As I was preparing the Bicentennial portion of our new exhibit at the historical museum, I read about the time capsule that was filled as part of the festivities on Aug. 8, 1976. In the picture are Kathy Gayoski May, chairwoman of the Bicentennial Committee, Walter A. Pierce, Chief of Police and Julia Enroth, Rochester’s first selectwoman.
The time capsule was made of fiberglass and donated by Raymond Gonsalves of Fiberglass Specialties. Inside the time capsule were placed a copy of the town report, the town census and a copy of the local Growth Policy (an issue relevant today.) The Police Chief contributed a roster of the men on the force, a Police Department patch and a picture of two police cruisers (town owned police cars were new to Rochester at this time. Previously, officers used their personal cars.)
Once filled, the time capsule was to be placed in the Plumb Memorial vault and herein lies a mystery. Is there a Plumb Memorial vault and if so, where is it and where is the time capsule? With the 250th anniversary of the United States to be celebrated in 2026, it might be a good time to locate our time capsule which will soon be 50 years old.
By Connie Eshbach