By Csaba “Abby” Petre
This past Thursday, March 19th, a unique spring celebration happened under the brilliant flower-covered arbors of a very special house. Kicking off in the late afternoon sun around 4:30, the OB Historical Society’s bi-annual fundraiser took place at the beloved Wisteria Cottage on Niagara Avenue, drawing a joyous and elegantly dressed crowd of long-time locals, new neighbors, and friends of OB alike.
The Wisteria Cottage has a long history in the community; built in 1907, it is one of the oldest homes in OB. Its namesake vine was planted by John Clarke in 1915. Ned and Shirley Titlow remodeled the cottage extensively, built the patio, and constructed the arbor that supports the vine, provides extensive shade,
and adds a beautiful touch of color to this part of OB. The Titlows also began the tradition of opening the house for the OBHS fundraiser in the early 2000s.
The event had the feel of a community picnic. Neighbors and friends caught up over pizza, snacks and cold ice tea. The highlight of the event was the raffle; names were chosen and winners were celebrated as they were called up and collected donated items including an Irish coffee kit, a gift certificate for the Artist Outpost, a bottle of Southern Comfort, a bottle of Cazadores Tequila, several artworks, and an OBHS-themed pillow.
It is no surprise that such a storied location would attract a diverse mix of OBceans young and old. Curious transplants as well as locals with generations of beachside roots browsed the Historical Society’s impressive photo collection mounted along the walls of the garden and admired the hundred-year old Wisteria vine.
The event was a two-and-a-half hour capsule of everything that makes OB a community: a deep sense and shared knowledge of its history, a heartfelt feeling of inclusivity for new neighbors and 50-year residents alike, and a genuine desire and motivation to pass on its traditions and build new ones together.
Keep an eye out for more events from the keepers of this community history here .
Great article and photos, which showed the beauty, fun, and and local’s love to O.B. Thanks to all that came to celebrate under the lovely 100-plus Westeria Vines.