Wilton time capsule captures life in 2018

WILTON, N.Y. » Wilton residents a century from now can learn about their town’s history from unique items placed in a 2018 time capsule.

A commemoration, held Thursday at Town Hall with dozens of people on hand, was the latest in a series of events marking Wilton’s bicentennial this year.

Previous activities have included a gala at McGregor Links Golf Club, a re-enactment of the first town meeting on April 20, 1818, and tours of historic homes and sites.

“2018 has been a year of remembrance and celebration,” Supervisor Art Johnson said.

It continues Sunday with a first-ever Taste of Wilton event, featuring dozens of food and beverage items from local restaurants, farms, breweries and distilleries, from 1-4 p.m. at Gavin Park. Live music will be provided by Larry Hooker.

Proceeds will benefit Wilton Food Pantry.

“Memories you make during events like this bond you together as a community,” said state Sen. Kathleen Marchione, R-Halfmoon, who was joined at the time capsule ceremony by Assemblywoman Carrier Woerner, D-Round Lake. Citations from both legislators, plus another one approved by the Town Board, have been sealed in the time capsule along with dozens of other meaningful items.

Of special significance, this includes the obituary of former town Councilman Larry Gordon, who passed away recently at 83.

“Larry was a friend to all of us and a dedicated steward of our community,” Johnson said.

The obituary will give future Wilton residents a chance learn about his many life’s accomplishments, and contributions to the town, Johnson said.

Other time capsule items include local newspapers and town Historian Jeannine Wourtersz’s new book, “Images of America: Wilton,” by Arcadia Publishing. There’s also an official town flag, a bicentennial postage envelope, a DVD documentary about Wilton’s history by Tim Welch, along with old and new maps of Gavin Park, the town recreation complex.

There’s also a calendar depicting historic Wilton buildings, a bicentennial logo sticker, magnet and mug; plus a town road map and town development plan.

The time capsule has been buried near the flagpole and veterans monument in front of Town Hall. Plans call for keeping it sealed for 100 years, when Wilton celebrates its 300th birthday in 2118.

PHOTOS BY PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM A time capsule with articles commemorating this year’s Town of Wilton bicentennial has been placed outside Town Hall.

Several dozen people turned out for a ribbon cutting to mark placement of a time capsule with items from the Town of Wilton’s bicentennial in 2018. The time capsule won’t be opened until 2118.

Cookies with the Town of Wilton’s official bicentennial logo were provided at a recent time capsule ceremony. Wilton officials marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside Town Hall. From left are Bicentennial Committee member Robert Barrett, committee Chair Sue Lant, town Supervisor Art Johnson, and Councilmen John Lant and John McEachron.

An official town flag, historic home and sites tour guides, and a book by town Historian Jeannine Woutersz were included in a Wilton time capsule.