Men and women like Hassell and Jane Smith with foresight have always been the guiding force behind Oxford and Ole Miss’ national reputation for beauty and southern hospitality.
In the early 1960’s, the international pilgrimage to Oxford and Rowan Oak began. And with a progressive plan to give Oxford’s guest a quality stay, the Smith family built the Downtowner Inn (later the Holiday Inn) and opened for business 50 years ago, April 26, 1964.
The following photos courtesy of Susan Smith Sahag show the gradual development of the hotel. Note some of the cool classic cars.
In the early 1960’s, the international pilgrimage to Oxford and Rowan Oak began. And with a progressive plan to give Oxford’s guest a quality stay, the Smith family built the Downtowner Inn (later the Holiday Inn) and opened for business 50 years ago, April 26, 1964.
The following photos courtesy of Susan Smith Sahag show the gradual development of the hotel. Note some of the cool classic cars.
Courtesy of John Cofield. John Cofield is a hottytoddy.com writer and one of Oxford’s leading folk historians. He is the son of renowned university photographer Jack Cofield. His grandfather, “Col.” J. R. Cofield, was William Faulkner’s personal photographer and for decades was Ole Miss yearbook photographer. Cofield attended Ole Miss as well. Contact John at johnbcofield@gmail.com
