Douglas Hanks, Jr. was one of Oxford’s most enthusiastic supporters. Born in 1946, Doug’s roots in the town extended back to his ancestor William Stevens Jr., who in 1668 donated 30 acres for the founding of Oxford. Doug moved to Oxford as a small boy and dedicated himself to exploring and preserving Oxford’s heritage and history. The publication in 1999 of Oxford Treasures, Then and Now began a partnership between the Oxford Museum and Doug that has continued with a coveted award in his honor and memory.
In his 2003 obituary in the Baltimore Sun, Doug was described by then President of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, John R Valliant as “…everything the Eastern Shore was and is all about. He loved the culture, land and the Chesapeake Bay, and he enjoyed sharing it with people. And he did it the only way Doug Hanks could do it – through poetry, books and stories”.
He was an avid sailor, writer, decoy carver, storyteller, and friend to all in this town. A longtime friend and sailing buddy, Peter K. Bailey, summed it up in this commentary included in Doug’s obituary:
“He had a passionate love for his community and all it stood for. He knew that change was inevitable and tried to preserve those special things. He could be very outspoken, and if he took up a cause, you had a fight on your hands,” he said.
In 2006 the Oxford Museum and Doug’s widow, Alexandra “Xan” Hanks, created the Douglas Hanks Jr. Oxford Preservation Award to recognize significant preservation efforts and honor the memory of one of Oxford’s most energetic and constant supporters.
Since its inception, recipients of this treasured award include the following:
2022 – Julie Wells
For her service to the historic preservation of Oxford
2021 – Pam and David Baker
For their service to the community
– Tom Bixler, Sid Campen and John Pepe
Renovation and preservation of the Chesapeake Bay crab skiff, the “Slippery Eel.”
2020 – Ray Stevens
For his service to the community as the Oxford “Town Crier”
– Richard & Christine Leggett
Renovation of 102 S. Morris St. now the Oxford Social Cafe
2019 – Tom and Susan Campbell
Preserving the tradition of boatbuilding in Oxford.
– Wendy Gibson
Lifetime achievement award for preserving Oxford history through the Robert Morris Inn and Sandaway Lodge.
2018 – Ellen Anderson
In recognition of many years efforts to preserve the town’s history through her work at and outside of the Museum.
2017 – Cheryl Lewis
Recognized for her work to promote and develop Oxford’s vitality as one of the United States’ great small, historic towns. Cheryl’s work toward this end far exceeds her role as Town Clerk and Treasurer. Cheryl has secured grants to support the Town of Oxford and represents the town in preservation efforts on an ongoing basis on projects including the Oxford Mews and the Oxford Conservation Park.
2016 – Suzanne Beyda
Awarded for the renovation and preservation of her home, the Margaret Delahay House, at 223 South Morris (dating back to the 1860s). She is recognized for her willingness to work with the Oxford Historic Commission and use historically fitting materials in the restoration.
Howard Lapp
Presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for his many paintings of Oxford, capturing the charming town and residents throughout the years. Significant works include the oyster tonger mural on the side of the market.
2015 – Dorothy Fenwick
Presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication in preserving the history and unique character of the town of Oxford. Notably commissioning Howard Lapp to paint the mural of oyster tongers on the market and organizing the application to include Oxford’s historic district on The National Register of Historic Places.
Larry and Dorette Murray, and Tom Campbell
Given the Stewardship Award for their tireless efforts in the ongoing maintenance of the ‘Yankee Pedler’, the miniature skipjack built in Oxford by Curtis Applegarth, now on display in front of the Oxford Community Center.
2014 – Celebration of the Oxford Museum’s 50th Anniversary
Celebration to recognize the Oxford Museum’s 50th anniversary
2013 – Oxford Community Center
Recognized for the extensive renovation and preservation of the old Oxford school house, which now serves as an important center of cultural life in Oxford. Built in 1928, it was designed by the well-known architect Henry Powell Hopkins.
Oxford-Bellevue Ferry
Awarded to owners Judy and Tom Bixler for their preservation of what is thought to be the oldest continuously operated ferry in America, crossing the Tred Avon River since 1683.
2012 – Oxford Library
Presented to the Oxford library volunteers who maintain the historic Oxford Library building.
St. Paul’s Wesleyan Church
Given to Jennifer and the late Ted Stanley for their restoration and continued maintenance of St. Paul’s Wesleyan Church.
2011 – Jeanne Foster
Awarded for her many years of stewardship in the capturing and preserving of the heritage and history of Oxford. Also recognized for her leadership in the development of the Oxford Museum and the Oxford Community Center.
Larry Myers
Recognized for his exhibits capturing important aspects of Oxford history, including “Prosperity on the Half Shell: Oxford in the Golden Age of Oystering”, wooden boat building, the hunting industry on the Eastern Shore, and the 2009 John Moll exhibit.
2010 – John Wesley Church Restoration Project
Presented to Kathy Radcliffe and the John Wesley Church restoration project board for their efforts in renovating and preserving the John Wesley Church.
2009 – Edwin Lewis & Jill Cornett
Recognized for their restoration of the Amelia C. Ireland House at 220 South Morris.
The Oxford Fence Guys
Recognized for their carpentry services in building, replacing, and restoring the iconic Oxford fence.
2008 – Jennifer and Ted Stanley
Recognized for their many projects throughout Oxford, including restoring the Town Creek shoreline, creating a nature preserve on Jack’s Point, and founding of the Oxford Kids Camp and after-school program.
Leo Nollmeyer
Recognized for his work at the Oxford Museum as resident historian and curator – and in that role, developing an accurate archival database for the Museum. Recognition also goes to Leo Nollmeyer for his Oxford history walking tours, attended by thousands of visitors.
2007 – Cutts & Case Shipyard
Recognized for preserving a local traditional industry of wooden boat construction and maintenance continually since 1929. These efforts include continued operation on the original founding location and enhancing that site by building a museum and preserving ‘Byberry’ (the oldest house in Oxford, 1695).
Susan and Richard Deerin
Awarded for the restoration of their home, the Mary Sibley House, at 301 South Morris Street.
2006 – John “Chip” Akridge III
Awarded for his successful efforts to preserve miles of open space along the Oxford road, home to many native plant species; and as a result, positively influencing the quality of the waters of Trippe Creek and the Tred Avon River.