William B. Meyer locks 100 years of history in a time capsule
Stratford-based William B. Meyer Inc., a logistics, storage and relocation company, has placed a century-long track record in a box to be opened in 50 years.
The time capsule includes “physical records, mementos and the spirit of their employees” company officials said.
“To accurately and effectively preserve the company history of William B. Meyer Inc., a dedicated committee of employees was challenged with capturing the character of the workforce and its dedication to live the values of the company mission each day,” Meyer officials said. “The Time Capsule Committee went back in time to create a comprehensive and encompassing physical tribute to the last 100 years, to be rediscovered 50 years from now, in the year 2065.”
The objects included in the time capsule were described by Meyer as unique and included the original receipt for the first truck purchased by founder William B. Meyer. Other time capsule elements included photos, advertisements, awards and employee work clothing.
“These items placed in the time capsule captured the essence of the company and will be a lasting physical legacy reflecting the company”™s history and all the people that worked for its success,” Meyer said.
Time Capsule Committee co-chairperson Ted Kennedy said, “I think most of the time when we consider the term ”˜history,”™ most of us probably roll our eyes a little bit and think back to our school days when history meant learning important dates and names and things like that. But a better way to think about history is it really is a reflection of who we are, how we got here and where we”™re going. So on that theme, as part of the centennial, we thought it was important to find a way to leave a legacy that would reflect the meaning of the company”™s history and all the fine folks associated with it. In effect, remembering who we are as a company by recognizing and honoring the past as well as coming up with a way of looking forward to the future.”
In an up-to-the-minute entry, photos from the company”™s centennial gala event in September were included in the time capsule.
William B. Meyer Inc. President Tom Gillon and Mike Racette and Tom Gillon Jr., both vice presidents, each sealed the capsule with a ceremonial golden screw. Also in attendance was the entire Time Capsule Committee, which packed and placed the items in the container to be sealed. Three generations of the Meyer family were represented at the September gala.
Danielle Schwall, who is also a time capsule co-chairperson, said, “The past, present and future of William B. Meyer have been defined by the company”™s values of honesty, integrity, dependability, creativity and stewardship.”