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J. J. Newberry Company
November 17, 1936 (OPL) -- Oxford’s newest store, J. J. Newberry Company, will open on Thursday morning at 9 o’clock in the C & M building on Main Street, formerly occupied by Mayes Department store and Dean Hardware Company. The Oxford store is the sixth for the company in North Carolina and is the 458th in the Newberry organization, which maintains buying headquarters in New York with its main office in that city. The C&M building has been remodeled to meet specifications of the J. J. Newberry Company. The two buildings have been converted into one with a steel beam center support, hardwood floor, counters and other fixtures of the most approved type for syndicate merchandising. The entire first floor is being used for the display of merchandise, which consists of thousands of items in price range from 5 cents to $1, according to W. D. Dent, resident manager, who has taken an apartment in the Capehart building, Kingsbury Street. Several assistant managers and a superintendent out of the New York office have been here to assist in preparing for the opening. They are Superintendent G. L. Kelly, assistant managers J. B. Kelly or south Boston, O. O. Chapman of Farmville, VA, H. C. Etchison of Ashbury Park, NJ, and Al King of Newbury Port, Mass. A feature which Mr. Dent feels will be popular in the Newberry store is the soda fountain and luncheonette counter which will specialize in sandwiches and fountain drinks. This department is to be near the front of the store, easily accessible from the street. The store has employed a large number of local young ladies as members of the sales staff. Mr. Dent said. We have a long-term lease on our store building and our investment here represents several thousand dollars. Our store and our employees will support local institutions and community enterprise. We hope to become an essential part of this community, remarked Mr. Dent.
O'Neil's, Inc.
May 12, 1936 (OPL) -- O’Neil’s Inc., of Henderson, will open a store in Oxford in the Brown store building opposite the court house Wednesday. A. H. Taylor will be in charge of the business. O’Neil’s Inc. is one of Henderson’s oldest firms, having been operated for 59 years in the same store location. The building here has been renovated, repainted and especially prepared for the new tenant. Kelvinators, Universal ranges and other major electrical appliances and Anchor Coal Stokers will be sold by the concern in Oxford. May 21, 1937 -- O’Neil’s, Inc. has moved from the Brown Building on the corner, opposite the court house, to the Williams-Breedlove Building in front of the court house. A. H. Taylor, manager of the business, stated that samples of merchandise would be kept on display in the store, most of them in the basement. Refrigerators, ranges and radios are being featured at the present time.
Osborn Tourist Camp and Filling Station
Henry Osborn, ran Osborn Tourist Camp and Filling Station at the intersection of the National Highway and the Southern Railway in North Oxford, 1/2 mile north of the corporate limits of Oxford, in front of Roy Royster's place (the old Reavis place at the southern end of the development, 1 mile north of the courthouse.
Oxford Cement, Brick & Tile Works
July 15, 1914 (OPL) -- The Oxford Cement Brick and Tile Works of Mr. H. M. Shaw, a brief mention of which recently appeared in the Public Ledger, is nearing completion. Ample buildings and sheds to house the machinery and product stands a few feet north of the Wheel Works and is conveniently located on a siding leading out from the main line of the Southern. The machinery for the plant arrived last week, and an expert machinist from the home office is on the grounds with a force of hands and in all probability a test will be made in a day or two. A visit to the plant when in full operation will be worthwhile. Large hoppers into which quantities of cement and sand are loaded are fed automatically into the mixer, thence into the moulds. From the moulds, the finished product is carried off by means of a belt attachment and delivered on trundle cars, this being the only stop in the automatic mechanism from the time the raw material enters the hoppers until it is delivered in a sound, perfected state ready for the drying and hardening process, which is carried on in an airtight apartment by means of steam. Mr. Shaw starts off with a capacity of ten thousand high-class cement brick per day. The machinery is capable of producing any size and color of brick the customer may desire. Mr. Shaw showed us a cement brick of standard measurements, beautifully and evenly tinted, which was as hard as granite, and this, he said, is the most favored brick by engineers. “I shall manufacture this brick in large quantities, but if other style of brick is wanted it is an easy matter to switch off and make them.” Mr. Shaw does not apprehend any trouble in securing sand. He has already perfected arrangements to get a large quantity of clear sharp sand from a practically inexhaustible bed near town. This sand was tested by an engineer or prominence and pronounced to be of superiority quality. The quality and superiority of the sand in Granville for the manufacture of high grade brick and tile attracted Mr. Shaw’s attention some time ago, and only after the most severe tests and deliberations he made up his mind to commercialize it. While the brick are much more durable and attractive than the old kiln dried brick, the price of the cement brick considering quality and the cost of masonry, is very interesting to prospective builders.
Oxford College / Oxford Female Seminary
February 23, 1976 (OPL) --Education for Women Begins in Granville County--Excerpts according to Katherine H. Hilliard--The first attempt to establish a school for women in Oxford was in 1851. "In 1851, the same year that brought the beginnings of Horner School (for men), an attempt was made by the Masons of NC to establish in Oxford and institution to be known as Saint John's College for Females. For this purpose 119 acres of the tract now occupied by the Oxford Orphanage (presently Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, NC) was purchased, and in 1855, the corner-stone of a four storied building was laid with imposing masonic ceremonies. In 1858 the doors of the college were thrown open, but only boys appeared instead of the expected females. The institution was closed during the war (Civil War)."
