The Oakwood Arbor #759, The Gleaner Insurance Co. Adrian, MI recently held a dedication service on September 1, 2019 at Ft. Brown along the Big and Little Auglaize River northwest of Oakwood, Ohio at the intersection of county road 171 and 177. The event was held during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Oakwood Homecoming. A new flag and flag pole was dedicated in memory of Helen Maddock. Helen was an active member of the Oakwood Arbor, the Paulding County Genealogical Society, the Friends of the Paulding County Park Board, the Master Gardeners, The John Paulding Historical Society, and the Twin Oaks United Methodist Church and various other organizations. Helen had a fondness for Ft. Brown and would go on a regular basis making sure everything was in order. She loved planting trees and flowers in the park at Oakwood and around town.
Paulding County has so much history and Ft. Brown is included in this. During the War of 1812, General Anthony Wayne traveled through our area on his way to Lake Erie. History books tell us that there are at least three soldiers buried somewhere on the property.
Ft. Brown can also boast of a skating rink and at one time even had an active boat club.
Approximately one hundred people were present for the dedication. Helen’s family came from several states to honor this special lady along with the Paulding VFW # 587, members of the Jacob Stemple Chapter daughters of the War of 1812, Twin Oaks UM Church, Friends of the Park , the Oakwood Arbor and the Homecoming Committee. Commissioner Mark Holtsberry was present and spoke about Helen as well as her family and friends
Today the flag waves proudly as travelers pass by. Helen will be remembered and the freedom that comes with the colors of the red white and blue.
