Step into the Pages of The Calamity Club in Oxford, Mississippi

Ever wished you could step inside the pages of a great book? Readers of Kathryn Stockett’s newest novel, The Calamity Club, can do just that in Oxford, Mississippi.

Set in Oxford during the 1930s, Stockett’s sophomore novel paints a vivid portrait of a small Southern town filled with colorful characters, complicated relationships and the unmistakable atmosphere that has long made Oxford one of America’s most beloved literary destinations. While the story itself is fiction, the setting is very real and visitors can experience many of the places and influences that helped shape the novel’s world.

The heart of Oxford has been the town’s gathering place for generations. As you stroll around the historic Square, it’s easy to imagine the bustling streets, storefronts and social circles that would have defined life in the 1930s. Today, the Square remains filled with locally owned boutiques, restaurants and gathering spots that capture the character and charm that have drawn residents and visitors alike for more than a century. Several locations mentioned in The Calamity Club are rooted in Oxford history, while others were created by Stockett to serve the story:

Neilson's
Founded in 1839, Neilson’s Department Store is the South’s oldest department store and serves as a popular shopping stop for many of the novel’s characters and still for Oxford residents and visitors today.

Gathright-Reed Drugstore
While this drugstore did exist in 1930s Oxford, the building today is home to Estelle’s restaurant.

Denton’s Furniture
Frequently referenced throughout the novel, Denton’s Furniture is no longer in business. The building now houses McEwen’s restaurant.

Buffaloe’s
The cute café and restaurant that’s referenced in the book was a fictional spot created by Stockett.

Lafayette County Bank
While the bank featured in the novel no longer exists, readers may imagine its location near the present-day First National Bank on the Square.

Lafayette County Orphan Asylum for Young Girls
Meg’s home is fictional, but Stockett places the orphanage near the Square, allowing readers to imagine where it might have stood within the historic downtown landscape.

Oxford City Hall
Birdie frequents Oxford’s City Hall to exchange letters with her family in Footely and her love interest in Jackson. Today, readers can see where the characters mailed letters at the Oxford Welcome Center, by entering the building from the pocket park.

Many of Oxford’s oldest neighborhoods still feature architecture and landscapes reminiscent of the era depicted in The Calamity Club. A leisurely walk through town reveals stately homes, tree-lined streets, and historic landmarks that help bring the novel’s setting to life. Download our Walking Tour Guide and head north on Lamar to explore Oxford’s historic neighborhoods and decide for yourself which grand residence may have inspired the Tartt family home.

One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Oxford is simply slowing down and soaking in the atmosphere. Grab a coffee, find a shady bench on the Square and open a copy of The Calamity Club. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kathryn Stockett or discovering her work for the first time, Oxford offers the chance to experience the setting that inspired her latest novel and perhaps find a few stories of your own along the way.