Author brings new collection of local stories to Oshkosh Public Library, social gathering to follow local history talk
June 20, 2012 – When Ron La Point visits the Oshkosh Public Library with a new local history book, the event typically takes on the flavor of an old-fashioned neighborhood gathering. So when La Point returns to OPL on Wed., June 27, with his latest collection of Oshkosh stories, the library invites the public to stay afterward for a Remembering Oshkosh Reunion.
La Point’s program begins at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s lower level meeting room, where he will talk about stories from his new book,Oshkosh, Preserving the Past. Following his talk, those attending are invited to continue reminiscing and enjoy some refreshments. In addition to the public, local people featured in the book have been invited to attend.
“We decided that the library would host a gathering after the program to give people the opportunity to mingle afterward and perhaps share their own stories of Oshkosh past,” says Janice Dibble, Head of Reference and Adult Services. “The library has long been a community gathering place and bringing people together to learn more about our community’s history fits our mission perfectly.”
La Point interviewed more than 50 current and former Oshkosh residents to compile the 23 stories contained inOshkosh, Preserving the Past. The book captures an earlier Oshkosh of horse-drawn and electric street cars, a city building a future in aviation. Readers look at Oshkosh against a backdrop of major national and world events – Prohibition, the Great Depression and the Korean War. There are more local characters and people who helped to shape the city with their special gifts and contributions, businesses that became part of the local fabric and sports teams around which the entire community would rally.
It is La Point’s third book about Oshkosh history and he is not surprised by the ongoing interest in the people and places of years gone by.
“There seems to be a need to reach back and discover where we've been, who we have known,” he explains. “We want to touch base with our own childhood, our parents and those who came before. It's an attempt to try to understand the meaning of who we are, and a need to complete some circle of life.”
La Point will have books available for purchase and signing at the event. Refreshments will be served at the Remembering Oshkosh Reunion. For more information about La Point’s program, or other library events, call 236-5205 or visit www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.
La Point’s program begins at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s lower level meeting room, where he will talk about stories from his new book,Oshkosh, Preserving the Past. Following his talk, those attending are invited to continue reminiscing and enjoy some refreshments. In addition to the public, local people featured in the book have been invited to attend.
“We decided that the library would host a gathering after the program to give people the opportunity to mingle afterward and perhaps share their own stories of Oshkosh past,” says Janice Dibble, Head of Reference and Adult Services. “The library has long been a community gathering place and bringing people together to learn more about our community’s history fits our mission perfectly.”
La Point interviewed more than 50 current and former Oshkosh residents to compile the 23 stories contained inOshkosh, Preserving the Past. The book captures an earlier Oshkosh of horse-drawn and electric street cars, a city building a future in aviation. Readers look at Oshkosh against a backdrop of major national and world events – Prohibition, the Great Depression and the Korean War. There are more local characters and people who helped to shape the city with their special gifts and contributions, businesses that became part of the local fabric and sports teams around which the entire community would rally.
It is La Point’s third book about Oshkosh history and he is not surprised by the ongoing interest in the people and places of years gone by.
“There seems to be a need to reach back and discover where we've been, who we have known,” he explains. “We want to touch base with our own childhood, our parents and those who came before. It's an attempt to try to understand the meaning of who we are, and a need to complete some circle of life.”
La Point will have books available for purchase and signing at the event. Refreshments will be served at the Remembering Oshkosh Reunion. For more information about La Point’s program, or other library events, call 236-5205 or visit www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.
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