(1/4/06)

This interesting article from the 1/3/06 South Bend Tribune features Mr. John Oxian, long-time SDC member and President of the Michiana Chapter SDC.

SAVING HISTORIC SITES

Oxian completes 32 years on preservation commission.

By MARGARET FOSMOE
Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- During the past four decades, John Oxian has urged, prodded and cajoled the community to preserve its historic buildings and other sites.

In the process, Oxian has become a venerable institution himself.

Oxian, 70, recently stepped down from the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County. He served for 32 years, since the commission was established in 1973. He was HPC president from 1989 to 2004.

Oxian became a familiar face over the years, speaking up for saving historic buildings as they deteriorated through neglect or were threatened with demolition.

A lifelong South Bend resident, Oxian said he became interested in preservation in the 1960s because "they were knocking down buildings downtown." He became involved in Democratic politics to help elect representatives who would work for preservation. In the process, he became an integral part of the movement.... (more story follows)

To read the complete story on the newspaper's website, CLICK HERE!

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