http://www.oxford-historical-society.org/

Oxford Historical Society, Inc., 60 Towner Lane, Oxford, CT (2026)

11/04/2025

MUNN SCHOOLHOUSE UPDATE

Today's "Old News" is a status update on the Munn Schoolhouse. Our photos include a group of Historical Society members and friends waiting to greet people at the preserved and renovated schoolhouse. We also include a reminder to vote today. Our "Not-So-Very-Old" photo shows a kindergarten class at Oxford Center School in 1980-81.

Oxford Historical Society Robert Buck met recently with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ralph Marino Jr. and Curriculum Director Eric Williams to discuss how Mr. Munn's School at the Historical Society site on Towner Lane could be used for a special program for third graders. Discussions with teachers will follow.

For the past seven years, the Society has envisioned "A Day in 1850" for Oxford children, similar to the Bullet Hill School program in Southbury. This is becoming possible because of the final building approvals for Mr. Munn's schoolhouse. Because the Society has the Colonial Twitchell-Rowland Homestead at the same site, the program could be designed to include both buildings.

This effort has been supported by members, friends, the Valley Community Foundation, and the Town of Oxford. The Society was invited to consider the donation of the schoolhouse, which then stood at 999 Oxford Road. Owners, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Sears were willing to donate the historic building if the Society could move it to the Towner Lane site.

Members of the Society first visited the schoolhouse on September 27, 2018 and the following month the Society voted to accept the offer. After more than a year of fund-raising, grant-seeking and town of Oxford's support, the move was made on November 13, 2019.

On moving day, the Society expected to soon pay for repairs and restoration with fund-raising and volunteer workers. However, the Covid 19 pandemic made those plans impossible.

Fortunately, the Valley Community Foundation provided the necessary funds to stabilize the schoolhouse in its new location. We were able to install a roof to keep the building safe and dry. At first supplies and materials were hard to find due to the pandemic shutdowns. Over time the Society was able to complete the restoration and preservation. Weakened beams were replaced. Stairs, ramps, and electricity were installed. The basement refinishing continues.

With so much accomplished, we begin the next steps of preparing a history of Oxford Schools, the history of the Twitchell-Rowland Homestead, and Oxford life in the 1850's. The completion of this step will enable us to share our unique heritage to Oxford residents, young and old, as they visit and enjoy the Society campus.

Your continued support for this project will be appreciated. We will participate in Giving Tuesday on December 2nd, both through the following methods:
" Online gift through our website https://www.oxford-historical-society.org,
" Online gift through our page or
" Checks emailed to the Oxford Historical Society P.O. Box 582, Oxford, CT 06478

We appreciate gifts of any amount. Community support preserves our history and prepares for the future.

11/03/2025

1892_11-03_Seymour-Record:

Today's "Old News" is from the November 2, 1892 issue of the Seymour Record. Our "Old Photos" include Ira Hawkins, Hulls Hill school, the Perry Homestead on Chestnut tree Hill and the grave of Nelson Botsford in Beacon Falls. Today we honor Oxford Veteran of the Day Hugh Crawford.

OXFORD.

Miss Katie Osborn has gone to the conservatory of music, New York.

The democrats on Saturday evening nominated B. A. Treat of Rockhouse Hill for representative and the republicans on Monday evening renominated C. H. Butler.

Nelson Botsford, who has been sick at the Oxford House for the past three weeks died Wednesday evening at the age of 65 years. Mr. Botsford was born in the town. He was the son of Clark Botsford, deceased, and has lived in New York city for many years. The arrangements for the funeral are not completed at this writing but it will probably be attended from St. Peter's church on Saturday or Sunday, more likely the former date, and the interment will be at Pinesbridge, by the side of his father and mother.

Miss Alice M. Hitchcock of Bethany is spending a few days at Mrs. G. W. Cable's.

H. A. Larre and family moved to New Haven on Tuesday of this week for the winter.

Mrs. Julia Broughs and her father Mr. C. M. Hatch of Boston, spent last week at Mr. G. W. Cable's.

Mr. George Davis and his brother-in-law of Hartford are spending a few days with the former's Brother, Mr. William O. Davis.

