Oxford residents of a certain generation will remember James “Jim” MacCleave, who came to town as a teacher of mathematics at Oxford Regional High School (ORHS) in the 1960s, but whose legacy lies with community service and music.
In 2014, the Oxford Historical Society organized a two-day event celebrating MacCleave: “The Man and the Fiddle.” The event featured a fiddle-making session with Bill Sampson; an outdoor fiddler’s jam at the Oxford Heritage Square (now the site of the downtown Gazebo); and a concert at Trinity United Church.
MacCleave’s prowess as a fiddle-maker gained him some renown beyond his adoptive Oxford home. His instruments are seen as among the best produced in the region. One of the fiddles he crafted in the shed behind his Henderson Street home was inherited by the husband of a folklore researcher. The Oxford Historical Society welcomed Dr. Ema Kibirkstis to town on Friday, 18 April 2025, as she digs into the life & times of Jim MacCleave, who served as Vice-Principal at ORHS, Town Councillor, and wore many other hats in our community.
The Oxford Seniors Club (OSC) provided the venue for Dr. Kibirkstis to meet with folks who knew MacCleave, who — in one of his many volunteer roles — assisted in overseeing the renovations to (what was then called) the Oxford Pioneer Heritage Clubhouse. He was one of the founding members of the OPH.
Dr. Kibirkstis’ research is partially funded by The Helen Creighton Folklore Society. As she completes her research and publishes material, the Oxford Historical Society will share her insights via their website and social media.
Anyone who was unable to share their memories with Dr. Kibirkstis on Friday is welcome to contact the Society to be connected with this research effort.
