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Gravely Hill: A Cemetery on Florida Flat Land

As would be expected when I heard that the 5th President of the United State’s son, Jame Monroe had once lived in Jacksonville, I had to find some evidence. It has always been of interest to me to know famous people who have graced our city. Elvis Presley never lived in Jacksonville, but he stayed often in a home in the Murray Hill area. The esteemed preacher and evangelist, Billy Graham spent many occasions in Jacksonville as he preached the Gospel of Christ and even had his doctors here at the Mayo hospital. I photographed him in the once-called “Gator Bowl” and saw him on our Jacksonville newscasts visiting places in our city. Rosa Parks came to Jacksonville on at least two occasions where I met her and she invited me to sit beside her and tell how I broke my arm which was in a cast at that time. There have been many well known visitors who have spent time in our fair city and so to read that a former president’s son had actually spent most of his life here, it was certainly worth detailing.

After reading through a number of stories online, I set out first to find his grave which was found in a cemetery on the westside of the city. Sandy Strickland, a former writer of the Florida Times Union newspaper had written an article “Gravely Hill is a Cemetery within a Cemetery”. Using that as the basic information, “Maps”, provided the address and a trip to the old cemetery dating back to at least the 1830’s was found literally inside the fence of Riverside Memorial Cemetery’s chainlink fence. The sign reads “Gravely Hill Cemetery Historical Landmark, NOTICE Any alterations or work performed on these premises must have authorization by M. Weeks 904-268-1934”. Another sign indicated the property was being maintained by the City of Jacksonville. I learned that the 200 acres of Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery had built its cemetery around the Gravely Hill cemetery. Sandy Strickland named her article precisely that.

Walking through the lawn-cut grounds, I read the names on the stones such as Price, Hogan, Bramlitt, Pacetti, Lauramore, Hills, and of course, there was the grave of a James Monroe flanked by an American flag. On the tomb stone there is no birthdate but only his day of passing.

According to online information from Ann Parkinson, the Concordia Sentinel, October 30, 2009 has him listed as the “oldest Confederate veteran of the American Civil War” at 133 years, 11 months, 24 days at death”. , Monroe says he was born on the 4th of July in 1925. That would have made him 133 years upon his death in June of 1949. Tim Gilmore, a Jacksonville enthusiast wrote in his article “If James Edward Monroe were 133 years old when he died, then he was 22 when, in 1837, Steven Eubanks stated in his will that he wished to be buried beside “the grave of my departed mother in the burial ground on my plantation called Gravely Hill.”

According to sources such as Gilmore, James Edward Monroe was a wanderer and could have been found removed by the police for squatting in the Riverside area during his time in this city.

After reading and researching for a time, there is no real evidence to indicate that J. E. Monroe lived from 1815-1949 except that its on actual official records and on a stone in Gravely Hill. According to a 1926 Associated Press article, he was a major in the military, fought under the command of General Robert E. Lee and there is a post card with the words “Major Edward Monroe youngest son of President James Monroe, 110 years old July 4, 1925. Jacksonville, Florida. ( Find a Grave, James Monroe photos)

Photos from the Find a Grave site: Jacksonville Journal photo, a post card, Pres. James Monroe, Elizabeth, the President’s mother (which is said the Jacksonville Monroe has among his belongings.)

Monroe, The 5th President of the United States is listed as being born April 28, 1758 and died July 4, 1831. He was known as a statesman, lawyer, diplomat, President from 1817-1825, and the last of the Founding Fathers. According to White House records, he and Elizabeth Kortright had three children: Eliza(1786), James (1799) and Maria ( 1802). There is no mention of a James Edward. So, did he live to be 133? Was he the youngest son of the 5th President of the United States?

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Sandy Strickland , “Gravely Hill is a Cemetery within a Cemetery, The Florida Times UnionMarch 12, 2018,). Tim Gilmore,Gravely Hill Plantation and Graveyard, , December 7, 2018., Find a Grave photos, Find a Grave. Com, James Monroe, White House . Gov.

