Have you ever wondered how a bustling traffic circle could lend its name to an entire neighborhood? We’re standing at the edge of Oxford Circle, a vibrant community in Northeast Philadelphia. This neighborhood takes its name from the busy intersection of Oxford Avenue, Cheltenham Avenue, Castor Avenue, and the twelve-lane Roosevelt Boulevard. Oxford Circle isn’t just a traffic hub though. It’s a place with a rich history and a diverse community.
Originally, Oxford Circle was part of Oxford Township, one of the earliest townships in Pennsylvania. Imagine, acres of farmland stretching out where these rows of houses now stand. The township encompassed a vast area, even including areas now known as Frankford, White Hall, Cedar Grove, and Volunteer Township. It wasn’t until 1854, with the Act of Consolidation, that Oxford Township became part of the city of Philadelphia.
For much of the 20th century, Oxford Circle thrived as a primarily white, middle-class neighborhood. Many residents were of Irish and Jewish descent. This demographic shifted in the 50s and 60s, a period known as “white flight,” as many families relocated to the suburbs. Oxford Circle faced challenges, including rising crime rates. Yet, through it all, it maintained a resilient spirit. Today, Oxford Circle is a melting pot of cultures. It’s home to a diverse mix of Hispanic, Asian, and African American communities.
A prominent landmark in Oxford Circle is Saint Martin of Tours Church. The original structure, built in the 1930s, was a modest one-story building. It was designed with the intention of adding a grander upper level later. However, World War II and the subsequent Korean War delayed construction due to steel shortages. It wasn’t until 1955 that the impressive, basilica-like upper church was finally completed, becoming a symbol of the community’s perseverance. Another fascinating piece of Oxford Circle’s history involves a long-gone gas station. This small station, located on the Oxford Circle roundabout, boasted a massive Hi-Arc sign. Owned by the Atlantic Oil Company of Philadelphia, the sign, with its distinctive clock face, dominated the neighborhood skyline starting in the 1930s. Atlantic Oil eventually merged with Richfield Oil to form ARCO, later becoming part of BP. The Hi-Arc sign, a nostalgic reminder of Oxford Circle’s past, is now just a memory. Oxford Circle’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and the enduring power of community.