It was not until the fall of 1880 that Franklin P. Hobgood, then principal of the Raleigh Female Seminary, came to Oxford, taking over the Raleigh Street property and opening the institution known for many years as Oxford Seminary, later as Oxford College. Hobgood, when explaining why he moved from Raleigh, stated "The citizens of Oxford have put us in possession of a building and grounds more ample than those we occupied in Raleigh, and that at a rent merely nominal." This fact made it possible from the very beginning for Hobgood to offer such low rates for board and tuition that many girls from families of very moderate means were able to enjoy the advantages offered by the school. About the year 1917, after an advance in the curriculum, the Seminary became Oxford College, and in 1922 it was recognized as a member of the American Association of Junior Colleges. The school closed in 1925. An interview with local women who attended the school show it as more than simply a good school. It was a different world from today. Ladies, and all who attended the school were ladies, were expected and forced to act as ladies. Contact with young men was limited and always closely watched. Even meal times were an education, as tables featured cloth napkins, and lovely china and silverware. All young ladies were expected to know music and develop their talents. Dr. Hobgood's reputation for strictness was well remembered, but the girls could inveigle from him far more in concessions than was ever possible from Miss Rosa Jones, dean of women at the school. However, the college girls would go to Hall's Drug Store and there meet young men. There was always a lookout, and if Miss Rosa came into sight, there was a warning and the girls would hasten to the basement of the store and remain until she had gone. The conversations were resumed when it was safe for the venturesome girls to return to the main level of the store.
A favorite past time of the young men was to drive at slow speed in their father's car by the college campus at the corner of Raleigh Street and High Street. Girls were forbidden to ride with the boys, but it was not unusual for some of them to walk as far as Central Orphanage and there meet a friend for a "spin" on a Model T. Mr. Hobgood kept a sharp eye on his students at all times, and when the cars came repeatedly by the campus, it was not unusual for the bearded college president to appear on the front of the campus to wave the boys away. Professor Hobgood had his special punishment for any of his girl students caught in the act of riding with a male companion. The punishment was to walk repeatedly around the circular drive of the campus and they were restricted from going with others down town in free time in the afternoon.
In the early 1920s Oxford College girls relied upon the trains for their transportation to and from Oxford. On one occasion, at the start of Christmas vacation, two train cars were almost filled with Oxford College girls. Some of them were supposed to get off at Dickerson and make a change from the Henderson bound train to another heading southward to Durham via Creedmoor. The students were having such a wonderful time, strumming their ukes and other instruments, singing and cutting up in college girl fashion that they failed to debark at Dickerson. They were almost to Henderson when the error was discovered.
During the last years of operation of the college, every available space was filled. The college closed after Mr. Hobgood refused to sell to the Baptist denomination, although the denomination offered to permit him to operate the school as long as he lived. The college operate for a short period after the death of Mr. Hobgood.
Oxford Cotton Mill
June 5, 1902 (OPL) -- The Oxford Cotton Mill one of the Finest Equipped in the State. We are much gratified at the steady march of advancement at the Cotton Mill in Oxford. We had the pleasure of being shown through this magnificent mill a few days ago. It is certainly one of the best equipped and best conducted mills in the State. It is filled up with the best and most modern machinery and has every modern water and fire appliance, electric alarms and a large reservoir. The mill turns out the best cotton yarn and we are glad to learn it is finding a ready sale. It is now running on full time with a regular pay roll of 75 operatives. The output is now three to four car loads shipped weekly. The factory owns its own electric lights. The cottages for the operatives are among the most comfortable and attractive we have ever seen. Those who go to the Oxford Cotton Mills to work will find nice homes with clean, airy surroundings. In order that the mill may run its full capacity there is at present need for quite a number of operatives, which we suppose the manager will have no trouble in securing in view of the good accommodations given there. The Oxford Cotton Mill is fortunate in securing the services of Mr. E. W. Worth as Superintendent. He has had large experience and is thoroughly conversant with the Cotton Mill business. He is giving entire satisfaction. Mr. John Hall, the efficient President of the Mill, is too well known to need any praise at our hands. He is a business man of large capacity and his name connected with this mill meant success from the start. Mr. Hall is a clear-headed, far-seeing man who will turn everything to the advantage of the concern of which he is the head. No better man could have been secured for President. Mr. Ira Howard, bookkeeper for the mill, also renders very valuable service to the concern. The capital stock of the mill is already $125,000. With this large capital and with such equipment as it has, both in officers and appliances, the concern can but meet with great success. A large commodious dwelling, near the mill for the residence of the Superintendent, is now nearing completion, which will add much to the appearance of the surroundings. The trade of the factory people will add much to the trade of the town. We think the town should construct a nice sidewalk from the factory to the town limits on Hillsboro street. This is due to the factory people in view of the patronage they render.
Oxford Credit Union
February 19, 1937 (OPL) -- A new corporation has been organized in Oxford and chartered under the laws of the state. The name is the Oxford Credit Union. The incorporators and directors are O. B. Breedlove, W. E. Warren, J. P. Harris, J. W. Medford, B. K. Lassiter, J. F. Webb, and D. F. Lanier. At the first meeting the following officers were elected: B. K. Lassiter, president; W. E. Warren, vice president; J. F. Webb, secretary and treasurer. A credit committee, composed of J. E. Pittard, J. W. Horner, and S. S. Farabow, and a supervisory committee composed of a. H. Powell, J. S. Beverly and C. O. Mainor were appointed. This is a savings and credit institution organized as a mutual and cooperative union. Information may be received from any of the members or the secretary.