Fire had again started last Friday in the woods near Red Oak school house, from where it had burnt several days before, but it was quickly put out without much damage.

John B. Perry of Chestnut tree Hill finished picking his apples last week, and any one wishing to buy some fine picked fruit will do well to call on him as he is has some 300 bushels on hand.

We now have the Chatfield express Young William Chatfield, an enterprising young man drives across Chestnut-tree Hill every day, and delivers bundles and packages free of charge to all persons living on the Hill, his object being to graduate at the Red Oak school which he attends.

QUAKER FARMS.

The services at the church the ensuing month will commence at 11 a. m.

Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Ryder have just returned from a visit to Merwin's Point.

More hunters than game around here now. That seems to have mysteriously disappeared.

Mr. Ira Hawkins of Waterbury has been spending a day or two at the old homestead.

D. F. Roberts has returned home from Newport where he has been working for a few months past.

Master Timothy O'Neal has collected money enough for a fine flag for the school house, but it has not yet been flung to the breeze. His father furnish - the pole.

Michael O'Neal had the misfortune to lose a stack of hay by fire on Sunday last. It is supposed to be the work of some of his little children who procured some matches and were playing with some leaves.

HULL'S HILL.

Geo. Treat from Asbury Park, N. J., is visiting Amos Treat in Southford.

The household goods belonging to Mrs. John Brennan have been moved to Bristol.

Miss Rose Dillon closed her school Thursday of last week in order to attend the Teacher's Convention held in Meriden.

We take pleasure in noting a fact concerning a young lady who picked up a bushel of apples a few days ago and when the task was completed the basket contained 630 apples.

We here that the donkey owned in this neighborhood for sometime and which was an animal that attracted a good deal of attention from time to time, has been sold to a party out of town.

The Sunday school numbered twenty Oct. 23d, beginning at 3 p.m. Mrs. Granville Warner opened the services and we were pleased to see several familiar faces, those who have from various causes been unable to attend for sometime but who in the past have manifested considerable interest. Last Sunday there was also a good attendance and trust all will be there promptly on time hereafter.

GREAT HILL.

Four sisters of Mrs. H. B. Treat were here over Sunday.

Miss Josie Lewis of Plainville was visiting her grandparents last week.

Miss Addie M. Smith has returned to her duties again after one week out of school.

Mrs Augusta Treat is on the hill arranging her business before going to her winter abode.

11/02/2025

1893_11-02_Seymour Record

Today's "Old News" is from the November 2, 1893 issue of the Seymour Record. Our "Old Photos" include the Wallace G. Tomlinson home and grave site, the Flagg home and several photos of the 1893 Worlds Fair. Our "Not-So-Very-Old" photo shows a first grade class at Oxford Center School in 1980-81.

QUAKER FARMS.

Miss Jane Tomlinson, who has been spending the summer at her place here, has returned to Sandy Hook for the winter.

W. G. Tomlinson and Edward Scoville have just returned from a two weeks trip to the World's Fair and were much pleased with their trip.

Mrs. Arthur Hinman has just returned from an extended visit in Stratford. She reports that her daughter, who is in Bridgeport hospital for treatment, is much improved.

Geo. Chatfield, who has been spending the hot summer months near the shore, has returned to the country and taken up his old trade of painting. George could make the valley shine before spring if the New Haven people can spare him.

The remains of George Arthur Flagg were brought to this place for interment on Friday last. Mr. F. was a native of this place, being a son of Major Geo. A. Flagg, who was commissary at Harper's Ferry during the war, his son acting as clerk. Mr. Flagg has been sick for a long time, his complaint terminating in a bone disease which proved fatal. Some years ago he married a New York lady who at the time of Mr. Flagg's death at the Belleview hospital was also in a hospital being treated for a cancer. Services were conducted at the church by the Rev. L. F. Morris, but the shortness of the notice prevented many of his old friends and acquaintances from hearing of his death.

