Oxford’s newly established Historic Properties Commission is looking to add more properties to its current load as well as improve the quality of current projects.
According to Jim Pryor, chairman of the Historic Properties Commission, the commission is hoping to obtain the Burns-Belfry church property because it is a very important historical outlet. Pryor said Burns-Belfry serves as the community’s multicultural center while also being a museum that contains all the different cultures of North Mississippi.
The commission supervises Cedar Oaks and the L.Q.C. Lamar House as well, and Pryor said that between these, Burns-Belfry has rich African-American culture that creates a balance for the properties historically.
“It’s a very good balance,” Pryor said. “This is a good and unique thing for Oxford to have.”
Dianne Fergusson, vice chairman of the Historic Properties Commission, said the role of the commission is not only to protect the properties, but also to manage and market these locations.
“They give us a tie to our past and help us continue this legacy,” Fergusson said.
Fergusson said the Lamar House is a leading museum in Mississippi and a teaching institution with beautiful grounds.
“Anyone can come learn the life and legacy of Lamar,” she said.
According to Fergusson, Cedar Oaks is an important property for the commission because it provides a great example of how houses were built and how the lifestyle of a family was at that time. Cedar Oaks also provides another venue the city can use for events.
According to Pryor, these properties are important because of their rich history and the educational opportunity they provide for children and students in the community.
“The Historic Properties Commission adds in a critical part of Oxford’s history,” Pryor said. “It’s more than that, it’s education for our children.”
Even though the commission is only about six weeks old, Pryor is glad a commission now exists to make sure these historic properties are getting the attention they need.
“When you dilute the attention, they don’t get the right attention,” Pryor said.
Oxford Mayor Pat Patterson said it is important for the city of Oxford to maintain its historic structures such as the Lamar House and Cedar Oaks. He expressed his optimism that it will one day include Burns-Belfry.
“It enhances the character of your town,” Patterson said.
Pryor said there are a few more ideas of places to include under the commission and they are always looking to preserve the city’s history.
“We are always looking for the next project,” Pryor said.
