb from the news all day.  The next day on my Charlottesville Then and Now website I was able to find these words for my first thoughts on losing this good friend:




"On the evening of September 10, 2012 I lost a good friend.  Preston Coiner, a life long resident of Charlottesville and a man with an unparalleled love and appreciation for his home town, died at his home in North Downtown.

He was a partner with me in exploration of Charlottesville's past and an entertaining storyteller, never hesitant to to offer up another interesting bit of local history or an amusing recollection from his own storied past. He supported my various local history projects and was a contributor to this website.

Preston was an amazing resource and worked tirelessly to gather more photographs, historical details, and great stories to share.  We worked together on several slideshows and exhibits and had more we were currently working on.   

While he was serious and passionate about his work (paid or volunteer) he had a very warm and happy spirit.  He had a kindness and decency that I will always remember. As I know all his friends and family will, I am going to miss his friendship more than I can say.

My heart goes out to Julie, Catherine and Sharon and all of his family and friends."

                                                                                                    
Steve Trumbull

Preston earlier this year in his office on High Street, Charlottesville

Preston "Sam" Alexander Coiner

Preston "Sam" Alexander Coiner

8 April 1940-10 September 2012