An Old House Finds New Ways

Where in Oxford can you find a historic landmark, neighborhood park and a popular spot for dogs, all in one location?

That would be Rowan Oak, the fabled home of legendary writer William Faulkner.

For decades, Rowan Oak has served as an iconic landmark, attracting visitors from around the world. According to William Griffith, Rowan Oak’s curator, this well-known attraction holds a special place in the heart of Oxford and its residents.

“One [purpose] is for visitors outside the Oxford community to come and visit Rowan Oak and Oxford and learn about William Faulkner when he lived here,” Griffith said. “The second thing is it provides people in Oxford a place to visit anytime they want. From sunup to sundown they can come visit the grounds, especially this neighborhood.”

While Rowan Oak may be a treasured site for Oxford residents, its value is felt in Ole Miss students, as well. Lindsay Thomas, a sophomore from Hattiesburg, believes that Rowan Oak holds not only historic meaning but also symbolic significance.

“Rowan Oak to me is a symbol that even from a small town in Mississippi, you can have a great impact,” she said. “With Rowan Oak being in walking distance from campus, it gives us the opportunity to explore and become close to understanding where William Faulkner got his inspirations.”

Students and residents alike have the opportunity to enjoy the land that Faulkner left behind. At the same time, the area provides pet owners with a friendly place to bring their canine friends.

“After five o’clock, when everyone gets off work, this place is literally turned over to the dogs, because people like to walk their dogs here,” Griffith said. “But during the day, when we’re open, it serves as a historic house, interpreting the life of William Faulkner when he lived here. It means a lot to Oxford. It’s Oxford’s most visited site.”

This summer will mark the 50^th anniversary of Faulkner’s death. While this year celebrates the past, it also will propel Rowan Oak into the future via social media.

“Our new marketing strategy… is to take advantage more of social media. You can’t beat it for the dollar,” Griffith said.”

Incorporating social media as a marketing strategy will allow people to follow updates and announcements more quickly, including news about upcoming events, he added.

“I think using social media will…definitely help bring in more tourists if the information is more accessible, which now means being on Twitter, Facebook, and other popular sites,” Thomas said.

Some of the information that people will be more aware of includes the memoriam of Faulkner’s death and the festivities that will be going on at Rowan Oak July 6. In addition to the grounds being open to guests, there will be a marathon reading of some of Faulkner’s works. Visitors can sign up for a slot to read on the UM English department’s webpage.