11/01/2025

1798_11-01_Connecticut-Journal

Today's "Old News" is from the November 1, 17908 issue of the Connecticut Journal. The legal warning lists dates for the collection of what would have been the first town taxes collected in Oxford, following the incorporation of Oxford the previous month. Our "Old Photos" include the grave of Dr. Samuel Sanford whose home was a collection site, plus Danie Candee's Oxford Hotel and the home of David Tomlinson. Today we honor Oxford Veteran of the day Eve Dytko.

Notice is hereby given, That the subscriber has received a warrant from the treasurer of this State to collect one cent on the dollar on the list of 1797, of the inhabitants & nonresidents of the town of Derby -- Also a warrant from authority to collect a town tax of one cent on the dollar on said list, of the rateable inhabitants of the society of Oxford, in the town of Derby -- For your convenience I will attend at Mr. Sheldon Curtiss' in Derby, on Monday 12th Novem. next; at Doct. Sam'l Sanford's on Tuesday the 13th; at Mr. Danie Candee's on Wednesday the 14th; at Mr. David Tomlinson's on Thursday the 15th; at Mr. James Maedville's on Friday the 16th, at 2 o'clock afternoon on each of said days. -- Punctuality is requested, as cost will immediately arise in case of delay -- Those in arrears for the two cent tax on the same list, are requested to make immediate payment -- A few in arrears for the State & Town Taxes, due to me on the list of 1796, are desired to make immediate payment, or expect your names at large in the next advertisement. Dated at Derby, October, A. D. 1798

NATHAN BUCKINGHAM, jun.
State and Town Collector

10/31/2025

HALLOWEEN IS A TIME FOR COSTUMES AND FOR SCARY STORIES

Today's Old Photo shows a masquerade party held at Gabler's Inn in Oxford. On a more somber note, today's Old News is from the October 31, 1985 issue of the Valley Drummer. Thanks to Southbury Town Historian John Dwyer for the follow-up article which includes Southbury town records of a related crime and the solution to the mystery.

THE BODY SNATCHERS
By Richard Ryan
The Valley Drummer, October 31, 1985

The advent of motor vehicles and electricity, local Town meetings were held mostly during the months of good weather. Only an emergency would bring about a gathering of townspeople during the Winter season. Apparently the citizens of Oxford felt strongly enough about a local situation to call such a meeting on February 24, 1819.

The following is a transcript of the minutes of that meeting as recorded in Volume I; Pages 64 & 65 of the Oxford Town Meeting Books:

"At a meeting of the inhabitants of Oxford, legally warned on the 24th of February, 1819 — Whereas on or about the night of the 16th of January last past, the grave wherein the dead body of Mr.Enos Towner, late of this town was interred, was without leave or knowledge of the relatives of said Towner or the Selectmen of this town, opened, and said dead body taken out and consigned to some place unknown to said relatives or said selectmen or the inhabitants of said town, which is against the peace and contrary to the laws in such cases made and provided: Whereupon it is voted by this meeting that Mrs. David McEwen, Elias Scott, Abel Wheeler Esq. and Harvey Osborn be a committee to inquire and search after and obtain if possible the body of said Towner and when obtained to deliver the same to the said relatives in as good a condition as may be; and also to advise with and assist the grand juror of this town in finding out and apprehending the bodies of the perpetrators of said crime, and provided they should not succeed in finding and obtaining said and in apprehending the offenders before the 25th day of March next, it shall be the duty of said committee to consult with the selectmen of the neighboring towns in this state and such other persons as they make think proper, respecting the subject of petitioning the Governor of this state to issue a proclamation offering such a reward as His Excellency may think proper for. the apprehending of the offenders and also in such consultations to take into consideration the expedience of annihilating the institution or corporation of the Medical College in New Haven; and the most effectual legal means to accomplish the same, and a report make to this meeting on Freeman's meeting day in April next.

Voted that on condition that any person shall make disclosures where the dead body of Enos Towner is, that no advantage shall be taken of such disclosures to the disadvantage or prejudice of him who makes the same, provided that if the body shall be returned to the relatives in a public manner without any trouble to the town by the 10th of March next.

Voted that the first resolve of this meeting be published in all the New Haven papers. ATTEST: Justus Candee, Moderator.

