Decas School alumni gathered on Monday night to celebrate the school's 50th anniversary and open a time capsule from the ancient, mysterious world of 1994. What did they find inside? Some dirt and roots that had broken through, but also artifacts of precious memories of their childhood and fun student days. 

The time capsule, which read “To be opened in 2019,” was buried in the Decas Courtyard to commemorate the school's 25th year. Each grade came up with an object to send to the future. 

One of the letters in the time capsule was written by Deborah Hazlett, the now-retired school librarian. 

“There is much excitement and enthusiasm among the teachers and students about this project,” Hazlett wrote in 1994. Hazlett, who retired in 2010 after 35 years of service, said on Monday that working for the school was “the greatest job in the world.”

Head custodian Frank Santos dug up the cylinder and set it on a table. The former classmates, their spouses, and their young children watched closely as things were carefully taken out: A long scroll of the students’ signatures, photo albums, an old report card, and the still relevant Play-Doh and Legos.

“It could be like we put this time capsule yesterday,” said Decas School Principal Bethany Chandler. “I guess we thought 25 years ago Legos would not be in.”

However, a few of the items, including Polly Pocket, Nickelodeon Gak Splat, and a magazine cut-out of the Power Rangers have lost their popularity among modern kids and required some explanation. 

“Gak is sticky and mushy! It is fun! Gak is made from Nickelodeon, the only network for kids! P.S. If it dries out, put it in the sink for a few days,” student Brian Tonelli from Mrs. Simms’ class wrote in his letter.

About three dozen alumni and their families gathered for the event. Some of those in attendance came from as far as New Jersey and Vermont. Some still reside in Wareham and now bring their children to the same school they graduated from. 

“It’s so overwhelming, it is amazing, it really is,” said alumna Taylor Gomes, whose youngest son, Kaniro Gomes, now attends Decas. She was in fifth grade when the capsule was buried. “I am glad I am able to come back.”