After the death of John Benton Wild, his widow Emmeline Ann Susannah of Vanderville released 100 acres to establish a village in 1858.
John Benton Wilde 1803-1837
Emmeline Ann Susannah Wild nee Gaudry
Although her intention had been to call it “The Private Village of Vanderville”, it became known as The Oaks when the Post Office opened on January 1st 1858. This name was given by botanist George Caley when he visited the area in 1804 and named after the rose she oak trees which grew in profusion. (casuarina torulosa)
The remaining estate was sold at public auction in 1979 by John Henry Wild 2nd, son of John Benton.
The first Postmaster was Edward Reilly until 1885 and he was succeeded by widow Julietta Jones who ran the post office from her store on John Street. (see below in 1895 c. Enid Harman)
The first public telephone exchange was installed November 23 1911.