April 5, 1819 — Adjourned Town Meeting: "Voted that the committee which was chosen on the 24th of February last, be continued and directed to continue their exertions on the subject of their former appointment. Also voted that the aforesaid committee be authorized to petition the honorable General Assembly to make such further restrictions on the Medical College in New Haven ·as shall secure the rights ·of sepulture. Meeting dismissed."

It should be obvious that people in 1819 liked to write in long, poorly punctuated sentences. What is, perhaps, not so obvious is exactly what the problem was that caused such a commotion during the middle of winter. Enos Towner's body missing? Annihilate the Medical College in New Haven? What does one have to do with the other. No further minutes of Town Meetings give any clue as to the outcome of the committee's inquiry. A glimpse of a different volume, the Oxford Book of Births, Marriages and Deaths of 1819, solves the mystery. Next to the report of Enos Towner's death, someone has inscribed the terse phrase: "He was dug up and dissected".

The Medical College in New Haven was buying bodies from grave robbers!!!

The gravestone of Enos Towner is located at the old Jack's Hill Cemetery in Oxford. Unfortunately, the inscription located just above ground level cannot be interpreted. Whether or not Towner's remains were returned to his grave is still a mystery. , So far, everything in this story has been based upon local, historical fact. However, in the spirit of Halloween, why can;t we depart from what is true and venture into the realm of what might be? Such is the stuff of which legends are born. Simply take a core of fact and embellish it with imagination and you're off into the world of ghosts, witches, goblins and the like.

In the eighth century Pope Gregory IV placed All Saints Day in the calendar of the Church to try to rid the Christianized world of the remnants of pagan Roman and Druid influence.

It had been customary in those cultures to honor the harvest and the end of summer by rituals involving the sacrificing of animals and even humans. Huge bonfires (actually bone fires) consumed them to honor the gods and goddesses and to insure that the souls of the dead would rest in peace.

Far from ending the pagan influences, the feast of All Saints gave birth to All Hallows Eve and the observance exists today almost throughout the entire world in one form or another. Transcending all national boundaries, this celebration of spirits and mystery can be found even in the polar regions of the earth.

In the interest of adding to the wealth of already existing folklore, let us suggest that perhaps the ghost of Enos Towner still roams throughout the valley searching for his place of rest. It's quite a way from Yale to the isolated cemetery where his tombstone stands. There are dozens of cemeteries in these Valley Towns, and who is to say that Towner does not venture forth during, the Halloween season to join the other restless spirits. Can we picture him searching the hills and hollows along the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers to find the spot where he was meant to be? Who .knows, maybe some day there will be a legend of Pork Hollow, or C**n Hollow or even Wells Hollow to give Sleepy Hollow,a run for its money.

At any rate, may Enos Towner and all others rest in peace. As the old Welsh prayer says it so simply, "From ghosties and ghoulies and long-legged beasties and beings that go bump in the night, deliver us, Oh Lord."

FROM THE SOUTHBURY TOWN JOURNAL
At a Special Town Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Southbury legally warned & held on the 15th day of Feby AD 1819 for the purpose of taking measures to detect & being to condign punishment such wretches as are in the habit of resorting to our Grave yards & stealing from our graves the remains of Deceased Friends & Relatives
___
People of New Haven & Adjacent Counties take notice that the North Burying ground in this Town was entered on or about the night of the 16th January last by some of the Felons of the Tomb & the Body of Major Tiff (recently there interred) was dug up and taken from the grave_

Tiff had enlisted & served as a Soldier in the American Army through the Revolutionary War and contributed toward the Establishment of that Government & those Laws which are so much contemned by those who have then impiously violated his remains _

Shortly after the Close of the War he was impressed from on board an American Vessell in to the British Navy where he served 17 years and was then discharged & returned to his Native Town with a Constitution shattered and broken to pieces by the various hardships that he had endured where he lived upon the Charity of the people until he fell under the operation of a Chronic disease which he had contracted 25 years of unparalleled suffering __

His life was a continued series of afflictions & when he was about to go home his friends had the consolation at least to believe that his body would be permitted to sleep quietly under the tomb but the Midnight Canibals came ___

