Story

The rich history of the corner of Jackson Avenue and 10th Street began in 1903 as the original location of the First Methodist Church in Oxford. The church was destroyed by fire in the years to come. The corner was redeveloped in 1920 with the help of a master in concrete construction, the same gentleman who built the all-concrete experimental guest house that still stands on the Faulkner property today.

This two story building’s lower level consisted of a row of storefronts, most notably the famous Cofield’s Studio (current location of The Old Henry) founded by J.R. Cofield. Cofield and his son Jack are best known for their distinguished Faulkner portraits which were photographed in this studio. J.R. and William would meet at the studio on a regular basis for evening libations.

On the second floor (current location of Rafters) was the infamous 30 room Henry Hotel, which is rumored to have a colorful past. Henry Hotel was converted into a residential hotel in the 1970’s renting rooms for only $45.00! The Henry even has a play written about it by screenwriter David Sheffield who is an Ole Miss alum and former employee of the Henry Hotel in 1967. “At the Henry, the unexpected was the norm.” Sheffield explains. Since 2015, the concrete building has been home to Rafter’s Music and Food.

2024 brought us to this cozy spot on the corner that gives nod to the building’s past, The Old Henry. Many Oxford old-timers often refer to the building as “the old henry hotel building” when speaking of a current business location, so the name just made sense as a way to connect the current pub’s operation to what once was. The Old Henry is a place you can casually enjoy with gourmet bites, craft cocktails and live entertainment. The place you meet a friend, a colleague, or a visitor to enjoy Oxford in the way it was meant to be.

Meet me at The Old Henry!