Page 14 - Clay County: Communities, Families, & Friends 2024

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Orange Park
Dating back to the 1870s the Town of Orange Park grew from
intentionally planted orange trees, and according to Vishi Garig, Clay
County Archives Supervisor, strawberries were grown, too. Founded
in 1877 by Washington Benedict of the Florida Winter Home and
Improvement Company, several thousand acres of property in the
area were purchased, subdivided into building lots and small farm
tracts by, and the present street system was laid out. Tucked between
Jacksonville (Duval County) and Fleming Island, Orange Park has
been making its presence known since the days when it was marketed
as an orange cash crop. Incorporated in 1879 after several northern
investors such as Rebecca and William Pengree, and planters such as
Zephaniah Kingsley, the town grew and evolved as the country. The
Pengrees and Kingsleys are historic names who contributed to the
area’s development.
From old wars and revolts to the present, Orange Park continues to
grow and develop as “the northeastern gateway to Clay County” to
some, and the southern boundary of those in Duval County. The
latter cannot be blamed since at one time, Clay County was indeed
part of Duval County until it became a county unto itself. For more
information, refer to www.townoforangepark.com. Also, contact the
Historical Society of Orange Park – www.ophistory.org.
Fleming Island
When Florida was under Spanish influence, Irishman George
Fleming (1760-1821), received a 1,000 acre land grant for his
military service on which he established a plantation in 1790. His
son, Col. Lewis Michael Fleming (1798-1862), was bequeathed the
land upon his father’s death. Remnants of Hibernia, which is Irish
for “island,” remain today. Going forward nearly 100 years later, by
1942, after a series of development activity on behalf of the U.S. Navy,
the auxiliary airfields and runways were no longer suited for modern
jet aircraft. A new era began in the late 1990s as the community was
slowly discovered and development began steadily. Driving through
the area, private construction is noted as homes are built along the
historic St. Johns River. It is home to Fleming Island High School,
which opened in 2003, and the town is ranked among the wealthiest
zip codes in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. No matter the
direction from or to Fleming Island, individuals must cross a bridge.
Go to https://visitflemingisland.com to learn more.
Green Cove Springs
The seat of Clay County government is none other than Green Cove
Springs, which is celebrating 150 years since incorporation all year
long. From driving through the area and reading various online
information, Green Cove Springs has many attractions, including,
but not limited to:
•
Waterfront: A peaceful place to relax
•
Spring Park: A restored spring-fed swimming pool is a highlight
of the park
•
Military Museum of North Florida: Located near a former naval
air complex and military port
•
Clay County Fairgrounds: A park in the area
•
Bayard Conservation Area: A nature and wildlife area
•
Historic Triangle: a Clay County Clerk’s Office gem of records,
documents, and artifacts that provide insight into the rich history
in Green Cove Springs and throughout the County, the Clay
County History & Railroad Museum, the old Jail, a time capsule,
County Archives, and former Courthouse
Among people of note who were birthed, resided in, and contributed
to Green Cove Springs are Augusta Christine Fells Savage,
internationally acclaimed African American sculptress. Her father,
Hon. Edward Fells was a Methodist minister, elected Constable of
Green Cove Springs in 1890, and served as a City Council Member
(1874-1876). Charles E. Merrill, co-founder of Merrill Lynch, was
also born in Green Cove Springs. His father was Dr. C. M. Merrill, a
local physician. Charles E. Merrill moved to New York and became
co-founder of the successful and internationally renowned Merrill
Lynch & Company Investment firm.
Penney Farms
Nestled within the confines of Clay County is a town of less than
1,000 people that was founded by well-known retail entrepreneur
and philanthropist James Cash (JC) Penney (1875-1971). He and
a partner Ralph W. Gwinn invested in Florida real estate including
120,000 acres in Clay County that was the genesis of Penney Farms.
Paul E. Reinhold and Sam Walton are among individuals associated
with JC Penney (AI Generated Experiential).
Whereas the name JC Penney causes many to reminisce about
the days of catalog shopping and the old fashioned “mail-order”
business, the best of both worlds can be felt by individuals who can
visit the quiet, quaint town that bears his name, or stop at a physical
store location that still exists in over 600 stores across the United
States and Puerto Rico. Penney bought land in 1927, and the rest
is history! Visit https://penneyfarmsfl.org/ for more information
about the Town of Penney Farms.