Beer Barons, Freddie’s Doughnuts, an Olympic Gold Medalist, an
inventor ahead of his time, well known Buffalo architects, a home for unwed
mothers, and the one time VP of Standard Oil all have one thing in common. They
all called the historic Oxford Square neighborhood home at one time or another.
Join the tour on National Night Out, August 4th, at 7PM, as the
newly formed Oxford Square Block Club explores the fascinating history and
architecture in this forgotten, but up and coming neighborhood. Hidden just east of Gates Circle
and south of Forest Cemetery, the Oxford Square neighborhood has struggled like
many neighborhoods in the city, but is finding its way back, in
part, by rediscovering its past.
Diverse as its architecture, and full of surprises, Oxford
Square has begun to implement unique approaches and partnerships for its
revival and sustainability. Oxford Square is truly poised to serve as
a bridge to mend the divide between the West and East Sides of Buffalo. Find out more on this special night as
Oxford Square resident (new Buffalonian) and cemetery preservationist John Bry leads the tour.
Start the tour at the CAO Building at 70 Harvard Place, 45
minutes to an hour, rain or shine.
Top Photo: An example of the elaborate reliefs
found on some of Oxford Square’s home. This one found in
the gable of 59 Oxford dates from circa 1893 at which time the street was home
to many prominent German business owners.
83 Oxford (above): This older home at the corner of Balcom and Oxford
Avenue had its Queen Anne inspired architectural features, such as this tower
complete with curved windows, added circa 1897 in order to be more in vogue
with changing trends and tastes of local architecture.
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Oxford (above): Famed Buffalo Architect August Esenwein had this home constructed circa
1913 for himself as the Oxford area experienced a building boom in the early
20th century. It would continue to be his residence until his death in 1926.
Some of Esenwein’s architectural gems are some of Buffalo’s most
recognizable buildings including the Electric Tower, Col. Ward Pumping Station,
and the Cazenovia Park Casino just to name a few.