|
|
Oakboro Today...
|
|
Oakboro is a small town in western Stanly
County, North Carolina with a population of approximately 1200 people.
Nearby communities, usually centered around country churches, bring another
thousand or more into the greater Oakboro area. Oakboro is a safe, friendly town with a
culturally diverse population. A warm feeling of community spirit and pride
exists with a healthy respect for the past, a caring attitude toward the present, and a far-reaching vision for the
future. The character of the town is defined by its businesses and
institutions, and its neighborhoods. |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
The town is governed by a Mayor and
Board of Commissioners. In 2002, these officials and other residents of
the town and nearby communities participated in a study which helped
define the direction Oakboro should take to meet future needs. Among the
outcomes of the study was the desire of the citizens to see Oakboro
maintain its small town character well into the future. |
|
|
|
|
Officials of the town were quick to
address the concerns revealed by the study. One action was to develop a
system for parks and recreation. Already in progress is a large district
park located along a greenway with an amphitheater, a community center,
and several ball fields, lighted for evening events. Other smaller
community parks are scattered among communities and are maintained by
the town. An addition to the park system will be
the new Oakboro Railroad Museum. Located near the site of the original
depot, this building will be a replica of the first depot and will house memorabilia from the
early days of the rail line. |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Another major effort involves
establishing a Local Historic District for the downtown area. Many of
the buildings in the commercial district date to the early 1920’s and
are excellent examples of the type of architecture commonly used in that
period. Another historic building is the Oakboro Presbyterian Church,
now owned by the Oakboro Regional Historic Foundation. Restoration of
the church is in progress. |
|
|
Economic development is an important
aspect of the survival of any town. Oakboro leaders have had the foresight to organize the
Greater Oakboro Business Association, where business owners and
operators, individuals, and other institutional personnel can meet
together to address needs and develop opportunities to attract visitors
and potential residents to the area. Town officials are also active in
encouraging new and expanding industries and small businesses which
diversify the local economy. |
|
|
|
The Oakboro Branch Library, part of the
Stanly County Public Library System, boasts a large circulation for a
branch its size. The library offers computers, books-on-disk, and other
amenities for patrons as well as hosts a home-school book and craft
club. Special events such as author readings are scheduled throughout
the year. The Oakboro Post Office is unique among
its peers in that the staff take pride in maintaining the front of the
building with seasonal flowers and other decorations. |
 |
|
|
Currently, plans are being made to move to a new,
larger facility on the corner of Eighth and Main Streets. |
|
|
|
|
 |
The Oakboro Regional Historic Foundation
maintains a museum in the downtown area. Housed in an historic building,
the museum features a permanent display of ancient Native American
artifacts unearthed at nearby Ledbetter Ford on Rocky River. Documented
at 10,000 years old, this collection is supplemented with other
artifacts donated by local collectors. The museum offers a view into the
past of the area, including the rural life, people and institutions of
bygone days, and rotating exhibits containing collections and artifacts
donated or loaned by residents. |
|
|
