“In Aug., 1816, it was voted that the building on the common, built in 1802 by Archibald Campbell [saddler’s shop] be removed in 60 days.  This building stood on the west side of the common near the present house of Charles Lamb, and was about 15 by 25 feet, one and a half stories.  After Campbell left it and went into the tavern, Ashbel M. Hawes used it a a shoe shop employing Andrew Smith.  Later it was occupied by Josiah Ware as a dry and fancy goods store and straw shop.  He was from Franklin and was the first to trade in straw braid in the town.”

Reference Data

History of the Town of Oxford, Massachusetts, Vol. 1, by George Fisher Daniels, 1892, page 227