2022 marks forty (40) years of the Community Center’s life as an independent non-profit organization. The accomplishment is due to the passion and dedication of the residents of Oxford and all who have supported the Center through the years. The history is unique and illustrates the strong vision and resolve of the village population. It is also the tenth (10) year anniversary of the major capital campaign renovations.
The building was in disrepair in the late 1970’s after the elementary school closed. The town Commissioners considered many options for the building, but after exhaustive efforts, they decided to have the building demolished. In January of 1980, the decision was announced and the residents of Oxford rallied against it. A committee was formed to “Save Our School” (S.O.S.) and hit the pavement knocking on doors to gather signatures to petition the Town’s decision. This heart fueled effort created the flurry of support needed to succeed. Within six months, the committee secured an agreement with the Town of Oxford as well as the Talbot County Council to take possession of the building. She was saved from the wrecking ball.
This was the beginning of a long road ahead. With the building came the responsibility of fulfilling the original intent of the S.O.S Committee and all of the people who signed the petition and worked so hard to make the Community Center come to life. The mission was clear; events and programs had to be open to the public, and the operations had to be self-sustaining. Every effort moved forward with vigor to provide meaningful and enjoyable activities and fill the halls with vibrancy. The first two solid offerings were the theatre productions, now known as Tred Avon Players and Oxford Kids Camp.
By the time the new millennium took hold, it was obvious that the 1928 building had to be brought up to modern times, but the Center got much more. The team of OCC Trustees reinvigorated the compassion from Town residents, area supporters and engaged in a capital campaign like never before. The building even received LEEDS certification upon completion of the renovations. The Trustees found an incredible visionary architect in Cameron MacTavish, who designed the renovation. He tells the story of how he discovered the cathedral ceiling and the beautiful window structures that today are the signature of the OCC. The ribbon cutting ceremony was June 24, 2012 which is why the anniversary party is June 24, 2022.
Since then, the OCC organization continues to strive to keep the promises of the stewards of the past, both from the 80’s and the 2000’s and is always looking forward to the future. The Trustees seek to deliver diverse and varied events and programs, educational classes, health and wellness, book club, game clubs and we welcome the 38th year of producing the Oxford Fine Arts Festival.
For more information, please visit www.oxfordcc.org, or call 410-226-5904.
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