Memories unearthed, more memories made at Petrolia’s 150th anniversary celebration
People came from near and far to Petrolia on Saturday, July 29, in celebration of the borough’s 150th anniversary.
The event featured a car show, raffles, live music, food vendors and the unsealing of a 50-year-old time capsule.
Items kept in the time capsule included pictures and film reels, a rule book for selecting the centennial queen, banners from the centennial, newspaper clippings, pictures and write-ups about Petrolia and names of families that lived in the borough.
The event brought in people from out of town, some who were traveling back to their hometown for the occasion. Andy Winslow, who now lives in South Carolina, was among those returning to his hometown.
Jennifer Lauer, of Petrolia, didn’t have quite the same commute as Winslow, but still made the ceremony despite a broken arm.
No obstacle seemed too large to keep those who wanted to attend from being at the event.
In our coverage of the daylong celebration, we wrote “the time capsule reveal easily could have been mistaken for a family reunion.” Everyone knew everyone else, and they shared stories of the past, throughout the ceremony led by Mark Lauer, of Petrolia.
We applaud the organizers of this event, which showcased Petrolia — then and now.
As memories were unearthed with the opening of the half-century time capsule, more were clearly being made among the crowd of people gathered for the occasion.
Come September, another time capsule is to be created. This one is expected to be opened 50 years down the road at Petrolia’s bicentennial, where more memories will undoubtedly be made.
— TL
