Westfield Area YMCA Adds to Time Capsule for Next Century to Uncover

In 2023, the Westfield Area YMCA celebrated its 100th anniversary of service to the community. A year-long series of celebrations ensued together with a deep dive into the history of the Y. Decades-old photos were displayed, newspaper articles were searched and past annual reports were studied.

Some of the Y staff recalled that a time capsule had been buried on the ground of the Main Facility in honor of the 75th anniversary, but no one could remember exactly where it was. While digging some exploratory holes, a member of the Y staff noticed a cornerstone, engraved 1962, the year the gymnasium and Wallace pool were added onto the original building. Since the stone felt hollow, the staff pried it open and found a vessel inside filled with historical documents placed in 1962.

This led to a closer look at the original building cornerstone laid in 1929. After a day of arduous labor the cornerstone, estimated to weigh over 400 pounds, was pulled from the bricks. Inside was a copper box soldered shut, containing 96-year old documents outlining the progress of a 10-day building fund campaign in 1927 that raised $300,000, as well as an original proposal for a designated YMCA facility, a program and invitation from the cornerstone laying ceremony and various written histories.

In late December the following documents were added: a commemorative 100-year t-shirt and champagne glass; names of Team Centennial donors; a Westfield Leader newspaper featuring the Y’s 100th Anniversary Reunion and Celebration; a Westfield + Cranford Local magazine covering the 100th year; a variety of 100th anniversary signs, messages and images; and a general ledger that was found during the 100th year in the Y archives.

Now sealed back into the cornerstone, the time capsule serves as a timeless link between the past, present and future, reflecting the Westfield Area YMCA’s legacy of community impact.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial assistance is available for YMCA programs and memberships for those who qualify.