Page 3 - Clay County: Communities, Families, & Friends 2024

Table of Contents
From the Publisher
Acknowledgements
What’s with the Clay County Historical Society? . . . . . 4
Palmetto Avenue Boasts Lots of History . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
The Community and Genealogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Connections & Reflections . . . . . . . . . .12-14
More Family Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-17
Clay County Soul Food & Music Festival History . .23-24
LaBelle: Another Clay County Root . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-26
2024-2025 Annual Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Dr. Canter Brown, Jr. | Clay County Communication
Department | Clay County Historical Archives |
Clay County Historical Society, Inc. | Kasper Architects | Mt.
Zion A.M.E. Church-Green Cove Springs, Rev. George Reed,
Pastor | Village Improvement Association, Inc.
Special Thanks to: Hon. John Bowles and Family, Hon.
Constance Butler, Mr. Chris Densmore, Mr. Eugene Francis
(Posthumous), Ms. Henrietta Francis, Mrs. Vishi Garig,
Mrs. Patricia Garlinghouse, Ms. Mary Justino, Ms. Martha
Washington George, Hon. Felicia Hampshire, Dr. Larry
T. Richardson, Rev. John Sanders, Mr. Joseph Smith, Mrs.
Larianne Stutts, Dr. Gwen Turner
Brought to You by Our Advertising Contributors: 1
Swanky Chic Boutique, Armstrong Family, Bowles Family,
Brilliant Touch Designs, City of Green Cove Springs Police
Department, Clay County Archives, Clay County Clerk’s
Office, Clay County Historical Society, Clay County Sheriff ’s
Office, Coleman Family, Corner Pocket Restaurant, Friends of
Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center, Givens Family,
Grateful for Grace, Green Cove Springs Preservation Society,
Green Cove Springs Soul Food & Music Festival, Gwendolyn
Turner Family, Imani Behavioral Services, James Bail Bonds,
JAYMAN Insurance, Johnny Goodman, King-Williams
Family, Mystic Tanning, TOCOI Engineering, Victoria
Gonzalez/Mary Kay, Rev. George L. Reed, Jr., Mt. Zion A.M.E.
Church, Rumlin Insurance, Village Improvement Association,
Vineyard Transitional Center, Women’s Missionary Society of
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, VYSTAR
This publication is special. Although we produced it, many
individuals and organizations supported its creation. Last year,
it began as a fundraising mechanism for adaptive reuse of an
existing old parsonage building owned by and on the grounds of
the historic Mt. Zion AME Church in Green Cove Springs, Clay
County, Florida. What was once the home of pastors and their
families and later a recreation building, will now be converted
into two offices, a small meeting and conference site, and enable
food services on the premises. This need is in plain view; however,
there is more to this initiative than meets the eye. This professional
setting, close to the heart of Green Cove Springs, will conceptualize
ways to address the needs of individuals and families who desire
to excel despite their economic circumstances. We are not there
yet, but each step is a step forward. We thank you for helping to
make a difference.
Cheryl King, President
Domonique Jackson, Secretary
Dr. Denise Armstrong, Treasurer
Dr. Cheryl Gonzalez, Board Member
Sometimes things happen in life that cause you
to stop and say, “Hmmmm.” Working with this group and
meeting new people for a worthy cause was such a time for me.
I believe in what is desired to be accomplished here, and I also
want others to get on board to make things happen. If not you,
then who? If not now, then when? This is not a request, but an
appeal that makes good sense for the community. It is not too
late to participate as a donor or contributor. CLAY COUNTY:
Communities, Families & Friends beckons you to join this
meaningful pursuit.
Hon. John Bowles
HONORARY CHAIR
The Palmetto Community Development
Corporation, Inc. (formerly Mt. Zion Community
Development Corporation, Inc.- a 501-c-3 organization)
continues to advance for those who matter the most - you!
It is no secret that we have been operating like a car being
driven as its engine is being repaired. Yet, by researching
and writing “with a twist,” we hope that you will enjoy this
publication designed to broaden awareness and understanding
of the interrelationships of Clay County’s incorporated and
unincorporated areas, some of which no longer exist, within the
context of its rich history that begins with the people . Why else
are there several historical societies, preservations boards, and
persons interested in genealogy in this one space called Clay?
We believe in this journey. If you have ideas that you would
like to read about in the 2025 publication, send us an e-mail
at palmettocdcclay@gmail.com. This publication is only the
beginning of the vision that is unfolding because the best is yet
to come.
Dr. Cheryl S. Gonzalez
EDITOR’S NOTE
This page was sponosred by
Honorable John Bowles and Family.
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