A decades-old time capsule will be reinstalled in Palmerton, but where it will be located is still not decided.

Resident William Strauch again appeared before borough council last week seeking permission to install the recently reacquired time capsule in Palmerton Borough Park.

Strauch said the goal is to preserve a piece of the community’s history at little to no cost to taxpayers. The capsule was designed by a local sculptor and built by veterans from the Palmerton West Plant of the New Jersey Zinc Company. It was buried in the borough park in 1987 and unearthed in 2012.

After being preserved for years by one of its original fabricators, the capsule was returned to the borough upon his death and was donated for permanent display.

Calling the structure both artwork and a historical artifact, Strauch said he hopes it can be installed in a highly visible location in the borough park, possibly near the police station or flagpole.

“I just think it would be a waste to have it in a place where people wouldn’t be able to see it,” Strauch said. “I really think we can make something really nice by the flagpole.”

Strauch said the capsule represents an important part of Palmerton’s identity and should remain accessible to residents.

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 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.

Councilman Kris Hoffner asked Strauch if he had gotten any input from the Palmerton Area Historical Society. Strauch replied that he’s spoken with the society’s president, Lynn Shupp.

Not near veterans memorial

Councilman William Gallagher, a veteran, said he feels that the 250th birthday of our country is a great time to establish a time capsule, but that the previous time capsule that appears to be a rocket is not a traditional time capsule.

In his mind, Gallagher said a time capsule is an inground, waterproof container, identified by a plaque or stone above and scheduled to be opened after an appropriate time frame such as 25, 50 or 100 years.

Gallagher said the previous time capsule appears to be a weapon of war and misconstrued as a part of the memorial. so he doesn’t feel the location is appropriate.

“I don’t feel placing it in the area of the veterans memorial appropriate for a number of reasons,” he said.

Gallagher said Palmerton American Legion members discussed placing the time capsule by the memorial and unanimously voted against that location.

“The memorial is a tribute to the memory of those in Palmerton who served their country both in war and peace time,” Gallagher said. “It is a location of calm and peace.”

Councilman Richard Nothstein said he also spoke to the commander of the Palmerton American Legion, and they were opposed and felt it would be “very inappropriate.”

“My recommendation for a buried time capsule would be in the northeast corner of the park, or the grassy area in front of borough hall,” he said.

Another area that was suggested for the time capsule was Elmer Valo Field on South Third Street.

Strauch said he’s also a veteran and didn’t want to take anything away from veterans, but doesn’t believe hiding it by the sewer plant is reasonable.

“It’s not just a sculpture; it’s the history of Palmerton,” Strauch said. “The zinc company built our town, built our time capsule.”

Council President Terry Costenbader said he thought the Palmerton Area Historical Society should be taking care of the capsule.

Time capsule sparks interest

In June, Strauch told borough council the time capsule was temporarily placed in the park for the recent America 250th celebration and it generated a lot of interest.

His wife, Jennifer Strauch, and Rory Koons of Lower Towamensing Township serve on the committee with him. The committee agreed, “a public display is more suitable to manifest its beauty, which too will generate new interest.”

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.

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

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