About the same time supposed to be the same night the Church yard in the town of Oxford was entered and the body of Mr. Towner was taken from the Grave __

Therefore, to prevent the like occurrence in future ___
Voted Unanimously __ That therein forming Offices of this Town be requested to make every reasonable & proper exertion to detect & bring to justice those miscreants who perpetrate the above outrage upon the feelings of the living and the rights of the Dead & that we will not employ or give support to any Physician or Surgeon who we may ascertain have, been concerned when a Student, or since, either directly or indirectly in so nefarious a transaction ___
That a Reward of One Hundred Dollars be paid out of The Treasury of this Town to any person or persons who shall detect and bring to punishment any person or persons who shall hereafter within the limits of this town …. Commit a similar outrage upon the peace of Society ____
and that the doing of this Meeting be signed by the Clerk & that the Editors of the several Newspapers published in the City of New Haven be requested (for the information of the public and that they may be on their guard) to publish the same. (Southbury I:203)

The above, "A true Copy of Record. Attest- JOHN MOSELEY, Reg'r." was published Feb 23, 1819 at New Haven in the Connecticut Herald and in the Connecticut Journal.
On the 24th of February a similar meeting was held in the neighboring town of Oxford to address the theft of the co**se of Enos Towner, at about the same time. A committee was formed to "enquire and search after, and obtain if possible, the body…", and to apprehend the perpetrators.
The perpetrator was accused, apprehended and one Joseph T. Waldo was brought before Shadrach Osborn, Justice of the Peace. When Waldo plead not guilty, Osborn set bond at $200 to appear at the superior court in New Haven. When Waldo failed to appear, the bond was revoked. He objected on the grounds that the docket called for Joseph F. and not Joseph T. Waldo. This launched a lawsuit by Waldo against the State Treasurer. The action of the court was ruled to be "In Error." (See Waldo v. Spencer, New-Haven 1821).

As to the identity of Waldo, the Yale Commencement Exercises of September 1819 lists a Joseph I. Waldo admitted to the degree of M.D.

John Dwyer
2022

10/30/2025

1885_10-30_Seymour Record

Today's "Old News" is from the October 30, 1885 issue of the Seymour Record. Today's "Old Photos" include the Pines Bridge school, the Chestnut Tree Hill school, the Oxford Hotel which rented space for the Town Hall and a graphic from the masthead of the Seymour Record. Our "Not-so-very-old" photo today shows a fourth grade class at Oxford Center School in 1980-81.

OXFORD

Miss Addie Smith has taken the Pines Bridge school and will commence her duties there next Monday.

Elijah B. Treat is expected to commence the Chestnut-tree Hill school next Monday.

The bishop of the diocese is expected to visit St. Peter's church to administer the rite of confirmation Nov. 9th.

Frederick Nichols, of the firm of Clark & Nichols, dealers in hats, furs, etc., in Bridgeport, made a short visit to town on Wednesday.

The democratic caucus for the nomination of a candidate for representative is called at the town hall for Saturday evening of this week, and the republican caucus at same place on Monday evening, Nov. 2d, at 7:30 o'clock

The millennium must be near at hand. The democrats of this town have interested themselves in and procured the registration of a colored man. The innovation can, however, be accounted for, as his name is Andrew Jackson.

Mr. and Mrs. Atwater Treat have been married 50 years today (Oct 30), but owing to Mr. T's feebleness there will be no public demonstration over the occasion, as was intended by friends and neighbors of this much respected old couple.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Hubbell celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of their married life very pleasantly last Friday evening. Their own residence not being convenient for a large company, they accepted of accommodations at the house of Mrs. Candee, where a bountiful supply of refreshments were served, and where Lewis Barnes, M.D., presented, in behalf of the company, the numerous gifts of silverware, consisting of castors, table and fruit knives, napkin rings, fruit dishes, etc., including a pretty silver teas set, the compliments of townspeople and neighbors. The occasion was enlivened and concluded by dancing at the town hall, which was kept up through the small hours.

