slides: A Look at Oxford’s 300 Year History

Firetrucks

Old fashioned fire engines, like this one from the 275th Anniversary parade, are sure to delight kids of all ages, as they make their way down Main Street.

Used with permission from Oxford300.com

Clara Barton

The world famous Civil War nurse, humanitarian, teacher and founder of the American Red Cross was born in North Oxford in 1821.

In addition to founding the Red Cross, Barton also helped pave the way for women's rights in America, especially concerning their ability to get jobs in the Federal bureaucracy and attain equal salaries in government.

Dr. Eliot Joslin

Born in Oxford in 1869, Elliot Joslin was a pioneer in diabetes research, being the first doctor in the United States to specialize in the study of the disease.

He opened the Joslin Diabetes Center in 1898 which remains the largest diabetes research center in the world.

275th Anniversary Parade

The 275th Anniversary parade took place 24 years ago. The town will spend the next year is getting ready for its 300th anniversary.  

Used with permission from Oxford300.com

The Barton Center

The place where Clara Barton was born is now the Barton Center for Diabetes Education, whose main function rests in year-round programs designed to help young girls living with diabetes and their families. The camp was co-founded in 1932 by Dr. Elliot Joslin.

North Cemetery

Clara Barton, Elliot Joslin, and a number of other notable figures in the history of Oxford are buried here. The cemetery is one of three in town and is located at 505 Main Street.

Oxford Town Hall

Located at 325 Main Street, the Oxford Town Hall was built as a memorial to Civil War veterans. It is still the main government building in town.

Huguenot Fort

The Huguenot fort site was added to the National Registry of Historic places in 1988. It was built in 1694 by Huguenot settlers fleeing persecution in France. The fort was used to protect the settlers from Native American attacks and was the site of the famous “Johnson Massacre.” Partial remains of the fort still exist on Fort Hill Road along with a crucifix monument.

Hudson House

The Hudson House was built in 1720. It was added to the National Registry of Historic places in 1978. It is the oldest standing house in Oxford.

First Meeting House Site

The First Congregational Church is on the site of the first meeting house in Oxford. The current building was dedicated in 1829.

Hurricane of 1938

In 1938, what has been dubbed the “Great New England Hurricane” struck the New England coast as a Category 3 storm. The storm wreaked havoc throughout many areas of the region including Oxford. There has not been a costlier, deadlier, or more powerful hurricane to hit New England since.

Used with permission from Oxford300.com

1915 Circus and Parade

The circus came to Oxford in 1915. Here is just a snapshot of a few of the characters who came to entertain.

Used with permission from Oxford300.com