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New Years Shoot-Out in Nanville

On 5:53 PM January 1, 2023, a call was received on the cell phone from a “No Caller ID”. Not being sure who it was, no answer was made. After the cell phone ping, listening to the message was immediate. The “No Caller ID” was from a Jacksonville police officer about a break-in report in what he knew as the Biltmore area. Over time, he would learn this was also referred to as “Nanville”. Nanville is bound by Old Kings Road, Lane Avenue, Commonwealth and Edgewood Avenue. It was established somewhere around 1984.

The break-in occurred between December 29- December 31 and the thief got away with all of the lights in the house. In other words, the robber stripped the entire house of electrical wiring and more than likely rolled it all away inside of a yellow top, also known as a recycle bin. The police were called and a police report was made regarding the “Nanville theft”.

The property at 5345 was once a very nice home and owned back in-the-day by the Driggers family. As recent as last year, their names were still carved on the wooden towel rack in the bathroom and was only removed due to a remodel.

The premises had been vacant for over 6 months and listed on multiple MLS realtor sites. The hope was to sell it quickly during this buyer’s market 2022 but up to this point, no takers.

Now, with no electricity wiring, it would be even harder to unload. The house listing was dropped in price due to the electrical wire issue and right away investors were willing to take a look at the opportunity.

The insulation and theft mess from stripping out wires from the ceiling had not been cleaned so when a call came in to view the property on Saturday morning, January 7th at 10:00 AM, a trip with a broom, mop and trash bags to the vacant house was made.

After the clean up, and about 8:31 AM shots rang out in the neighbourhood. “Pow”, “Pow” “Pow” went the Jacksonville officers pistol with shouts… It sounded like “Police! “Police!” There was a skirmish and a small dog rounded the above-ground pool at the end of the road as several officers took off running after the suspect on foot. There were four police cars, #3515, #2749, #1014 and a fourth moving too fast to see the number but all, located on the West end of the neighbourhood with one speeding toward 5345, while another went west on that same road.

Neighbors began to come out of their homes watching all of this commotion. A young mother apparently feared with her children by her side and ran back in to safety. To my knowledge, they did not catch the thief.

After getting my own self to safety, my girls got this text:

“I’ve been in a police shoot-out in Nanville but I’m okay. Just letting you know.”

If you ever want to get a quick call-back from a family member just tell them you’ve been in a shoot-out. They will call right away. Oh, and if they catch the scrapper, I’ll let you know. 1-8-22

See you tomorrow,

Category: History, Holidays, Neighborhoods, Random Posts | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 7

Go To The Alhambra Dinner Theatre. You’ll Think You’ve Seen Patsy Cline

For real. If you book a dinner at the now known “longest running dinner theatre in the Nation”, the Alhambra you can hear the work of the 1960’s singer, Patsy Cline. You’ll think you’ve seen her. For sure, you will have heard her famed music. You’ll find yourself singing along.

Gail Bliss stars as the famed singer in “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline” from January 5 to February 5th. This is to be her “Farewell Tour” so don’t miss this opportunity. There are other shows up and coming as well, so give it a try. It will not disappoint.

Patsy Cline Boots to be hung up after this tour

Alhambra Dinner Theatre, 12000 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, Fl. (904)641-1212

See you tomorrow,

Category: Country Life, People, Visit This | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 7

The Tombs of Founder Isaiah D. Hart

So, yesterday and based on author, Tim Gilmore’s 2015 article about Jacksonville founder, Isaiah D. Hart’s “Tomb Tower”, my grandson and I set out to find where Hart was first buried before being moved to Evergreen Cemetery. Truly, it was a little scary as there were drifters and obviously noticeable people both White and Black, on some type of substance in the area. It was early in the morning and as many as 10 homeless were in and about the carcass of what is left of history where the old 1966 Heart of Jacksonville Motel once thrived. Some were sleeping beneath the walls of the old block building and others gathered in a small group talking. Some were literally “out of it” and others actually showed friendly to my 9 year old grand and myself. They saw us with cameras and for once I did not click when I saw them, out of respect I suppose.

At the borders of “Laura Street between State and Orange Streets”, the place remains a morass of “social rot and desperation” as described by Gilmore on 9/26/2015. So, man’s life without God has not changed. It is a reminder, I told my grandson that “we all need a Savior to save us from ourselves. “

It’s hard to envision but it was there the 35 foot tall “Old Hart Monument” as described in the 1992 Jacksonville Historical Society journal once stood. By the photograph in the journal, it appears brick and was fenced.