Category: Cemeteries, Government, Neighborhoods, People | LEAVE A COMMENT

July 24

Dr. Thomas Perley and Part of His Legacy

Empire Point is located along the St. Johns River and was at once time part of the 385-acre Reuben Hogans land grant of 1808. There, along the river is a wine cellar, brick and beautiful. According to author Tim Gilmore, the bricks on the old cellar at the end of the 4615 Empire Point Road culdesac in the 4615 Empire Point Road once belonged to the original Perley Place homestead. On a website the Top Ten Real estate Deals, the story is written that Dr. Thomas F. Pearly purchased the land “overlooking the St. John’s River atop Empire Point”.

Grandson, Ramey standing in front of the Perley cellar at Empire Point

Not long after he built his home there, the Civil War broke out and he was called to duty as a Confederate colonel serving in the medical field. In 1868, after the war, Perley sold the property. At some point the house burned to the ground and all that was left was the tunnel which was connected to a brick vaulted wine cellar. Beneath the ground was found a granite corner stone bringing the history alive. If you visit the area today, to left of the refurbished wine cellar is the cornerstone dated about 1858. The property was purchased in 1993 and rebuilt the home with as much authentic care as possible.

Thomas F. Perley was appointed by Surgeon William A. Hammond to the position of Medical inspector. ( AMEDD Center of History and Heritage, Part V “ From the commencement of the rebellion to the present time”. Act.armey.mil)

According to Cera Web Design the wine cellar is “the only privately owned, pre-Civl War wine cellar in the United States” still standing.

Many contend the road is private but there is a sign at the end of the road honoring the Perley homestead.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Top Ten RealEstate Deals, Where Real Estate is Never Boring, 2024, Tim Gilmore, Empire Point: Perley Place and Wine Cellar, March 2, 2016, Cera Web Design, Perley Place, Build on History, Accessed online 4-23-24

Category: History, Military | Comments Off

July 23

The Church Must Step Up for the Homeless

This issue is not a partisan issue. Lives are truly at stake no matter the party line. It is really time for the Church of Christ to step in and be a part of the help in this serious issue of souls. The problem is more than being physically without a home, food and a place to lay their head. It is truly about salvation.

Leonardo da Vinci produced The Last Supper between 1495 and 1498, which is the most well-known religious painting. Jesus taught his disciples to go forth and teach the Gospel.

The struggle of the homeless is real. In most cases, their bodies rage for need of the drug of their choice. This rage drives them to their homelessness. They need help to get off of drugs, opportunities to work, places they can go for mental health, clothes, showering, transportation, and a great many other things. There is only ONE solution and that is God, who has power over every stronghold. Homelessness and what gets them there is a serious stronghold.

Permission was given to take this photo of a homeless woman who has been on the streets for about a year.This photo was taken about 8:30 am. It had rained heavily during the night.

Jacksonville’s Mayor Donna Deegan said, “In every community conversation I’ve been to over the past year, one of the things I heard most often was the need to address homelessness. With that feedback in mind, our 12-point plan makes progress on this significant issue and complies with HB 1365. Our goal is to build safer neighborhoods and make homelessness a rare, brief, one-time occurrence in a person’s life.”

A homeless man took me in the neighborhood camp to see this make-shift home.

The Church has THE answer to solve this problem. No “free” homes, “free food”, “free anything” will solve this issue. It is a matter of the heart and the Church has the answer to deal with the heart. “Speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, God said, “My wayward children . . . come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts” . God also warned, “Your wickedness will bring its own punishment. Your turning from me will shame you. (Jeremiah 3:22 NLT- Copied)

Jesus said that the poor would always be with us but that there are blessing when any of us give even a cup of water in Jesus name. The church could and would really make an impact in this up and coming effort to deal with this serious issue.

If every church in Jacksonville would take on simply one aspect to help the homeless in their area of town, great inroads could be made to saving the lives of so many. Please pray that the Church will take on this task. It is not an easy task but it is a necessary one.

