Local Landmarks: The Oxford Savings Bank Building

About 170 years ago, a wooden building that housed a saloon and general store stood on the corner of First Street and North Lapeer Road in Oxford. After a devastating fire in 1896, the structure was brought back to life and opened as a two-story brick building that was home to various businesses, including a cigar shop, an ice cream parlor, and a dentist’s office.

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In 1922, Oxford Savings Bank, founded in 1884 at 9 S. Washington St., purchased the building, razed it, and built the iconic bank structure that locals recognize. The new building had two vaults (which are still there), and the exterior was lined with Indiana limestone to give the building an impenetrable appearance during an era of frequent bank robberies; it was robbed in 1937.

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Twenty-nine years later, the bank closed the doors at this location, moving to 60 S. Washington St., and the property was left vacant until it was donated to the village of Oxford by the bank’s president, Robert Dick, at the end of 1971 for the purpose of housing the Northeast Oakland Historical Society, which opened the building as a museum in 1972.

“This iconic building serves as the heart of our museum, providing a space to preserve and showcase the town’s rich history,” says Drew Holt, a volunteer at the museum, adding that the museum’s existence “ensures that Oxford’s heritage will be cherished and shared with the community for generations to come.”

Since then, the bank, which is celebrating its 140-year anniversary this year, has opened seven branches in cities such as Lake Orion, Ortonville, and Clarkston.

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And although it’s been nearly 60 years since the bank parted ways with the limestone building, it continues to keep in touch with the historical society.

“Any artifacts or antiques no longer needed (or wanted) by the bank are donated to the museum to be put on display,” Holt says. “The Oxford Bank is currently remodeling their main branch in downtown Oxford and recently donated some old safety-deposit boxes.”

This story originally appeared in the December 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on Dec. 9.