The Oxford Custom House Project of 1976

The Bicentennial of 1976 wasn’t just any July 4th and the residents of Oxford knew that. Their ancestors had celebrated America’s Centennial together 100 years before and now the Bicentennial was upon them. Sure, there would be fireworks and plenty of American flags, but Oxford wasn’t just any town and its residents knew this. They prepared to share Oxford’s History with all who would visit the small town during the year of 1976.

All the way back on February 21,1976  the “colonial ladies” wore their hand sewn dresses to the Oxford Methodist Church, and afterward they had their picture taken by Mr. Norman Harrington. These ladies would go on to be docents for the newly built Custom House already under construction.

The Banner and the Star Democrat reported on the progress of the Custom House regularly throughout 1976 as the Bicentennial grew closer.

On January 13th, 1976, a Star Democrat article titled, “A Way to Say ‘Happy Birthday,’” reported on the unveiling of the plans for the Custom House at the parish of the Oxford Episcopal Church. On the same day, The Banner reported: “Custom House Project Ready for Bids.” Miss Bertha Adkins and Mrs. Sue Jackson have spearheaded the fund drive. “In this town that is our home, there is no better way for us to say happy birthday than to share a permanent gift signifying the importance of the town in those very early days when it was a port of entry for the entire Maryland colony, before it was superseded by Baltimore and Annapolis. A permanent structure will be the symbol of that, of the emphasis on trading and sailing vessels, and a symbol of people now in our midst who have brought Oxford fame with their sailing, their skill in building boats and the harvesting of crabs and oysters.” Miss Adkins said.

On January 21, 1976 the Banner wrote an article on Oxford as a survival story reviewing its rise and fall throughout the centuries. It also reported that the Oxford Town Commissioners had fixed a Custom House location on the corner of Morris Street and Lover’s Lane. The architect, James T. Wollen, Jr. was informed forthwith. In this meeting, a prospect of a new Oxford flag and Oxford Coat of Arms designed by Colonel Harry Temple of Richmond, a heraldist expert was discussed. “The commissioners applauded the idea and expressed a desire to see the flag and coat of arms design soon, so they might approve the items.”

By May 7th, the Custom House project was well under way with the foundation laid and floor joists being secured to the building (photo: The Banner, May 7, 1976).

Just in time, on July 2nd, the Custom House building was finished and The Banner showed a picture of a man putting the final coats of paint on the Oxford fence that surrounds it. The Custom House was dedicated on July 4th, in ceremonies at 12 noon.

It wasn’t easy raising the $20,000 needed for the project. “Unbelievable,” was the comment of the commission members who voted a resolution commending Miss Adkins and Mrs. Sue Jackson for their remarkable effort. Everyday citizens in Oxford opened their piggy banks and all 4 churches held fundraising dinners to support the project. The first church to contribute was Waters United Methodist Church, which netted $251.62 with a Bicentennial dinner in honor of the Custom House project. This  Bicentennial project would win first prize from the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage committee. The prize was $2300 as well as $500 received from the Pilgrimage boat tour to Oxford. This added to the profits of nearly $2500 on the sale of engraved Port of Oxford Bicentennial glasses and book bags, helping the project funds reach $19,018.16. (The Banner, by Norman Harrington, Oxford Resident, June 1976)

On July 6 1976, The Banner printed, ”We Celebrate Well.” From the first rockets glare in Oxford Friday night to those fired at Greensboro the night of July 5. From the early morning church service at Tilghman, through the day at St. Michaels and Oxford and the service and community park in Easton Sunday night. From the greased pig that got away in St. Michael’s to the handsome Custom House replica dedicated at Oxford, and to the service at William Paca’s graveside at Wye Plantation. It was a grand and glorious Fourth of July weekend for the Mid-Shore! It was a celebration of our nations 200th birthday that had style, verve and lasting meaning. Communities of our section of the Eastern Shore did themselves proud!

It fell to Miss Bertha Atkins, first woman to serve as under secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to put it all into perspective when she spoke at the combined church service in Oxford’s town park Sunday morning. She mentioned that there are those who have felt the nation shouldn’t celebrate the Bicentennial because of all the shortcomings and national character that remain with us – bigotry, racial problems, corruption in high places and the like. Then she made a ringing defense of America, and declared it is indeed proper that we celebrate because we have the capacity to recognize our shortcomings and continue to attempt to do something about them. The one thing that makes us great is that we try, she told the crowd of 400 persons gathered under the trees in Oxford where Miss Adkins makes her retirement home. The Oxford service was one of many poignant moments savored by people of the Mid-shore area over the weekend. The Bicentennial Fourth of July weekend was a time for celebration and we can say we celebrated well. Very well indeed!”

Citizens of the Mid-Shore and beyond, here we are 50 years later and the Semiquincentennial is upon us. To celebrate, the Oxford Custom House will reopen the weekend of July 3rd, 4th and 5th. There will be docents on site from 10-4 each day to share some of Oxford’s rich history with the public. On display will be a copy of the original Custom House records from 1747 – 1775 listing the ships that visited Oxford. Along with maps and additional items of interest, there will also be several flags, including Oxford’s one of a kind Bicentennial flag.

As part of your 4th of July celebration, consider visiting Oxford to learn about this colonial port. With two museums, a ferry, public parks and beaches, stores with local art, and a few places to eat, what will you discover while walking around the historic town of Oxford? The adventure is yours and hidden treasures abound. I have no doubt your day will be a memorable one.

Cathy Schmidt has written for Attraction Magazine for over a decade. A regular contributor to local NPR Radio station’s “Shore Stories,” with Val Calavari, her first novel was released in September 2025, titled, “Anchors.” Her website is:cathywrites2025.com