By Jim Newell
Managing Editor
jnewell@mihomepaper.com
OXFORD TWP. — Oxford has a rich local history but many people may not know that Detroit Tiger baseball legend Ty Cobb visited Oxford in the early 1900s to fish at Stoney Lake Township Park.
Or, that William O. Smith started the gravel industry in Oxford in 1912, and Oxford eventually became known for decades by the moniker the “Gravel Capital of the World.”
Now, Oxford Township Communications and Grants Manager C.J. Carnacchio plans to bring some of these historical moments to the forefront so that people can travel around the community and see – and read – for themselves about some unique individuals, places and events in Oxford’s past.
“The marker subjects range from people who have made notable contributions to our community and the country to historic structures that dot our local landscape,” Carnacchio said. “Going forward, they will be announced as both the sites and funding for the markers are secured.”
Carnacchio has identified 16 possible historical marker sites so far, but those depend on securing funding and, in some cases, permission to place the markers on those sites. Each marker is going to be a boulder – emblematic of Oxford’s gravel history – with a 16-inch by 20-inch bronze plaque with 1-2 photos, a narrative about the historical figure or event, and a QR code linked to a webpage containing more local historical information and a map depicting where all the markers are or will be placed.
Carnacchio is currently soliciting donations and searching for grants to pay for them. The cost is $3,185 for a plaque with one image and $3,835 for a plaque with two images. Individuals, organizations or businesses interested in sponsoring plaques are asked to call Carnacchio at 248-462-9997. Markers will be similar to the boulder and plaque at the Helen Smith Park next to Oxford Township Hall, 300 Dunlap Rd.
Promoting Oxford’s heritage and educating future generations is the main goal of the program.
“A conversation I had with Oxford Township Trustee Rod

Charles back in December regarding the downtown area and local history sparked my idea for this program,” Carnacchio said. “This program will show that not all of Oxford’s history is confined to a single area. There’s history all around us. These markers will encourage residents and visitors alike to explore our entire community.”
So far, Carnacchio has secured donations for the first two historical markers.
“Edward C. Levy Co. has graciously agreed to donate the boulder and fund the plaque commemorating Detroit Tigers Hall of Famer Ty Cobb’s famous fishing trips to Stony Lake in the early 1900s and the times he played for Oxford’s town baseball team,” Carnacchio said. “The marker will be placed at Stony Lake Twp. Park and unveiled on April 4, the day of the Tigers’ 2025 home opener.”

The Michigan Aggregates Association (MAA) has agreed to fund the second plaque recognizing William O. Smith. The exact site for Smith’s marker is still being determined.
All the boulders will be donated by Oxford’s two gravel companies – Edward C. Levy Co. and Koenig Materials.
“The township is extremely grateful to these two wonderful companies for supporting our efforts to promote and preserve local history,” Carnacchio said. “The gravel mining industry has been part of the fabric of Oxford since the early 1900s, so it’s only natural for Levy and Koenig to be involved in this program. They’re both strong and generous community partners. Reuben Maxbauer, of Levy, and Rob Wilson, of Koenig, are wonderful to work with.”
Oxford-based Saradan Construction is donating its services and has agreed to transport all the donated boulders from Levy and Koenig to their respective sites in the township.
“I’m hoping more businesses, organizations and individuals will follow their lead and partner with us to keep Oxford’s history alive,” Carnacchio said.