Oxford County history buffs will have an opportunity to delve into the region’s past this Saturday when Ingersoll’s library branch hosts a series of special collections, exhibits and presentations.
Dubbed Oxford Local History Day, the highlight of the April 22 event will be a series of live presentations from archive and museum officials and heritage groups from across the county that will highlight a diverse range of topics.
Scott Gillies, the curator of the Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum, will be the day’s first speaker. His topic, Lost Ingersoll Architecture, will explore the past buildings that once graced the Oxford County town that “are now lost to the mists if time.”
Cody Groat, an associate history professor at Western University, is speaking on Oxford Indigenous Settlements: A Community 10,000 Years in the Making. Groat’s presentation will provide a brief overview of the history of Indigenous settlements in what became Oxford County, as well as the cultural changes over time.
Two early afternoon presentations will tackle some of the sporting history of Zorra Township.
Presented by Janice Ferguson of the Zorra Heritage Committee, Zorra 1893 Tug-of-War World Champions will focus on the legacy of the five Zorra farmers who claimed the 1893 world championship at the Chicago World Fair.
Hosted by Doug Ferguson of the Zorra committee presentation, Bob Hayward: Hydroplane Racing Hero celebrates the achievements of Zorra native Bob Hayward, who became a Canadian hero and international celebrity after winning championships and setting world records while driving the hydroplane, Miss Supertest III.
Both of the Zorra Heritage Committee presentations will be complemented by a series of display items at the library branch.
For the day’s final presentation, Oxford Militia in the War of 1812, local historian Bob Rennie will explore how the past citizens of Oxford County made several significant decisions during this pivotal conflict that had a lasting impact on their lives and the region.
Oxford Local History Day is scheduled from 11 am to 3 pm at the Ingersoll branch of the Oxford County Library at 130 Oxford St.