If you happen to pass through the Oxford Town Square, it’s likely you’ll see the same thing many small towns face…vacant and run-down buildings. If anything catches your attention, it might be the bump as you leave the asphalt and transition to the brick streets of the Town Square. Thankfully, there was a group of concerned citizens who saw something different…opportunity.
A birds-eye view of the Oxford Town Square by Jake’s Aerial Photography. Peep Alliance Bank in the bottom right corner.
Last August, I was part of a group of community leaders who attended an Indiana Main Street info session. Some of us had never met, but we shared a vision for the Oxford Town Square. Discover Oxford Indiana, Inc. was created to ‘revitalize the Oxford Town Square and beyond’. Over the last year, our organization has hosted community input meetings, planned events to draw people to the Square, put out large flower pots, revitalized the Farmers Market, and is now working on adding the Square to the National Historic Register. With two new businesses opening this fall, the future is looking bright for the community.
Alliance Bank Supports Discover Oxford
On the northwest corner of the Town Square sits Alliance Bank. A historic two-story building consuming half of the block, with well-maintained details dating back to it’s construction in 1890. The Bank has been a pillar of the Town Square for generations of Oxford residents and continues to serve the community today. In the second quarter of 2023, Alliance Bank employees (across 7 offices) came together to support Discover Oxford through our Casual for a Cause program. Employee donations were matched by the bank, resulting in a $1,400 donation to Discover Oxford.
Community Banks are Vital to Small Towns
Oxford is just one example of the communities we serve as a locally-owned bank. Our employees are active volunteers with many organizations across Benton, Jasper, Pulaski and White counties, including Main Street organizations Uptown Project (Francesville) and Streets of Monticello. Along with many hours of volunteer time, Alliance Bank gives regularly to these organizations. It is our vision to ‘Grow Together’ with the families, farmers, and business owners who call rural Indiana home.
