A group wants to ensure a piece of Palmerton’s history is preserved at a permanent location for future generations to enjoy.

Resident William Strauch approached borough council recently about a request for permission for the recently reacquired time capsule to be installed in the borough park.

“As you are aware, the capsule was temporarily placed in the park for the recent (America) 250th celebration, which generated a great deal of interest and excitement,” Strauch said. “It is the committee’s intent to preserve this piece of history and once again revive its original intent.”

Strauch said that while the capsule was originally buried in 1987, the committee which consists of himself, his wife Jennifer Strauch, and Rory Koons of Lower Towamensing Township, feel “a public display is more suitable to manifest its beauty, which too will generate new interest.”

Strauch noted that a base plate with secure brackets has been fabricated to temporarily secure the unit; however, a more suitable and substantial foundation is necessary for public display and longevity.

He added that the committee has solicited ideas for a permanent location within the borough park, and have narrowed it down to two potential areas.

One area, Strauch said, is to retain its current location adjacent to the Veterans Memorial due to the borough’s strong history of service to our veterans. Many veterans from the Palmerton West Plant of the New Jersey Zinc Co. had a helping hand in designing and constructing the time capsule.

Another desirable location, he said, is in the circled flower bed between the bandstand and center bridge.

“Either is acceptable to the committee; however, we respectfully request you discuss these proposals with your Parks and Recreation Committee, The Historical Society and Concourse Club to offer their input and ideas,” Strauch said. “I have included a few AI generated photos of what I intend to present to the Parks and Recreation Committee.”

Strauch said that depending on the chosen location, the committee will offer a draft proposal of the concrete foundation for the respective location since each area offers different options.

“Both suggested locations will incorporate a vault for preserving some of Palmerton’s artifacts, along with the original bronze plaque, which has already been cleaned, polished and preserved,” he said. “Everything mentioned will be at no cost to the borough.”

Strauch added that community participation “has generously offered to provide the necessities required to display the time capsule.

“The committee also requests that the time capsule vault be opened every 50-year anniversary of the burying of the contents,” he said. “Community who would like to donate artifacts for the time capsule, including our school district, should present their ideas to the committee prior to the presentation of the time capsule this year marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.”

Strauch said the committee requests a favorable decision as soon as possible in order to take advantage of the weather and the celebratory anniversary.

Council President Terry Costenbader assured Strauch there’s room somewhere in the borough park for the time capsule.

“It’s a 10-acre park,” Costenbader said. “We’ll find a spot for it.”

The 12-foot by 14-foot Centennial Time Capsule was designed by the late Warren E. Siegmond and built by the New Jersey Zinc Co.

The rocket, named the S.S. Palmer Enterprise, was buried in the southwest corner of the borough park on Oct. 8, 1988.

The time capsule was then dug up in August 2012 by Matt Lang, of Lang’s Landscaping & Tree Service, Palmerton, in preparation for the construction of the Palmerton Veterans Memorial.

The Veterans Memorial was dedicated on Veterans Day in November 2012.

Representatives of the Palmerton Area Historical Society, assisted by members of the Aquashicola Fire Company — under the direction of Rory Koons — opened it in the borough garage, a process that took over an hour with the use of grinding equipment.

Many of the items found inside the capsule were found to be in various stages of mildewing and damage.