W.O. Smith: Pioneer of Oxford's gravel industry

W.O. Smith: Pioneer of Oxford's gravel industry. . , It was William O. Smith's pioneering spirit, vision and business acumen that put Oxford on the map as the "Gravel Capital of the World," the community's moniker for decades. , , Born in Marengo, Michigan on May 5, 1868, Smith came to Oxford in 1910. Initially, he earned a living by purchasing stone from local farmers, crushing it, then selling it. , , Smith took things to the next level when he partnered with F.W. Hubbard and purchased more than 80 acres in 1911. They incorporated as the Detroit-Oxford Gravel and Stone Co. , , It was on this land (formerly known as the "John Van Wagoner farm") that Smith opened Oxford's first gravel operation in 1912. "(The land) is level and underlaid with gravel to at least a depth of 300 feet. It is estimated that the supply of gravel on the farm is ample to keep the company supplied for a period of 50 years at least." , The Oxford Leader, May 1911 , , Smith had a reputation as a real go-getter. "In the short time he has been here, he has won a place of respect and confidence in business circles and has formed many warm friendships. He came to this village with a reputation for honesty and activity and his life has borne it out. His business experience of the past assures the success of the new venture, which he will head." , The Oxford Leader, May 1911 , , Others followed Smith's lead and established gravel mining operations in Oxford. By 1924, there were five pits employing more than 200 people. , , "The volume of business transacted annually runs into the millions of dollars. At the present rate of production, the output from all of the (gravel) plants this year will approximately 40,000 railroad carloads... Oxford has sustained a substantial growth because of the gravel industry... Our little city is in a prosperous condition." , The Oxford Leader, October 1924 , , Smith operated his pit until 1928 when he sold it to American Aggregates. , , In 1927, Smith established Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery (originally known as "Ridgelawn Memorial Park") at 99 W. Burdick St. , , Smith died on Nov. 17, 1948 at age 80. He's buried in Ridgelawn. , , Plaque donated by Michigan Aggregates Association. , Boulder donated by Koenig Materials and placed by Saradan Construction. , Oxford Twp. Historical Marker , , Top image caption: W.O. Smith was a go-getter who launched the gravel industry in Oxford. , Photo courtesy of Shirley Acheson. , , Bottom image caption: William O. Smith's operation. , Photo courtesy of Shirley Acheson.