While the time capsule was unearthed on January 26 this year, three of the club’s envelopes remained sealed until this week.
The unveiling was postponed until members of the Rotary Club at the time could return to Deniliquin to be part of the discovery.
That special celebration was held at the Coach House Hotel on Monday night.
Current president Iain Goodway said it was an eye-opening evening, particularly as a relatively new resident of Deniliquin.
“It was exciting to have a number of the Rotarians involved in that time capsule there, including current members and those who came back for the night, and to speak to the group about themselves and the club at the time.
“We even had some come to Deniliquin from Queensland and the Goulburn Valley region to be part of it.
“It was a great evening of people reconnecting after a long time, with tales of Rotary’s involvement in the Ute Muster, the agricultural show, the art show and other projects that no longer exist shared.
“It was quite special to be part of it.
“(My wife) Debi and I are fairly new to the community, so it was great to see that history shared and to be part of Rotary’s legacy going forward.”
Items in the envelopes included letters and reports for the Rotary executive of the day, and from its members.
There was also a souvenir newspaper from the 1992 celebrations on the 150th year of Deniliquin, along with materials relating to celebrations of the event.
Mr Goodway said there were also a number of “very interesting” articles, with one in particular creating a lot of discussion.
“It was published in the Deniliquin Pastoral Times on July 11, 2000 and the heading was ‘Ransom paid for capsule’s return’.
“The Apex Club, all in fun, stole Rotary’s time capsule and demanded a ransom, which was paid and donated for a charity initiative.
“There were also many items about Rotary members, photos of members and letters from members about the club and their lives.
“A few of them were read out.”
Also on display on the night, from out of the time capsule, was a large collection of photographs of the Deniliquin CBD of the day, and local landmarks.
Rotary’s next time capsule, to be unearthed in 2050, will be buried on June 14 this year.
Envelopes for inclusion must be returned to My Shop in Napier St, Deniliquin by May 30 to be included.
Envelopes cost from $10 to $100, depending on size.
They can be purchased from My Shop in Napier St, 1521/2QN or the Pastoral Times office.
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