After spending time on this old motel block near Confederate Park, we drove to Evergreen Cemetery where we saw the now approximate 12 x 30 x 60 inch flat tomb where Hart and his family were moved. It says “ The Family Tomb of Isaiah David Hart The Founder of Jacksonville”.

Speaking of life without God. Hart owned slaves and was constantly working in an effort to make money. It is said that he became “respectable” after founding Jacksonville. I hope that meant he found Christ because while there is still a tomb no matter its location, he’s not there. ( If you know what I mean).

See you tomorrow,

Sources: Jacksonville Historical Society Journal, Jaxpsychogeo.com, personal visit.

Category: Government, History, Random Posts, Visit This | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 6

Isaiah D. Hart’s Westside Plantation

(About 1840 near now called Marietta)

Isaiah D. Hart, the founder of Jacksonville died September 4, 1861 at the age of 68. He was born in Georgia before moving to King’s Ferry along the St. Marys River . He came to the Cowford, (former Jacksonville), planned and had platted the area into streets and a township in 1822. T. Frederick Davis, author of History of Jacksonville wrote: “At one time or another he owned nearly all the land now known as the old city, and the most of Springfield”. We know he also owned property in West Jacksonville out by Bulls Bay as documented in old records, by former historians and recently online at Wikitree.

It is believed that he had seen the business of Dawson and Buckles near the St. Johns River where two men who opened a general merchandise store and were finding success being near the place where people crossed, fording cows and the like. Hart purchased 18 acres of land in the area and established a town, now called Jacksonville, Florida.

As a young man, Hart was in favor of Spain returning Florida and joined in the Patriot raids which “raided Florida plantations for slaves and called and drove them northward into Georgia selling them”. About that time he married Nancy Nelson and as the United States took control of Florida Hart was busy securing land in the Cowford and other Florida areas beginning to make his fortune.

By 1840, Hart and his family were living on his Paradise plantation in West Jacksonville. According to a census taker in 1850 he was named as a “planter” with his estate being valued at $35,000 having 48 slaves(21 female and 27 male). By 1860 his owning had diminished having 12 female and 14 male slaves.

Hart had 8 children and at his death his son Ossian was assigned to settle his estate. Ossian chose to live at the plantation Hart owned on the outskirts of Jacksonville near Marietta in now West Jacksonville even though Isaiah had other property. These were Civil War years and change was on the rise.

The Civil War began in April of 1861 and with Hart’s passing in September of that year, times were beginning to change even in Florida. By the 1860’s, Hart was quite established.

The Civil War and the battle about emancipation was on the minds of many. Although two of the most significant battles did not occur in Florida until 1864 near Olustee and Lake City, Hart’s ,Paradise Plantation in West Jacksonville was only 40-50 miles from those battle areas. Change was on the rise.

Only 4 years before his death, in 1857 Hart added all of his property holdings to the Jacksonville map and established a public square. After his death the family deeded the village green which was known as City Park to the city. In 1800 Civil War veteran Charles C. Hemming installed a 62 foot tall confederate monument and the park was renamed Hemming Park about 1898 and remained so until the unrest of the police killing of George Floyd. This sparked outcry nationwide. In 2020, the City Council voted to change the name of Hemming Park to James Weldon Johnson Park in honor of a former Black Jacksonville musician and “accomplished resident.”

Ossian, Hart’s son had been born in Jacksonville in 1821. He was educated in Jacksonville and Washington, Dc according to the Governor’s Association. He studied law and was admitted into the Florida bar. Serving in the Florida Legislature as a one-term member in 1844 he became Florida supervisor of elections and helped in the restoration of the state. Hart was a Unionist and avoided the Confederate army due to medical concerns. When his father died, he managed his father’s property dividing the estate. His father was one of the richest men in Florida owning stocks in” the Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Railroad, the Jacksonville Natural Gas Company, the Banks of St. Johns County a steamship line, a great amount of property and 53 slaves” From that time of 1861 until after the Civil War, he worked in government serving in 1873 on the Supreme Court. He was elected the 10th Florida governor. Ossian’s position on slavery was in helping them and offering freedom as he managed his Father’s 30 year old plantation estate.

