Two local entities have joined forces to educate the public about Oxford’s past through the magic of television.
A new show called ‘Oxford History Today? is taking viewers on 30-minute trips through the mists of time, exploring everything from the community’s unique connection to the iconic Lone Ranger character to the days when folks proudly boasted that this was the ‘Gravel Capital of the World.?
It airs on Oxford Community Television (OCTV) Monday through Friday at 1:30 p.m., Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
‘I’ve heard nothing but good reports,? said Ron Brock, the show’s host and president of the Northeast Oakland Historical Society for three years.
The show, produced and filmed by Russel Currier, is set inside the historical museum at the northwest corner of Washington (M-24) and Burdick streets in downtown Oxford.
Brock has already taken viewers on a television tour of the museum’s vast collection of artifacts from the 1800s and 1900s. The building is packed with antique toys, vintage clothing, household items, furniture, photographs, farm and office equipment, tools and so much more.
‘I want to let people know what’s there, what we have and what they can learn by coming to the museum,? he said. ‘I just want more exposure for the museum. I want to get more people interested in it.?
His goal is to increase both the number of visitors and the number of volunteers who help operate and care for the museum.
‘It’s really the only place where people can learn their local history,? Brock noted. ‘I don’t think it’s covered that well in the schools. You certainly don’t see it in textbooks.?
The various ways our forefathers made the things they needed or repaired broken items is a ‘recurring theme? in the show, according to Brock. He feels it’s important for people today, especially the younger generation, to understand their ancestors didn’t have the luxury of simply running to the store to purchase anything and everything.
As part of the show, Brock interviews folks who have connections to Oxford’s past or possess an extensive knowledge of antique items or historical subjects.
‘I am a history nut and I just like talking about it,? he said. ‘I feel it’s very important for people to know their history. It’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been. History seems to have a penchant for repeating itself. You learn some lessons.?
Brock is seeking ideas and suggestions for future shows. He can be reached via e-mail at rbrock750@aol.com or by calling the museum at (248) 628-8413.
Charter cable subscribers can view OCTV on Channel 191, while AT&T U-verse customers can catch all their local programming on Channel 99.
Visit www.occtv.org to watch previously-aired shows.