Folklore, true crime, heroes and Elvis: New book from County Archives shares stories from Oxford’s past
Special anniversary publication to be launched on July 30
Folklore, true crime, heroes and Elvis: Oxford County’s most noteworthy moments are captured in, “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past,” a new book by the Oxford County Archives that celebrates the 175th anniversary of the County’s incorporation.
A collection of stories about local people, events and communities, the book has its origins in an Archives blog started during the COVID-19 pandemic to share interesting stories about the County’s past. It features articles and historical research from multiple contributors and was curated by Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch.
The public book launch for “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past” takes place this month:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - Comments from Deputy Warden Brian Petrie and book excerpts read by County Archivist Liz Dommasch
Oxford County Archives (Governor's House building)
82 Light Street, Woodstock
Copies of the book will be on sale at the event for $45.00 each. The book will also be available for purchase online at www.oxfordcounty.ca/archives, at the Ingersoll and Tillsonburg branches of Oxford County Library, Oxford County Archives, and at the Customer Service desk in the Oxford County Administration Building.
Oxford County is celebrating the 175th anniversary of its incorporation as a county in 2025 and the 50th anniversary of the restructuring of Oxford County into its eight area municipalities: Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Tillsonburg, Woodstock and Zorra. It is the 60th anniversary of the Oxford County Library system and the 25th anniversary of Oxford County Archives.
To learn more visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/anniversary
Other anniversary year events
- Woodstock Art Gallery Exhibit: Oxford County Archives: Celebration, 175+ years
July 12, 2025 – January 24, 2026
This exhibit explores the history of some of Oxford County’s iconic administrative buildings, including the Court Houses, Jail, Registry Offices and House of Refuge, and highlights some of the architectural drawings, photographs, and artwork maintained by the Oxford County Archives. More - Display at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: “Oxford County: Celebrating 175 Years.”
April– December 2025
Part of the Legislative Assembly Community Exhibits Program, this submission by the Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library celebrating Oxford County’s 175th anniversary and the County’s historical and milestone achievements is on display now at Queen’s Park in Toronto. More - Oxford County Archives: “Who Do You Think You Are.” Coming this fall, this video series will share the genealogical stories of some of Oxford’s current County Councillors.
- Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library exhibits in the Oxford County Administration Building. The Archives is featuring four displays throughout 2025 highlighting the history of the County; promoting the Archives’ holdings, programs and services; highlighting stories from the new anniversary book; and sharing the history of the Oxford County Library system.
Oxford County Library is also hosting special events this year to mark the Library’s 60th anniversary.
- Oxford County Library Memory Wall: This virtual scrapbook invites stories, photos and other creative expressions of people’s memories of County library branches over the years. Visit the wall at www.ocl.net/memory-wall.
- Local History Speaker Series events: “Twice a Pioneer: A History of Oxford County Library Services” takes place on July 19, featuring local historian Dr. Matthew Griffis in a presentation that will share archival images and other historical items. In May, Oxford County Archivist Liz Dommasch offered a sneak peek of “Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past” as part of the Local History Speaker Series.
- Anniversary video: A short video that celebrates Oxford County Library’s anniversary, “The Oxford County Library at 60: Foundations and Future,” is being released this week through the Library’s social media channels.
- Oxford County Library Reception: “Remember When: Celebrating Our First 60 Years,” a public celebration of the Library’s anniversary, will be held on September 20, 2025, at the Ingersoll branch. Watch for details at www.ocl.net or Speak Up, Oxford!
Comment
Marcus Ryan, Warden, Oxford County
“Oxford’s 175th Anniversary reminds us that we have a story that is worth sharing—in fact, multiple stories worth sharing, more than 150 in this publication alone. The story of how Oxford grew to become Oxford shows a vibrant past and a love of community that continues today. Thank you to the many contributors who devoted their time and passion to keeping these stories alive.”
Background
- The County of Oxford, formerly the District of Brock, was incorporated in 1850 under the Municipal Corporations Act, more commonly known as the Baldwin Act (named after the politician Robert Baldwin). This included adjustments to boundaries with Middlesex County and Brant County
- Oxford County had its own Act, the County of Oxford Act, 1974, which restructured regional government and consolidated services while merging the historic townships into new area municipalities. The Special Inaugural Meeting of the Municipal Council of the County of Oxford on January 21,1975, was a historic moment as Oxford became the first restructured County in the Province of Ontario. From this point on, the geographic boundaries of the County have remained the same for its eight area municipalities: Township of Blandford-Blenheim, Township of East Zorra-Tavistock, Town of Ingersoll, Township of Norwich, Township of South-West Oxford, Town of Tillsonburg, the City of Woodstock and Township of Zorra.
- Oxford County Library was formed in January 1965, becoming the second county library in Ontario to form after changes to the Public Libraries Act in 1959. The new county-wide library system at that time comprised 16 branches (Beachville, Brownsville, Burgessville, Drumbo, Embro, Harrington, Hickson, Innerkip, Kintore, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock and Thamesford) and seven deposit stations (Bright, Brooksdale, Dereham, Salford, Springford, Sweaburg, and Uniondale). In 1969, Ingersoll joined the Oxford County Library system, followed by Tillsonburg in 2013.
- Today, Oxford County Library serves seven of the area municipalities that make-up Oxford County, with branches located in Brownsville, Burgessville, Embro, Harrington, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock, Thamesford and Tillsonburg.
- Oxford County Archives was established on January 1, 2000, following a resolution of County Council in 1999.
- The Oxford County Archives is the official repository of the County’s Council and corporate records, as well as those of five of the County’s area municipalities. Its holdings including more than 300 fonds from local community groups, businesses, and individuals, as well as a large photograph and postcard collection documenting the County’s history.
Graphics
JPG: Oxford County Anniversary Year logo
JPG: Book cover – Growing Stronger Together: A Celebration of Oxford County’s Past
About Oxford County
Located in southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 140,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” A partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is committed to 100% renewable energy, zero waste, zero poverty, and being 100% housed. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with a diversified local economy that is home to an innovative agricultural industry, leading automotive manufacturers, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail. Oxford also offers a thriving local arts and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The County’s Strategic Plan puts forward a vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future.” The Oxford County Administration Building is in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.