Oxford Furniture Company
June 10, 1938 (OPL) -- Oxford Furniture Company will hold its formal opening Friday afternoon and evening from 4 until 9 o’clock. General manager of the store is S. L. Dworsky, G. G. Boswell is sales manager, Miss Mary Alice Lawrence is credit manager and J. F. Brame, H. C. Hall and J. E. Riggsbee are salesmen. Mr. floor-covering expert. The Oxford Furniture Company is located in the building formerly occupied by Williams Drug Company. It has been reconditioned and remodeled to meet the needs of the new tenant. The manager stated that the firm would carry a complete line of bedroom, dining room, living room, porch and kitchen furniture, including ranges. The first floor will be used to display merchandise and on the second floor, a model home has been set up. Porch furniture, dining room, living room and bedroom arrangements are shown.
Oxford Grocery Company
May 26, 1937 (OPL) -- Oxford’s newest grocery firm, Oxford Grocery Company, has been opened in the store on Lewis Street formerly occupied by Burton and Willard. J. W. Hamm is manager of the store and will be assisted by Jack Hayes. Mr. Hamm has been engaged in grocery stores of Oxford for the past several years and is widely known here. The Oxford Grocery Company will carry a complete line of heavy and fancy groceries and fresh and cured meats.
Oxford Hotel
About 1875, Thomas Littlejohn erected the old hotel building on the corner of Main and Hillsboro St. The building burned to the ground in 1886.
Oxford High School
December 22, 1874 (Torchlight) -- We chronicle with great pleasure the success of this school which is now in charge of that able instructor and efficient disciplinarian, Prof. Fred. A. Fetter. Prof. Fetter taught at Chapel Hill, at the University of North Carolina in the palmy days of that renowned institution, and so did his father, who is also a distinguished North Carolina educator. The patrons of the Oxford High School are delighted with Prof. Fetter as its principal and his pupils are represented to have made great progress in their studies. He has great tact in getting scholars to study hard and to behave with propriety. We take pleasure in copying the following notice of his school from one of our leading exchanges: “Professor Fetter, the Principal of the Oxford High School, has secured the services of a son of Dr. Charles Phillips as his assistant for next year. The prospects of this School for next year are highly flattering. The Principal throw his whole soul into his work, and as an instructor and disciplinarian he has won the hearts of his patrons, who are loud in their praises. Parents and guardians would do well to bear this in mind as the society and healthfulness of Oxford are proverbial.”
Oxford Ice & Milling Company
April 24, 1934 (OPL) -- Oxford Ice and Milling company, incorporated, successors to the Ice Products Company, organization of which was recently announced, has completed all preliminary work incidental to full operation, E. G. Moss, president, said Monday. New ice manufacturing machinery has been installed at the plant on the Southern Railway and machinery for grinding corn, and machinery for the manufacture of dairy, poultry and hog feeds also is included in the new equipment of the plant. The Oxford Ice and Milling Company will be operated by experienced me, Mr. Moss said. The company will do custom grinding and feed mixing for farmers. Looking to the future for the farmers, Mr. Moss said yellow corn is much better suited for manufacture of feeds and he suggested that farmers of this territory include some yellow corn in their planting this spring. The company will continue to manufacture ice and distribute the same throughout this section. An advertisement in another section of the paper makes mention of this. The organization, in addition to Mr. Moss, includes B. W. Parham, vice-president; Wade H. Smith, secretary and Lindsay Taylor, sales manager. December 13, 1938 -- The Ice Business was sold to Oxford Ice & Fuel Company and the Milling Business was sold to Taylor & Bullock.
Oxford Ice & Fuel Company
February 23, 1937 (OPL) -- A new North Carolina corporation, Oxford Ice & Fuel Company of Oxford, has purchased the old ice plant of the Oxford Ice and Milling Company on Clement Avenue and will begin immediately installing new machinery, improving the old and expanding the business here. The milling division of the Oxford Ice and Milling Company, which has been operated for the past 18 months under lease by Lindsay Taylor and Frank Bullock is being purchased by these men and consummation of the deal is expected to be announced within the next few days. The incorporators of the new firm, Oxford Ice and Fuel Company, are J. T. Doster, Sr., C. S. Doster and B. B. Burton, Jr. of Birmingham, AL. Mr. Burton, son-in-law of Doster, will be in charge of the business of the corporation in Oxford. The incorporators are said to be experienced ice manufacturers and fuel dealers. J. B. Carroll, who has been connected with the Oxford Ice company for the past year, will continue with the new company and will be active in the operation of the business here. Mr. Carroll has made quite a record for himself and the company in increasing ice consumption through this section and has built up a large trucking system to transport the products of the plant to consumers all through Granville and adjacent counties. E. G. Moss, who held controlling interest in the corporation owning the Oxford Ice and Milling Company, said the deal through which the ice business was sold was completed Saturday. Several months ago, the concern of which Mr. Moss was the head purchased the Burton Ice business on Watkins Street. That plant was used as an uptown storage and serving station during last summer. Taylor and Bullock, both prominent and successful young businessmen, are making plans for the extension of their plant by increasing the size of the building enabling them to double the output of the mill at the present time. They manufacture flour, meal and feeds.
Oxford Land Improvement and Manufacturing Company
May 6, 1890 (OPL) -- Oxford Land Improvement and Manufacturing Company was organized on May 3, 1890. The following are the officers of the Company: President, William E. Owens; Vice-Presidents, C. M. Hawkins, Henry Clay Herndon, Archibald Hunter Arrington Williams; Secretary, W. C. Reed; Treasurer, William Henry Hunt; Directors: Robert T. Gray, William E. Owens, C. M. Hawkins, R. R. Roberts, Henry Clay Herndon, Archibald Hunter Arrington Williams, W. C. Reed, William Henry Hunt, John Beach Booth and N. A. Gregory; Executive Committee: W. A. Davis, Henry Clay Herndon and W. C. Reed.
