Oakwood's Living History: From the Progress Club to a New Future | Mission Point Press

Oakwood's Living History traces the arc of a Kansas City institution from its founding days as the Progress Club in 1881 to its evolution as Oakwood Country Club and beyond. Through archival photographs and recollections from past members, the book offers a vivid look at social life, significant events, and the steady hands that kept a community space active for generations. It invites readers to sense the texture of a long-running club—the programs, the gatherings, and the quiet rituals that stitched people together across decades.

For much of its history, Oakwood was regarded as a Jewish club and remains a cornerstone of the Kansas City Jewish community, second only to Congregation B'nai Jehudah in continuous operation. This context enriches the narrative, while the modern chapter highlights renewed inclusivity and an ongoing evolution led by a dedicated group of members, including Ken Block, who steered improvements to the facility.

Set against Kansas City's changing social landscape, the narrative weaves together traditions with moments of renewal. The book showcases how governance, philanthropy, weddings, business functions, and community celebrations coexisted within a single space—an environment that has grown more welcoming while preserving a sense of place and memory.

Readers will feel the tactile and visual appeal of the archives: photographs that capture expressions at a banquet, the sparkle of formal attire, and the warmth of gatherings that linger in family stories. The voices of former members add personal color to the club's evolving role in the city.

What you’ll discover inside

• Archival photographs that bring moments to life and spark family and local history storytelling.
• Recollections from former members and leaders that illuminate governance, community ties, and shared rituals.
• A narrative arc that connects a local club to broader social currents in Kansas City and beyond.

Why this book matters to you

• A resource for genealogists and researchers tracing the club's legacy and the people who shaped it.
• A compelling addition to personal or library collections focused on local history and Jewish community life in Kansas City.
• A narrative that honors memory while showing how a club can evolve and welcome new generations.

Published by Mission Point Press, Oakwood's Living History offers a thoughtful, well-researched portrait that readers can return to. While it does not promise specific outcomes, it opens possibilities for connection, reflection, and conversations about community memory and identity.