The McDonalds Come to Oxford
by Brandon McDonald
The McDonalds came to Oxford in 1982. There was my dad, Adrian who was raised on the south end of Newton County on the McDonald farm located on McDonald Road. My mother, Patsy, who was the eldest of six siblings, was raised just south of Porterdale near the fire tower. (My mother used to brag about often getting in trouble for climbing to the top to do her homework against her parents’ wishes).
When we moved to Oxford, my eldest brother, Stacy was in college in South Georgia, but when he came home on vacations, he was an active member of Oxford College’s infamous TL club. My brother Mark and I were only three years apart, so we were together most of the time.
Then there was my annoying baby sister -- Mark and I always wondered why mom and dad had to have her. She'd destroy our Hot Wheel cities and the battle grounds for our army men as if she was a tornado. When we'd run to Mom and Dad, who we were sure would give her a good scolding, we'd find she had beat us to them and we'd get the scolding for picking on our "poor little sister who just wanted to play with us". Well not much change there; she's still our annoying baby sister.
I recall riding through the county in our car as a family, looking at various houses to choose from for our home. We looked at so many. Some were nicer and newer than the one on Asbury Street, but Dad kept coming back to it. He said it just felt like home. I always thought our 1960s house was out of place among the beautiful historic homes surrounding us, but dad was right; it was home.
I experienced my awkward teens, many growing pains, as well as unforgettable moments of joy here. Some of my career aspirations came from my admiration of Police Chief Fairley Waddleton. He was “old school," with his tall, fit, commanding presence and the deep voice of a real southern lawman. I always likened him to the old western T.V. lawman Marshall Matt Dillon.
Throughout my teens I was an active member of Allen Memorial Church. I recall how proud I was to be selected as an acolyte, and it was always an honor when one of the church elders would ask me to pass around the collection plate.
The MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) will always be an unforgettable part of my life. I learned many life lessons at that time. Pastor Sammy Clark would come to be a life-long family friend. He even married my wife, Robin and me right here in our family home.
Mom was hired as a security officer at Oxford Village where she eventually became building manager for the athletic department. What started as just a job turned into an important part of her life. Her behind-the-scenes role was being a second mother to students.
Dad passed in 2002 and mom in 2013. I inherited the family home and I hope that my family will enjoy life in Oxford as much as I do. There are still so many memories to be made here.
Oh, and that little first impression I had of this 1960s-era house being out of place will soon not be an issue to me. I am in the process of placing a historical marker in front which reads "The McDonald House" Circa 1960, in memory of my wonderful parents Adrian and Patsy McDonald. The house will be named "Robin's Nest" in honor of the current generation of McDonalds.
When we moved to Oxford, my eldest brother, Stacy was in college in South Georgia, but when he came home on vacations, he was an active member of Oxford College’s infamous TL club. My brother Mark and I were only three years apart, so we were together most of the time.
Then there was my annoying baby sister -- Mark and I always wondered why mom and dad had to have her. She'd destroy our Hot Wheel cities and the battle grounds for our army men as if she was a tornado. When we'd run to Mom and Dad, who we were sure would give her a good scolding, we'd find she had beat us to them and we'd get the scolding for picking on our "poor little sister who just wanted to play with us". Well not much change there; she's still our annoying baby sister.
I recall riding through the county in our car as a family, looking at various houses to choose from for our home. We looked at so many. Some were nicer and newer than the one on Asbury Street, but Dad kept coming back to it. He said it just felt like home. I always thought our 1960s house was out of place among the beautiful historic homes surrounding us, but dad was right; it was home.
I experienced my awkward teens, many growing pains, as well as unforgettable moments of joy here. Some of my career aspirations came from my admiration of Police Chief Fairley Waddleton. He was “old school," with his tall, fit, commanding presence and the deep voice of a real southern lawman. I always likened him to the old western T.V. lawman Marshall Matt Dillon.
Throughout my teens I was an active member of Allen Memorial Church. I recall how proud I was to be selected as an acolyte, and it was always an honor when one of the church elders would ask me to pass around the collection plate.
The MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) will always be an unforgettable part of my life. I learned many life lessons at that time. Pastor Sammy Clark would come to be a life-long family friend. He even married my wife, Robin and me right here in our family home.
Mom was hired as a security officer at Oxford Village where she eventually became building manager for the athletic department. What started as just a job turned into an important part of her life. Her behind-the-scenes role was being a second mother to students.
Dad passed in 2002 and mom in 2013. I inherited the family home and I hope that my family will enjoy life in Oxford as much as I do. There are still so many memories to be made here.
Oh, and that little first impression I had of this 1960s-era house being out of place will soon not be an issue to me. I am in the process of placing a historical marker in front which reads "The McDonald House" Circa 1960, in memory of my wonderful parents Adrian and Patsy McDonald. The house will be named "Robin's Nest" in honor of the current generation of McDonalds.