From The Oxford Leader Archives

10 years ago
May 19, 1993
The top candidate for Oxford Village manager, David Hersh of Southfield, has withdrawn his name from consideration.
Oxford Post Office will extend office hours June 1 to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday, 9-1 Saturdays.
The Rev. Dr. John Leo Phalen says St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion is headed for expansion. The west wing will be expanded for more seating and a social hall. The front facade will stay.
Michigan’s Proposal A, a proposal to shift education money from property tax to higher sales tax and all lottery money going into education, is getting lots of attention.
The Oxford water system will be expanded through wells in Red Barn Subdivision.
25 years ago
May 18,1978
James J. Conlen, Oxford Schools administrator, has announced his candidacy to the 61st district Michigan House seat. Mel Larsen is not seeking re-election to that post.
The town of Leonard just happened to drop into Bob McCallum’s service station last Thursday to help Bob celebrate his 40th anniversary on the downtown corner.
About 800 people came through the rain and mud to Limberlost on Army Road, Lakeville, for a Country & Bluegrass music fest.
Demolition crews started tearing down houses off East Burdick, making way for a parking lot.
50 years ago
May 22, 1953
The Oxford High track team brought the Regional Championship trophy home from the tourney in Algonac. Bob Hamilton took the most points for the Wildcats, winning the high and low hurdles, was second in the broad jump and ran on the winning 880 relay team with Jack Schroeder, Glenn Weeder and Roger Fortin. Marshall Pridmore, Douglas Ehle, Robert Spencer and Dick Oliver were also point earners.
Mr and Mrs Gus Kalohn have opened Gus’s Steak House in Lake Orion. Prior to coming to Lake Orion they operated a diner in Pontiac for 25 years.
Merwin Kintz has been elected president of Oxford Lions for the coming year.
Oxford’s Council approved the purchase of a new police car for $2,102.00.
Louis D. Corbat, veteran Oxford High School teacher, was re-elected president of the Oakland County District of the Michigan Education Association.

10 years ago
May 12, 1993
Mike Davis was appointed principal of Oxford High School Tuesday night. He’s been assistant principal since 1988.
A new map of road construction in Michigan shows resurfacing of M-24 though Oxford to begin in August. It’s 7.3 miles long.
Elizabeth Freeman has been elected president ofthe Oxford High Student Council for the 1993-94 school year. Katie Courtright is the new vice president, Jennifer Parkhill secretary and Meredith Gailey treasurer.
Larry Payne is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading the arrest of those responsible for targeting his $30,000 GMC truck. They stole both leather seats, the radio, rearview mirror and glove box door.
25 years ago
May 11, 1978
Vandals caused some $70,000 damage to equipment to Koenig Fuel & Supply on Lakeville Road, May 1.
Tom Schiable has resigned from the Oxford Village Council. He plans to move out of the village.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing rules to eliminate junk food (candy and snacks) from school menus.
Oxford Marine PFC Frederick Hauxwell, Jr. died May 5 in a military accident in California.
Oxofrd High student Jim Norman has been selected to perform with the 100-member Michigan School Band and Orchestra at the 1978 Youth Arts Festival.
Steve Leppek is valedictorian of the Oxford High class of 1978. Kurt Wood earned salutatorian honors.
The Oxford equestrians are Class ‘B? Reserve Champions. Riders are Vicky Axler, Jeff Suddeth, Lora Lawrence, Leane Hicks, Donna Starr, Steve Suddeth and Mickey North.
50 years ago
May 15, 1953
Carol Sue Empson is Oxford’s American Legion Auxiliary selection for this year’s Girls State delegate. She was also toastmaster at the annual Junior-Senior banquet Saturday night. James Van Wagnor gave the welcome address, Pat Maguire gave the response, Ileen Patton and Rosalie Proux presented the class will and Lois Watkins gave the prophecy.
Oxford Theatre will have the 3 Dimension movie ‘Bwana Devil? next week. The movie prior to that features Ronald Reagan and Rhonda Fleming in ‘Tro-pic Zone.?
Jack Salswedel, manager of American Aggregates Corporation in Oxford, donated mountains of dirt for the road buiding at Camp Agawam Boy Scout Camp in Lake Orion.

10 years ago
February 3, 1993
Oxford High’s Winterfest festivities are this week. Making up the Winterfest court are: Jennifer Meagher, Michelle Bailey, Tammy Lubera, Krista Stransky, Tricia Schafnitz, Janet Mihalyfi, Lisa Coram, Dan Bivens, Jason Kennedy, Tim Hutton, Jeff Frost, Scott Wood, Mark Goodfellow, Jeremy Huston, Aaron Lewis and Brook Newman.
High winds knocked power out to 2,000 Oxford area residents early Friday morning.
Ground could be broken soon on a new senior citizen apartment building on West Drahner Road.
Oxford’s newest golf course, Devil’s Ridge, on Metamora Road, is expected to be ready for play this fall.
Arbor Drugs opened a store in Oxford Mills Mall this week.
Jeff Nagrant is the winner of the Middle School spelling bee.
25 years ago
February 9, 1978
Michigan Consolidated Gas is asking Addison approval to increase production at their Rochester Road plant. Residents oppose it because of smell.
Oxford Village voters will decide police payments by Oxford Township when they go to the polls next month.
Addison Supervisor Bob Ousnamer has been elected vice president of Oakland County Association of Townships.
Tony Ratkowiak, Oxford High wrestler, has been named to the second team Oakland “A” team.
50 years ago
February 6, 1953
Seven hundred and five students from Oxford schools have been given a hearing test. The students are in grades three through twelve, and the test was conducted by the State Health Department.
A king and queen will be coronated at the High School’s Valentine’s Day dance. Candidates are Jim Wiles and Rosalie Proulx, 12th grade; Bob Hamilton and Eileen Franklin, 11th grade; Duane Wildey and Marian McTavish, 10th grade and LeRoy Frailing and Roberta Stamman, 9th grade.
Area cattle farmer Clare Fuller has been elected president of the Michigan Beef Cattle Breeders Association for the third time and president of the Red Poll Cattle Association.
Many people in Thomas have signed a petition opposing compulsory vaccination of dogs. The petitions are at the Thomas Store.