Things the Church could do and with every single mission, offer the Gospel of Christ which is able to save:

Church Ministries

Bible Lessons, Church Services, Clothes Closets, Food Pantries, Job Opportunities, Shower Stations, Skill Training. ( With every single dealing with the homeless the Gospel must be shared. That is what saves.That is what changes a soul.)

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. “Proverbs 19:17

“If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother” Deut 15:7

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.” Prof 14:31

“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” Prov. 28:7

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Category: Churches, Faith, Government, Health | Comments Off

July 19

The Homeless in Jacksonville. The Church Their Only Hope

The situation is bad; really bad. At this time in the city of Jacksonville, dating back to a rule that went in effect February of 2023, people are banned from panhandling on street corners and drivers can be fined up to $250 for handing out even a bottle of water to a homeless person. Those who voted for this ordinance say it is a safety issue but to those without a home, food and drink, it is a nightmare, as if they already don’t have one day-in and day-out in their lives. They each one live that nightmare. Daily. YES, it is their fault. YES, they have gotten themselves in this horrible condition but now what?

As of 2023, they cannot get money, food or drink by a hand-out. You say, “Go to a shelter”. How to find them? How to get there? Are they open 24/7 or are the homeless to eat only once a week? If given food, how will they carry it? Where will they store it? The questions go on and on and on.

It is my guess that 99% of the homeless are on drugs. Their bodies rage with the need to satisfy a longing within. They are seriously dependent on drugs. They cannot control this rage thus they beg, borrow and yes, even steal to solve this horrible addiction. The city leaders’ response to this was to shut down their begging which leaves borrowing and stealing but the rage continues. A drug addict cannot control his or her body. This is a serious problem; a devastating dilemma. In truth, there is only one real answer: God, and they curse him day and night.

Then people say, “Well, they should not have gotten in this situation”. Well, they did. Now what? Another person may say, “Okay, get a job”. How? They are hungry, have no way to get clean, no clothes to look presentable for getting a job, no way to know where jobs might be, no transportation to get to the job interview if they could figure that out, no phone or communication, and the problems continue. And, most of their focus is on the basic needs that everyone has, to eat, and drink.

These thoughts shared here are not to give the homeless a pass. No, it is to hopefully wake up the church, the Body of Christ to see that there is a mission field out that that is almost untapped. The homeless are truly desperate not just for the necessities of life but for the God who created them and can change them. At this point, any homeless I’ve met curse God and so often blame Him for their wayward behaviours.

Now is the time for the Church to step up and make the difference. The situation is dire and the stakes are high. It is almost hopeless in truth. The Church knows it cannot align with the government without the government controlling the church so there is that problem. On the other hand, without the one true God, the homeless have no hope of true recovery.

The homeless don’t have jobs. No they aren’t clean or upstanding pillars of the community but in fact they are desperate and if every church in the city of Jacksonville had even one ministry to help the homeless, lives could be saved and changed.

Here are possible Church Ministries to be considered and, with every single one it should include a time of preaching and learning of God’s grace and glory.

Church Ministries

Bible Lessons, Church Services, Clothes Closets, Food Pantries, Job Opportunities, Shower Stations, Skill Training

There is so much the church could do to help the homeless. The time is now. The need is real. If you’re a true Christian and reading this, please pray that the churches in Jacksonville will step up and meet a serious need in our community. Talk to your church leaders and see what one thing each church could do. The body of Christ is God’s hands and feet and they are so needed at this time in our city.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.Proverbs 19:17

If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: Deut 15:7

He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. Prof 14:31

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. Prov. 28:7

Sources: City of Jacksonville Ordinance, Personal experience with homeless, COSAC Foundation

Category: Churches, People | Comments Off

July 17

Letters Removed From the Top of the Wells Fargo Building. Locomotive Still Beneath the Pilings

The tallest building in Jacksonville in 1974 was was known then as The Independent Life building at 535 feet. It was confirmed again in 2024 by James Abrams an expert in attaching and removing huge business lettering when he talked about the now 2nd tallest building in Jacksonville. Abrams was a part of the 2011 team that helped remove lettering from now-called 1 Independent Drive when the building changed owners. This is the 5th time the building will have letters removed atop this structure.

