OUR STORY

Oxford Community Association (OCA) began in November of 1972, when a group of property owners came together under the leadership of Josephine Williams. Early meetings were held at Steve's House of Wigs at 1434 Oxford Street, as well as the Union building at 3422 Robinwood Drive.

In June of 1973, the Weisser Park Association joined with OCA, and the current boundaries were established. Membership dues were set at $2 per household, and eventually $5 – $7 for a business.

In November of 1976, the building at 1421 Oxford Street was acquired by Neighborhood Care for use as a center for the Oxford Community Association. OCA was responsible only for the utilities. The first meeting was held in March of 1977, and was initiated with a ribbon cutting by Mayor Robert Armstrong.

OCA was incorporated in 1977, and became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1985. Finally, on September 30, 1995, the City of Fort Wayne relinquished ownership of 1421 Oxford Street to the Oxford Community Association, making it the first and only association in Fort Wayne to own their own building.

Oxford Community Association has worked diligently through the years for increased lighting on the streets and alleys, increased safety and cleanliness in the neighborhood, and support for businesses that better the community. However, the community building has fallen into disrepair through the years, with only a handful of people trying to bring it back to its full potential. This is your building and we need your help!

The Oxford Community Association building belongs to the neighborhood, and was not intended to simply be a site for monthly meetings. The potential is much greater. Our vision is that it be used for office space, special events, community outreach, a place to rest and play, yoga and fitness classes – the list goes on. But we want this to be your vision too, by becoming a member and being involved in any way you can.