Much of the intrinsic charm of a small town can be found in its historic homes and buildings.
These structures are more than just bricks and mortar, they are snapshots in time – constant, visible reminders of where we came from.
Connected with almost every old home or building in Oxford is a colorful anecdote, a family’s history or a builder’s dream.
These silent monuments form a tangible timeline that charts the community’s growth from infancy to maturity.
Fortunately for us, five historic Oxford homes and one historic downtown building (all pictured on page 13) will be open for public viewing during Celebrate Oxford on Saturday, Aug. 23.
The Northeast Oakland Historical Society in cooperation with the Oxford Community Development Authority is sponsoring the 4th Annual Oxford Historic Home Tour entitled “Somewhere in Time.”
Tour Coordinator Suzanne Ardelan said this year’s structures were chosen by the Home Tour Committee because of their “historic value,” the “craftsmanship” involved in their construction and the “care and love the current owners have put into maintaining them.”
Here’s a sneak preview of the Historic Home Tour:
The Smith House: 46 W. Burdick
In 1929, Dr. H.S. Deming built this Tudor Cape Cod-styled Arts and Crafts home with his medical office upstairs and residence on the main floor.
During the Depression, Warren and Zelma Smith bought the house, which was perfect for raising a family and housing the offices of the Smith Silo Company.
Over the next five decades, the Smith family raised two generations there.
Helen Smith, daughter of Warren and Zlema, recalled it was the first house in Oxford to have insulation.
Today, it’s owned and maintained by Jim and Pat Wasvary.
The Bullen Home: 71 Dennison
Built in 1872 (fours years before the village was incorporated), this charming red brick Second Empire home with a Mansard roof has changed owners at least 10 times.
One of its most notable owners was Charles L. Randal, one of the biggest produce dealers in the state and owner of the Oxford Creamery.
At times, Randall hired more people than anyone else in town and paid the most taxes in 1907. He served on the Board of Education for 44 years, was president of Oxford Bank for six years and vice-president for 34 years.
In the late 1930s, Nellie Smith, a well-known practical nurse in Oxford, rented the home and used it as a maternity hospital.
Today, it’s owned by former village President Joe Bullen and his wife, Lanette.
The O’Connor Home:
28 W. Burdick
Charles Randall and his son, Leon, built this Four Square Victorian-style home in 1909.
In 1940, it was sold to Ray and Ella Howland. For the next 45 years it became known as “Mrs. Howland’s House,” the place where 90 percent of all Oxford children received their piano and organ lessons from Ella.
Ray owned the first Packard, Olds, Ford dealership in Oxford, which is today the site of Williams Art Studio. Ray was also a drummer who had the privilege of playing in John Philip Sousa’s band.
Today, the home is owned by Shay and Gerard O’Connor.
The Harlan French House:
68 Pontiac
James R. French built this home in 1906. The French family built and owned several homes along Pontiac St.
Harlan French bought the house – a classic American Foursquare with Craftsman details – in 1938 and raised his growing family there.
The French family stayed there until 1974.
Today, it’s owned by Ken and Julie Hermann.
The Burr Home:
39 Mill St.
This classic Victorian Farmhouse was built in 1898 and was home to several prominent Oxford families over the years including Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hempstead from 1927-1941 and Charlie and Naomi Brucker from 1941-1985.
Included on this tour is one of Oxford’s treasures – an original barn thought to be part of the 1870s Commercial House Hotel properties.
Today, it’s owned by Jim and Janice Burr.
The Meriam Building:
10 N. Washington
This historical building began as a hotel built in 1895 by William Brokenshaw.
Chester Meriam purchased the hotel in 1911 and completely remodeled the structure, transforming it into a Harness Shop. This is why “Meriam 1912” still appears on the front of the building today.
Originally from South Dakota, Meriam was a merchant and harness maker who at one time owned three buildings on Washington St.
He was the first to add automobiles to his showroom and in 1926 changed the name of his business to Superior Auto Co. Meriam passed away in 1936, but his auto company lived on until the late 1950s.
Today, the building is owned by Dave and Joan Weckle and houses a number of downtown businesses.
Ticket information
Tickets for the home tour are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the event.
Advance tickets can be purchased through Friday, Aug. 22 at the following locations – Curves at 21 N. Washington St., Patterson Pharmacy at 1 S. Washington St., Northeast Oakland Historical Museum at 1 N. Washington St. and the Oxford Antique Mall at 18 N. Washington St.
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the historical museum.
All homes featured on this year’s tour are within walking distance from downtown Oxford.
A golf cart shuttle will also be available to provide transportation for the tour.
The Historic Home Tour is a wonderful opportunity for both long-time residents and newcomers to connect with Oxford’s roots.
Don’t miss it!