The Dingman Family, 2017 Eclipse with iconic Jacksonville Landing Sign and Wells Fargo Building in the background.

Over the years, the names have been: The Independent Life, Accustaff, Modis, Wells Fargo and until the new owner, Argentic Investment Management LLC of New York City renames it, the structure will be known as 1 Independent Drive. (Daily Record, Wells Fargo Center tower and garages Downtown sold for $46.35 million, Karen Brune Mathis, April 24, 2024).

There is a lot of history with the structure over the years including when the grounds were being prepared for building back in 1971. On a discovery walk with Gary Sass of Adlib Tours, we walked to the corner of Laura and Bay Street to learn that beneath this huge building lay still, a bonified locomotive which the contractors and owners of the day decided to leave. Instead, they built pilings around the locomotive leaving the metal train. A thirty-six-story building sits on top of a full-size locomotive in Jacksonville, Florida.

Gary Sass with Adlib Tours (Photo: Visit Jacksonville).

According to an article by Ennis Davis, the large locomotive could easily be explained as the area was once near a train line confirmed by maps. The train connection was used to distribute goods and services to the city of Jacksonville.(A Locomotive is Buried Below This Skyscraper, The Jason, Ennis Davis, January 8, 2017).

1504 Locomotive dates back to 1919 sat in parking lot of Prime Osborn for decades is a sample of an old locomotive. (Photo: Ramey).

Too in this city, there could be, buried in the bottom of a Jacksonville home owner’s junk drawer and on someone’s 1971 Kodak Instamatic X-15 camera film roll, a photo of a buried steam engine which lay deep beneath the 5th named Independent Life Building located at the 1 Independent Drive in Jacksonville, Florida. It has yet to be revealed but maybe one day.

When the Well’s Fargo lettering was placed on the building at the time it was re-named Wells Fargo, James Abrams, sign technician, was one of those wearing a repelling harness to work with the bolts and attachments, in preparation for the changes back then. He said Dave Clark was a part of this team repelling on the side of the 535 foot high building on this occasion. The owner of High Angel Services Jim Webster reported to Chanel 4 news that precision was important for the safety of all involved. The weather was clear, the wind mild and the crew professional.

Wells Fargo letters after being removed from the building 2024 (Ramey archives)

Abrams has been involved once again as I met him at the landing area located across from the Maxwell house Coffee plant where letters from the building were flown. Two others heavily involved in the process of letter removal were Alexis Casul, and Kyle Roberson, all who work for Southeastern Lighting Solutions. They were tasked with receiving each 1,500 pound letter by the vintage 1953 Sikorsky S-58 helicopter. ( Florida Times Union, Wells Fargo sinage comes down with help of 1958 vintage helicopter, Bob Self, July 14, 2024).

Kyle Roberson, Alexis Casul, James Abrams of Southeastern Lighting Solutions (Photo: Ramey)

There, the twenty, approximately 17 foot, tall, 1500 pound letters were brought after being removed from the once-named Wells Fargo Building on July 14th, 2024. The huge letters were then prepared one at a time with a steel cables for each letter and hoisted far above the building. The letters were then flown by helicopter to the open area to be received by hand, one at a time. As the helicopter hovered over the men, the letters were hanging and with careful precision, each one was held by the helicopter cable, handled by the men, lowered to the ground and unattached by the waiting crew.

By Tuesday of that week, the men had detached the bright orange letter covers, removed all lights inside of the metal lettering and had them stacked on a flat bed truck ready to be recycled.

For now, the steam engine, confirmed by eye-witnesses back-in-the-day, lay undisturbed since 1971 when the iconic building was built and named for an accident insurance company. The naming rights of the building belonged to the then owner, Independent Life.

