Oakwood Neighborhood

1908 - 2008

Celebrating 100 Years

General Information Events How you can Volunteer History of Oakwood  
         

General Information

What: Oakwood Neighborhood Centennial Celebration

When: June 27-29, 2008

The theme is "Come Home to Oakwood."


Events

Friday night we are working to bring the Big E show to Oakwood, and have an ice cream social.

Saturday afternoon we will have an old fashioned carnival with games and music. There will be history displays at the ONA center and historical presentation at Kazoo Books. Keith Howard will present on the Woods Lake amusement park, and Terry Motyka on The Life and Legacy of Peter the Great.

Sunday afternoon will be the annual picnic reunion under the “Big Top” outdoors at the ONA center.

The Kalamazoo Public Library is working on three presentations to celebrate Oakwood’s history. One will be on the amusement park, another on historical buildings in Oakwood, and a third on Oakwood History.

Neighborhood Focus
This series will honor the diversity and rich history of Kalamazoo's neighborhoods, starting with a celebration of the Oakwood Neighborhood on its 100th anniversary.
 

Architecture June 9, 7pm, Central

Local historian Lynn Houghton will describe the variety of house styles found in Oakwood, including Greek Revival, Italianate, late Queen Anne, and a bevy of post-1900 residential architecture—Foursquare, Bungalow, Colonial, PreFab, and more. 

History June 18, 7pm, Central

Oakwood residents Pat and Bill Henry will share what they've learned about Oakwood's history and founding families, from its beginnings as one of Kalamazoo's earliest suburbs, at the end of the street railway line that ran along Asylum Avenue. 

Amusement Park June 24, 7pm, Central

Enthusiast Keith Howard will reveal the almost-forgotten glory days of Lake View on the shore of Woods Lake. Ride the roller coaster, fly in a hot air balloon, enjoy vaudeville, discuss important issues at Chautauqua, or dance the night away!


How You Can Volunteer

Contact Cheryl Lord at ONA:

E-mail: center@oakwoodneighborhood.org

Phone: (269) 342-0129

Fax: (269) 342-4668