Oxford Historical Society

04/21/2026

Who is this woman in what we assume is a dress shop?
Looks like a large turnout to the Town of Oxford's Christmas Tree Lighting.
Salt Lake back in the day.

04/20/2026

Many folks in Oxford may not know that Water Street used to be much narrower. In a time of economic downturn, the government supported many make-work projects, and in Oxford one of those was the task of moving the buildings on the North-East side of Water street back about 18 feet toward the river!

We haven't seen any photos of that work yet....

From the Oxford Journal, February 26, 1931:

"At the Oxford Adult Carnival on Tuesday, prizes were won by Jean Peel, Marjory Blair, Virginia Blair, Beryl Baxter, Robb Peel and Don MacLeod.

Sufficient stone for the present has been hauled by 14 teams in four days for the Water Street widening project, now underway.
Piles are being driven in Black River preparatory to moving Mrs.
Hickman's building back 18 feet.

The ice has not broken up in the rivers since forming early in the winter."

04/16/2026

Two photos below, which I don't believe have been posted previously. The first is the intersection of Main St. and Water St. Hatt's taxi is parked in front of the Bank of Nova Scotia. Date unknown, though the Patton Block (right side of the street) appears to still be there, and St. James has it's formidable tower peeking out from behind a tree, with the four corner spikes but not the central spire.

The second photo, taken from Main St. at Prince William St., shows what older generations meant by Oxford's beautiful tree-lined streets.

04/15/2026

OBITUARY

HEDLEY A. PATTON

Friends in Oxford and elsewhere in the Maritime Provinces learned with deep regret of the death in Montreal, Friday. Dec. 6, of Hedley A. Patton, for m ny years a resident of this town.

Deceased was born in Roslin, Cumberland County, 77 years ago, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay Patton. At an early age he came to Oxtord and started a hardware business, which he operated until a disastrous fire in 1920 completely destroyed the
Wood Patton block on Main Street, in which the business ot the late Mr. Patton was situated.

Taking a deep interest in civic affairs, the deceased had served on the town council board and was also Mayor of Oxford for one term. He was one of the largest property owners in this town, which ownership he never relinquished, and since his departure to take up residence in Montreal, he was a frequent visitor back in Oxford, still maintaining a summer home in Lower Main Street.

During the twenty years he resided in Montreal he conducted a real estate business in that city.

Immediate survivors are his wite; two sons, Donald and Orland, all of Montreal; one sister, Mrs. Alex Grey, Rockley, N. S.

The body arrived from Montreal Sunday evening, and was conveyed to the home of Mrs, Arthur Hewson, Main Street.

The funeral was held Monday afternoon, and was attended by a wide circle of friends from Oxford and elsewhere in the Maritimes.

The service was conducted by Rev. Dr. A. S. Rogers, pastor of Trinity United Church, Oxford, and the pall bearers were representative of the business and professional elite of this place.

_____
From the Oxford Journal, December, 1940.

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04/11/2026

A few more from that box of photos 😃

04/01/2026

The Oxford Historical Society is saddened by the passing of David Henley. Dave frequently shared his collection of Oxford and area memorabilia during our chats at the Oxford Senior's Club. He had a passion for local history. We send our sincere condolences to his family, especially Mary. He will be remembered. ❤️

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of David H Henley, age 75, of Oxford, NS. David passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.

Born in Riverview, NS, he was a son to the late Harold and Dorothy (Wilson) Henley.

David served in the Canadian Military for 28 years. Following his retirement, he spent another 17 years with the reserves and volunteered with the Cadets. He was a long time active member of the Oxford Legion.

Though he was a military man, a mechanic and welder by trade, he was born to be a farmer. He loved animals, especially watching birds. He was a wise wildlife watcher. He farmed Jersey Cattle and a few rescued horses after he retired. He often added rescued animals to his collection. Mechanically inclined;, he was often pulling a vehicle apart and putting it back together working better than ever. He was particularly enamored with Tractors.

He loved history, was a great storyteller, and enjoyed sharing the countless things he learned over the years. He was a proud father and grandfather. Didn't matter who you were, or the time of day, he loved to help anyone in need. He was also an active member of the Oxford Seniors club.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Mary, Oxford; children, Denise Henley (Marc Vachon), Ottawa, ON, Tina Henley (Stan Henry), Ottawa, ON, Kim Henley, Ottawa, ON; grandchildren Liam, Colin, and Maxwell; siblings WInston (Judy), Whitehorse and Kolbec, Eugene, Sudbury, ON, Douglas, Halifax, NS, Al, Kolbec, NS.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by siblings Jackie Henley and Beverley Shipley.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of W Allen Funeral Home, 60 Water Street, Oxford, NS, (902 447 2167). Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 2 to 4 pm. His funeral service will take place at the W Allen Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 3 pm.

If so desired, donations in memory of David may be made to the Charity of your choice.

Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting David's online memorial at www.allenfuneralhome.ca or through the W. Allen Funeral Home page.

03/26/2026

Is 2026 the year YOU help preserve Oxford's history?

03/22/2026

DIPTHERIA.—Athol, in Cumberland Co., has sufferred fearfully. There have been 73 cases at Oxford, of which 13 proved fatal. The Sentinel says Doctors Carter and Howard have fought the disease with unremitting persistency and met with more than average success. The people of Oxford have all acted nobly under the distressing circumstances.

1876—The Watchman Vol. II, No. 35
December 30, 1876

03/19/2026

SEE UPDATE IN COMMENTS

"The station agent at Oxford, N. S. was shot by a demented passenger on the I. C. R. on Friday morning last at 10 o'clock. He will probably recover. The passenger, by name David Murray, imagined he was in danger of being robbed. He has been put in jail and since the shooting is reported quite sane."

— The Critic, April 17, 1891.

03/18/2026

From "The Critic" newspaper, 1891: