1974 Time Capsule collection

The idea for a 1974 time capsule was conceived as part of a protest against Wilson Day, which many students felt consisted of "incredibly boring lectures" that had nothing to do with them. "1984 Week" (November 13-17, 1974) was subsequently organized by various student groups in honor of George Orwell's dystopian classic. In addition to the burying of the capsule, other highlights included a lecture by science fiction writer Gordon Dickson; a lecture by Frank Dowd on the University in 1984; a "War of 1984" scenario by Clifton Largess of the University's NROTC unit; and a "Come as You Will Be" dance sponsored by the undergraduate Concert Committee and Social Activities Board.

The contents of the capsule, selected by a committee headed by sophomore Daniel Kimmel, related to both the University and the world at large. Political and cultural upheaval were a primary theme, as evidenced by publications and ephemera related to feminism and GLBTQ liberation, as well as the Watergate scandal and subsequent resignation of President Nixon. Ms. and Playboy magazines, together with the New Standard American Bible, form a particularly evocative trio that speaks volumes about the forces at work in American society at this time. Also included was material related to the construction of Wilson Commons, a student's ode to Genesee Valley Park, a poem by associate professor Jarold Ramsey, an ASCII design by junior Ron Shapiro, and a Times-Union article about the capsule accompanied by a note from Kimmel decrying its shoddy reporting and sexist imagery. Many of the predictions for 1984 express grave concern about the environment, while one foresees a new doll that will supplant that old-fashioned Barbie: Lisa Liberal, who will come with a baby named Clover Sunshine, a packet of birth control, and plastic pickets for anti-war demonstrations.

The time capsule was buried on November 17, 1974, encased in a howitzer shell recently detonated by Rochester's civil defense force. It was unearthed on October 13, 1984 as part of the University's Alumni Weekend in a small ceremony that included speeches by Daniel Kimmel and Dean of Students Peter Kountz. The contents were displayed for a week in the Main Lounge of Wilson Commons and then transferred to the University Archives by Diane Jenkins that November.