S.R. Dickey, nephew of famous Dickey family whom many buildings in town bear their name, began dealing grain, hay, lumber and farm supplies in 1868 nearest our record show. The Historic red brick mill and elevator cornerstone is dated 1880. The Founder purchased grain and hay from local farmers, and shipped to livery stables as far as Philadelphia and Baltimore.
 
Also, potatoes, fertilizer, and coal were handled. Dickey sold the business to C. Raymond Kirk in 1915 and Kirk subsequently sold to W. Maurice Bunting in 1917. Bunting turned around and sold the business to J.C. Hayes and L.E. Shoemaker in 1919. It was at this point that Lawrence C. Drennen was involved in the business as bookkeeper. In 1946 Lawrence Drennen became partners with Shoemaker. Lawrence's sons Donald and Lawrie joined the business upon graduating from high school. A home heating oil business was added in the 1950's. Chris Drennen became an owner through purchase of shares from Lewis E. Shoemaker estate. Lawrie Drennen, Jr. purchased ownership from Donald Drennen at his retirement in 1997.

Oxford Grain & Hay is the oldest continuously operating business in the Oxford Area. It is the 2nd oldest Purina dealer in the country starting in 1920.

The Drennen family has been operating country stores since the mid 1800's when Lawrence's father operated the Fairmount Country Store in Lancaster County. Now 5th generation Drennen's are found working in the new store.

 


Lawrence C. Drennen circa 1920 with a large supply of Purina feed.
 

The third and fourth generations of the Drennen family. Pictured from left to right are Lawrie Sr., Larry Jr. and Chris Drennen.

     

Oxford Grain & Hay, now Oxford Feed & Lumber, is the 2nd oldest Purina dealer in the nation.

 

© 2000 Oxford Feed & Lumber