10/29/2025

DIARY OF NELSON CABLE, OCTOBER, 18999

Today's "Old News" is from the October, 1899 diary of Nelson Cable. Our "Old Photos" include a variety of Cable family photos. Today we honor Oxford Veteran of the Day Nicole Dykstra.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 01, 1899: clear; Went to center twice -- to church and after a paper.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 02, 1899: clear; Heavy frost and froze water. Went Squirreling. Picked apples.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 03, 1899: clear; Shook walnut trees and picked up 1 1/2 bush.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 04, 1899: clear; Picked apples for Mr. R. Downs, 9 hrs.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 05, 1899: clear; Picked apples for Mr. Downs 8 1/2 hours. Pd. $2.60

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 06, 1899: rainy; Rained about all day. Picked up some walnuts. Shelled some corn for Ma.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 07, 1899: clear; Dug potatoes

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 08, 1899: cloudy; -.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 09, 1899: cloudy; Foggy and misty in A.M. Thrashed oats. Picked up little potatoes and boiled kettle full of stuff. Went hunting a little while.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1899: clear; Went Squirrelling and dug potatoes. Papa brought home a pair of steers.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1899: cloudy; Picked up potatoes. Cleaned out the well. Got in the onions.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1899: clear; Picked apples. Put a load of manure in pig-pen. Henry and Mr. ?? came down.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1899: clear; Went hunting half a day and picked apples.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1899: clear; Picked beans. Company from B'port.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1899: clear; Went to Seymour. We all picked up 2 1/2 bush.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1899: clear; Got a bbl of water. Picked beans. Wet, some in A.M.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1899: cloudy; Picked beans. Have been milking for Mrs. Sperry the past week.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1899: -; Rained part of morn. Boiled kettle of swill. Cut wood.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1899: clear; Picked beans.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1899: clear; Picked apples

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1899: -;-

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1899: clear; All fought fire on Mt.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1899: clear; Got a bbl. of water, Went to center with potatoes and grist with oxen.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1899: clear; Got a bbl of water. Sawed woof for Ansonia. John came.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1899: clear; Drew cord of wood down to Green road corner. Sawed up a cord. Fred came down.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1899: smokey and hazy; Drew 2 cords of wood.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1899: smokey and hazy; Picked up cider apples

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1899: - ; A wet day.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1899: -; Wet. Picked up some walnuts.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1899: clear; Pitched out mud and put in two loads of horse manure in pig pen. Picked up cider apples.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1899: -; The weather it was kinder wet. WEnt to mill with 2 loads of apples.

10/28/2025

Coming in 5 weeks - Giving Tuesday - a day of generosity.
Follow Oxford Historical Society to learn about this year's programs.

10/28/2025

1904_10-28_Newtown Bee

Today's "Old News" is from the October 28, 1904 issue of the Newtown Bee. Our "Old Photos" include David B. Wheeler, Glover Cable and John B. Pope. We also show the homes of Cable, Pope and L.F. Armstrong which were early subscribers to the phone system. Our not-so-very old photo shows a fourth grade class at Oxford Center School in 1980-81.

OXFORD

MAKING VOTERS.
At a meeting of the registrars of voters, last week, 53 names were placed on the list to be made. The selectmen met last Friday and will meet again Friday for the admission of those entitled to be made electors.

TO HAVE TELEPHONE SERVICE
The Southern New England Telephone Co. are at work building their line to the home of Glover W. Cable on Chestnut Tree Hill and then to John B. Pope and L. F. Armstrong of Christian Street.

George W. Hoxie has been having repairs and improvements made to his home at the Center.

E. A. Scoville is spending the week in the woods of the Green Mountain State hunting for venison.

David B. Wheeler has been putting new windows into the pleasant residence of George E. Garlick and son.

10/27/2025

1892_10-27_Seymour-Record

Today's "Old News" is from the October 27, 1892 issue of the Seymour Record. Our "Old Photos" include Dr. Lounsbury, his daughter Emma and their home, as well as the Center School in the first district and the Chestnut Tree Hill School in the third district. Today we honor Oxford Veteran of the Day Joshua Dykstra.

OXFORD.