10 years ago
February 17, 1993
Oxford Township supervisor Cliff Popkey is seeking volunteers to work on one of his proposed seven committees: promotional, development, roads, humanitarian, grants, vision and community complex.
At the Republican state convention February 12-13, Lynn Keinath of Oxford was elected chairman of the 9th Congressional District.
Andy Vascassenno, Dave Gemmel and George Navarre were mentioned as die-hard Oxford sports fans.
With a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency Oxford Village has undertaken a plan to protect the source of drinking water.
Former Detroit Lion Mike Weger has opened a golf dome, Willow Creek, in Orion.
25 years ago
February 16, 1978
Developer John Hughes has proposed at 120-home development on 175 acres on East Drahner Road around Mud Lake.
Oxford Village declined to send its solid waste to Pontiac for their incinerator-steam proposal.
Over $100 was stolen following a break-in at the Back Seat Saloon on Moon Road Tuesday.
Diners at Oxford and Orion restaurants may soon have to ask for water with their meals. Water conservation is the goal.
Paul and Paula Hickmott are finalists for the title of Michigan Milk Producers Association Outstanding Young Dairy Couple of 1978.
Since September Bob Norton’s home on Hummer Lake Road has been robbed three times.
A Flying Saucer was just reported seen over M-24 south of Oxford last July. The reporter withheld their name, but gave a detailed description this week.
50 years ago
February 20, 1953
Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Oxford and Lake Orion announced plans to build a new church edifice on S. Washington Street, Oxford. Construction is scheduled to start in the spring. Estimated cost is $100,000.
At the Oxford Village caucus Ted Pearson, Jr. was named to replace Clifford Vennard as president. Vennard has resigned.
Nancy Sweeney and Duane Wildey are co-chairing the sophomore class’s Mardi Gras dance.
Some of the cast in the junior class play, “You Can’t Take It With You,” are: Joy King, Larry Spencer, Eileen Franklin, Bill Jarrett, Tony Kirby, Barbara Tubbs, Bob Kirby, Dick Harrison, Doug Ehle, Roger Frentheway, Mary Fleming, Dick Geisler, Onida Craddock, Pat Maguire, Dale Bailey Roger Fortina and Jim Sutton.
Graham Bodwell,owner of Bodwell’s Sales and Service, is sponsoring a movie on Yugoslavia at Oxford Veterans Building.

10 years ago
February 24, 1993
Kimberly Farrell, 20, of Lakeville, drove a borrowed snowmobile through the ice on Lakeville Lake Monday evening. Neighbors helped her out.
Auditors say Oxford Township overpaid Oxford Emergency Safety Authority $14,180. OESA says, “Show me!”
Oxford students got a snow day off Monday.
The staff at Mickey Lolich’s doughnut shop on M-24 is producing 16,000 paczkis for Fat Tuesday.
During the depression some 3,500 murals were painted and displayed in public places, thanks to the Department of Public Works. Two murals of Oxford were done by the late Barbara Wilson Benetti. They were originally hung in the Washington Street School. They are being displayed this week at the Northeast Oakland Museum.
25 years ago
February 23, 1978
Susan Tobin is Oakland County Sheriff’s Department’s first female deputy. She works out of the Orion sub station.
Oxford Ski Club, with 40 members, participated in the fourth annual Oxford Ski Club Olympics February 18 at Mt. Grampian Ski Lodge on Lakeville Road.
An Addison Township library was recently opened in the Hiram Terry building, 3 E. Elmwood, Leonard.
Oxford High School’s Wildcat football player Mark Rosczewski has signed a letter of intent to attend Western Michigan University.
50 years ago
February 27, 1953
Gerald VanVleet has been elected president of Oxford Rotary. Mark VanWagoner is vice president, Ralph Curtis secretary and George Titus treasurer.
The Oxford High School’s 60-member band won its thirteenth consecutive First rating at the District Four band festival at Michigan State Normal Colege in Ypsilanti.
June Rossman, Sue Strong, Loretta Earp, Marion McTavish and Duane Wildey are busy preparing for the sophomore class’ Marti Gras festival Saturday night.
News from Leonard: “Everybody and his brother has the flu.”

10 years ago
March 3, 1993
Oxford Village Manager Teri Arbenowske has resigned. She’ll become assistant manager in Oak Park. She’s been here two years.
Four people are vying for three seats on the Leonard Village Council: Incumbent Eugene Mallia, Paul Almeranti, Yvonne Beal and Betty Walls.
Janice Sims-Morell, Patricia Hallock and Leah Harroun have been promoted to officer positions at Oxford Bank.
Seven Oxford High students won their division in Odyssey of the Mind, and now go to the state meet. They are Meredith Parkhill, Erica Westley, Katie Czarnowski, Jennifer Dopirak, Meagan Riddle, Kerri Linto and Tricia Weber.
25 years ago
March 2, 1978
School Board trustee Cal Currier said, at a recent board meeting, “Superintendent Roger Oberg and I are at opposite poles.” With that he recommended the board discontinue his services. The board declined to consider it.
Lee Knauf and Dave Harrison scored 28 and 25 points, respectively, in Oxford Christian Academy’s defeat of Sparling-Christian of Port Huron, 81-41.
Rola Chammas, 7, of S. Washington Street, was struck by a car when she ran into the street. She was treated and released at Crittenton Hospital.
Eighteen DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) students took honors at the Region VI Leadership Development Conference at Oakland University. Steve Scott, Kelly Gooch, Cindy Weeden and Sue Sera all had firsts.
50 years ago
March 6, 1953
Tom Persing, manager of Nowels Lumber & Coal on E. Burdick, says as of March 1 anyone can construct any type of building and can use any material without securing permission from the Federal government. He also says some controls still remain over critical materials.
Mrs. Ralph Curtis and Mrs. Stanley Bercher are a 2-person committee working to establish a day nursery in central Oxford.
Mrs. Paul Johnson has been elected president of the Lakeville Parent Teacher Association.

