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2025 HERITAGE EDITION
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Thursday, February 20, 2025 13
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The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
Oxford County celebrating multiple historic landmarks LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Each and every detail hasn’t been confirmed yet, but Oxford County is getting ready to celebrate several historical milestones in 2025. Liz Dommasch is Oxford County’s archivist and told the Gazette about four major milestones in the county’s history: • 175 years since the incorporation of Oxford County (1850) • 60 years since the formation of the current Oxford County Library system (1965) • 50 years since the county restructured (1975) • Oxford County Archives 25th anniversary (2000) Dommasch, obviously very passionate about history in the area, said Oxford County had a vast and fascinating history even before 1850. “We were the District of Brock from 1842-1849 and earlier on when we were part of the London District, you look at our population and industry growth and the personalities and people, there is such a wide past and I think it’s important we celebrate all of it.” There is currently a historical display at the Oxford County administrative building lobby, but Dommasch said the big project is an upcoming book.
“The archives are going to be publishing a history book and we are hoping to have that out later in the spring. That will include a variety of different stories, not just from the archives but community contributors. It covers topics like people, government, crime, health, disasters and businesses. You name it, it’s going to be in there.” She added the hope is to capture some new stories people may not know about, including an entire section on folklore and some interesting tales from the East Zorra-Tavistock area. “Dr. Paul Bartlett from the Tavistock District Historical Society had submitted an article about the history of the German population in Tavistock. We also have an article on the East Zorra Township bylaw about public health from the 1870s.” Dommasch explained it touches on historical pandemics and a 1914 tornado that tore through East Zorra. She added it is her hope both longtime and new residents will take an interest in learning more about where the county came from. “Just in terms of the reference questions we are receiving (at the archives), property histories seem to be on the rise. People want to know about where they are living. I think this is a great opportunity to discover that kind of history. They want to know who lived here; were there any businesses here?”
(OXFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES INSTAGRAM PHOTO)
Oxford County is celebrating its 175th year since incorporation and the Archives is celebrating its 25th year since being established. To honour these milestones, there is a new exhibit at the County’s administration building.
The county is going to be putting interesting local stories on its social media. Oxford County Archives also has its own Instagram page which is always full of interesting material. An exhibit will also be available for the public to view at the Woodstock Art Gallery in the spring and summer. “We get to see some neat, early architectural drawings of some of the county buildings like the courthouse and the jail. There will also be interesting artifacts relating to county council. It will be an interesting one for people to come and see.” Dommasch, a London native, has been with the archives since 2003 and exploring Oxford County history every day has been a rewarding experience. “I love it. So many great little stories and I never stop learning. I hope people are going to enjoy what we put out there.” The Gazette asked Dommasch one last question before we let her go; what is one
story she has come across that wowed her? The answer was interesting. “There was one we put on Instagram recently. In 1862, Oxford County appointed its first bowling alley inspector. At the time, there were a lot of different rules for them – you had to be a certain age to enter, there were rules around drinking and swearing.” James Izzard, who was the appointee in 1862, was also the inspector of weights and measures.” “Well, apparently soon after, the county received a number of complaints about his inspection methods. He was not only inspecting people’s weights but also inspecting people’s liquor. Needless to say, he didn’t last very long in the position. I have lots of them; we could talk for hours.” More information will be available on the Oxford County website in the near future.