Dr. John Lounsbury has had the misfortune to lose his horse.

Mr. and Mrs. John Chatfield are visiting their daughter in Milford.

Miss Emma Lounsbury is slowly recovering from the effects of an injured ankle.

The Republicans of this town will hold a caucus at the town hall on Tuesday evening next, Nov. 1st, at 7:30 o'clock, to nominate candidates for judge of probate and representative. A full attendance is desired.

The Republican pole and flag raising last Saturday was satisfactorily accomplished and in the evening the hall was crowded, there not being less than 225 present. The fair s*x was largely represented and delegations were present from Seymour and Ansonia, including the Glee club of twelve from the latter place, which enlivened the occasion with campaign songs and which with Judge Deming's address with stereopticon illustrations, was received with great enthusiasm, although by request, on account of the condition of Nelson Botsford in the other part of the building, the applause was confined to clapping of hands. Judge Quillinan of Ansonia being present was called upon and addressed the audience ably and interestingly. Those who were absent, whether on account of inconvenience or prejudice, fearing to see or hear something that would not suit their views, missed an unusual political occasion. At the close the out of town visitors were refreshed with doughnuts and coffee.

The school of the 1st district celebrated Columbus Day by a flag raising and appropriate literary exercises. The flag was the gift of Mr. C. H. Butler, who in a few well chosen words expressed his love and veneration for the banner of our country and his pleasure in presenting it to the school. The speech was responded to by Mr. R. G. Robinson, thanking Mr. Butler in behalf of the school. After singing the "Star Spangled Banner" all adjourned to the school room, where the history of Columbus and recitations were given by the scholars. Reading of the ode and other selections, with singing, concluded the programme.

CHESTNUT-TREE HILL

Forest fires have been raging on Toby's Rocks for the past four days. Two or three hundred acres have been burnt over, doing much damage to wood and fences.

Miss Sarah Hawley entertained a number of her schoolmates and friends at her home on Chestnut-tree Hill last Thursday afternoon and evening. The time was very pleasantly spent in games, etc., and at 10 o'clock the party marched two by two, Henry R. Cable and Miss Sarah J. Hawley leading, to a well filled table, where cake, candy and ice cream were served.

Oxford is not far behind in the Columbian celebrations. About eighty met at the school house on Chestnut-tree Hill, where an interesting programme was given by the scholars of different schools, together with a flag raising. Smith T. Osborn, E. J. Alling and Moses Dean also made a few remarks appropriate to the day, after which refreshments were served in the school house.

SOUTHFORD.

Oar singing school commences this week Thursday, with Prof. H. W. Beecher as teacher.

The ladies of the society finished tacking the comfortable last week, after which the drawing took place. Mrs. H.H. Oatman of New Haven held the lucky number.

Mrs. C. S. Potter of Locust Grove, Westville, Miss Helen Lantz of New Haven, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Candee and Miss Emma Candee of Buffalo, N.Y., have been visiting Miss Henrietta Wheeler.

There was no service in the chapel last Sunday evening, owing to the absence of the pastor, who was in Baltimore. His many friends in this place were glad to hear that at last he had taken a well deserved vacation.

HULL'S HILL

Mrs. James Green has been visiting her daughter in Ansonia.

G. T. Gray of Kettletown has been to New Haven on jury duty.

Miss Martha Stowe arrived home last Friday after spending several weeks, in East Morris.

Jillson Brothers are cutting the timber on George's Hill and having it hauled to their steam sawmill and sawed and shipped to Waterbury.

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick and Charles Smith of Middlebury, Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Tomlinson of Newtown and Frederick Tousey of Stepney were the guests of A.T. White last Sunday.

GREAT HILL.

Miss Addie Smith is in Oxford. Miss Jessie Davis is visiting in Shelton.

Isaac Russell of Bristol was here on Sunday.

Mrs. Augusta Treat, who has been on Rockhouse Hill, is now with her niece, Mrs. David Sweeten,in Seymour.

Frank Hubbard and wife spent last Friday with Mrs. Hubbard's uncle, F. H. Downs.

Oxford Historical Society, Inc.

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