Contents included letters from loved ones, old magazines, newspapers, and a letter from President Richard Nixon
In a nostalgic nod to the past, the town of Rockville celebrated its 200th anniversary by opening a 50-year-old time capsule during the Mainstreet Rockville Block Party. The time capsule, buried in the summer of 1974, provides a glimpse into the town's history and the everyday lives of its residents half a century ago.
The 1974 “Rockville Belles” and their children were honored at the ceremony with plaques and gifts. They took the lead in sorting through the contents.
Among the items unearthed were old newspapers, including editions of the old Rockville Tribune, which offered a snapshot of the local news, events, and concerns of the time. One newspaper clipping included a letter from President Richard Nixon, which said the following:
TO THE CITIZENS OF ROCKVILLE, INDIANA.
The observance of your 150th anniversary is an occasion of deep pride for you as well as our nation. As one who also grew up in a small town, I know the love each of you must feel for Rockville. We may grow older, but the memories of hometown warmth and good fellowship keep us young in spirit and hope. Rockville's history is in the best tradition of our American way of life, and this anniversary gives us a welcome opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the values and ideals that keep our people and our nation strong.
Congratulations and best wishes for the future!
Richard Nixon
The capsule also contained TV guides from July 1974, popular magazines of the time, and the Rockville Sesquicentennial Review, written by the residents of the town. One of the most touching discoveries was a collection of letters from loved ones to their future descendants, each a personal time capsule in its own right. These handwritten notes shared stories, hopes, and dreams, bridging the gap between generations and offering a deeply personal connection to the past.
For those interested in viewing the contents of the 1974 time capsule, they will be on display at the new Town Hall location at 119 West High Street. The exhibit offers a unique opportunity to connect with Rockville’s past and reflect on the changes over the past fifty years.
A new time capsule will be buried and dedicated in late September this year at Beechwood Park, in front of the new Andrew Ray Veterans Memorial. This new capsule aims to capture the essence of contemporary Rockville, preserving the town’s present-day stories and memories for future generations to uncover. Interested parties can buy an envelope for $5.00 at the new town hall location, and write letters to their loved ones and descendants 50 years from now.
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