Nov. 18, 2005

OSWEGO -- History will repeat itself on December 1 - 4 when the Holiday History Shoppe returns to the historic McDonald's Clothing Store building in downtown Oswego. The shop will memorabilia, gifts, clothing, post cards, books, crafts, candy, baked goods, artwork, and much more from the Friends of Fort Ontario, H. Lee White Marine Museum, Safe Haven Museum, Richardson-Bates House Museum, the Heritage Foundation of Oswego and the Greater Oswego Chamber of Commerce.

The History Shoppe will be open from 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, and from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. The historic McDonald's building is located at 190 W. First St. in downtown Oswego.

"There are many gift ideas at the History Shoppe and shoppers can also consider giving the gift of membership in the historical organization of their choice," said Paul Lear, site manager of Fort Ontario State Historic Site.

"Memberships and sales of museum products go towards keeping those institutions and the memory of our past alive, and provide tax revenue for our economy," said Mercedes Niess, associate director of the H. Lee White Marine Museum.

Costumed interpreters representing historic Oswego figures will roam the west side downtown stores and shops.

A listing of activities and gift ideas at the shop include:

• A Victorian Santa Claus will be in attendance daily and will be available for photographs taken by professional photographers from Photos & Pages. A small fee will be charged.
• Amy Stone, of the historic Oswego candy making family and owner of newly established "Man in the Moon Candies," will introduce her product line of old fashioned peanut brittle, and specialty chocolate items such as milk, dark, and white chocolate covered and decorated pretzels, almond bark, and nut patties. Stone will also conduct candy-making demonstrations.
• As Oswego marks the 250th anniversary of the construction of Fort Ontario and prepares to re-enact the siege and capture of Oswego by the French in 1756, the Oswego County Historical Society will offer for sale a limited edition replica of the Peace Medal struck in 1758 by King Louis XV to commemorate his victories around the world. The original medal is the only one to have survived in the United States.
• The Oswego Model Railroad Association will set up a small display evoking memories of Fort Ontario Christmastown Railroad special event.
• Tinsmith David MacLean will make his historically accurate tin items including ornaments and Christmas tree stars.
• A holiday greens sale will be held Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Richardson-Bates House Museum on East Third Street in Oswego. Evergreen wreaths and cedar roping will be sold.

The Oswego County Historical Society's Holiday Open House will take place Dec. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. The open house showcases beautifully decorated Victorian period rooms in one of New York State's best house museums, the Richardson-Bates House Museum.

For more information on the holiday History Shoppe, contact Paul Lear at 343-4711.