10 years ago
March 10, 1993
Jan Drogosch upset incumbent Jim Salloum in Monday’s election for the lone Oxford Council seat.
Eugene Mallia, Paul Almeranti and Betty Walls won the three open seats on the Leonard Council.
Oxford Christian Academy beat Clagery Baptist of Holland, thus winning the state basketball championship Saturday. Joe Bullen is coach of the Warriors. The title is for the Michigan Association of Christian Schools Division III.
State Farm Insurance is building a claims center on M-24 just north of the Oxford. Ground should be broken next week.
For his courage in fighting cancer Jason Mueller, 9, a Clear Lake third grader, was given the Young Hero award by the U. S. Air Force 127th fighter wing of Selfridge.
25 years ago
March 9, 1978
About 100 Addison Township property owners gathered at Lakeville School last week to contest this year’s property tax assessments by county assessors.
There is a movement afoot to recall Oxford School Board members Roger Kukkola and Calvin Currier.
Oxford High’s basketball team reached the district finals, but fell by one point to Imlay City, 89-88.
The Log Cabin tavern in Lakeville was built in 1937. It changed hands Monday when Ralph and Shirley Sterns sold it to Ivadell Rose Edwards of Sterling Heights.
50 years ago
March 13, 1953
Ted Pearson, Jr. was been unanimously elected Oxford Village president Monday. L. B. Nichols has been elected clerk, Eleanor Bossardet treasurer, and Earl Alleman, Ellsworth Sage and Richard Prince trustees for two years.
Honor students at Oxford High School were named this week. Valedictorian of the class of 1953 is Ann Strong. Salutatory honors go to Onida Craddock.
Spelling champions in Oxford schools grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 are: Diane Yost, 5th, Carold Miholek, 6th, Kay Tindal, 7th and Ronald Hall, 8th.

10 years ago
March 17, 1993
It may have been 40 years since the Oxford Wildcats basketball team won a district title, but they did it this week, defeating Avondale Friday.
In 1991 the Addison Township Board approved rezoning 300 acres on the southeast corner of Lake George and Lakeville Roads for a Planned Unit Development – a golf course and 2-acre lots. The decision was overturned in a referendum. Now the owner, Curtis Wright, is suing the township.
Camp Oakland is starting a boot camp – a military style training program – for non-violent boys.
Glenn Bianchini is the newest member of the Oxford Bank board of directors.
25 years ago
March 16, 1978
The Junior High Library couldn’t hold all the over 200 people who showed up to hear and talk about the Board of Education vs. Administration disagreements.
Ben Swanson was elected to a 2-year term on Oxford Village Council Tuesday. Bill Offer and Vince Butera won 1-year seats. Voters approved a new village charter, but a new police contract was turned down.
Bob McCallum won the Leonard Village presidency with 44 write-in votes. Connie Sutherby was re-elected clerk and Eleanor Hamilton treasurer. Robert Zerwick, Roland Rolando and Wes Douglas are trustees.
Addison Township has retained the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department for police protection.

50 years ago
March 20, 1953
A report that has been circulated that a 300 acre tract of land on East Drahner Road has been purchased from F. G. Lafer by Oakland County for a new juvenile home has been denied by Judge Arthur Moore.
Mrs. Harold Houck has been named to head Oxford Music Club next year.
Young people from the Oxford Methodist Church obtained Oxford Veterans Building for a “Youth Center” for Tuesday nights. It is not a church function. Mr. and Mrs. Truman Horton chaperoned the first night.
Clare Charron, Carol Empson, Bill Jarrett, Ed Rossman, Eileen Franklin, Larry Spencer, Jay King and Dick Kimmel are some of the cast in the Oxford High junior play, “You Can’t Take It With You,” tonight.
Oxford Oliver Co., a farm equipment business on Lakeville Road, is advertising their going out of buisness sale.

