OXFORD – The new year is well under way. History keeps marching on and we always enjoy looking back to see how people before us lived and how they made their ‘mark’. It’s up to us to cherish and preserve our past – or give our support to those who are actively doing so. If you’re not aware, the local historical societies have educational programs, exhibits, and sometimes just social events for your enjoyment. Why not make local history a part of your New Year?
Although the Oxford Historical Society’s Dec. 9 nostalgic sing-a-long program was canceled due to bad weather, 2009 had three unforgettable programs about some great men of Oxford.
The life and career of Henry R. Mygatt, one of the most notable lawyers in Chenango County history, was the subject of a genealogical research project presented by Donald M. Howard. Don is a life-member of the Oxford Historical Society and a Mygatt (13th generation) descendant. Years ago he was unwittingly drawn -by fate- to reside near the lawyer’s house in Oxford. Only later did he discover his relationship! The accomplishments of the Mygatts going back to their 17th c. arrival from England was fascinating and all of his research is compiled in a book of ancestry that he donated to the Oxford Historical Society.
“Theodore Burr and His Bridges,” was a program presented by Bob and Trish Kane. Burr, one of the “Fathers of American Bridge Building” patented his great arch and multiple kingpost truss design in 1817. He built his very first bridge right here in Oxford as well as building his house that is now the Oxford Memorial Library! The Kanes announced that their vast collection of Burr’s letters, diaries, books, post cards and other memorabilia will be housed in a special, covered bridge, research room in the newly expanded Oxford Library.  
Henry J. Drexler, the professional artist, presented an exhibit of stunning black and white photography of Oxford, dating from 1903 to 1915, by St. John Morton. It was Drexler who discovered the Morton photographic glass plates and raised funds to have them printed. Fifty-five of these large photos of Oxford were on display this past summer in the Oxford museum on Depot Street. The crystal clear images showed businesses and people in every day life from over 90 years ago! Henry later donated them to the Chenango County Historical Society (who they were on loan from).
The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) has historic information to share on all the towns of the County, and in the New Year you may be hearing more about it. Currently the CCHS has been featuring a very colorful and interesting museum exhibit titled, “A Century of Christmas Fashions: 1860-1960.” Since their Holiday Open House on Dec. 6, they’ve been featuring Christmas trees decorated in several different period-theme styles, accompanied by mannequins modeling the same era of ladies fashions from the CCHS collection. Signs for the self-guided tour provide background information for each period (some with descriptions regarding some painful-looking corsets!)
In addition to these displays, is a vintage Christmas lights exhibit in the Case Room, a unique collection belonging to Warren Nash. Warren is a CCHS board member and has been avidly collecting this memorabilia since the late 1970’s. He particularly seeks lights and ornaments in their original boxes, complete with their state-of-the-art claims and colorful advertising, which makes this display much more enjoyable. Most in the Nash collection are Noma (company) Lites, Inc., once the largest American manufacturer of holiday lighting in the world, and many date from the 1960’s. (One of Noma’s inventions were Bubble Lights in 1946!) Warren has made extra space in his home, and has even built extra housing for these displays, as they’re not packed away in the off-season. As long as his passion for collecting continues, Warren’s displays will continue to expand, and these historic lights will be preserved for future generations.
What does the Chenango County ‘historic future’ hold in 2010?
For one thing, keep a sharp eye out for details about a very notable Civil War collection that will be on display at the Oxford museum. The Oxford Historical Society’s recently donated war relics and personal mementos will reveal a great deal about the era and will make for a very interesting program you won’t want to miss. Other 2010 OHS programs will be announced.
The CCHS Museum has a new executive director, Carolyn McMaster. She wants to make the museum collection more interactive and personal. Carolyn also wants to update their website with an events calendar that all the County historical societies can post events on. More involvement should interest history buffs of all ages and maybe attract some new fans that think history is just a bunch of dusty relics and dull dates to memorize!
If you haven’t done so already, make your 2010 resolution to become a member of your local historical society to help preserve the history of our beautiful communities. For a nominal fee you will receive notices of events all year and get discounts off merchandise. Reach the Oxford Historical Society at PO Box 57, Oxford; by email Museum@OxfordNY.com or call 821-1223. Reach the Chenango County Historical Society at 334-9227, cmcmastercchs@roadrunner.com or visit the Chenango Museum at 45 Rexford Street, Norwich.