May 13, 1890 (OPL) -- Since the organization of the company it has acquired by purchase 591 acres of land in and adjoining Oxford. These lands embrace the Osborn and Grandy places. The 591 acres all in one body, in and adjoining Oxford, cost the company $75,000. It lies beautifully exposed to the South and is singularly well adapted to building purposes. It slopes so as to give good drainage, and there are not a half dozen waste acres in the boundary. This splendid plateau will be laid off into building lots, factory sites, etc. and no lot will be less than 50 x 150 feet. Broad streets will intersect them, leading into the main avenues of Oxford, and will be made model roads from the beginning. Within less than a year a new railway will enter Oxford, running the whole length of the company’s lands. Correspondence is already active with manufacturers for locating plants that will give employment to many hands, and that will further vary the industries of this active, growing young city, and the company will foster them to the fullest extent. It must be borne in mind that this tract of land is not at a distance, but hugs the city line for a mile. The company will issue $150,000 or stock in shares of per value of $50 each; payment, $10 cash, balance when called for by the company, in $5 payments not to be oftener than once a month. With every two shares a lot 50 x 150 will be given. All stock to be fully paid and non-assessable. When the stock is place the lots will be drawn for by lot. All the lots will be 50 x 150 with one exception, the Grandy Mansion lot, containing three acres, including a beautiful lawn, the elegant old Grandy Mansion and all out buildings. It is well worth $7,500 cash. Every holder of two shares of stock stands an equal opportunity owning this lovely home, in the allotment of lots. This family mansion of the Grandys is in excellent repair. It has eight large rooms and a well arranged basement with a complement of out-buildings. It is located in a fashionable portion of the city and is within a few minutes of the City Hall and Court House. There are also on the property and to go with stock one four room dwelling with an acre of ground attached and necessary out buildings, and several smaller tenement houses ranging in value from $200 to $500. The money arising from sale of the stock will be used to develop and improve the property. When the stock is all placed there will remain one-half of the unimproved lots to be sold for the benefit of stockholders. In addition to getting the full worth of your money in a lot you may get one of these lots, or the mansion worth $7,500. The money used in developing and improving the remaining lots should make the property yield the stockholders a dividend largely in excess of their subscription. This is the safest, soundest and best investment yet put before the public.
Oxford Laundry & Dry Cleaning Company
June 20, 1939 (OPL) -- Effective at the close of business Saturday F. L. Hood, former Oxford man and widely known in this section, purchased Oxford Laundry and Dry Cleaning company from O. T. Hobgood, owner or the property for the past several years. Mr. Hood is returning to Oxford from Roanoke, VA, where he has been operating Nu Way Laundry and Dry Cleaners, one of the largest establishments in that city. Mr. Hobgood, while he plans to retain his home near Henderson, will enter the real estate business in Jasper, FL, where he already has considerable real estate properties. In assuming the management of the Oxford concern, Mr. Hood said his immediate aim would be to improve the service and quality of the work offered in both laundry and dry cleaning departments. An experienced personnel is to be in charge of each department, under the direct supervision of Mr. Hood. Mr. Hood was for many years engaged in the undertaking and furniture business in this city. Mrs. Hood is a native of the county, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wrenn. Both have hosts of friends in this section who will learn with interest of their return to this city to make their home. Oxford Laundry and Dry Cleaning has been enlarged and new equipment added during the past few years under the ownership and management of O. T. Hobgood. The firm will continue to operate a fleet of trucks in the city and county and into neighboring cities and counties. Mr. Hobgood, in expressing appreciation for the patronage given him by hundreds of customers, said Mr. Hood had his best wishes for success. Mr. Hobgood has been one of Oxford’s popular and successful business men during the past few years. February 16, 1940 -- Oxford Laundry and Dry Cleaning Company was on Monday sold by F. L. Hood to Charlie Brewer, Henderson native but for 10 years engaged in business in Elkin. Mr. Brewer said yesterday he planned to provide for this section a modern and sanitary laundry service, with a guarantee of efficiency and satisfaction.
The Oxford Leader (Newspaper)
October 13, 1874 (Torchlight) -- The Oxford Leader. Having purchased the press, type, subscription books, etc. of the Carolina Herald, we propose on about Thursday, October 22d, 1874, to issue the first number of The Oxford Leader, a free and independent weekly newspaper, devoted to the interests of the white man’s party of North Carolina. In addition to the Agricultural Department the Leader will have one column weekly devoted to the Tobacco interests of Granville and surrounding counties, in which will be found carefully revised reports from Richmond, Petersburg, Danville, Durham, Milton, and all domestic markets. So that the farmer will always know where to sell his crop to the best advantage.Terms of subscription in advance: $2.00 per annum, $1.00 for six months. Having purchased the subscription books of the Herald, notice is hereby given to all those who have paid their subscriptions to that paper that the Leader will be sent to them the balance of the unexpired term. Those who have received the Herald but have not paid are earnestly requested to come forward and settle up at once as we are anxious to close up the old accounts. All persons wishing to subscribe address Blow & Britt, Proprietors, Oxford, NC.