10 years ago
March 24, 1993
Oxford Village has hired a search firm to find a new village manager.
James A. “Jim” Sherman was named publisher of Sherman Publications, Inc. The son of James and Hazel Sherman, owners of SPI, he has owned the “Davison (MI) Index” since 1978.
Governor Engler named Dr. Theodore B. Walton, Oxford optometrist, to the Michigan Board of Opthalmology.
Two Oxford 5th graders placed first in their weight class in a state wrestling tourney. Andy Boone and Joe Green, both Clear Lake Students, are with the Wrangler Wrestlers.
Two winning acts in the Oxford High Talent Show went on to win the Flint Metro League Talent Show. Lois Sands and Heather Smith won with a jazz dance, Gregg Dionne won with a snare drum performance.
25 years ago
Maarch 23, 1978
A new “gifted” student program has been approved by the Board of Education for grades K-12.
An early morning fire destroyed the Carl Schultz home at 132 Elmwood, Leonard, Sunday.
Oxford Councilman Joe Bullen has been named village president by fellow councilmen.
The Wildcat Boosters recognized OHS basketball players this week. Kevin Lewis was named most valuable, Chet Hodges most improved and Bernie Cipa earned the Coach’s Award.
Mickey North and Lucy Smalley finished first and second, respectively, in the girls division of the Oxford-Orion Optimist Club’s Oratorical contest. Mark Myers and Eric Narter finished one-two in the boys division.
Oxford Jaycees recognized four for community service this week. James Conlen is the outstanding young educator, Nancy Miller outstanding young public servant and Harry Curtis outstanding young businessman. Supt. Roger Oberg earned the Jaycees’ Distinguished Service recognition.
50 years ago
March 27, 1953
Denise Jo Erwin, Gilbert Fujioka and Carol Roberts were some of the Daniel Axford second graders who decorated an Easter Egg Tree with eggs they had painted.
Republican Lee Clack will oppose Democrat Fred Gingell for Oxford Township supervisor in the April 6 election.
At the annual union services of Oxford Ministerial Group Passion Week on Good Friday the Rev. Alfred Eddy of the Free Methodist Church, the Rev. Earl W. Parrott of the Congregational Church and the Rev. Lawrence Graves of the Oxford Methodist Church will speak. The Oxford Methodist Church is the host.
The Oxford Fire department had a busy day Saturday. They answered four grass fire calls and one garage fire at Cleon Middleton’s home on Park Street.
Mrs. Adam Lupp is the new Girl Scout leader in Lakeville and Burgess Hartness is the community’s new Boy Scout leader.

10 years ago
March 31, 1993
Paint ball came to Oxford this week when Doug Winthrow opened his sport store on N. Washington St.
The Metamora Club lost its dining room facility to fire in 1990. It’s been re-located in a farm house at Oakwood and Delano Roads.
Athletic awards were passed out Monday night. Carl Reeves was named most valuable offensive basketball player and Chad Hawley was most valuable defensive basketball player. Tricia Schafnitz is most valuable in girls basketball. Two wrestlers were named most valuable, Jeff Craft and Scott DeLong.
25 years ago
March 30, 1978
This Spring construction will begin on a new parking lot in downtown Oxford, bordered by Stanton, Mill, E. Burdick and Washington Streets. The Village rezoned it this week and accepted demolition bids.
The days seem numbered for Oxford Methodist Church on E. Burdick Street. It dates to 1863. Some members want it saved for historical reasons, but others say it has outlived its usefulness.
Dane Stites has resigned as manager of Oxford Township Park at Stony Lake.
Canine Heartworm Disease is spread to dogs through mosquito bites. It’s potentially fatal. Area veterinarians warn it’s spreading in southeast Michigan.
At the Oxford High Sports Awards recently Steve Ratkowiak was named most valuable wrestler. Chris Curtis is most improved. Ratkowiak and Mark Cole will captain the 1978-79 squad.
50 years ago
April 3, 1953
James Nicholson has been added to Oxford Village’s police and streets department. Ellsworth Sage has been appointed to chair the Village’s labor relations committee.
The Bella Villa Drive-In, at the corner of M-24 and Clarkston Road, Lake Orion, will open April 3 and be open from 5:00 p.m. to 2 a.m.
A Romeo man was arrested in Grand Rapids and charged with burglarizing the Oxford Methodist Church and two Romeo churches. He admitted the enterings.
Grace Jarrett is Leonard School’s spelling champion. The 8th grader will now compete in the district spell-off in Lake Orion.

10 years ago
April 14, 1993
In 1990 Oxford Village Deputy Clerk Rose Bejima accused Deputy Clerk Kathy Burkhart of trying to choke her while both worked for the Village. Burkhart sued Bejima. The suit was resolved this week, but terms are confidential.
Incumbent School Board members Sandy Sandor and Bill Parkhill will be challenged in the June 14 election by John Weber and Kathleen Zeeman.
Shawn McGuire and Steve Templin, both of Lake Orion, have opened Guido’s pizza in Oxford Mills Mall.
Addison Lions Club treasurer Morrel Clute turned over a $1,000 check to Leader Dogs for the Blind. The Club makes at gift the Leader Dogs every year.
25 years ago
April 13, 1978
Girls? sports programs in Oxford High School violate the federal government’s Title IX, equal rights amendment, and athletic director Leaton Noftz recommended the Board approve compliance.
Five people will be on the School Board ballot in June. They are Hope Ardel Brown, Zavier Lanthier, Teresa McCarbery, Fred Meyer and James Tichenor.
Oxford Township’s 1978-79 budget is $349,527, $41,000 higher than a year ago.
Rochelle LaDouceur and her mare Oklahoma Lady Gambler won the World Championship of Halter Mares for 1977. This week State Representative Mel Larsen gave Michelle an award.
50 years ago
April 17, 1953
F. M. Comeau of Ray Industries announced the purchase of the former Morgan Ranch House (restaurant) on M-24 south of Oxford. Ray Industries is moving their headquarters from the Book Building in Detroit to the new location.
The Playmates School, 28 Dennison, got underway last Monday with Mrs. Charles Brucker as supervisor.
Virginia Kamm, Florence Brower, Mary Millspaugh and Jack Salswedel were elected to the Oxford Township Library Board April 6.
The Leonard Band Boosters is sponsoring an amateur talent show April 24.
The building at 40 S. Washington, which houses Oxford Radio and Television Shop on the first floor and the offices of Dr. Mark VanWagoner on the second, is all dressed up with a new front.
Mrs Ruth Bayliss has leased her Oxford Peat Plant at 1400 East Drahner Road to Robert Bell and G. M. Morrison of Lake Orion.

10 years ago
April 21, 1993
For Earth Day Clear Lake Elementary students are sending vegetable and fruit seeds to Africa through the Red Cross.
The all-girl Odyssey of the Mind team from Oxford High finished second in its division in state-wide competition Saturday at Central Michigan University. Team members are Jenifer Dopirak, Erica Westley, Meghan Riddle, Tricia Weber, Kerri Linto, Katie Czarnowski and Meredith Parkhill.
Oxford Township has ordered a new Master Plan. The Board approved an initial $69,800 for a contract with planners Birchler/Arroyo.
Nicole (Nikki) Ledger, Oxford High’s 1992 Homecoming Queen, has been selected a finalist for the 13th annual Michigan Homecoming April 17-18.
25 years ago
April 20, 1978
The consultant hired to study Oxford School needs says a new high school is best. Dr. Raymond Kehoe gave the Board his recommendations this week.
Thirty more new home permits were issued in Addison Township in 1977 than in 1976 – then 24, now 54.
Oxford High School senior Dave Wait will compete in the national DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) in Washington D.C. His project is a retailing study of Oxford Lumber Co.
A fluoride treatment program for elementary students will start in Oxford May 1. Oxford Child Study Club II is the sponsor.
50 years ago
April 24, 1953
Herm Whitstock is having a grand opening of his recently remodeled Gambles Store in Oxford this weekend.
Oxford’s Common Council approved tavern licenses for William King and Albert Carpenter’s ‘Oakland Tavern,? Leo Reddy’s ‘Reddy’s Bar? and Margarette Lessard’s ‘Oxford Tavern.?
Chief of Police Albert Roberts told Oxford Rotarians the problems facing local police in controlling the behavior of citizens of all ages in Oxford.
Wilmot Sales and Service in Oxford has new Farmall Club Tractors with touch control for $994.

10 years ago
April 28, 1993
Oxford Fire Chief Fred Gill told Oxford Chamber of Commerce members the village has insufficient water pressure downtown to fight a serious fire or support sprinklers in buildings.
MASCO, headquartered in Taylor is moving its financing and purchasing departments from Flint to its Glaspie Street facility here. MASCO is the sixth largest publicly held company in the Detroit area.
Addison Township’s Fire Chief Bob Schulz received a vote of confidence from the board of trustees this week.
Oxford Village may drop its millage rate from 9.2 to 7.6 mill in the coming budget year.
Sandman, a gravel mining/developer on West Drahner Road at Newman, has indicated they are withdrawing their offer to be part of a municipal water system.
25 years ago
April 27, 1978
Oxford Village and Oxford Township officials had their first joint meeting in over 4 years Monday. A new fire contract between the two was the topic. The Village proposes a 50 percent increase to the Township. The Township may have no alternative.
Oxford High School is sending its first graduate ever to the U.S. Military Academy. Kurt Woods has been accepted at West Point.
The Oxford High School band has new uniforms, thanks to the Boosters Club money that was matched by the School Board.
Jim Willobee and Rick Patterson will share the Harold Hill roll in the school production of ‘Music Man.? Lisa Clyburn and Ronnie Jaris will play Marian Paroo.
Mark Rosczewski set a new Oxford High school record in the discus with a toss of 141?9?.
Oxford’s Thrifty Reader book store opened recently at 9 W. Burdick.
Kaye Schumacher has changed her Dancing Fern store from a plant shop to a gift store.
50 years ago
May 1, 1953
Lois Stoddard, 10-year-old daughter of the Clark Stoddards, received the award for the evening’s best performance in the AMASTAR open county preliminary contest sponsored by the Leonard Band Boosters. She sang ‘If I Could Tell You.?
Myrtle Congdon has been reappointed manager of the local Department of State Office. The office is in The Oxford Leader office.
For the Oxford High prom June 5 Betty Kimmel will chair the decorating, Pat Maguire is music chairman and Loretta Earp is in charge of advertising. Mervil Smith, Judy Johnson, Audrey Krumenacher and Carl Empson also have responsibilities.
Remodeling has been completed at the R.W. Unger & Sons Greenhouses on M-24 in Oxford and they will have a Grand Opening May 3.

10 years ago
May 5, 1993
A new high-tech computer system, that includes an electronic encyclopedia, has been installed at Oxford Middle School.
Two men assaulted and robbed a cabbie who had dropped them off near an abandoned house in Leonard.
Dave Keinath is the new chairman of the Oxford Township Planning Commission.
The County Road Commission and Oxford Township will pay for widening the southeast corner of M-24 and East Drahner Road this summer.
25 years ago
May 4, 1978
Oxford School district voters will decide in September if a new high school should be built in the east campus. The vote to put it on the ballot was 4-3.
Oxford High School senior Debbie Kargetta has been named to the All-Oakland volleyball team.
Larry VanRyn, Jr. has resigned from the Addison Township Board.
State Representative Mel Larsen says he will not seek a fourth term.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church will dedicate its new multi-purpose education addition Sunday.
Colleen Lennon, a Clear Lake Elementary sixth grader, has been invited to compete in a state spelling competition May 13.
Larry Payne and Jim Tuttle plan to build a restaurant north of Oxford with a ‘Gunsmoke? theme, called ‘The Longbranch.? Miss Kitty, James Arness and Amanda Blake will be featured in the western setting.
50 years ago
May 8, 1953
For years the Oxford Rotary Club meet for their weekly luncheon at Old Garden Restaurant. Six years ago they switched to the Congregational Church where Mrs Nash and Mrs Carlson provided the food. This week Rotary started meeting in the Veterans? Building and the same two ladies will do the cooking.
Frank Mosser of Oxford has been named president of a new corporation in Toledo, R.E.T.S. He previously worked for Philco, RCA and Zenith.
One of Ann Strong’s horses has been selected by Detroit for police training. Last year attorney Donald Tripp provided a horse to the Detroit police.
Lakeville School’s baseball team defeated Thomas School, 11-4 Friday.

