Historical Society Updating House Book

The Oxford Historical Society is updating “Early Houses of Oxford”, first published in 1976. This collection of brief histories of approximately 150 homes will be used to both preserve the story of Oxford’s past and to enrich the public about the rich architectural treasures of the town. Owners with information on homes in Oxford built prior to 1899 are asked to call Marilyn Stebar at (203) 888-3469 by January 15th.

One of the most popular of these houses is the Washband Tavern, located on 90 Oxford Road. Originally built in 1714, it was owned by John Twitchell until about 1803, when the Washband family bought the house and converted it to a tavern. While the house has been enlarged to nearly twice its original size, its historical value still remains. The entirety of the house has been well preserved, including the ballroom which can be found on the second floor of the building.

In the Chestnut Tree Hill area of town lies the Treat-DeBisschop Homestead, which was built in 1796 by Elijah and Esther Curtis, remaining a landmark since then. The house has been owned by the same family for six generations and is still standing at 234 Chestnut Tree Hill Road today.

The updated version of “Early Houses of Oxford” also will feature buildings that are “gone, but not forgotten”. An example of a stunning colonial home lost except in memory was the Wheeler-Osborn property on Riggs Street, a house with an especially rich historical background. The house was built in 1772 by Lt. Samuel Wheeler, and was later raised and a ground floor was built underneath it. The kitchen was added shortly after the close of the Civil War. The structure was restored in 1950 and the original hearthstone was found at a neighboring walk and restored to its original place. However, after years of disregard, the once-proud home was torn down. Despite this tragic loss, its historical significance carries on through the stories of families who have owned it and the information that they had given to the Oxford Historical Society during the creation of the original book.

For Further Information: Marilyn Stebar 203 888-3469 or Nancy Farnum 203 888-0230