In a delightful surprise for Tampa’s heritage lovers, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay unearthed a 1962 time capsule while sorting items for their upcoming centennial exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center. The discovery was made in the club’s storage area, where staff were hunting for artifacts that illustrate the organization’s long‑standing service to the community.
Opening the sealed copper box
The capsule, a copper box welded shut on every side, required a hammer and a crowbar to pry open. Inside, volunteers found a perfectly preserved snapshot of the era: paper programs from the grand opening of the Interbay Boys Club on S. Coolidge Avenue, black‑and‑white photographs of a ceremonial dinner, a cigar, and a congratulatory telegram from former U.S. President Herbert Hoover, who at the time served as board chairman of the Boys’ Clubs of America.
Historical context
Interbay Boys Club, now closed, was once a vibrant hub for youth in Tampa. The items in the capsule reflect the optimism and concerns of the early 1960s, with speeches that mention communism and the Cold War—issues that dominated public discourse during that decade.
“Even reading these speeches, there were mentions of communism, the Cold War — you know, it’s from the 60s and that’s what their whole lives were about,” said Ava Cahoon, senior director of communications for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. “Being able to read it, it literally felt like a step back in time.”
Centennial exhibit and future plans
The artifacts will be displayed in a special 100‑year centennial exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center, running from October 1 through November 30. The exhibit will showcase the club’s evolution from its early days to its modern role serving Tampa’s youth.
In addition to the historic items, the organization plans to seal a brand‑new time capsule that captures the present era, ensuring future generations can glimpse today’s community life.
Community significance
This find underscores the deep roots of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Tampa and highlights the importance of preserving local history. By sharing these tangible pieces of the past, the club reinforces its mission to nurture young people while honoring the legacy of those who built the organization.
The information for this story was provided directly by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