For now though, all we know for sure is that on Sunday, July 14, 2024 eye witnesses saw a helicopter hang at least twenty, 1500 pound letters swagging in the air removing them to make way for the next Independent Life Building owner, Argentic Investment Management LLC of New York City to have new lettering place atop the approximately 650,000 leasable square foot building. ( Daily RecordHelicopter removes Wells Fargo signage from Downtown Jacksonville tower.

Oh, but if locomotives could talk.

Category: Buildings, Business | Comments Off

March 1

The First Protestant Prayer, Fort Caroline Monument and Lee Adams

Lee Adams, as he was known, was a botanical artist, painting birds, fruit, flora and fauna. He is known for his opportunity to paint four large murals for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. His home was in Jacksonville, Florida where he attended West Riverside Elementary and graduated from high school in Duval County. For a time he and family lived in Mandarin as indicated in the 1940 census.

Early Years

For much of his life he painted birds, flora and fauna. His work is colourful and rich with detail to the intricacy of body parts including the beak, wings, legs and more. His paintings can be found in the St Vincent’s hospital, West Riverside, elementary school auditorium, the Beaches library, and a remarkable refurbished 12’ x 30’ mural of Ribault’s Landing on the fourth floor of the downtown Jacksonville library.

Lee Adams was the youngest of three children with two elder brothers, Thomas Burton Adams, Jr. and Alexander Hamilton Adams. His elder brother was a real estate developer turned politician. He was a member of the Florida Senate from 1956-1960, Florida State Secretary from 1961-1971 and the 10th Lieutenant Governor of Florida from 1971-1975.

Adam’s father, Thomas Burton Adams and mother, Carolyn Sykes Hamilton Adams are buried in the same cemetery as he and Lee’s wife, Mimi.

Making the Past Come Alive

My grandson, Ramey and I spent a day following leads to the life of Lee Adams, as he was called. It was at Oaklawn Cemetery that we met Nicole Ruff, one of Oaklawn’s consultants. It was great discussing the life of Adams, his influence on Florida, life in Mandarin and artwork that is now world-wide. Her help in our finding his grave and realizing that his family also had a family plot.

Adam’s wife, Mimi, was known for her environmental passion and headed up the Jacksonville Air Pollution Control Board. She was the first chairperson of the board formed in 1968. The two of them were interested in environmental issues. The Avondale park in Duval County is named in their honor and there are some plaques in various parts of the city given for their work on the environment.

This entire week, time was spent visiting each place where his work can be seen and it was found highly insightful. At the Beaches library, the mural work is colorful and beachy. At West Riverside Elementary School, Data entry clerk, Jeanine Mann, a seeming authority on the history of the school, gave the tour of the auditorium where three large paintings sponsored by large corporations hung high and grandeur. One painting was themed of NASA and space, another of Florida and transportation, including airplanes, trains, with communication ties, and the third of the cowboy and cattle segment of the Sunshine State. In that auditorium is also where the music class with Mr. Warren is held. While we were viewing paintings, he could be heard literally, singing to the children’s they entered the class. He also has stories to tell of the history of the school built in 1911.

Researching this artist, the most favourite in our minds was finding that of the 12 x 30 colourful mural of “Ribault’s Landing”, celebrating Christian Huguenots landing along the St. John’s River and the first Protestant prayer “within the limits of the present-day United States”. This painting, now hangs on the South wall of the 4th floor in the downtown Jacksonville library. In May of 2021 the city of Jacksonville announced the mural would be “installed in the Florida Collection” area after having been revived from years of neglect.

The scene, painted by Lee Adams and refurbished by artist Jim Draper, represents the story of Huguenot, Jean Ribault, his crew and Timuquan Indians at the landing in Fort Caroline in 1562. It was the place where the French “knelt in prayer, beseeching God’s guidance and commending the natives to His care”. The marker on Fort George Island says, “This was the first protestant prayer in North America.”

First Protestant Prayer Marker, Fort George Island, Jacksonville, Fl. This marker was erected by the Jacksonville Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, on March 11, 1938. The text on the marker reads as : ” Jean Ribaut and a party of Huguenots landed the morning of May1, 1562 on this island. Here they knelt in prayer, beseeching God’s guidance and commending the natives to his care. This was the first Protestant Prayer in North America.”