It is said that Hart’s slaves were freed after his death and when his son served as governor worked in an effort to help with the freedmen and new accomplishments and freedoms for Blacks. For example, Ossian Hart appointed the first Black superintendent of public instruction, Jonathan Gibbs during the Reconstruction era.

Ossian Hart came down with pneumonia while serving as Governor and died in office on March 18, 1874. He is buried next to his father in Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida.

There’s so much more, so….

See you tomorrow,

SourcesL The Governors Association, Wikipedia, Ancestry, Canter Brown, T. Frederick Davis, Wikitree, Geological map, Florida Memory.

Category: Country Life, People | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 5

Could That Be Isaiah D. Hart’s Wagon?

Indeed it was not but I could visualize just the same.

Found in the yard of Lachapelles off Bulls Bay Rd.

I felt as if I might have found a remnant of the old Isaiah David Hart Plantation which was called “Paradise” and located West of Bulls Bay in West Jacksonville, Florida in the 1800s. Of course, Hart himself would have more than likely been riding on a wooden buckboard, buggy or carriage. Hart established the town of Jacksonville, Florida along the River St. Johns in 1822. He is counted by many as the actual 7th resident in the city and his brother, Daniel being the 8th but Hart is most known for being responsible for platting the city and having the streets laid out for an actual town which was called Cowford .(There are some who say the 2nd resident but…). Cowford, as it was called, was at a narrow place in the river. Its renaming was later suggested by John Warren to be named after Andrew Jackson the first provisional governor. Hart grew the area and later had a thriving Plantation West of Jacksonville in near-now called Marietta.

Today, I witnessed tall and I mean huge pine trees, willowing moss hanging from the massive Oak trees, dirt roads and several tributaries seemingly flowing from the Cedar River. Birds of every kind, especially blue jays, were talking among themselves and flying all around. All of those were marked items describing Hart’s former, some 2,000 acre plantation. There was no obvious log cabin or out-buildings built in the mids 1800’s that were present in today’s visit to the Bulls Bay area, but there was a buggy that I could definitely envision Hart or maybe his son, Ossian, who also lived on this land and was the 10th Governor of Florida riding in. (I am quite sure that was not his either but I still could envision it).

Over the years, this rural area has been used for sand excavating, sewage disposal, solid waste, borrow pits, drainage, reservoirs, waste land, marsh, swamps, animal out-growth, and of late, a slew of trucking and auto businesses tucked often on dead-end streets along Bulls Bay, Commonwealth Avenue and Prichard Road. The majority of the land though is pristine and unbothered. There are acres and acres of tall timber and agricultural promise.

This seems to have been built in the 1920’s or later-

In 1999, the City of Jacksonville purchased 1,222 acres which is now called Bulls Bay Preserve. There are a lot of wetlands, and tributaries from the Trout River, Ortega River and Cedar Creek waterways.

The Baldwin- Rail Trail is on the edge of this area with opportunities to hike and ride mountain bikes in flat Florida. There is even a “small waterfall” which is highlighted on the JaxParks page.

Walking/Biking trail running East and West parallel to commonwealth.

You are encouraged to visit the area where Jacksonville ’s founder once lived.

See you tomorrow,

Sources:

JaxParks, Visit Jacksonville, Jacksonvilleblogger.com, Wagon- Guy Lachepelle

Go visit: 8017 Old Plank Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32220

Category: Business, Neighborhoods, Parks, People, Visit This | Comments Off

January 2

Is Isaiah D. Hart, “Uncle What’s His Name?’

Isaiah David Hart is the Founder of Jacksonville, Florida with no known photo.

Sisters Pat and Marien formerly of Jacksonville, Florida used to talk about “Uncle What’s His Name”. It seems there was the photograph in a fancy frame of an unknown man on the wall of a prominent relative of the family for which no one knew his name. It apparently hung on the wall for many years to the point that it became funny to relatives and friends alike, as they walked towards, by and around this unknown soul. They called him “Uncle What’s His Name”.

Sometimes I wonder about Isaiah David Hart, the founder of Jacksonville who married Nancy Nelson in Duval County in 1818 according to the records. Could his mug be on the wall of some family member and they not know he’s the actual founder of Jacksonville, Florida? There is no known photograph of him and many historians like myself have tried endlessly to find one. And, why is there no photo?

