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By: ADELE KOEHNEN
Copyright 2006 Dayton Newspapers, Inc.
Dayton Daily News (Ohio)
August 24, 2006
Motorists driving south on Far Hills Avenue may be unaware of the activity at
the headquarters of the Oakwood Historical Society.
The former farmhouse at 1947 Far Hills Ave., which is completely run by
volunteers, has been refurbished over the past five years.
Harry Ebeling, retired attorney, has given hours to the homestead and the
society.
"I believe in preserving the past as a tool for education," he said. "We will be
bringing in fourth graders from Harmon and Smith schools this fall. I enjoy
watching their faces when they see the 1889 kitchen, no refrigerator, no
microwave. And they start asking questions."
Ebeling lauds volunteers such as Marilyn Sheehan and her daughter, Jamie
Sheehan, for keeping the exterior picture perfect.
"Jamie does the flowers and often receives wonderful perennials from generous
donors and works them into the beds," Sheehan said. "Of course, we have the
grass cut, but my daughter and I keep an eye out for the overgrowth and the
weeds."
Volunteer Tracy Clare, who has expertise in renovation from a military
background, has headed groups of Oakwood High School students during the past
three years to strip old wallpaper, fill holes and rebuild window frames.
"My son, Andrew Blakley, got a group of his friends together and the project
just took off," Clare said. "I can't praise those kids enough. They work hard
and seem to enjoy it. Through the high school counselor I've learned that they
are all on the honor roll and these hours of community service will add to their
college entrance requirement."
Small groups are always welcome to use the facility, the main building and the
summer kitchen to the rear. Folks from Sunrise will be guests Monday with a
special program by Oakwood artist David L. Smith.
As part of the refurbishing, numerous boxes of memorabilia were filled with
photographs and clippings by a group of volunteers.
"But now it's time to categorize and I can't do it all myself," Ebeling said.
"I'm putting a call out for help with this important project. The boxes are now
stored in a large air conditioned basement room in the Oakwood City Building
complete with computers, paper cutters and filing cabinets."
Ebeling believes that when the project is finished it will be an organized
source for scholars, class reunion organizers and especially for Oakwood's 100th
birthday celebration in 2008.