Oxford Manufacturing Company
April 18, 1924 (OPL) -- The Secretary of State has issued papers of incorporation to the Oxford Manufacturing Co., with authorized capital $50.000 and $12,000 subscribed by W. H. Hunt, Andrew Jamieson, E. G. Hulse, W. T. Yancey, R. H. Lewis, Jr., E. H. Crenshaw, Parham & Lassiter, and E. C. Crews, all of Oxford. Within the next few days ground will be broken at the corner of Hillsboro and Granville streets for a large building to house the Oxford Manufacturing Co., a new concern just chartered to do stamping, embossing and printing on metal, wood and paper. The Carolina Printing Co. will be merged with the new enterprise. The new building is expected to be completed and the machinery installed within the next sixty days. Hillsboro Street west of the Exchange Hotel is fast assuming the proportions of a business section several new buildings having been recently erected and others in the course of erection. The R. G. Lassiter Company is erecting a building at the corner of Hillsboro and Broad streets, and Mr. E. H. Crenshaw will enlarge his plant this summer. A well-known Durham man was here this week measuring the vacant lot on Hillsboro street, where the Granville Warehouse stood, with a view of establishing a shoe manufacturing plant here. November 4, 1924 -- The Oxford Manufacturing Company, which was chartered a few months ago to do a general line of printing on metal, wood, paper and fiber, is now located in the new Crenshaw block of buildings on Hillsboro St. Mr. E. G. Hulse is the manager in charge, and it was our pleasure to be shown over the plant by him yesterday. The wondrous stamping machine, as large as an overgrown elephant, opens and closes its jaws as fast as the machine is speeded. Its teeth are steel dice, between which the steel plate, such as an auto tag, is placed, and when it comes out it bears the name of the city or town, state and number. Then follows the finishing process, such as cutting the holes and glazing the plates in the desired colors. The whole process is very interesting. Under ordinary circumstances it would be dangerous to feed the steel plates into the jaws of the ponderous presses, but these new machines are equipped with a safety device by which a gate closes and shoves the hand of the feeder out of danger. Mr. Leon Hines is the traveling agent, and it is a pleasure to note that he has booked a number of handsome orders from this and other states. December 13, 1838 -- The Oxford Manufacturing Company is out of business.
Oxford Motor Inn
April 3, 1936 (OPL) -- John L. Suit, Jr. and Robert Gupton have purchased Oxford Motor Inn from Charlie Jones and Herman Jones, assuming management of the establishment, located on the Durham highway about two miles from Oxford. It was said that Herman Jones will move to Goldsboro and engage for the present in strawberry marketing and that Charlie Jones will engage in farming near Oxford. Messrs. Suit and Gupton will take active charge of the business of the Motor Inn the first of the week. Mr. Suit has been connected with the A&P Tea Company for about 11 years and has been manager of the Oxford store for about two years. He is genteel and popular with a great number of people in Oxford, being a native of this place. Young Gupton has been engaged by Oxford Body company as an acetylene welder and he too is well known and popular with a large circle in this section. Assisting these young men in the conduct of their business for the present will be J. R. Sneed, Thomas Suit, Battle Suit and Miss Nell Daniel.
Oxford Shoe Store
February 7, 1941 (OPL) -- Oxford Shoe Store, of which Victor Montague is the proprietor, will open Wednesday morning for business in the building on Main Street formerly occupied by Wood’s Funeral Home. Renovation of the building is being completed this week and carpenters and painters have completed the installation of shelves and fixtures preparatory to the opening. Mr. Montague, who for a number of years has operated a general store and filling station at Shady Grove, said he would feature dress shoes for men, women and children and work shoes for men. He will handle the merchandise of several manufacturers. Mr. Montague, the son of W. H. Montague, said he would have salesmen to assist in serving customers.
Oxford Silk Yarns Company
May 11, 1928 (OPL) -- Although the Oxford Chamber of Commerce has been working assiduously for more than two months, the $100,000 silk mill comes as a pleasant surprise to many of our people who are not in close touch with the workings of the Chamber. They are to be commended for securing the mill and arranging all details to the satisfaction of Mr. J. E. Redyke and associates of Pennsylvania, promoters of a string of silk mills throughout the South. Mr. Redyke stated that the mill will start off with 60 employees and increase the number as the business expands. The factory and office building is to be erected this summer on the vacant lot at the corner of Herndon Ave. and Wall Street. Mr. Redyke stated that the work is light and clean and well adapted to the nimble fingers of young ladies of refinement and intelligence. July 23, 1929 -- The Oxford Silk Yarns Company is for sale. Can produce 1000 to 1200 lbs. highest quality of hosiery yarns per week. This is a big money making proposition for one who can influence the business. Will sell at a sacrifice price or sell a ½ interest to party who can get the business from full Fashion Hosiery Mfgs. Apply to J. J. Redyke, 101 Front St., Oxford, NC.
Oxford Water and Electric Company
May 17, 1911 (Oxford Banner)--A transaction that means much for Oxford and which has just been finally completed, is the purchase of the Oxford Water & Electric Company and the Oxford Ice Company by Richard Creagh Mackubin Calvert, formerly of College Park, MD, and local businessmen. By this deal the ownership of Oxford’s Light, Water and Ice Plants passes into the control of Oxford citizens, thus localizing our most important utilities, and in the future the operation of these plants will be by Oxford citizens—for Oxford citizens and for the advancement and development of Oxford and surrounding community. Mr. Richard Calvert has come to Oxford to stay proving his faith in Oxford by investing his money here and by buying a home here, and as a citizen of Oxford we may expect his active support and cooperation in all matters affecting the advancement of Oxford. Mr. Calvert’s family is expected to arrive in Oxford within a week or ten days, and contracts will be immediately let for improvements and additions to the property purchased as a residence.