10 years ago
May 26, 1993
About 200 people wished Dr. Mark Orchard a happy life at his retirement dinner last week. He’s leaving the Superintendent’s post in Oxford and will teach at Spring Arbor College.
As soon as Roger Knapp gets his resort license from the state of Michigan work will begin on opening his new restaurant in Oxford.
Rush-hour backlogs of traffic on M-24 at Drahner Road could become a thing of the past with the adjustment of traffic light timing.
Police caught the man who allegedly assaulted and robbed a cabbie in Leonard last week. He’s headed for arraignment.
Oxford police officer Tony Martin was hit by a car while directing traffic Sunday night.
Jamie Penrod broke her own shot-put record with a toss of 38-2. She also set a discus record with a 114-9 throw.
25 years ago
May 25, 1978
Construction is expected to start in August for the Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital Clinic on N. Lapeer Road. The $2 million facility will have 16 treatment rooms plus many diagnostic facilities.
Rod Woodworth and his father, Ned, of Noble Road, are practicing their motorcycle jumping in preparation for summer exhibitions.
The Wildcats baseball team is champion of the Oakland “A” South Division, and they’ve been invited to play in the George Gary Invitational Memorial Day weekend in Pontiac. Bernie Cipa’s pitching record is 5-0, and Dave Eustice is 5-1.
Timothy D. Stayton and Richard E. Laidler, both of Oxford, were selected as Outstanding Young Men of America by the national Jaycees.
Tom Middleton, Hurd Road, has been named “Farmer of the Week” by Michigan Farm Radio.
50 years ago
May 29,1953
Northeast Oakland residents breathed a sigh of relief when a cyclone just missed the area before hitting St. Clair county. However, many crops and flowers were damaged.
Oxford Village Attorney Robert V Parenti told a gathering of area voters how the village manager form of government works.
The senior class of 1953 returned Monday night from the senior trip cruise to Mackinac Island. There were 52 on the 2-day trip.
Marion McTavish is the new president of Oxford Youth Center.

10 years ago
June 2, 1993
A list of 75 candidates for Oxford Superintendent of Schools was whittled down to seven Tuesday. The Board will interview them Saturday.
A new Metamora Road factory has been cited by the Department of Natural Resources for air pollution. Neighbors complained of “choking” smells.
Donald Hillebrand, of Oxford, is the winner of the 1993 Outstanding Young Engineer award given by the Engineering Society of Detroit. He works for Chrysler.
Police found a 60s Oldsmobile and an older Olds in Mud Lake. Police think they’ve been there a long time.
The Rev. Daniel Osterhout gave the Memorial Day address in Oxford in the rain.
Keith Dudek, 26, using the name SKY, organized his first pop music concert May 7 in Nebraska.
25 years ago
June 1, 1978
The Rev. Hubert May was guest speaker at the Memorial Day celebration in the Oxford Village Park.
Three teenage boys were arrested after a police chase following the robbery of Wright’s grocery in Lakeville.
The two cent increase in first class postage puts the stamp cost at fifteen cents.
The five candidates for two Oxford school board seats are making their pitch for the June 12 election. They are Hope Brown, Xavier Lanthier, Teresa McCarbery, James Tichenor and Ray Forman.
50 years ago
June 5, 1993
The theme for tonight’s Senior Prom is “Coronation.” Sue Gough, Harold Cooper and Clare Sharron have been busy this week painting Westminster Abbey and a Royal Crown.
Seventh and eighth graders from Lakeville will be bussed to Briggs Stadium next week to see the Detroit Tigers play baseball. Graduating from Lakeville’s 8th grade this year are Gwendolyn Miller, Margaret Westphal, Jean Cooper, Walter Smith and June Jones.
Fifty seven Oxford High School seniors will receive their diplomas next Thursday night. There are 26 boys and 23 girls. Thirteen are going to college.

10 years ago
June 9, 1993
Addison Township has agreed to let Curtis Wright develop his 330 acres at Lakeville and Lake George Roads for 100 homes and 27 holes of golf.
Oxford’s Board of Education agreed to give two percent wage increase to the three unions representing school employees.
Addison Meadows, a site condo development on Romeo Road near Dequindre, was approved by the Addison Board.
Two Oxford liquor stores were caught selling alcohol to minors in a police sting operation.
Oxford Rotary installed Brad Jacobsen as their 56th president.
Gary and Nancy Morgan have opened Gary’s Gun Shop in Oxford Mills Mall.
Mark Goodfellow, an Oxford High senior, won the Class B state title in the 1600 meter run. He was undefeated for the entire season.
Jamie Penrod finished second in the state meet in the shot put.
25 years ago
June 8, 1978
Lakeville Hall has been added as an historical site. It was built in 1851 by Charles Chapel for a general store and was on a stagecoach route through Addison Township.
Oxford High’s girls varsity softball team, coached by Ray Sutherland, finished second in their division of the Oakland A League.
American Legion Post 108 members chose Lee Tope as commander for the 1978-79 year.
The Rev. Jeff Regan, pastor of the Leonard and Lakeville Methodist churches, has been named to replace Larry VanRyn on the Addison Township Board. VanRyn resigned recently.
Taminy Fritz, of Oxford, 8th grader at St. Joseph Elementary, was awarded the Joe Ratkowiak sports award.
50 years ago
June 12, 1953
Parking meters are coming to downtown Oxford. The Common Council approved the purchase at Tuesday night’s meeting. Business men favor them.
Tom Culbert is chairman of the Red Cross Blood Bank set for the Oxford Veterans’ center June 22. Ed Bossardet is the Vets representative.
Students in grades one thru eight (18) at Arnold School on Lakeville Road are being taken on a field trip to Greenfield Village.
Dave Richards has been elected Commander of Walter Fraser American Legion Post 108 in Oxford.
Oxford Savings Bank changed its Friday hours to be open 9 to 12 and 1 to 7, and Saturdays 9 to 12.

