[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 85 (Thursday, June 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF OAKHAM ON THE OCCASION OF THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY 
                            OF ITS FOUNDING

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                           HON. JOHN W. OLVER

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2012

  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 250th 
anniversary of the town of Oakham, Massachusetts. Beginning in 1742, 
Scotch-Irish Presbyterians began to buy land in what was then called 
``Rutland West Wing'' in the hopes of incorporating their own town 
under a Presbyterian form of government. After two failed attempts, 
Oakham was finally incorporated on June 7, 1762.
  In early colonial times, the present town of Oakham was a virgin 
forest occupied by bands of Nipmuk Indians who made seasonal camps in 
the area for hunting, fishing, and agricultural purposes. During King 
Philip's War (1675 1676) a 150 square mile area known as Naquag, which 
includes the land presently known as Oakham, became a stronghold for 
Native Americans. The Native Americans were on the losing end of the 
conflict and many of them then left central Massachusetts looking for 
new homes. Those who remained were forced to live in four ``Indian 
Towns'' under close supervision by the colonists. This left the entire 
area of Naquag open for colonial expansion.
  In 1686, five Nashaway Indians, who claimed ownership of Naquag, sold 
the territory to a group of land speculators from Lancaster, 
Massachusetts for ``25 pounds hard cash.'' By 1722, Scotch-Irish 
immigrants began to buy lots in the area and the town of Rutland was 
soon incorporated with a Congregational minister. Oakham's founding 
would be another 40 years in coming.
  By the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Oakham's population had 
grown to nearly 600 people. The town was strongly pro-revolution so 
loyalists in town were forced to leave their property behind and flee 
to British strongholds in Boston and Canada. The town raised a company 
of Grenadier to prevent a British attack on Boston during the War of 
1812 and also sent nearly 100 volunteers to serve during the Civil War. 
Nearly one fifth of these soldiers would not live to see Oakham again.
  The sixth Massachusetts Turnpike was built between Pelham and 
Shrewsbury in 1799. This 43 miles toll road followed Old Turnpike Road 
in Oakham and remained in service until 1828, making travel to and from 
Oakham much easier and faster. In 1877, The Central Massachusetts 
Railroad opened providing quick transportation for both people and 
goods throughout the northeast. A depot in town helped Oakham grow and 
prosper, but by the early 20th century population began to decline as 
people began to leave farms and move to industrial centers.
  Today, Oakham has settled into a quiet bedroom community. Recreation 
has become Oakham's economic focal point with two campgrounds and an 
18-hole golf course. An abundance of state land in town provides open 
space that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors all year long.
  From ice fishing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling in the 
winters to hiking, biking, horseback riding, and hunting in the warmer 
months, Oakham is a relaxing retreat for many.
  On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the town of Oakham, 
Massachusetts, I congratulate its citizens and praise their dedication 
and perseverance throughout the town's history. It has been an honor to 
represent this great community and I wish the people of Oakham a 
healthy and prosperous future.

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