Time Capsules Unearthed Ahead of Lakeville Housing Project

Historic artifacts from Bicentennial Park and Freemasons lodge to be preserved on-site

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two time capsules from Lakeville's past have been removed from the walls of Bicentennial Park as the site is redeveloped for an affordable housing project. The capsules, one from the town's 1976 bicentennial and another from the local Freemasons lodge, will be integrated into a commemorative courtyard at the new Holley Place development.

Why it matters

The removal of the time capsules highlights the historical significance of the Bicentennial Park site, which was previously home to the Holley Block building that served as a meeting place for the Freemasons lodge for over a decade in the early 20th century. Preserving these artifacts connects Lakeville's past to its future as the town makes way for new affordable housing.

The details

As part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 14-unit Holley Place affordable housing development, the two time capsules were carefully extracted from the stone walls of Bicentennial Park along Millerton Road. One capsule was placed by the town in 1976 to mark the country's bicentennial, while the other was buried by the local Montgomery Lodge No. 13 Freemasons chapter in 1983 to commemorate their 200th anniversary. Both capsules will remain sealed until their scheduled opening dates in 2076 and 2083, respectively.

  • The Bicentennial Park site is now being used for the new Holley Place affordable housing development, with a groundbreaking ceremony taking place on March 24, 2026.
  • The town's time capsule was placed in the park's walls in 1976 to celebrate the country's bicentennial.
  • The Freemasons' time capsule was placed in 1983 to mark the 200th anniversary of Montgomery Lodge No. 13's charter.

The players

Holley Place

A new 14-unit affordable housing development being built on the site of Bicentennial Park in Lakeville.

Montgomery Lodge No. 13

The local chapter of the Freemasons that held meetings in the former Holley Block building on the Bicentennial Park site for over a decade in the early 20th century.

Gil Ditkoff

A Master Mason of Montgomery Lodge No. 13 who is eager for future generations to connect with the lodge's history in Lakeville.

Lou Bucceri

A representative of the Salisbury Association who is safeguarding the town's 1976 bicentennial time capsule.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a big connection between the history of the lodge, the history of the town and Holley Block.”

— Gil Ditkoff, Master Mason, Montgomery Lodge No. 13

“We certainly hope that Montgomery Lodge No. 13 will be here and thriving with the next generation of freemasons active in supporting the town of Lakeville and surrounding communities as they have done for 243 years.”

— Gil Ditkoff, Master Mason, Montgomery Lodge No. 13

What’s next

The time capsules will be integrated into a commemorative courtyard at the new Holley Place development, where they will remain sealed until their scheduled opening dates in 2076 and 2083.

The takeaway

The preservation of these historic time capsules ensures that Lakeville's past will be honored and celebrated even as the town moves forward with new affordable housing, connecting the community's history to its future.