In 1962, Children Welded a Box Shut and Stored It Away from the Public. 64 Years Later, the Contents Are Coming to Light

In a remarkable find within their storage facilities, staff from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay have unearthed a time capsule that dates back to 1962. This unexpected discovery occurred while they were preparing for an upcoming centennial exhibition, intended to celebrate the organisation’s 100 years of service.

The time capsule, encased in a copper box that had been welded shut on all sides, posed a challenge for the staff. After considerable effort that involved using a hammer and crowbar, they were able to open the box and reveal a collection of artefacts celebrating the grand opening of the Interbay Boys Club, located on S. Coolidge Avenue. This particular branch is no longer active, making the find even more significant.

Inside the capsule were various items, including programmes from the inaugural event and black-and-white photographs that captured moments from a ceremonial dinner held in celebration. Perhaps most intriguing was a telegram from former President Herbert Hoover. At the time of its sending, Hoover was the board chairman of the Boys’ Clubs of America – the organisation’s former name.

Additional documents retrieved from the capsule provided insight into the cultural and political climate of the early 1960s. Ava Cahoon, senior director of communications for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay, noted that many of the speeches contained references to pressing issues of the day, such as communism and the Cold War. “Reading these speeches felt like stepping back in time,” Cahoon remarked.

The timing of this discovery is fortuitous as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay prepares to commemorate its 100th anniversary. The newly unearthed items will indeed play a significant role in this celebration, which marks a century of dedication to the local community.

These historical artefacts will be integral to the centennial exhibit set to be showcased at the Tampa Bay History Center. The exhibition, open from October 1 to November 30, will present a narrative of the organisation’s legacy, reflecting on its impact over the past century.

In addition to displaying the contents of the 1962 time capsule, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay have plans to create a new time capsule that encapsulates contemporary life. This initiative aims not only to commemorate their heritage but also to document the current era for future generations.

As the organisation moves forward, these discoveries serve as a poignant reminder of the past and a foundation for the future. The Boys & Girls Clubs continues to be a vital part of the Tampa Bay community, embodying the values and aspirations that have shaped its century-long journey.