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Time Capsule? What Time Capsule? 

I will bet that there are a fair number of Fleet Society members out there who do not know about our time capsule. “What time capsule?”, you might ask. Well, for those of you who might not know the history behind our time capsule, here it is.

Beginning in 2008, the Society started planning for the 300th anniversary of the loss of the 1715 Fleet (1715-2015). It was determined that a week long commemoration including a conference, several receptions, book signing, banquet and a host of other events from Sebastian to Fort Pierce would be the best way to honor this historic milestone. Many government officials, businesses, libraries, several chambers of commerce, local coin clubs and museums all contributed to the effort.  In the run-up to Commemoration Week the Society thought that it would be unique to bury a time capsule to be opened on July 31, 2115, the 400th anniversary. And hence, the idea was born.

There was quite a lot of interest generated by the idea of a time capsule. There were newspaper contests for the local citizenry to submit their ideas as to what they would place in the time capsule, if given the chance. The capsule was put on display and then was taken to the 1715 Commemorative Banquet which was held on July 30, 2015 at Captain Hiram’s in Sebastian. After the banquet was over, a special ceremony was held. Individuals placed items into the time capsule after which it was sealed and taken to Jaycee Park in Vero Beach for burial on July 31, 2015 where it remains today.

Earlier this month Fleet Society member Len Stidle (Member #55) who hails from Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, was visiting Florida and sent me a picture of the stone that marks the site of the buried time capsule.


The marker says:

 1715 FLEET TIME CAPSULE

Buried on the 300th Anniversary July 31, 2015

To be opened on the 400th Anniversary July 31, 2115

CITY OF VERO BEACH

1715 FLEET SOCIETY

Indian River County Historical Society

Indian River County Chamber of Commerce

There were many varied and interesting items placed into the capsule. Nicole Holbrook, who at the time was working for the Sebastian River Chamber of Commerce in Sebastian and a great help in planning events in the Sebastian area, had the honor of being the last person to place the last item into the time capsule before it was sealed. Below is a picture of Nicole placing her item into the capsule. I spoke to Nicole recently. She is now employed as a Nutrition Coach and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer at the Treasure Coast CrossFit and Nutrition in Sebastian.

Incidentally, if you want to know what she placed in the capsule you can find out on Wednesday, July 31, 2115 at 4:00PM.  Be there early, though, as we anticipate a large crowd.

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