10 years ago
June 16, 1993
The North Area Citizens Conference voted to begin a recall of Addison supervisor Bob Koski. They’re upset with his involvement in brokering a land development deal with Curtis Wright.
Bill Parkhill ahnd Sandy Sandor were re-elected to the Oxford Board of Education over John Weber and Kathleen Zeeman.
Ralph and Carol Curtis operate Banberry Cross, a riding academy for handicapped children in Metamora. The Oxford High Class of 1999 raised $2,000 for the Academy.
The Dominican Sisters have put 40 of their acres on West Drahner Road up for sale.
Oxford’s Common Council will vote Thursday night to hire Darwin Parks as village manager.
Area service clubs elected officers this week. Bob Stephenson is the new Oxford Lions Club president, Dave Wiegold is Addison Lions Club president, Joe Ferrari is president of the Optimists, Briget Burke heads the Jaycees and Connie Kruger is the new president of Oxford Womens Club.
Mark Goodfellow won the Midwest (4 states) title in the mile run in a time of 4:17.
Former Oxford High quarterback-turned coach, David Houck has been voted into the Coaches Hall of Fame. He has coached in Marysville 24 years.
25 years ago
June 15, 1978
Two candidates opposing the construction of a new high school won Monday’s school board election, Hope Brown and Terri McCarbery They defeated James Tichenor, Henry Lanthier and Fred Meyer.
Following an Oxford High School band concert obscenities and threats were found painted on four or five school rooms. Some threats were at teachers.
Nine area boys are going to the American Legion Wolverine Boys’ state: Blaine Beauchamp, Robert Gauthier, Larry Dick, Craig Everlove, Drew Cipa, Phillip Spears, Joe Vantiem, Kevin Lewis and Joe Neeson.
Oxford cyclist Dave Hollis won the 125 and 250cc class motocross events in Midland.
Steve Suddeth, Oxford, was crowned 1978 Oakland County Horse King June 4.
Jane Downing was appointed to fill a seat on the Oxford Village Council vacated by Thomas Schaible.
Mark Rosczewski, Oxford High grad, is the state champion shot putter.
50 years ago
Juen 19, 1953
Fifty-seven seniors were graduated from Oxford High School Thursday evening. The ceremony closed with Ann Strong and the Senior Ensemble singing the Lord’s Prayer.
Walter Zellman, recreation director, says the Oxford Community Playground will open Monday. Swimming at Stony Lake, crafts, games and story hours are some of the activities planned.
Back-in-angle parking is one of the parking plans being considered by Oxford village. You approach the parking space same as present, turn the wheel slightly and back in at a slight angle, leaving your trunk at the sidewalk.
Monday, June 22, is Oxford Area Blood Donor Day.
CBS and NBC are presenting 2-hour programs in marking Ford Motor Company’s 50th anniversary. Some of the entertainers are Ethel Merman, Wally Cox and Amos and Andy.

10 years ago
June 23, 1993
Marion Ginopolis is the new superintendent of Oxford Area Community Schools. The former assistant superintendent at Berkley Public Schools says, “I’m thrilled to death.”
Darwin Parks, who at one time worked for former Oxford village manager Brian Arrowsmith, will become Oxford’s new village manager Monday.
Jamie Kolasa, of Oxford, competes in Detroit tonight in the finals of the 1993 Miss World America Pageant.
The Kelly-Miller Circus is coming to Leonard Monday. It’s sponsored by the Addison Lions Club.
Pat Marsh spotted a funnel cloud over Clear Lake Saturday afternoon. No injuries were reported, but a horse died from a lightning strike.
150 youngsters from Rochester, Romeo and Oxford competed in a Tae Kwon Do tournament at the Middle School May 15. Oxford boys took four of six first places. They are Dave Bratton 17, Mike Bryant, 10, Tom Elsaroll, 9 and Ryan Skarritt, 8.
25 years ago
June 22, 1978
Oxford High has been accredited by the University of Michigan for 80 years. This year U of M put Oxford High on probation.
Oxford Methodist church administrators have tentatively accepted a bid to demolish the East Burdick Street church. Some parishioners are petitioning to have the church designated a historial site.
Oxford High School’s girls’ basketball coach Ian Smith has 40 girls in his 4-days a week, 5-week, basketball camp.
50 years ago
June 26, 1953
A program in remedial reading and arithmetic (called summer school) for children in grades I through 6 will start June 29. Mary Elwell is the teacher.
Announcement has been made that the Lafer farm on East Drahner Road will be home for underprivileged boys. Lafer Dairy Farm has been purchased by people from Oakland County and Detroit. James Hunt and Judge Arthur Moore of Oakland Juvenile Court, will oversee this Camp Oakland.
Oxford Township Library will begin Story Hour June 30 with Mrs Chamberlain, librarian.
Last Sunday morning the Rev. Gordon Behnke officially broke ground for the new Holy Cross Lutheran Church on S. Washington. Chairman Carl Buechler was among those looking on.
When the Thomas Community Hall burned in 1949 the Thomas Champer O.E.S. decided to build a hall of their own. This week the mortgage was paid off on their own facility.

