You are now standing in front of a charming, little bookstore called Mystery Loves Company, but back in 1890, this building was the Oxford Savings Bank. This was the first bank established in Oxford, designed to serve the residents of this growing town.
The Oxford Savings Bank would remain open for forty three years. However, the bank would be forced to close its doors in March of 1933 due to the worst economic downturn in American history, which is known as the Great Depression. This era was a very dark time for many across the country and here in Oxford, as businesses closed, and many town residents who relied on this bank lost their life savings. It particularly crippled the oyster business as this was a cash business between oystermen and packers.
Oxford went without a bank for many years until 1967, when a new building was constructed on town property located at Factory and Wilson streets. Although the names have changed several times, there is still a bank servicing the citizens of this small town. Take a look inside, and if you’re lucky enough to be here when it’s open, go inside. You can still see the original architecture and dont forget to look up at the ceiling.