The Oxford Banner warmly welcomes Mr. Calvert and his family to Oxford, and congratulate Oxford on securing such an addition to its business and social life. Mr. Calvert is a member of the well-known Calvert family of Maryland and has been prominent in the Electrical business for years, having for eighteen years held a high position with the General Electric Company in building and installing Electrical Plants in South America and India, and under his management the local plants will render efficient and satisfactory service. Returning to the United States a little less than a year ago, Mr. Calvert has since been looking around for a desirable location for business and home, and the fact that Oxford secures Mr. Calvert as a citizen is but another pleasing endorsement of “the best town in the State.”
It is sufficient that factors largely influencing Mr. Calvert in deciding to make Oxford his home were the cordial and substantial evidences of cooperation offered him by the citizens who joined him in his investment, and the interest manifested by the Granville Commercial Club.
The following corporations have been chartered for handling the business purchased by Mr. Calvert and associates: The Oxford Electric Company, The oxford Water Company, The Oxford Ice Company, each branch of business having its distinct organization all under the personal management of Mr. Calvert. The following Oxford citizens are associated with Mr. Richard Calvert in the ownership of the plants: Dr. Nelson McPherson Ferebee, Dr. Samuel Hillman Cannady, William Bransford Ballou, Sr., Jerome Channing Horner, Dr. Edward Thomas White, William Zachariah Mitchell, William J. Long, Louis de LaCroix, Samuel Watte Parker, Henry George Cooper, L. B. Turner, C. D. Ray, Nelson Newton Cupp, Dr. George Samuel Watkins, Zachariah Wesley Lyon, J. W. Horner, J. T. Britt, Robert William Lassiter, W. G. Pace, James Franklin White, Beverly Sampson Royster, William Henry Hunt, T. E. Hicks, A. H. Powell, John Adam Niles.
Under the management of Mr. Calvert and his associates with the interest and cooperation of the local stock holders, Oxford is assured of Electric Light, Water, Power, and Ice service second to none.
Neil Parham, Cigar Factory
April 1, 1919 (OPL) -- The first intimation that there is a cigar factory in Oxford was on Monday last when Mr.Neil Parham passed out a few high grade cigars to his friends, stating that he made them himself. The particular brand that he handed to his friends is the “Carolina”, very fragrant and of inviting shape and style. Mr. Parham stated that he has several thousand cigars ready to be placed in the box, and that as soon as the stamps arrive he will place them upon the market. He will employ cigar makers as his business grows.
Parrish Beauty Salon, later called the New Victory Beauty Shop
September 13, 1940 (OPL) -- Regular visits to the beauty shop are so inexpensive now that Mrs. J. L. Parrish, owner of Parrish Beauty Salon states that an increasing number of patrons are keeping standing engagements with their favorite operator. There really is little excuse for ladies not looking their best at all times and not just on “dress up” occasions, Mrs. Parrish said. “Permanents, you know, cost much less than they did a few years ago and , facial and scalp treatments and all other beauty work is within reach of persons with modest incomes. Mrs. Parrish has been operating a beauty shop in Oxford for many years. Her enterprise is located on the Mezzanine of City Barber shop and may be entered through Herring’s Drug Store or through the barber ship. Licensed and courteous operators are employed. “We are looking forward to the opening of the tobacco market September 17,” Mrs. Parrish said. “To us it is sorter like Christmas, for we know we will have the privilege of seeing and serving many old friends just as we do at Christmas time when former residents come back for a visit.”
Parrish-Medford Motors, Inc.
August 11, 1939 (OPL) -- Parrish-Medford Motors, Inc., organized by J. L. Parrish and J. J. Medford, has obtained the Ford Motor Company dealership franchise for this territory and on Thursday, began operations in the building formerly occupied by Oxford Motor Company of which T. R. Manson is the proprietor. The firm, recently chartered by the Secretary of State, has an authorized capital stock of $50,000.00. Officers of the corporation are J. L. Parrish, president; J. J. Medford, secretary-treasurer, and Mrs. J. L. Parrish, vice-president. The building on Williamsboro Street owned by Mrs. F. W. Clonts has been leased by Parrish-Medford Motors, Inc., and is being remodeled and repainted to meet requirements of the new firm. The parts department has been shifted to the east side of the front portion of the building and the private offices moved to the west side, with the bookkeeper’s office in the front of the building, east side. Parrish-Medford Motors, Inc. have taken the franchise without the stock of used cars owned by Oxford Motor Company and Mr. Manson will continue his business with an office in the Ford agency, where sales of used cars will be conducted and collection made. Shop equipment has been purchased by the new firm and a modern, fast and efficient service department and rebuilding of wrecked cars will be maintained, the new owners stated, in discussing plans of the organization for increasing the number of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln-Zephyr users in this section. A new shipment of Ford cars was received this week, but the Mercury will not be placed on display until the 1940 models are produced in the early fall. The two members of the firm are widely known in Granville County, where both have been prominently identified with the business life of the section for many years. Mr. Parrish has been operating City Barber Shop and Beauty Salon for a number of years and also has done some real estate and automobile trading. For the past several years, Mr. Medford has been connected with Orpheum Theatre and more recently with Oxford Motor Company as bookkeeper. He is a son of the late J. J. Medford and a brother of J. W. Medford, former vice-president of Oxford National Bank. The organization of Parrish-Medford Motors, Inc. brings into the ever expanding automobile field here two young men of abundant energy and a thorough knowledge of motor car values. Both have expressed an eagerness to serve the motoring public of this section,” promising the best possible service and values at all times.”
Pender's Market
April 22, 1941 (OPL) -- Carpenters and other tradesmen are busy about the Hall store on Main Street occupied by Pender’s making repairs and enlarging the stock space. The basement is being refinished and will be used as a stock room. The partition in the store is to be removed, giving the merchant approximately 50 per cent additional floor space for displaying merchandise and serving customers. When the work is completed, within the next few weeks new fixtures are to be installed and new electrical refrigeration used for keeping perishable merchandise.Contractor for the remodeling and repair work is John F. Reams. F. W. Finch is manager of the store for the Pender Company.
