Back and Forth in Time
A popular program developed in 1976 by the MV Bicentennial Committee was the establishment of a time capsule. Originally envisioned to be buried on the 4th of July in Rengstorff Park, it was later decided to have it buried on January 1977 so that all of the Bicentennial efforts( articles, artifacts, products, memorabilia, etc) could be included in the capsule.
Above: The Bicentennial Commission, headed by former mayor Joe Cusimano, makes selections to include in a Time Capsule.
students at Bubb Elementary School. Notable items included a letter from the White House and the Bicentennial Flag that flew over Moffett in 1976. Local and national newspapers published on July 4 were included. A wide selection of other items was provided— early maps of Mountain View, a copy of the1902 incorporation paperwork and other city documents. A few churches included histories of their congregations. Civic groups, such as Kiwanis, the Oddfellows and the Eagles provided a review of their organizations. The permits issued for the painting of the fire hydrants was also included.
Planning for the actual burial of the time capsule was thorough. It was decided to have the time capsule placed outside the entrance to the Library instead of the Community Center. The ceremony was the last official action of the city’ s Bicentennial committee, which was headed by former Mayor Joe Cusimano. The burial took place at noon on Friday January 7, 1977. The Fort Ord Army Bicentennial Color Guard Unit posted the colors. The band from St. Francis High School provided the music.
A fun component of the time capsule was the inclusion of information from the last two children( Joshua Lee Craig and Tracey Lorraine Bagley) born in Mountain View in 1976. These two babies, both born on December 31,( now grown adults) are to
Far Right: The Time Capsule being“ buried.”
The committee invited contributions from residents, civic groups, schools, city departments— including the Fire and Police Departments— as well as NASA, Moffett Field, and Lockheed and other companies. Support was widespread, with people donating items and suggesting objects for the time capsule.
People were encouraged to think about what items would be of interest to residents in fifty years. They were also encouraged to think about what they would have found interesting from fifty or one hundred years ago.
So many items were contributed that a large capsule needed to be used. Its dimensions are 39” long, 20” wide and 23” deep. The sides are 1.5” thick. The committee consulted with NASA about the best way to seal the contents.
Jean Holtzclaw, the city historian, oversaw the collecting of items. Many objects had a Bicentennial theme. The 1976 yearbook from Mountain View, Awalt and St. Francis High Schools, were selected, as was items donated by
be invited to the 2026 unveiling of the capsule. We don’ t know if they have been contacted.
It was stipulated that the capsule be buried for 50 years, at which time it would be unburied in 2026 in a ceremony open to the public. The contents are to be placed on display in the library and then resealed for another 50 years. At press time, it is not known when this will be. There is information on the city website— https:// www. mountainview. gov / our-city / about-mountainview / city-history / time-capsule. The Parks & Rec Department, city staff and the MV Library are planning the unveiling ceremony. Watch for updates from the city regarding the unveiling ceremony.
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