OXFORD – The NYS Veterans’ Home in Oxford is constructing its third facility, which is scheduled to open this summer. The Home has always had the distinction of having state of the art facilities with the utmost in resident comfort, going back to its first facility in 1897. With its interesting history and fine and enduring reputation, the Oxford Historical Society (OHS) is presenting, “The New York State Veterans’ Home: Past, Present and Future,” to be held on Tuesday, April 8, at 7 p.m..
The Woman’s Relief Corps (WRC), was the auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, formed as a result of the “War of the Rebellion,” better known today as the Civil War. The WRC formed a board, presided by Ellen M. Putnam, to persuade New York State to establish and maintain a home in which a veteran could enter, accompanied by his wife, without separating them in their advanced years. The home also was intended for Veterans’ widows, mothers of soldiers and Army nurses. After reviewing many locations, Oxford was chosen, and the WRC Home opened on April 19, 1897.
The OHS invites members and the community to hear about the historic past, recent stories and the proposed future of the Veterans’ Home. Special guests will be: award winning book author, popular columnist and feature writer for the Press & Sun Bulletin newspaper, Elizabeth Cohen, who will talk about her parents who lived their last years in the Home; Oxford resident, Sarah Seaman, will talk about her 17 years as Nurse Administrator in the WRC Home, Civil War widows, the original cottages, medical changes, and more; and from the NYS Veterans’ Home today, Linda Winston, the Director of Nursing will speak about the current and future building program. The changes that have occurred in over a century, advancements, medical care and comfort of residents, facility requirements, safety and more will make for a fascinating (free) presentation.
An open invitation is extended to “members of the Home” and other employees of the NYS Veterans’ Home in Oxford, as well as anyone else who has been ‘touched’ by the Home, to share their experiences as well. Pictures of the WRC Home and current NYS Veterans’ Home will be on display. Refreshments will be served after the program.
The Oxford Historical Society is a private, non-profit educational and cultural organization whose goal is to preserve and share Oxford’s history with the community. The OHS Depot-Museum, an authentic D L & W railroad depot built in 1914, is located at 1 Depot Street, Oxford. Directions: from the traffic light in the Oxford Village center, turn southeast on to Main Street, then take the first right (after the Fire House) onto Fort Hill Park. Make a left (pass by the middle school), onto Merchant Street and drive 1/10 mile. See the OHS Museum sign/ make a right on Depot Street where you’ll see the D.L.& W. Railroad Depot/Museum. For info call Fred Lanfear, OHS President: (607) 843-9446 or email: Museum@OxfordNY.com. Museum phone: (607) 843-9926. On the web: Museum.OxfordNY.com.