Peach Festival to feature "Oxford Notables and Rascals"

The Oxford Historical Society will host its 13th annual Peach Festival from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 24, at the Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road, Seymour.

Homemade shortcake will be served, topped with fresh peaches and Rich Farm peach ice cream plus a choice of beverages.

A $5 charge covers admission and food.

This year’s theme is Oxford Notables and Rascals., featuring two dozen individuals who called Oxford home. Among those whose biography will be featured are:

• a Silent Film Actress,

• 2 noted artists,

• a best-selling author,

• a circus performer,

• a Civil War hero,

• an escapee of a Revolutionary War kidnapping,

• three diplomats,

• a floriculturist,

• a judge,

• a maple syrup expert,

• an opera singer,

• a paleontologist,

• a parachutist,

• several noted photographers,

• a pomologist, and

• a social reformer and Women's Suffrage advocate.

The festival will also showcase displays of the Hale-Coleman Peach Farm that was located on Great Hill and Peach Farm Roads. Peach raising was once a major enterprise in Seymour and Oxford.

In honor of the preparation to relocate and preserve Mr. Munn’s Schoolhouse from Oxford Road to the Museum grounds on Towner Lane this fall, this year’s Peach Festival will also feature a video of the Twitchell-Rowland Homestead relocation in 2007.

Those seeking additional information may call Nancy Farnum at 203 888-0230.