The Historical Society of Orange Park Newsletter Monthly Meeting 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 12, 2019 Clarke House 1039 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, Florida Please join us at 10 AM, Saturday, January 12 at the Clarke House for our first monthly meeting of 2019. Our speaker will be Mr. Barney Clark. His presentation is entitled, The Best of Times with the Best of Friends: Growing up a Swamp Jumper. Barney will describe his time as a boy growing up along Murphy s Creek in rural Putnam County, an area of sandy bluffs and hardwood swamps just off the St. Johns River that provided endless opportunities for adventure. Murphy s Creek Conservation Area This month s meeting will also include the election and installation of officers for 2019. We look forward to seeing you there.
Page 2 Recent Events Hometown Holiday The weather was great for this year s Hometown Holiday event, held at Clarke Park, Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8. Turnout was good for both nights of the event with many families attending. The Clarke House was decorated for the holidays. The Society hosted tours of the house both evenings with an estimated 300+ visitors taking advantage of the open house. Participation was also good for our annual PastPort event for local students on Saturday evening. Members of the Society portrayed former residents of Orange Park to share our unique history with students and their parents. The stories invariably led to additional conversation as visitors asked questions and added their recollections and local knowledge. Our thanks to the Society s volunteers that made our participation possible. We also thank the Town of Orange Park for their efforts to put on an entertaining and well-received family event that allowed everyone celebrate the season.
Page 3 Annual Dinner On Monday, December 12, the Society hosted is annual Christmas Dinner. Attendance was very good and food was plentiful. The Clarke House of filled to capacity. As in previous years, Wanda Dillaberry led everyone in a round a Christmas songs after supper. Wanda was joined by longtime friends James Jordan, Eugene Nix and Gary Hilliard to provide an evening of song and laughter. Thanks to everyone that attended, brought food and helped with the event. Our annual dinner is an event that we all look forward to each year. Chaplains Pat and Chappy Lucas Carolyn Clark and James Jordan
Page 4 Gary Hilliard, Wanda Dillaberry, Eugene Nix and James Jordan Gary, Wanda, James and Eugene Upcoming Events Carrie Clarke Day Planning is underway for this year s Carrie Clarke Day event. This year s event will be held Saturday, March 9 from 11 AM to 4 PM and will focus on community fun. Projected events include live music, craft exhibits and demonstrations by local civic groups and games, along with tours of the Clarke House. The Historical Society will also be offering visitors the opportunity to dress up in old-fashioned clothes and pose for pictures (mostly on their phones these days). If you have any clothing or props that might work for this please contact Cindy Cheatwood (ckcheatwood@hotmail.com or 904-707- 0822). We need all sizes, male and female, separates, onepiece, hats, accessories, anything to add to the fun. This activity will be run through the Green House with students from Orange Park Junior High doing most of the work. If you would like to help for a while during the day, contact Cindy and give a time that works for you between 11 AM and 4 PM.
Page 5 Other News Veterans Memorial The Historical Society of Orange Park continues to support activities that add unique opportunities to promote our special town and its rich history. With community support we have been able to create and maintain our Veterans Memorial in Magnolia Cemetery and expand its use. Please be sure to visit the memorial and view the over 300 inscribed pavers that recognize our fallen heroes and acknowledge those that are currently serving to protect our future. Order forms for pavers to honor the veteran of your choice can be found at the site or on our website. Please visit our website for more information about upcoming events!!!! Earl Harrington Community Service Award Nominations Due Jan. 12 In honor of 5-time Orange Park mayor and Society founding member, Earl Harrington, the Society will present the Earl Harrington Community Service Award during Carrie Clarke Day on March 9th. The award is for outstanding service to the Orange Park community in conjunction with the Historical Society of Orange Park. If you would like to nominate someone who has used activities of the historical society for the greater good of our town please send those names to Cindy Cheatwood at ckcheatwood@hotmail.com or submit the names at the January 12 general meeting. The recipient of the award will be recognized on Carrie Clarke Day. Earl Harrington Clay County Historical Society The Clay County Historical Museum and Triangle in Green Cove Springs, Florida is looking for volunteers to facilitate tours on the 1 st and 3 rd Sundays of every month, from 2pm until 5pm. If enough volunteers step forward, they plan on expanding business days to every Sunday of the month. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tour guide, you can contact Randy Harris at randyharrishsop@gmail.com. Additional History For more information on local history, please visit the Historic Clarke House website and the Clay County Florida - History Facebook page.
Page 6 Orange Park Memory January 20, 1880 -Hotel Guests at the Hotel Marion (Source: Hooper Stereographic Collection)
Page 7 Corporate Sponsor Thank you to our Corporate Sponsor, Nix Construction Company. We appreciate their support. Look For Us on Facebook Look for the Historical Society of Orange Park the next time you visit Facebook. Check our page for updates on society activities and updates on the Veterans Memorial. Don t forget to click Like on our page. Membership in the Historical Society of Orange Park We are grateful for the support our members have provided over the years through membership and participation. We ask that you continue to support our mission to preserve the history of Orange Park and share that history with the community. Ask a friend to join us as well. You can visit our website,, to download a membership form there.