Isaiah D. Hart was a prominent man who held not only a great deal of power but held high offices in Jacksonville and Florida. His father’s family was from Pennsylvania and he died in St. Johns County. His Mother was from Loudoun County, Virginia. Both are buried in Jacksonville’s Old Cemetery. Hart’s Mother birthed four children according to Find A Grave but some say twelve children. There are no family photos among many youngins’ and their families?

According to Find A Grave, Hart himself had 7 children but I don’t see Julia listed so even that history is sketchy. Those listed are: Oscar B. Hart, Ossian B. Hart, Laura C. Hart Farrar, Lodiska Hart Beers, Isaiah David Hart, Daniel William Hart and Nancy Hart. Of those 7 children only one has a photo on the grave listings and that is of Ossian who became the 10th Governor of Florida in 1845. Was Isaiah or any of his siblings at this inaugural event and if so where are the photos?

Isaiah David Hart wore many hats…He was a planter, ranch owner, plantation owner, slave trader (not to his credit), Deputy U. S. Marshall in East Florida, Clerk of County Court in Duval, Commissioner of piolatage, railroad investor, 1939 member of the Whig Territorial senate and one of the founders of the Whig party. His children held different and various jobs in the city of Jacksonville and Ossian was the 10th Governor of Florida. Where in the world are the photos of this man, surely someone has at least one?

Could there be a photograph of Isaiah David Hart on the wall of some family member with them all calling him “Uncle What’s His Name”? I certainly wonder…..If you solve this, I’m in need of this photo. Please contact me…..

UPDATE: In Dena Snodgrass’ article in the JHS, Volume V “Papers”, she writes…”Listed among his belongings were a clock and a watch at $100. each; a portrait of himself at $25….” SO, there was a portrait of him at some point. I wonder on whose wall it can be found as “Uncle What’s His Name”?

See you tomorrow,

Sources: Florida Memory, Wikipedia, COJ., Jacksonville Historical Society Papers, Vol. V, Photos- Cracker Barrel Restaurant- 1-2-23

Category: Government, People, Random Posts | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 1

Hope for Jacksonville in 2023

“Visit Jacksonville’s” first line on Google Search is “Perfectly positioned in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville…”. I love this city. I love her skyline, the waterways, beaches, bridges, woodsy areas, clock, churches and history. I love that the St. Johns river which runs right through the city is only one of a handful of rivers flowing North. (The Nile, Ob, Yenisey and Red river). I love it that Jacksonville’s land area is one of the largest in the nation and that we are a Christian city. (We are if we will just live it out”.)

Jacksonville is also most known for its parks with the largest park system in the nation and its beauty. What a beautiful city we have. Recently, Forbes named Jacksonville, Florida as the 2nd best place to live in the United States.

Of course and certainly could be “the best”.

Jacksonville is considered a city of religious diversity with many faiths represented. According to WJCTNews, Christianity accounts for 94.4 percent of the religiously identified population”. Faith matters in Jacksonville so with that said, I hope and pray that your 2023 year will be filled with God and His work in you. If 94% of Jacksonville would just live out the gift God gave each person, this city could live peaceably before each other, reduce crime, improve our families, homes and community all in one year. It is my God’s power and grace things happen, nothing we do “lest we boast”.

Let the Holy Spirit of God have His way in your life this year. Live for Jesus.( And yes, you’ll err but go forward with apologies to God to do better). “There is none righteous, no not one”.

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11

Source: bibleknowing-jesus.com. WJCTNEWS, Visit Jacksonville

See you tomorrow,

Category: Faith, Holidays | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 1

San Marco Theatre Closed Today

Talking about some history! On the inside lobby of the San Marco Theatre stands a gazillion-ton masterpiece. (It’s huge!) (It’s heavy!). (It’s solid!) That is to say also, there is what some call one of the best film projectors ever made. It has been called a “cinographic treasure” and was used to project the movie to the screen. One can be purchased on eBay for upwards $3995. But the shipping fee? Hummmmmm.

Here is a quote from an almost 4 decade experienced projectionist about the Brenkert Light Projector:

“I am a retired projectionist (39 years experience) and prior to that, in the late 1940’s I was briefly employed at the Brenkert Light Projection Company (Or “Brenkert Light” or “BLPC” as we called it) in my hometown of Detroit (275 miles southeast of Petoskey!).