Incredible Surprises

According to the Florida Times Union story by John Carter, the large mural was found rolled up in the basement at Robert E. Lee High School. It was originally created in 1959 and hung at the downtown 2nd floor dining area in the Sears building on Bay Street, not too far from the Main street bridge. In 1981, the store relocated moving to Regency Square and the building was demolished making way for the Omni hotel. The art piece was rolled up and taken to Lee High school. Although it has been said the artwork was stored in a box which was even nailed shut, the rolled up artwork was nested by rats, roaches and took a toll on the beautiful oil work. It would need a full restoration.

In the newspaper article, Jim Draper, Pedestrian Gallery owner helped with the restoration promoted by City Council President Jim Overton. Through a turn of events, and special project of the school principal, Jane Condon, the painting was displayed at the LaVilla School of the Arts for a time.

According to The Daily Record, the Fort Caroline refurbished painting was “officially unveiled on the fourth floor of the library” on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 in celebration of the 450th landing.

Lee Adams and his wife were killed in a tragic automobile accident on Roosevelt Blvd in 1971. We looked on Findagrave.com for the location of his internment but we had to search further. Soon, we found that he was buried at Oaklawn Cemetery along with family members.

Regarding Adams’ work

Finding Adams’ artwork is sketchy and quite expensive in most venues. On eBay, his art is going for $450. and up. On the “Invaluable” auction site, his “Parrots” piece is estimated between $800- $1,500. On Facebook Marketplace, there are two prints going for $50. I have purchased them along with World’s Fair tickets and the official guide. The paintings now hang on my wall. Pleasure.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources:

Wikipedia, The Daily Record, Family Search, Jacksonville Library, Oaklawn Cemetery, Florida Times Union, Oaklawn Cemetery, Personal visits. 2-29-24

Photos: Wikipedia, US. Senate .gov, Ramey

Category: Animals, Art, History, Mandarin, Parks, People, Visit This | Comments Off

February 13

Harriet Beecher Stowe

If you visit the Community First Credit Union on State Road 13 in Mandarin, Florida, south of downtown Jacksonville, you will see a full wall dedicated to the life of abolitionist and author, Harriet Beecher Stowe. There is a photograph of her home and likeness and of the trees along the road on which she once lived in Florida.

Stowe and her husband, Calvin, owned property on a once dirt road, now called Mandarin Road in Mandarin, Florida for some 17 years beginning in 1867. It was complete with orange groves, large oak trees and sweeping moss. There, she and her family wintered from 1867-1884.

When talking to long-time folks in Mandarin you hear that she was an abolitionist who helped Black families, worked with children in the schools and advanced the Freedman’s Bureau. She was well-known in the area for having written the runaway best-seller, Uncle Tom’s Cabin in two volumes in 1852.

The book was such a hit that she was invited to Washington, DC to meet with President, Abraham Lincoln in 1862 where he is known to have said, “Why, Mrs. Stowe, right glad to see you. So, you’re the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war”. In Stowe’s book, Men of Our Times, she wrote of Lincoln, “Lincoln was a strong man, but his strength was of a peculiar kind; it was not aggressive so much as passive, and among passive things it was like the strength not so much of a stone buttress as of a wire cable. It was strength swaying to every influence, yielding on this side and on that to popular needs, yet tenaciously and inflexibly bound to carry its great end. Probably by no other kind of strength could our national ship have been drawn safely through so dreadful a channel.”

It is said that she was at first critical of the President but after meeting and talking with him, she softened and found common ground. President Abraham Lincoln is best known for “preserving the Union, ending slavery and creating the possibility of civil and social freedom” for Blacks.

“Harriet Beecher Stowe was born in 1811 and died in 1896. Her anti-slavery book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was an immediate bestseller and rumour has it that she was paid by the paddle boats of the time to sit on her Mandarin home on the St. Johns River and write so folks could see her from their excursion.

