Oakland’s first Living History Day echoed with laughter and story as folks stepped back more than a century for a little taste of the good old days. That’s the historic town of Oakland, Oregon, where the echoes never quite stop. Today as we vendors and exhibitors set up our booths the stage rolled in.
Oh-oh! Shotgun just had to check his cell phone.
He did what?
He’s checking his cell. Doesn’t he know? We’re in the 19th century now.
Snort. He’s not quite in uniform yet. Like us.
Ah! And like Mr. Tim Mitchell who showed up in an authentic frock coat with genuine beaver hat. Quite dapper.
But wait! Something’s going on down at the Hokey Pokey Jail. There’s a distinguished-looking couple. Why, it’s Mr. and Mrs. Forbes, Lynn and Gordon.
But the sheriff looks downright nervous. Watch out, Deputy. Something might be amiss.
No. Don’t worry. Everything will be all right. The President and First Lady are here. I did promise, didn’t I? Abe and Mary. Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln. What a handsome pair.
Don’t look now, but the can-can ladies have just sashayed over to the Hokey Pokey Jail and they might have to dance the hokey pokey and turn themselves in–around, that is.
My daughter Carisa Cegavske snapped this photo of me when she stopped by my booth while covering this rollicking event for The News-Review. I’m happily displaying my books The Shifting Winds and A Place of Her Own.
Next to me, in the Pavilion, spinners spun. That’s Chris Gorecki at left and Jana Cunningham below.
Note the old treadle sewing machine behind Jana.
My booth was in the Oakland City Park, so that narrowed my view to only those activities in the park.
Beyond the park, booths lined the streets around town with fur bedecked teepees and a feed grinder at work, a blacksmith, and much much more. The DAR rang their bells and mountain men made loud noises with their muzzleloaders, although given the fire danger they weren’t allowed to create the necessary spark to 
fire the rifles.
After hours of clip-clopping around the streets of Oakland, the black-and-white team grew weary. The hostlers made a quick change of horses and the new team brought the stagecoach back around for more riders to take a spin.
Shotgun has long since donned his uniform and not a cell phone in sight.
All in all, a fun day, and I sold quite a few books. Other vendors had a good day too. I think the Oaklanders may be onto something here.
Janet fisher 
You were delightfully in character Janet. You make an excellent, well-informed tour guide.
Glad you enjoyed the spin, Marlene.
Looks like so much fun! I am anxious to get back in the fun!
I really had a good time. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
Thank you for such a delightful verbal and pictorial walk through the Oakland Living History Day. It was a pleasure to have you as part of this event.
Victoria
Volunteer Coordinator
Victoria, thank you. I was happy to be a part of it. You folks put on a wonderful celebration.
Well done Janet, well done Oakland Community!
Thanks, Pamela.
Great article Janet! Thanks for sharing a bit of the fun we had in Oakland on Saturday.
So happy you could join us~ 🙂
Conni Riley
Thank you, Conni, and thank you for inviting me. You guys did a great job.
The streets were all agog with visitors and 1800’s bedecked folks beyond the park! Sorry you missed the turkey legs and pies and lemonade and the Main Stage musical events! Maybe next year you’ll be able to wander the streets along with the crowd and enjoy the entire town!
Just caught a glimpse of some of the that, Diane. I would love to see the rest. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Thank you Janet .. great job! I have shared this on facebook pages I manage.
Historic Oakland Oregon
Oakland Oregon Antiques
Umpqua River Scenic Byway
Oakland Oregon Museum
and of course my personal page too! Linda Paulisich Boddy West
Thank you so much for your kind words, Linda, and thank you for sharing on your facebook pages. That’s wonderful. As you can tell, I really enjoyed the day.