OxHS and WPL Present: Tip O’Neill Book Launch – April 5, 2025!

Hello Everyone,

The Oxford Historical Society and the Woodstock Public Library invite you to attend the book launch of:

“Tip O’Neill and the St. Louis Browns of 1887” with Author Dennis Thiessen
on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 1:00 – 2:30pm at the Woodstock Public Library

From Dennis Thiessen:

James “Tip” O’Neill was a Canadian-born baseball player who, in the 1880s, was the leading slugger for the St. Louis Browns, the champions of the American Association for four years in a row (1885–88) and the world champions in 1886. In 1887, Tip O’Neill won the Association batting championship with a .492 average—the highest ever for a single season in the Major Leagues. 

O’Neill was part of the first class inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.   In honour of Tip’s extraordinary career, the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame presents the James “Tip” O’Neill Award “annually to the Canadian player judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to baseball ideals.” O’Neill was also inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.

The book concentrates on Tip O’Neill’s record-breaking season of 1887. It recounts his numerous multi-hit games, streaks and long hits, as well as his two cycles and triple crown. In addition, the book situates O’Neill’s story within the wider portrayal of the St. Louis Browns, a team led by their manager, Charles Comiskey, who would do “anything to win.” It also provides a biographical snapshot of O’Neill’s life and career in his early days in Woodstock, Ontario (1867–1882) and during his years in Montreal after he retired from major league baseball (1893–1915). In short, the book is a saga of a Canadian baseball star whose legacy is much deserved but not yet fully appreciated.

Registration is required – to register contact the Woodstock Public Library


If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca

Oxford Philatelic Society – OXPEX/OTEX 2025!

Hello Everyone,

Please see this guest post from the Oxford Philatelic Society:

OXFORD PHILATELIC SOCIETY presents OXPEX/OTEX 202573rd OXPEX & 43rd OTEX
When: Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 9:30am to 4pm
Where: St. Mary’s Catholic High School, 431 Juliana Dr., Woodstock ON, N4V 1E8

Please join them for their annual Stamp Show and Bourse
There will be 10 to 12 dealers in attendance along with a Buy It Now table and their our club circuit
books.
Their show is classed as a Regional exhibiting event, so no charge to enter an exhibit. Exhibits are judged by a qualified panel. National level awards are given.
We have over 50 frames of exhibits (1 frame is 16 pages).

No attendance fee and there are free draws for door prizes!

They will have a 2 frame exhibit with information featuring D.W. Karn, and including the D.W. Karn Piano & Organ Company History!

There will be a Canada Post cancel that will be used to create show covers on the day of the event!
Show card is also attached.

For more information visit their website: Oxford Philatelic Society


If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca

Join the OxHS at the Rec & Leisure Fair!

Hello Everyone,

Please visit our booth at this year’s Rec & Leisure Fair and enter our free draw!

When: Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 1-4pm
Where: Oxford Auditorium

At our booth you can purchase local history books and 2025 memberships! Memberships are $10.00 per person for the year! Please note that this is a cash only event.

Can’t attend the event but want to join the Society? No problem, you can complete the Membership form and send us payment via e-transfer or PayPal.


If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca

OxHS Upcoming Presentation – Wednesday, March 26, 2025!

Dear Members,

Please welcome Helen Dowd, Secretary of the Zorra Caledonian Society and the Embro Highland Games for her presentation on:

A History of the Zorra Caledonian Society – Host of Ontario’s Oldest Highland Games!

Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Time:  6:30 p.m.
Location: Woodstock Museum National Historic Site 


If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca

OxHS 2025 AGM Update!

Wednesday, January 29, 2025: AGM & Presentation

Please join us for the Society’s AGM, which will be held at the Woodstock Museum, NHS, doors open at 6:30pm, meeting will start at 6:45pm.

At this meeting the 2025 Executive will be voted in, all paying members will have a chance to vote. 

The nominees for each positions are:

ChairScott Gillies
Vice Chair – Eleanor Gardhouse
Treasurer – Brian Garner
Secretary – Brenda Boswell
Membership – Catherine Spears
Director – Don Wilson

Membership fees are due at the AGM. 
Annual memberships run from January to December. 
Memberships are $10.00
Membership can be paid by cash or cheque to the Oxford Historical Society, or by eTransfer or PayPal to purchases@oxhs.ca
To become a member complete this form: 2025 Membership Form 
Email the completed form to info@oxhs.ca
Or, mail the completed form to:
Oxford Historical Society
PO Box 20091
Woodstock ON N4S 8X8

Elaine Becker presenting To Be Continued: The Story of the Salvation Army in Woodstock
From Elaine: “In January 1884 the Salvation Army came to Woodstock Ontario led by a group of Salvationists from Ingersoll Ontario. The organization had only begun in London England in 1865 under the Leadership of William and Catherine Booth. Who are these people and how did this organization spread so quickly as an international movement?

Learn the origins and the motivation of this organization that still keep it moving forward today. In how many countries does it operate?  Perhaps the more important question for the local residents will be the progress of the Army here in Woodstock. You will be introduced to some of the colourful characters. Bring any questions you may have about this group of people and Elaine will endeavour  to answer them.”

Copies of To Be Continued: The Story of the Salvation Army in Woodstock will be available for sale for $15.00 each, taxes included.


If you would like your event or article published (relating to Oxford County ON or South-Western ON), on the Society’s blog please email us at info@oxhs.ca