Stowe and her family helped organize Church of Our Savior Episcopal in Mandarin. She was raised by Calvinist, Lyman Beecher who spent his time as a preacher. She was married to Calvin Stowe, a professor and Biblical scholar who sought to enhance the public education in the United States. He became Stowe’s literary agent when her book became a world-wide success and was very involved with the Church or Our Savior growth.

In a letter to her brother, Charles Stowe wrote of her plans mentioning her reasoning for finding a place in Florida and her involvement with the church.

“My plan of going to Florida, as it lies in my mind, is not in any sense a mere worldly enterprise. I have for many years had a longing to be more immediately doing Christ’s work on earth. My heart is with that poor people whose cause in words I have tried to plead, and who now, ignorant and docile, are just in that formative stage in which whoever seizes has them.”

“Corrupt politicians are already beginning to speculate on them as possible capital for their schemes, and to fill their poor heads with all sorts of vagaries. Florida is the State into which they have, more than anywhere else, been pouring. Emigration is positively and decidedly setting that way; but as yet it is mere worldly emigration, with the hope of making money, nothing more.”

“The Episcopal Church is, however, undertaking, under direction of the future Bishop of Florida, a wide-embracing scheme of Christian activity for the whole State. In this work I desire to be associated, and my plan is to locate at some salient point on the St. John’s River, where I can form the nucleus of a Christian neighborhood, whose influence shall be felt far beyond its own limits.”

It was well-known Stowe also wanted to help her 4th son, Frederick who was troubled with drinking problems. She felt he could find worth and value working the grove of Mandarin. There, she felt he could find a place he could work and escape his worries. He managed the citrus farm for a while but after a time, he left going to San Francisco. She never saw him again.

Stowe and her family spent some 17 years in Mandarin and became well-known in the community. Even today, people are celebrating her life at the Museum and in remembering a life well lived.

See you Tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Mr. Lincolnswhitehouse . Org, Mandarin Museum, Google Search Q and A, Emmett Looman article, Exploring Florida, Wikipedia, Personal visits to Mandarin.

Category: History, Mandarin, Neighborhoods, People | Comments Off

February 10

David Scott, Moon Rover Driver Visits Jax

He was a Colonel in the United States Air Force and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. He was a fighter pilot, test pilot and astronaut.

On January 20th, David Scott sat with his wife and daughter, at the front section of the Florida Times Union Center listening to the co-founder of Apple Computers, Steve Wozniak. We were in the room when his name was announced and he was asked to stand. The crowd went wild as he waved to the elite group.

Scott was the 7th person to walk on the moon according to NASA. His first flight was as a pilot along with Neil Armstrong on Gemini 8. He was one of a few who flew into space on several missions and was commander of Apollo 15.

After the speaker’s forum was over and Apple founder, Wozniak had left the stage, I told my daughter I’d meet her at the entrance of the building. I wanted to get a few photos and possibly meet Scott. As quickly as possible, I weaved through the out-going crown and stood beside the Astronaut, now 91 years old. A man had already gotten Scott’s attention and basically took over a great amount of his time. There was a line waiting to talk to Scott and then his wife and daughter began to encourage him to go into the aisle. While I did not shake his hand, we met eyes and I was able to get a few photos. To my surprise, my daughter was behind me clicking away as well.

We both followed he and his family out of the room and as he turned to go left, and as he turned to look right for passage, my daughter, Kristie Cross reached out and he shook her hand and gave her a kind greeting. “Just the simple shaking of the hand of the man who drove the first rover on the moon is enough to bring about a surreal feeling”. She said.

It was another good day in Jacksonville, Florida. Jan. 2024

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Category: Family, History, Science, Travel | Comments Off

February 5

Papa’s House After it Sold

It was the first time after the sale that I had visited the old home place of my Father’s parents in South Carolina. So many of my childhood memories are still there. The precious home-going service of my cousin, Judy, in Ridgeland, SC had been held not too far from my Father’s childhood home so I decided to just ride on over to see what had happened to it since the sale only last year. It was an approximate 52 acre farm with a large old wooden home and many out-buildings. The lane was important to all family members as it was a place we all walked and talked thereby catching up with the family news all of our lives. The old sugar cane mill, Papa’s blacksmith shop, the chicken coop and more was along that grassy lane so we spent a good many hours looking, walking and talking along that way for as long as it was owned by the family. It was a Century Farm so many family members walked many a mile along that family land over the years.

