Oakland Historical Society

Memories of our hometown stay with us throughout our lives. These memories are fun to share with old friends and new. Photographs and stories can be passed around in books, on websites and in person. Oakland is lucky to have the Van Allen House that is used as a safe-haven that hold so many memories of Oakland. Many residents in town know the Van Allen House as the place where George Washington visited almost 250 years ago, but there is a lot more history in our town. Inside the Van Allen House, the Oakland Historical Society has displayed the original Wigwam sign from the coffee house that residents used to enjoy visiting around the ‘60’s. We have the historical gunpowder factory that Powdermill Lane is named after. We possess horseshoes made by Oakland’s last blacksmith’s, Henry Hopper and Al John. Additionally, we have stacks and stacks of old photos that can stir a lot of great memories. There is a need for residents to help bring these treasured memories back to life. While Facebook is great for sharing memories with each other on an online platform, we as a town can work together to ensure our memories stay alive in Oakland. Please consider becoming involved with the Oakland Historical Society in making the Van Allen House a place where we all have access to our shared memories of all the generations throughout the last 250 years. Those interested in helping can visit www.oaklandhistoricalsociety.org and/or email ohs.inc1966@verizon.net for more information. Help is needed to sort and label old photos, create catchy displays, and make old archives easily accessible. We have copies of “The Years Between” book of Oakland’s mid-20 th century history which we need help in putting together. With your consideration in helping out the Oakland Historical Society, you will have the opportunity to learn new skills like bookbinding and may even have fun doing it.

Edited by: Melissa Kiel - Oakland Newsletter Committee Vice Chair