• 1935 OVFD
    History,  Journals,  Memories,  Persons

    The Early Years of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department

    13 Apr, 2016  in Features THE EARLY YEARS OF THE OAKLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT By Kevin Heffernan Responding to the Ashes History records that in November, 1903 a major fire was discovered at the large barn of the Calder estate then located where the Coppertree Mall is currently situated and the need for a fire department in Oakland became apparent. Six years later on June 10, 1909 a informal meeting was held at Ivy Hall to create a volunteer fire department in Oakland. Ludo Wilkins, the owner of the Wilkins Brush Factory in Oakland, was appointed as the first fire chief. And he served six terms as chief until 1916. 1908 Oakland…

  • History,  Memories,  Persons,  Places

    Marie Sarcka

    The Oakland Military Academy The following is the obituary of the wife of John Sarcka who was the headmaster of the Oakland Riding Academy in Oakland, NJ. The Oakland Military Academy was the successor to the Calderwood Hotel in Oakland which in turn was the successor to the Bush residence, a 2 story 18th Century residence on Ramapo Valley Road. All the above is now a parking lot and a strip mall located on the east side of Ramapo Valley Road between the railroad tracks and Oak Street. MARIE SARCKANew Windsor, N.Y. Marie Sarcka of New Windsor, a retired school administrator for Oakland Academy in New Windsor and longtime resident…