Recorded
history is simply a
collection of the remembrances of a people. Whatever a group of people
remember or record about their past becomes their history.
Oxford's history is still in the making, and as
we
observe the 175th Anniversary of Incorporation, it is fitting to gather
in information about the community's past. This is not intended to be a
complete and official history -- it is instead a collection of
noteworthy events and ideas which found expression in the town of
Oxford, Connecticut.
The author expresses gratitude and appreciation
to
all those who have assisted in compiling this information for
publication. Many residents have aided by providing photographs,
remembrances and in some cases, written sections of this book.
Special gratitude must be given to the
following:
Mr. Kenneth Marsden, for assistance in history
of
hotels and use of his historical cards; Miss Bernice Hull for John Hyde
tradition, the loan of Sharpe histories, and material on the Twelve
Mile Stake; Miss Ida Renker for material by the Rev, Henry S. Douglas;
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Meek, for information on the history of their
home; The Rev, C. Ronald Wilson for his article on slavery in this
area; Richard Ryan for his piece on Colonial Military Musters in
Oxford; to Terrance O'Neil for use of his address to the Derby
Historical Society; to Beeda Tucker for use of family photographs; to
Paul Gazy for use of family photographs and Oxford Advertiser; Mrs.
Truman Wheeler for use of old postal cards; Mrs. Charles DeBisschop,
use of family photographs and post cards; Mr. and Mrs. H. Milton
Larson, for loan of old photograph; Also to Dan Kiley and Mrs. Schaper
for use of old photographs.
This book is dedicated to the people who
have lived in and loved the community of Oxford. This history is their
story, and this book is dedicated to those who have gone before, those
who share in this 175th Anniversary with us, and those who will follow
in the years to come.
