The Oxford Historical Society held a Grand Opening of the Twitchell-Rowland Homestead on May 5 and 6.
Click here to see a photo gallery of the weekend’s events compiled by historical society officials.
The museum is dedicated to Oxford’s local history, with an emphasis on the history of agriculture in the area and on water power technology. Oxford’s early prosperity was a result of our farming and our swift-moving streams where mills could be built to process wool, to saw wood, to grind locally-grown grains, and to utilize the large apple crop for the production of cider and cider brandy.
Featured at the opening were demonstrations on sheep-shearing, spinning, and felting.
Saturday’s festivities featured an appearance by David Loda, portraying Colonel David Humphreys, aide de camp to General Washington during the Revolution.
While serving as ambassador in Europe he arranged to import Merino sheep. This breed is known for its excellent fiber and good size. With the introduction of the improved breeding from these sheep, local farmers were able to produce more wool and meat. Humphreys established America’s first woolen mill in Humphreysville, the area that later became Seymour.
Inside the Homestead exhibits of local history artifacts were on display.
The Society is thankful for the support the Town of Oxford and its residents have given to saving the Homestead and preparing the museum. Click here to visit its website.