10 years ago
June 30, 1993
Ground was broke this week for the 50-unit Hope Senior Apartments on West Drahner Road. More than 180 people have applied for the units.
Two 17-year-old Addison youths confessed to damaging nine mail boxes in two townships. A sheriff deputy caught them.
Oakland County reimbursed Oxford Township $75,000 for money spent putting an elevator in the Vets Hall.
Senior Kara Micol and junior Jacob O’Donnell each received $50 for making the finals in this years Focus Hope Journalisms Olympics.
Oxford Schools will operate the 1993-94 school year on revenues of $15,537,810.
Soccer player Jason Northcote of Oxford is the winner of the 1993 Dave Fulton Memorial Scholarship. He played soccer for 12 years, three on the Wildcat varsity.
25 years ago
June 29, 1978
Great Lakes Mining Co. has been denied expansion of their gravel mining operation in southeast Addison Township. It was a 2-year battle, but opposing residents prevailed in court.
In Oxford, the annual Gravel Festival is set for this weekend. A German band, Tent Tavern, children’s activities and more are scheduled.
Arnold Simmons opened his new Oxford Twin Cinema Tuesday evening. Wednesday noon Oxford’s electrical inspector withheld the occupancy permit. The two movies playing are “Grease” and “Bad Bear News.”
Harry Rosen has been contracted by Oxford Village to complete phase one of the Park on Glaspie Street.
50 years ago
July 3, 1953
The Oxford Community Playground had a record first week opening with 1,589 youngsters attending.
Oxford Rotarians entertained their wives at Kingsley Inn at their annual installation Thursday night. Out going president Fred Streit announced the new president Jerry VanVleet.
The Oxford Lions club chose Old Mill Tavern in Waterford for their installation exercises. Merwin Kintz took the gavel from Stewart Langley.
Ayr-lock Stately Delight, 5-year-old registered Ayrshire in the Sky Light Farms herd of Marvin Ludwig & Sons of Oxford completed an actual production record of 14,631 pounds of milk and 618 pounds of butterfat.

10 years ago
July 7, 1993
A 12-year-old boy from Addison Township is in Children’s Village on $5,000 bond on charges of felonious assault and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Donald Francis, a 1949 Oxford High School graduate, was ordained a deacon and reserved as a probationary member of the Detroit Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Oxford High School senior, Anthony Brown, 17, was sworn in as Governor of Boys’ State at the state capitol.
Oxford area seniors and handicapped people will again be able to ride SMART buses through a new municipal agreement.
25 years ago
July 6, 1978
Oxford’s superintendent of schools Roger Oberg has resigned effective July 7. He’s been with Oxford schools for 37 years. He said, “frustration” with some of the Board members prompted his decision.
Oxford Township has contracted with Oxford Village to provide police protection for a year for $143,500.
Donald Button took the Rotary Club gavel from Henry Lanthier this week for their 1978-79 year.
Mr and Mrs D. Jean Harkness, both long-time teachers in Oxford, resigned effective June 30. Board member Nathan Hall said he hoped the single incident of someone writing obscene slogans and “Harknesses will die” outside the high school this Spring didn’t cause the action.
50 years ago
July 10, 1953
A rodeo in Lakeville July 25-26 will benefit Flint tornado victims.
An estimated 5,000 people saw the Oxford Veterans Association fireworks display from Daniel Axford playground.
The annual Michigan Professional Horseman’s Association Horse Show will be at Alger Race Course, Sunday on Delano Road.
Atomic Energy has caught and held public interest more completely than anything else except maybe the Korean War.

10 years ago
April 6, 1994
The vote was close, 4-3. but it gave Dave Powell Addison Township Board approval of hiring him as fire chief. The move was recommended by the police and fire board.
Doug Green and Ron Etherton put on a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Oxford March 19-20. It was so successful they made $ 3,500, which they gave to Oxford Schools for soccer and football programs.
A Public Act requires counties to have 20-year environmental plans. Toward that end attorney Susan Morrison represented Oxford Township in voicing local concerns of establishing a landfill in northeast Oakland County at a county public hearing.
25 years ago
April 4, 1979
Gasoline allocations have been cut at three Oxford stations. Bill Bellairs Standard has been cut 15,000 gallons a month, Ed Mayer’s Boron 9,000 gallons a month and Ed Triest’s Sunoco 10 percent. Bob McCallum, Leonard, says Standard Oil has not cut his allocation. Some Sunday closings are expected.
The Oxford Jaycees honored four local residents for their outstanding community service: Dr. G. E. Meads, dentist, received the distinguished community service award, Bob Hubbard is outstanding young businessman, Mike Yaskanin outstanding young educator and Ron Crichton outstanding young public servant.
The first Oxford High baseball game of the season may be cancelled due to rain, but coach Walt Studinger has his Wildcat nine ready.
50 years ago
April 9, 1954
Three people with Oxford connections had great sail fishing luck recently in Florida. They also landed a 25pound King. They are Jack Williams, Mrs. Martin Edman and A1 Case.
Mrs. Harold Pickford is Oxford’s volunteer chairman of the Salk Polio Vaccine testing starting at Daniel Axford School later this month.
Some of the cast in Immanuel Congregational Church’s production of “Let Me Out of Here,” April 20, are Eve Boyd, Annie Thatcher, Bonny Lynn, Norrine Valentine, Bessie Rhodes, Mary Jean Specht, Nancy and Bob Copley and Stevie Cobb.
Mary Jean LaDouceur and Doris Gottschalk of Oxford will be among the 100 teenagers playing in the Michigan Youth Symphony in Ann Arbor April 17.
Reba Fletcher of Oxford Beauty Salon has earned a hair fashion award in Detroit.