Rotary Club seeks help in search for recipients of time capsule letters

First is a Madaline Griffin.

“It was sent to her from Martha Rigg, but she passed away in 2011,” Rotarian Angie Talarico said.

“If anyone is a friend or family member of Martha’s and knows how to get in contact with Madaline, we might be able to find her then.”

Next is a Rhett Adam John Butler — a case that is quite unusual.

Rhett’s father, who sent the letter, was able to be located, but Mr Talarico said their relationship seemed strained, as they were not in communication, and he lacked Rhett’s phone number and address.

“If we can find Rhett and deliver the envelope, I think it’d be really good for him to read whatever his dad wrote 25 years ago — it could bring them back together,” Mr Talarico said.

As the burial date for the next time capsule approaches, the Rotary Club is encouraging community members to write their names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers on the front of their envelopes to avoid future detective work.

Resident and fellow Rotarian Ken McNamara has taken this advice a step further.

He plans to include not only his information but also the names and addresses of all his children on the front of the envelope to ensure it won’t go unopened in 25 years.

His life story depends on it.

Unlocking the drawers of memory, Mr McNamara has detailed everything from his childhood and business endeavours to travels and experiences in raising a family, all to be included in the new time capsule.

“It’s up to 46 pages ... it’s turned into quite a good little story about my life,” he said.

Without a doubt, the final product will exceed 46 pages.

To misquote Jaws, he’s going to need a bigger envelope.

“It’s worthwhile, I’d recommend anyone do it,” Mr McNamara said.

“I’ll be gone by then, but I figured that whoever opens it in 25 years’ time will be able to get the USB or hard copy out and read the story of my life.

“It’ll be a wonderful surprise for people down the track, and it’s going to preserve my life story for future generations — I’m really happy about that.”

Envelopes for the new time capsule are available for purchase at the following locations: Everyday Supplies, Traffik Boutique, Lovell’s Newsagency and Shepparton Heritage Centre Museum.

The envelopes, which are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, must be returned to one of the listed establishments by June 20.

All proceeds will benefit local charities.

The time capsule will be re-buried on June 28, with plans for it to be unearthed on January 26, 2050.