Time capsule from year 2000 opened
by Margaret Gillon
Leisure World Historical Society President
In December 1999, Leisure World residents were invited to predict what 2025 would look like. They filled out prediction forms that were turned in to the LW Weekly—then called the Golden Rain News. Forms were accepted through early January 2000. The time capsule was sealed and “buried” in a special display case in the LW Library the final week of January 2000.
The Leisure World time capsule was opened at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 18, 2025, in the lobby of Clubhouse 3, coinciding with the GRF Emergency Preparedness Expo. The top was sticky even after the 24 bolts were removed. GRF Events Coordinator Gary Fitch had to find a screwdriver to pry the top off because it was sealed with a rubber gasket that created an air lock. The capsule included objects from the 1960s such as the Leisure World China, and newspapers from 1999 and January 2000. A complete inventory of the contents will be listed in an upcoming edition of the LW Weekly.
People can watch a video of the time capsule opening by residents Jim Farr and Joe Osuna on YouTube at http://bit. ly/47tF7VR. There is also a video of the full Emergency Expo by Jim Farr and Joe Osuna at http:// bit.ly/3JyiWWr.
An exhibit of some of the small items from the time capsule is in the LW Library so people can see them. The display includes one of the prediction forms. A copy of the inventory list is with the exhibit.
All the other items from the time capsule can be seen at the Leisure World Historical Society in Clubhouse 1, open every Thursday from 2-4 p.m., or by appointment. There were 96 prediction forms and 150 photos of residents who wrote predictions and who attended the Millennium New Year’s Eve parties on Dec. 31, 1999 that were held in the clubhouses. Many of the residents who filled out the forms are still in the community.
In the coming weeks, the prediction forms will be transcribed and the predictions will be published for readers to enjoy.
Several notable items from the time capsule are on display in the LW Library.
Margaret Gillon