J. C. Penny Company
February 7, 1939 (OPL) -- Extensive remodeling of the store of J. C. Penny Company on Main Street is well underway and when the work is completed by J. F. Reams, general contractor, the establishment will present a complete new appearance on the inside and out, D. K. Walker, manager of the business said. A steel beam is being installed across the front of the store as a foundation for a new front. Interior arrangement of the store, with a transfer of the office from the mezzanine to a new balcony, transfer of some lines of merchandise to the second floor and installation of fitting rooms and a hat bar are among the projected changes, Mr. Walker said. The store entrance will be made four feet wider, a new tile vestibule with the store name inlaid, with a bulkhead of black and yellow tile will change the entrance. The front of the store will be made of black carrora glass, with a new steel enamel sign across the front. The windows will have hardwood floors with a dark oak border. The background will be of fiberboard, with and entrance to the window behind each unit to facilitate redressing of the window. Entrance to the store will be through double doors. Complete rearrangement of the merchandise is planned and the transfer of curtains and draperies to the second floor will permit the firm to show an enlarged stock. The shoe balcony is being rearranged to permit an enlarged shoe stock and the millinery bar, new equipment will be installed on the second floor at the right of the rising stairway. The cotton shop will be at the rear of the second floor. The foundation garment department and the children’s department will both be on the second floor. Some minor changes also are being made in the lighting of the store. Mr. Walker said an effort was being made to complete the work before spring.
Perkinson-Green Company
The Perkinson-Green Company is one of the new firms of Oxford and occupies the two stores on Main St. recently vacated by the E. H. Crenshaw Company. New fronts have been put in and many other improvements made in the interior of the stores. Besides dress good, trimmings, suits, waists, shoes, they have added an up-to-date millinery Department presided over by Miss Kathrine Leace, an expert milliner from Baltimore, assisted by the attractive Miss Ethel Clement, with a lovely creation of Spring style hats to select from. The men’s department has not been neglected, and here is shown all the very latest styles in clothing, hats, furnishings of all kinds, as well as an elegant line of foot wear that cannot be excelled.
Pinewood Dairy
August 22, 1939 (OPL) -- Installation of modern dairy equipment, including mechanical milkers, pasteurizing machinery, bottle cappers and sanitary facilities approved by the State Board of Health is being announced today by Pinewood Dairy, operated by R. S. Finch and Son. The new equipment represents an outlay of about $3000 and opens for the milk consuming public a source of pasteurized milk not hitherto available in Oxford, although often recommended by physicians and public health officials. The Finch dairy has a herd of 30 Jersey and Guernsey cows, supplying 50 gallons of milk daily. Two Surge mechanical milkers are used in the concrete-floored milking barn and a Cherry Barrel spray pasteurizer is now in use in the milk house. A new bottling machine and capper, with improved caps, covering all the top surface of the bottle also has been put in. Established six years ago, Pinewood Dairy is located about three miles from town on the Virgilina highway and is operated under the personal supervision of R. S. Finch and his son, Vernon. Mr. Finch said that he had been studying the dairy business for many years and that after visits to modern dairies in all parts of the state, he had concluded that even with most meticulous care, only pasteurization could guarantee a safe milk supply. Mr. Finch has conferred frequently with milk and dairy specialists of the State Board of Health and of the State Department of Agriculture and had counseled with them before purchasing and installing mechanical milkers and the pasteurizing equipment. Evening’s milk is pumped through the cooling machinery and stored until morning and is then pasteurized. Morning’s milk is placed immediately into the pouring tank and piped to the pasteurizing room where in the steam-operated pasteurizer, the temperature is raised to 143 degrees, which kills all bacteria and eliminates possibility of milk fever, which can be eliminated only by pasteurization. From the pasteurizer, the milk flows through the cooling machinery and is reduced to a temperature below 50 degrees. It is immediately bottled and placed in cold storage to await delivery. The bottling machine fills four bottles at one operation and immediately covers the bottle with a Kleen Cap. This type cap has a flange which covers the top pouring surface of the bottle, further protecting contents of the bottle after delivery to the consumer. Other improvements at the dairy include shower and toilet facilities for members of the dairy staff. Each is required to take a complete shower before beginning his duties about the dairy. Separate facilities are provided for white and colored laborers.