Driving by, the old wooden 6 bedroom shotgun house could now be fully seen from the road; something not done for many years due to the overgrown shrubs and trees. The old fence at the front was gone and there was a big fire going in the front by one of the huge old oak trees. Upon careful stares, chainsaws and other lawn equipment could be seen laying spaced out on the grounds. It was obvious to see someone was there and quite busy. I pulled in behind a big white truck.

Walking past the blazing fire, I went to the double wide, where my Aunt Urbanna once lived, left of the old home place, and knocked on the door as I yelled, “Anyone home?”. I didn’t want to be shot traipsing on my own Grandfather’s land so I thought I should announce my intentions right away. These are country woods so stragglers may not be welcome depending on who bought the property. I didn’t know.

Walking past the front windows, the pitter patter of little feet tromping on the wood-front porch could be heard and when the boy opened the door the approximately aged 5 year old said, when I asked if Mom and Dad was here, “I don’t know where he is but my dads’s out there working”.

Being anxious to get back to Jacksonville and I hadn’t really had plans to stop but It could not be helped. I just could not just drive on by without getting one last look at the home before leaving the area, the land and the lane. The lane was a treasured spot to all family members so I went out there first to find his dad.

Actually, a lot had already changed in less than a years time of the place being sold. The large fire in the front yard had a huge oak trunk about 5 feet long and was roaring so whoever bought the land would use that method to clear the lot. So many of the gardenias, milkweed and red ink plant had been trimmed producing beautiful flowers again. The old fence where Pat and Rose, Papa’s mules so often stood was gone and the gate leaning. Along the lane, the out-buildings were caved in. Now, that hardy planed timber will be some good fire wood. I’m happy to say, my cousin, Charlotte allowed us to take a few items from the property and one treasure was to take with me a 10 foot old wooden barn door which will be used on my Dad’s Dad’s property very soon.

Walking along the land, I took a handful of photos with my cell phone and all along the way yelled, “Anyone here. Anyone here?” After a good walk down the land, I went on back to my car and drove past the land and acreage once filled with corn, tobacco, green beans, squash and more. I hugged one tree on the property left for my Dad which I’ll leave for my own children. My Dad moved to Jacksonville, Fl after WWII but still had roots in SC where his portion is still a Century Farm.

It was a good day on the family farm in Hampton, South Carolina.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

2-3-2024

Category: Family, History | Comments Off

January 19

Cell Phone Rings at the Symphony and She Answers! (From the Front Row)!

Did a Woman Answer Her Phone on the First Row of the Symphony Hall During the Concert? GASP! Yes! Today, a friend and I went to the Jacoby Center Concert Hall to hear the magnificent Jacksonville Symphony. In a deep voice from an announcer cell phones were to be turned off and no flash photography taken. We had the very first two seats on the center-front row right there in the front. How did that happen? Talking about some of the best seats in the house. We were right there! Literally, we had “front row seats”.

The concert began in usual fashion with the lights being brought down a bit, the announcer giving the 5 minute start alert and then everyone was seated and ready. The orchestra members were in place and the Conductor came out with a round of applause. Excitement was certainly in the air.

After the conductor told a bit about the pieces to ne heard, the music began and before long a cell phone on the front aisle went off. I noticed the woman fumbling in her purse to find it, I thought to turn it off but “NO”, she answered it. In the middle of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Air from Orchestral Suite No 3 in D major BWV 1068, the woman began speaking to a person on the cell phone! Thankfully, the call was short but not without the front-seated violinist raising his eyebrows twice as he stroked his bow onto his violin.

Gasp! She answered the call. I’m still flabbergasted.

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Category: Art, History, Things to Do, Visit This | Comments Off