Red Oak Memories looking for stories and volunteers

RED OAK – While its name may have Red Oak in it, a newly formed group is soliciting stories from all of Montgomery County to preserve for future generations.

Very much in its infancy, the group consists of three people: Jolene Crawford, Diane Brower and Bud Barnett.
They will be hosting a Chamber Coffee Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the Montgomery County History Center to talk about the group and possibly recruit volunteers to help.

The group formed during the summer when Brower showed Crawford, who both work in the Belt Building, some informal history books published in her hometown of Estherville.

Ordinary in appearance, the books were simple collections of stories and memories of buildings, businesses and individuals in Estherville.

Crawford, a sucker for history, thoroughly enjoyed reading the memories of another community and started to think how the concept would work in Montgomery County.

“I saw that and thought ‘someone here could do that,’” Crawford said.

Crawford then contacted Barnett, whom she knew had not only an interest in local history, but also knowledge of building websites, and the group was formed.

With the website created (redoakmemories.com) and the History Center secured as a sponsor, the group is looking to expand and enlist additional help, and stories, from the community.

“We need to save the memories so they can be passed on to future generations and put down on paper,” Crawford said. “I don’t think anyone has done what we are tying to do: gather stories. I grew up here and I love trying to remember all the memories.”

Brower commented how this group will produce stories that appeal to an older generation while relying on that same group of people to grow.

“I can think of recently retired people who love to research and write,” she said. “One of the most valuable resources in any community is our senior citizens and we need to tap that resource.”

After their Chamber Coffee, the group will host a workshop Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the History Center to form committees and start recruiting volunteers.

Barnett said volunteers will be needed to tape record interviews with people, transcribe those tapes and write stories, in addition to other tasks associated with any kind of organization.

His motivation to participate in the group extends beyond a desire to preserve history.

“History brings a community together and makes it proud of itself,” Barnett said. “People want to be a part of a positive community.”

In addition to volunteers, the group is also looking for donated tape recorders and, of course, lots of stories.
To submit a story, whether one about a building, business or individual, go to redoakmemories.com, or call the History Center at 623-2289.