[NEW] Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past
Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past
By: Liz Dommasch, Archivist
As some may know during the COVID pandemic, Oxford County Archives started our first Blog (in fact it’s the one you are currently reading!) to share some of the history of the County as well as provide news on outreach and programming initiatives archives staff were undertaking while mandated to work from home. Since then, we’ve shared historical glimpses of people, places, and events from across the County as well as recipes, poetry, holiday traditions, party games and more. Over the years, as more and more articles were added, it became apparent that we had the makings of an amazing book on our hands; just in time to celebrate the County’s 150th anniversary since incorporation as well as the Archives 25th anniversary since being established.
It also became apparent that although we covered a vast geographical area and a variety of topics, there were many stories still left to be told. As a community archives, we pride ourselves on not only our community holdings, but on our connections and collaborations with other local heritage institutions and members of the public. In doing so, we were lucky enough to have a variety of contributors willing to share their knowledge of the history of the County as well as their own personal recollections and memories of growing up here.
We also realize, that even with the abundance of information within the book, we are truly only scratching the surface of Oxford’s bygone days. I hope that this book encourages you to discover more of Oxford’s history while at the same time inspires you to record and share your own recollections so that future generations may learn more about our community’s past.
To celebrate the release of our new book, we will be hosting a book launch at Oxford County Archives (82 Light Street, Woodstock) on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, at 1:00 pm, with light refreshments (because honestly, who doesn’t like cake?!). Copies of the book will be available for purchase at a cost of $45.00 (cash or cheque only) at the Archives, Ingersoll Library, and Tillsonburg Library, as well as the County Administration Building, where customer service will happily also accept debit and credit.
Our new publication “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford’s Past” is the result of our shared passion to celebrate the county’s past. Like any great idea, it of course grew much bigger over time (in size and in work!) and there were a few setbacks along the way related to cost, design, and printing that delayed the release. However, it is finally here, and we sincerely thank the following for all their help in its creation:
Barney Printing Limited
Blake Hughes & Drumbo & District Heritage Society and Museum
Brenda Boswell
Carol Coombs, Plattsville & District Historical Society
Duane Duff
Elaine Becker
Elaine Couglar
Heather Rennalls
Janice Ferguson, Zorra Heritage Committee
Kathie Richards, Oxford Historical Society
Oxford Communications
Matthew Griffis, Oxford County Library
Matthew Lloyd, Norwich & District Museum
Megan Lockhart
Paul Bartlett, Tavistock & District Historical Society
Rhonda Franks
Scott Gillies
Stephanie Radu, Beachville District Museum
Stephen Smith
Vicki Brenner
Woodstock Art Gallery
Woodstock Museum
We look forward to seeing you at the book launch, and I hope you enjoy the book, as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together!
Liz Dommasch
Coordinator of Legislative Information/Archivist
Oxford County Archives