Pittard's Funeral Parlor
February 22, 1938 (OPL) -- Pittard’s Funeral Parlor will open for business in the Hicks building on Williamsboro street early in March, Clifton E. Pittard, proprietor, announced Monday as carpenters began work on the interior of the building. Mr. Pittard, a native of the county and a licensed embalmer and funeral director, for the past few years has been associated with J. Robert Wood and Son, oldest establishment in this section of the state. The interior of the building will include a lobby and office in the front and just back of this will be a modern show room with approved lighting. The preparation room will be in the back of the building and will be accessible from the front or back of the building. A portion of the back also will be used for storage of stock. It is my plan to offer the citizens of Granville and adjacent territory a modern and dignified mortuary service and a rapid, reliable ambulance service, declared Mr. Pittard, whose rolling equipment is to be of the most modern type on the market, offering every convenience for the efficient, comfortable transportation of the sick. The parlor will be located at 123 Williamsboro St. in the building formerly occupied by MacIver’s Restaurant, next door to Boyd’s Beauty Shop. Workmen are turning about, preparing the structure for the new tenant, with a view of having it ready for business at the earliest possible time. Mr. Pittard is giving personal supervision to the work. A graduate of Creedmoor high school, Mr. Pittard received his education in Worsham College of Embalming, Chicago, and post graduate work at the C. A. Gardner Studio, Chicago. He served his apprenticeship with Padka Funeral Home, Chicago, and J. Rober Wood, Oxford. He holds certificates issued by the Embalmers Examining Board of the United States, Inc. and a license from the North Carolina State Board of Embalming. He also holds certificates issued by the American National Red Cross in administering first aid to the injured. August 1, 1939 -- Effective today, a new business partnership in Oxford is that of Clifton E. Pittard and Wilbur L. Vaught in the business of Pittard-Vaught Funeral Home. The firm, situated at present on Williamsboro Street in the building formerly used by Pittard’s Funeral home, will move within the next fortnight into the Easton old home just back of the Post Office, where 24 hour service will be offered in ambulance and funeral service. Extensive renovations are being completed to the firm’s new home by owners of the property. Mr. Pittard and Mr. and Mrs. Vaught will reside in a section of the home reserved for residential purposes on the third floor. Formation of the partnership brings together two young men well and favorably known throughout Granville County. Mr. Pittard is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Pittard of Hester. Following his graduation from Creedmoor high school, he attended Worsham College in Chicago where he completed his training in undertaking and embalming. Upon his return, he was associated with J. Robert Wood & Son in this city. Mr. Vaught is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Vaught of Bladenboro. He attended Wake Forest College and the University of Minnesota where he completed his training in undertaking and embalming. Upon his graduation, he accepted a position with Yopp Funeral Home in Wilmington, a connection he retained until three years ago when he came to Oxford for a connection with Upchurch & Currin. Mrs. Vaught is the former Miss Lell Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wade Smith. Mrs. Vaught is secretary to a group of Oxford physicians. Both members of the firm are licensed embalmers. A formal opening of the new firm will be held at a date to be determined after completion of the new quarters. The funeral chapel and family room will be on the main floor of the three-story structure, with the office also on this floor. The owners of the business will reside on the third floor. The preparation room, storage rooms and show rooms are located on the ground floor and the slumber room is located adjacent to the preparation room. The funeral car, a LaSalle, which is a combination ambulance, is garaged adjacent to the house, quickly accessible for emergency calls. August 8, 1939 -- Pittard-Vaught Funeral Home, the latter part of the week, occupied the firm’s new home on Littlejohn Street, just back of the post office. The two members of the firm, C. E. Pittard and W. L. Vaught, and Mrs. Vaught, are residing in the home which has been attractively refinished and prepared for the tenants.
Post Office
1825-1836--James Mitchell Wiggins was postmaster in Oxford.
June 1, 1875 -- Mr. W. R. Turner moved the building on Main St. formerly occupied by Mr. Jones as the Post Office to the vacant lot below A. Crews and Brothers. The building was turned around completely.
Princess Theatre
August 24, 1937 (OPL) -- A corps of engineers, decorators, designers and painters have been at work at the Princess Theatre for a week renovating the E. G. Crews house of entertainment. An air conditioning unit, manufactured by the United States Air Conditioning Corporation, has been installed in the back of the building and this mechanical equipment will also be used to make the building comfortable in winter. The conditioning unit washes the air brought into the theatre from an outside intake during the summer and returns it to the auditorium of the theatre as fresh and stimulating as the morning dew that covers Dixie, Mr. Crews asserted, reflecting the pride that he has in bringing high class theatrical entertainment to Oxford. The walls of the theatre are to be covered with cellotex, new carpets are being installed and a new screen erected on the stage of the theatre. New lights on the walls and overhead will make the auditorium more conducive to rest for those who pass their leisure hours in the theatre watching the Hollywood satellites. L. K. Burton, painting contractor, has the contract for the paint and decorating work and will do this work as soon as the other workers have completed their task. The Princess installed new projecting equipment last summer and the improvements now being made will make this 500-seat theatre on of the finest in this section, Mr. Crews said.
Pryor's
March 19, 1937 (OPL) -- Pryor’s, Oxford’s only exclusive men’s store, is announcing a sweeping 11th anniversary sale beginning today. This progressive Main Street mercantile establishment, owned and operated by W. H. Pryor and John N. Watkins, Jr. has grown into a large and complete store form a small beginning. The entire stock of nationally known and advertised merchandise is being placed on sale during this event. Mr. Pryor said, radiating his enthusiasm for spring styles and Easter showing of new merchandise. We are confident that our thousands of friends throughout this section will take advantage of to this offer to save money at our expense. Elsewhere in this issue of the paper, Pryor’s has a large advertisement in which manufacturers and robbers with whom he has done business for a number of years are offering their congratulations and wishes for a continuation of his successful service to this locality. This is undoubtedly the biggest event we have ever staged in Oxford, Mrs. Watkins, supplementing Mr. Pryor’s enthusiasm. Our stock is the largest and best yet. Wilson Brothers, Kahn Tailoring Company, Hickok Jewelry, Dobbs Hats, Epstein & Sons Company, Twin Flex Cravats, Jayson shirts, Schloss Brothers clothes and Crosby Square shoes are some of the leading manufacturers and products represented by Pryor’s.
Puroil Filling Station
April 21, 1939 (OPL) -- F. W. and A. H. Hart have taken over the operation of Puroil Station on Hillsboro Street and have stocked the establishment with merchandise and are preparing to render expert service to the motorist. Messrs. Hart said they would carry a complete line of Puroil products. Their equipment, they said, is the best available for rendering expert greasing and washing service.