Mr. Munn's Schoolhouse Moved to New Home

Thanks to the help and cooperation of many folks, Mr. Munn's Schoolhouse has moved from 561 Oxford Road to the Oxford Historical Society's museum site, the Twitchell-Rowland Homestead at 60 Towner Lane. The 1850's one-room school building was donated to the Historical Society by Daniel Sears, Jr., so that the building could be rehabilitated and preserved for the Oxford public to enjoy.

The building traveled safely to the destination with the assistance of the local police, the Oxford Town Crew and volunteers, including Ron Stebar who drove the escort vehicle. Thanks also to Dan Bawlick and Kevin Krusewski for the loan of equipment for the day.

The Historical Society received financial support for the move through their fund-raising, the generosity of local people, and significant funding from three other sources. The Valley Community Foundation provided $9,000 to pay for the preparation of the building for a safe transport, which included bracing the building to withstand travel, and removing the roof so that the building could pass below power lines enroute to its new location. The Katherine Matthies Foundation provided $9,000 to supplement costs incurred in the preparation, the move and the future restoration of the building. The Community Support Committee of the Town of Oxford provided the $18,500 paid for the actual move and relocation of the building. The mover was Nicholas Brothers of Hopewell Junction, a company experienced in moving older historic buildings. This was the mover who successfully moved the Twitchell-Rowland Homestead from its original location on Christian Street to Towner Lane.

When completely restored, the Society will be able to provide a hands-on living history experience for Oxford School children and for exhibits and activities for adults and families.