Wanted: Suggestions for Putnam Time Capsule

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A time capsule containing items dating back 50 years was unearthed and then opened last June 12, as part of Putnam County’s 200th birthday celebration. On November 11, the final festivities of the Bicentennial will take place and the four-foot long metal capsule will be entombed once again. But what should go in it? What items would today’s Putnam County residents like to see encased for the next 50 or 100 years?

“The future is now for our children. We should share this special year with them by giving them an opportunity to make our next time capsule opening in 2062 something that they can celebrate, just as we do ours.” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell at a special meeting held to discuss plans for what would be put into the next capsule.

The Bicentennial Committee is looking for your suggestions. While not a contest and no prizes will be awarded, the committee may choose to include something you have recommended.

Back in 1962, residents donated $1 to have their name inscribed on a special roll and school children wrote notes. Local newspapers encased in the capsule marked events of the day and of the times much as phone directories listed local residents and businesses. Rolls of 8 mm film and reels of audio tapes held recorded sights and messages.  Mahopac’s Thomas Roe wrote a poem. A young Putnam County attorney now 93 years of age, Sol Kroll wrote of his hopes for the future in a letter. Another letter was penned by U.S. Senator Jacob Javits. There was even a specially designed sesquicentennial flag marking Putnam’s first 150 years.  

So what items should be placed for safe keeping in the capsule before it is once again returned to its bed of concrete inside Putnam County’s cornerstone? 

Please send your suggestions to the Bicentennial Committee, Putnam County Office Building, 40 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512 or e-mail them to Libby.pataki@putnamcountyny.gov.