Historic House History

On behalf of the Village of Oxford, I would like to invite you to participate in the Historic House History (HHH) Program as part of this summer's Village Bicentennial.

The HHH program is an easy way for you to participate in the Bicentennial by sharing information about the history and ownership of your house or business.  It is true that there is much information about many of the houses in Oxford including pictures and post cards from bygone eras. It is also true that there are many interesting and unique houses in the village where the history has not been gathered or updated from a previous era. We are asking those who wish to participate to do the following:

1. Write a one page (8 ½ x 11) narrative history of your house from your memory, family history, and/or Abstract of Title.  We understand that you or your family memories may not always agree as to exact dates, so that is why we also asked that you review your Abstract of Title. The abstract is a document that accompanies the conveyance of property from one owner to another at the time of sale. This abstract should be in your possession. However, sometimes it has remained in the possession of the Closing attorney or has been held by a bank or other lender. As well, the Village historian (Charlotte Stafford) may be of some help in providing some history regarding your property. As well, Anna Stark has many photos and post cards of some of the older homes in Oxford and may be helpful in adding an old photo to be inserted on the Narrative page.
2. Submit your narrative and a copy of an old photo of your house to Sherry Behe, Village Clerk.  Box 866, Oxford NY, 13830.  You can also submit via email to VGOxford@stny.rr.com. The narrative and photo will be transferred to a standard document format similar to the example shown here. The narratives will be compiled into an overall general document that will be available for the public to view during the summer bicentennial celebration.  Be sure to include your name, the address of the house you have written the narrative of and the approximate date of the photo.
3. Allow the narrative/photo document affixed under plexiglass and on a wooden Bicentennial pedestal to be displayed on your property near the sidewalk.  This will provide a convenient way for residents and visitors walking through out the village during the summer to learn much about the history of Oxford and its homes.  There is no effort or cost to you for the pedestal, as the Oxford Rotary Club will pay for the materials, the Middle School Technology Class will do the construction, and the village will arrange for the installation of the pedestals.  

The base of this Pedestal is flat for display only. The pedestal on your property will be anchored one foot into the ground Height when anchored will be about 3 feet above ground.

There are about 25 pedestals currently being constructed with another 25 planned if the response to the program is more favorable.  Please comply with the following process if you would like to participate in the program:

Now - June 15th Fill out this participation form, sign and return to Village Hall or submit by mail or email

June 15th - July 7th Return narrative to Village Hall or submit by mail or email

We will begin to install pedestals in mid June and complete as we receive the required information.

What better or easier way is there to participate and help meet the following objectives of the Village's bicentennial?

• Recognize the long history of the Village of Oxford,
• Educate current generations of residents of their role in continuing to build on the history of Oxford and
• Implement a Celebration that favorably impacts the historical and visual image of Oxford and continues to portray the village as an appealing place to live or work.

The Village of Oxford was officially chartered on April 6, 1808.  However, similar to the 100th anniversary celebration of the Village we have designated the last week in July to be "Old Home Week".  The week will culminate on Saturday, July 26th with the primary recognition of the 200th birthday of the village with a parade on Saturday morning July 26th followed by historical related activities throughout the day.  Food, beverage and entertainment will be provided during this jubilee at the Fire station and culminating with fireworks shortly after dark.  

Should you require more information regarding this house program or the bicentennial event you may contact me as follows:

Telephone - Office - 607-843-2512 email - VGOxford@stny.rr.com
                Home - 607 -843-9414 email - Tstark@stny.rr.com

Sincerely,
Mayor Village of Oxford
Terry M. Stark

Below are all the articles in this section
Celebration Of Agriculture	Early Living Fair
Fire Department Events	First Meeting
Garden Club	Historic Hikes
Historic Houses	Library Plans
Lions Parade	Old Home Week
Old Home Week Schedule	Place In History
Readers Theater	Reenactments
Reunion Block Party	Six On The Square
Sun Coverage	West Point Band Concert