24. Texas Visionary Brings Development, Love to Oxford

4 Comments

1. 

   Rael64

   October 2, 2013 at 11:43 am

   Starbucks…Mattress Firm…projects that will definitely preserve the quality of life in Oxford, indeed. Of course, if one’s memory of Oxford is from Derby Day (which was the highlight of an alcohol-fueled Dixie Week, which is now gone (think: banned)), well, food and sleep may be the extent of one’s memory. But wait, no drive through liquor store? Tsk.
2. 

   Barry Crain

   October 2, 2013 at 4:55 pm

   Not sure what the issue is chief…..Mr. Tartt also owns some buildings around the square that are leased to local businesses…. As for Starbucks, I guess you prefer an empty shell of an ex burger joint? Pure Ryde looks pretty cool concept as well….only one other in Austin, TX.
   One thing about Ole MIss ,is that it has always lured out of state students like Mr .Tartt. He gives back to the city he has grown to love and lives here half the time. What have you given back to the community sir? Besides your disparaging comments, I’m doubting nothing at all. So you also have an issue with Derby Day? That event that raises thousands for the kidney foundation every year? Go figure. My first visit to Ole Miss was also to Derby Day…that’s all it took for me. We may have indulged in a few adult beverages….but I guess you were above that……right, just what I thought… Drive through liquor store? Great idea..let us know when YOU invest and open one so we can tell everyone….. Always the buzz kill at the party too I bet.
   I am out.
3. 

   Rael64

   October 3, 2013 at 8:37 am

   Well, son…

   A business venture is not by mere definition alone “giving back” to a community, as much as some like to argue. There is an attitude in Oxford that “growth” by nature or definition is a positive thing. If one considers what linear growth truly means, takes the idea to its logical conclusion, such growth is not only unsustainable, but negative and destructive….at least for those who are left with the crumbling buildings, the overburdened infrastructures, the vast number of overpriced, empty “condos” and houses.

   What may have escaped your undeniable intellect is that I attacked the idea that a franchise and a mattress store were “….projects that advance and preserve the quality of life and excellent image that Oxford holds around the country.” They are just mere business ventures, not unique, and provide no killer wages for anyone, unless one takes into account the potential pay for the owner of such operations.

   But you really don’t know anything about Oxford; of that I am pretty sure.

   I’ve lived in Oxford since 1972. My first Derby Day was around 1978. I doubt you were a gleam in anyone’s eye by either of those dates. I also doubt you’ve given anything to Oxford other than paying your bar tabs and eating at local establishments. Oh, you may pay rent, and you’ve probably tossed some tuition money into Ole Miss’ coffers (I hesitate to presume you have a degree), but if tossing money into businesses and the local university is to be considered “giving back”, I have given far, far more back to Oxford than you, I am sure. And, I literally had my name on a bar in this town for more than a few years; I know a thing or two about drinking, if not being a drunk, as if that’s something to brag about. (It isn’t.)

   I knew the Hoka rather intimately – was there for its birth as well as death; drank at the Warehouse and the Gin; drank with Willie Morris, Barry Hannah, Larry Brown and others. I’ve cooked for John Grisham and family (Harvest Cafe and Bakery); I’ve known Oxford in its true glory (although some much older than I may argue that even I missed that), glory that did not include “condo” after “condo” and bar after bar, and West Jackson was a road one could drive down at most times of the day without too much frustration. One could rent an apartment without having to take out a loan.

   In many ways, Oxford remains a quaint town, but over the years, developers with a “vision…for the future” have come in, made some bucks, and left. Anyone who considers that good for Oxford is, well, as you say, ‘out’.
4. 

   Barry Crain

   October 3, 2013 at 9:40 am

   “Thank you Sir may I have another” !

   Also thanks for the lesson on economics and linear growth. I seem to recall that in ECON 404…..although I squeaked by I admit .
   I believe anyone who moves to Oxford and starts or builds a business and pays property taxes on highly visible and valuable properties should get a pass on criticism because any contribution to the local economy is good for Oxford.That includes you and your bar as well. I wish I had the means to do what Mr.Tartt has done and will continue to do. He is a “can do” guy.

   Granted I have not lived in Oxford since 1972 ( i wish but my career can’t be done from there) and I commend you for being a part of the community. However I have been very frequent visitor since 1976 and also spent many late nights at the Hoka, drank the overpriced rip-off drinks at the Gin in plastic cups, loved hanging at the original JW Forresters…while two of my room-mates bartended there. Can’t make the claim of hanging with Willie…although I did help carry him out of the Gin one night if that counts!

   I was at the same Dreby Day as you in 78…
   Who knows…we probably spilled a drink on each other.

   Oxford has both benefited and some would say suffered from its own popularity. I am sure living there can be frustrating with growing pains. But I would take it in a minute over Jackson. You are fortunate…… As for the condos
   ( the Eli effect) I am sure there is a glut but it was time for Oxford to come out of the dark ages and offer lodging outside of the Best Westerm on Hwy6, and the old Ramada.

   Thanks for pointing out my intellect….I forgot I had any…Must have been too many trips to local color in the day.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login