Yes (in my prejudiced opinion) the Brenkerts were possibly the BEST 35mm projector heads ever made in the U.S.A.”

The San Marco Theatre was built in 1938 about the time this piece of equipment was becoming well-known, loved and used in the movie industry. Today, the one in the lobby stands as a testament to progress as the Brenkert was once the famed projector where now, a small computer along with a small boxed-size projector is used.

Over the years, the theatre has served Jacksonville well. The Brenkert projector was the equipment that the famed Civil War movie, Gone With The Wind was shown using at its premier in Atlanta. I wonder how many times it was shown at the San Marco Theatre in Jacksonville?

The last movies shown at the San Marco was Love Actually and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. While I was there yesterday, people were just walking in, looking around and talking about the loss of this iconic movie theatre. One man said that he found it interesting that he moved back home to care for his ailing and ageing father who was the “ultimate Grinch” so he was a believer in the character of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

TSG bought the San Marco property in 2022 for $3.35 million from businessmen, Ryan and Jonathan Davis, Frank Sanchez and Andrew Oetjen. The new owners indicated that they would leave the outside facade as is-Iconic. I just wonder if the deal came with the Brenkert projector?

See you tomorrow,

Sources: film-tech. Com , Jaxdailyrecord, Robert Sprague- 1-1-23

Category: Buildings, Business, Neighborhoods | LEAVE A COMMENT

December 31

It’s Okay To Cry. God Hears…

She was just sobbing, and not just sobbing. Her face was buried in her hands and though I could not hear her weep, I knew she was in a serious cry. I could see the moisture being wiped away from her eyes and her beautiful black face was agonizing. I wish I had known her well enough to ask if I could come to her and let her tell me. Tell me what though? Obviously she had lost a loved one and she was writhing in pain from this loss.

Today, I visited Evergreen Cemetery, the burial grounds of over 80, some say 90,000 souls. The trip was in an effort to get a birthdate for a story I’m working on. I knew the office had a vault that kept detailed records of internments so I was in hopes I could get a date settled in my mind and in addition, I could photograph the grave. After going to the office, getting info about the grave area, I found the grave for which I came. A map was given me and the area was found quickly and in a short time, I was headed to check out other parts of this beautiful area. It is a cemetery but a beautiful one.

After visiting several areas, I started out of the North gate rather than go back through the entire cemetery when I realized the North gate was locked; probably due to it being New Years Eve.

This caused me to round the back behind the mausoleum and there I saw this beautiful Black woman, probably in her 30’s sitting in front of a full area of graves rocking back and forth with her phone in her lap and hands on her face. She was crying and not a mere whimper. I mean she was grieving, crying and in pure lament.

I rolled down my window and asked if I could help her. She nodded, “no”. Then I said, But are you okay?” With a tearful cry, she moaned, “yes” and the full length of her fingers stretched across her eyes. I said “Precious, I’m so very sorry”. “ I just so sorry for your loss”. “I will pray for you and may God bless and be with you”.

Worrying I might be overstepping, I slowly drove away. I wanted to do more. I wanted to say more but was it right for me to even say anything? As I was photographing the front of the cemetery, I saw her car leave the gravesite. I reached out my hands and fingers toward her and prayed in the Name of Jesus for His power and work to take place in her precious life. He knows. He heard her.

See you tomorrow,

Category: Faith, People, Random Posts | Comments Off

December 29

Matanzas National Monument

Jean Ribault was a French naval officer serving under Admiral Gaspard de Coligny who attempted to colonize in Florida near the mouth of the St. Johns River at Fort Caroline.

With some 150 colonists, he landed on Florida soil and claimed the land for France. As a Huguenot Protestant, his belief in God was strong. In 1565 he founded the Fort Caroline settlement on the St. Johns River , even placing a monument there.

The Spanish who had their own claims to Florida at St. Augustine eventually scattered his group and captured Ribault. The name Matanzas is Spanish for “slaughters” named after the1565 slaughter of Jean Ribault and his group. Being Huguenot, they were as Protestant heretics.

The fort at Matanzas is small but accommodating. You can get their free on a boat ride set forth by the Florida State Parks system. The trip is about an hour long but you can stay longer and there are tables for picnicking.

See you tomorrow,

Category: Faith, Parks, Travel, Visit This | Comments Off