Arts & Entertainment
Neilson’s Celebrates 177 Years of History, Fashion and Noteworthy Window Design
It is difficult to take a stroll around the Oxford square without at least once noticing Neilson’s open, creatively designed window displays. If you take a closer look, you may even notice the emblazoned letters “Established 1839.”
1839 is the year it all began for the J.E. Neilson Company. It is hard to believe that such a relic of the square began nearly 177 years ago. This popular storefront has witnessed many changes in Oxford, including quite a few historical events. The ownership of the family business has switched hands a few times, but has centrally remained either with family or close family friends to the business.
If not the history, the displays certainly speak for themselves. Amanda Lewis Hyneman, the daughter of owner Will Lewis, Sr. said, “Mainly we get our inspiration [for the displays] from what’s going on around town. You know, if it’s football season, we tie it into football, if it’s baseball, we tie it into baseball, and of course the holidays. If there’s anything special going on in Oxford or Lafayette county, we try to tie it back into that, like Double Decker for instance.”
Anne Fairley Smith, one of Neilson’s sales associates, said, “I think that Neilson’s being opened for 177 years is a testament for how people continually look to Neilson’s for what’s in style. I remember in the ’70s as a little girl wanting to come through and shopping at Neilson’s when I’d go with my parents to the Grove, so I could see what’s in the windows so I could be in style when I went home.”
For more information on the window displays at Neilson’s and to check out some of the history, check out the video:
You can really grasp the depth of the rich history behind Neilson’s in the back of the store through the historical photographs. Here are a few that were captured.
Samantha Mitchell is a staff writer for HottyToddy.com and can be reached at samanthammitchell101@gmail.com.
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JW
May 24, 2016 at 1:10 pm
When I was a student at Ole Miss many years ago, I was instructed by Oxford locals that the name of the store was pronounced “Nelson’s” rather than “Neeelson’s”, as I hear it in this video. Has the pronunciation changed over the years? Or, were my Oxford native friends mispronouncing the name? Either way I always enjoy shopping there on my visits to town!
Patti KeyeWilson
May 24, 2016 at 9:18 pm
Neilson’s has been such wonderful fixture on the square for so many years. It is a testimony to the Neilson family that it has not only remained in place but flourished and continues to do so.
Louis Brandt
May 24, 2016 at 9:33 pm
Thank you Will and Amanda for maintaining a presence in Oxford. Neilsons (Nelsons) is a lasting, quality institution which represents the best of the old south.