Change is inevitable, especially in a small village like Oxford that’s existed for 135 years.
That’s why on Saturday, Aug. 6, the Northeast Oakland Historical Museum will unveil a new display called ‘Then and Now,? featuring photos of the town spanning three centuries ? the late 1800s, early 1900s and today.
‘We are trying to convey how Oxford has physically changed through the years,? said museum volunteer Carla Lambertson, who created the display with her husband, Darryl Lambertson. ‘There are pictures of parking lots that once had beautiful homes on them. Some buildings have been moved to other locations within the village and new buildings built in their place.?
The display will feature at least 120 old and new photos. The old photos are a mix of pictures on file at the museum and snapshots from the Lambertsons? personal collection.
‘There are so many pictures just packed away,? Carla said. ‘We figured they should be out for people to enjoy.?
Both Carla and Darryl are lifelong Oxford residents. They met in kindergarten and graduated from OHS in 1963.
‘This really has been a fun experience putting together ‘Then and Now? and seeing how this area has changed,? Carla said.
Carla noted her favorite picture is an old black-and-white shot of The Oakland Hotel, which includes three modes of transportation ? a trolley car, an early automobile and a horse-and-buggy.
‘That’s pretty neat,? Carla said.
The Oakland Hotel is a prime example of change in Oxford. It used to be located in downtown’s northwest quadrant. Today, it’s a vacant lot located between the Healthy Smile Center and Sisters Hair Care.
All of the photos depicting Oxford today were snapped by the Lambertsons.
‘I’ve taken around 60 photos,? Carla said. ‘The hardest part of taking pictures along Washington Street (M-24) has been the traffic. There’s hardly a break to get a nice shot. That’s progress, I guess.?
The museum is located downtown at the northwest corner of Burdick St. and M-24. It’s open Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m., but only through the end of August.