Historic Main Street Oxford

500 Main Street

The Draper Building, constructed in 1887 by Daniel D. Draper and his sons. Draper, a prominent businessman, established Oxford’s first banking firm and played a key role in the early development of the downtown area. In recognition of his contributions, West Choccolocco Street was once known as Draper Street.

In 1902, the building became home to Gunnels Brothers Drug Store, operated by John and James Gunnels. The Gunnels brothers had been in business since the 1880s, and John Gunnels notably served as mayor of Oxford in the late 1890s. Over the years, the building housed a variety of businesses, including a drug store, dry goods shop, Harris Grocery in the 1920s, Emery 5&10, Alabama Signs, and Grizzard Surveying.

In 1994, Sarah Cavender Metalworks opened in the Draper Building. Sarah Cavender, who began her business in 1984, specializes in mesh and metal jewelry. Her distinctive designs have been featured in Nordstrom, Talbots, and Spiegel catalogs, and are sold throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.