Historic Main Street Oxford

123 Snow Street

The old Oxford Library building was constructed in 1947 to serve as the city’s public library, replacing the original structure on the same site. The project was made possible through community-driven fundraising efforts led by the Europa Club, with assistance from the Quest Club and the Exchange Club. The Europa Club had been the library’s primary sponsor since 1928, just one year after the Oxford Library was established in November 1927 as a branch of the Calhoun County Library.

Key members of the Europa Club who played an instrumental role in securing funds for the new building included Terrell Pace Standford, Sarah Wright Walker, Doris Johnson Allen, Ruby Cox, and Eugenia Thornton Pace. For 32 years, the building served as the heart of Oxford’s literary and educational life until the library relocated in 1979.

That same year, the newly formed Cheaha Baptist Church briefly used the space before it was rededicated in February 1983 as the Earl Martin Scout Hall, honoring the late Mayor Earl Martin. Since then, the building has been home to Oxford Scout Troop 10, one of the area’s oldest and most active scout troops, which has been in continuous operation since 1924. The building remains in use by the scouts to this day, preserving its legacy of service and community engagement.