The Golden Oak Award
Oakmont Historical Society is proud to announce the establishment of the "Golden Oak Award" to recognize residents of Oakmont, past or present, who have impacted the history of our community, state or country.
2014 Golden Oak Award –Jim Eaton
On a local level, Jim was the owner of Eaton Motors in Oakmont for over 50 years. He started the Oakmont Antique Car Show 60 years ago and still serves as chairman of the event. Over the years, the antique car show has raised over $100,000 for local charities.

On a national level Jim was honored by the Federal Aviation Administration for his service to the aviation industry. He received the Wright Brothers Pilot Award in recognition of his piloting skills and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for his work as an aircraft mechanic and inspector. Jim is one of only four people in the country to receive both awards.

(And yes he did fly his plane under the Hulton Bridge…many times!)
Jim Eaton
Jim Eaton

Previous Award Recipients

PictureVince Provenza
The Oakmont Historical Society has awarded the 2013 Golden Oak Award to Vince Provenza. The award is given each year to a resident of Oakmont who has had an impact on history at the local, state or national level. Vince helped establish the Kerr Museum and served on the board of directors at the museum. He is a charter member of the Oakmont Historical Society and serves as a director. He has vast knowledge of Oakmont history and works hard to preserve the heritage of the community. Congratulations to Vince Provenza from all of the members of the Oakmont Historical Society.
  
George ElseyGeorge McKee Elsey
   The Oakmont Historical Society has awarded the 2013 Golden Oak Award to George McKee Elsey. George grew up in Oakmont and graduated from Oakmont High School in 1935. After graduation, he attended Princeton University. Upon graduation from college, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves and was assigned to President Franklin Roosevelt’s secret intelligence and communications center in the White House. Throughout the Second World War, George was an advisor to the President; and, his duties included decoding messages from Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin and Chiang Kai-shek. George decoded and delivered the message to President Truman notifying him that the atomic bomb had been dropped on Hiroshima.

After the war George remained a close advisor to President Truman and was instrumental in Truman’s famous "Whistle-Stop" campaign. In addition, he served as President of the American Red Cross. George currently resides in Irvine, California, has very fond memories of Oakmont and considers it his hometown.