USA > Florida > Saint Johns County > Saint Augustine > Saint Augustine, Saint Johns County, Florida, illustrated : pictorial edition of the St. Augustine Evening Record : history and guide > Part 2
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As soon as the winter ends the residents turn their attention to the beaches which boast of many summer cottages. The surf and the lagoons offer a great variety of fishing, while the bathing, dancing at the pavilion and picnics add social pleasures.
ADVANTAGES OF A CHANGE
"Where will I be benefited by changing my home to St. Augustine," is the question no doubt that the reader will ask. To answer it in detail it would be necessary to be familiar with all condi- tions, but in reply to the general average the advan- tages of the change may be briefly summed up as follows: An absolute certainty that the change will give you and your family a home in the healthiest city in the United States. That you are moving to the most delight- ful climate the year through of any place on the globe. If you have capital to invest you will find a rich field for it to work in. If you are a farmer you will with less work and smaller investment double or treble your income by engaging in the cultivation of the soil near St. Augustine. If you are seeking a pleasant home you will find agreeable and cultured society, magnificent churches of the leading denominations, splendid schools, a great diversity of high class amusement and entertainment, all of the pleasures that the ocean and streams and forest afford, beautiful environments, con- veniences and luxuries which are rarely found outside of the large cities, the pleasures of gardening the year round, and the cost of living is no greater than elsewhere.
SOCIETIES
Secret societies fourich here and nearly all of the leading or- ganizations of this kind have lodges and large memberships here. The societies represented are as follows :
Masonic-Ashlar Lodge No. 98, F. and .1. M.
Eagles-Aerie No. 797. Elks-B. P. O. E. No. 829.
Knights of Columbus, First Florida Council, No. 311.
Knights of Pythias-Harmony Lodge No. 44; Mizpah Lodge No. 23.
Knights of Honor-St. Augustine Lodge No. 3530. I. O. O. F. Palmetto Lodge No. 25. Red Men-Algonquin Tribe. Woodmen of the World-Ancient City Camp No. 45
P. O. S. of A .- Washington .Camp No. 2. Daughters of Isabella. Rebeccas.
FARMING SETTLEMENTS
Farming settlements are scattered throughout the county and some of the farms are of mammoth proportions, while others dwindle to five acres, Hastings is the leading farming section, but Elkton, Armstrong, Picolata, Colec, and a score of other places are from year to year increasing the cultivated area and adopting modern methods of farming.
Land varies in price according to location and fertility. Loca- tion, however, has even greater influence on price than the quality of the soil, from the fact that thousands of aeres of the richest soil
BATHING IN THE SURF -SOUTH BEACH IN DECEMBER
FRONT AND REAR VIEWS OF A. J. WESTON'S HOME ONEIDA STREET
14
ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, ILLUSTRATED.
H.W. Davis & Co.
MEN'S WEAR And Merchant Tailors
Sole Agents for St. Augustine :
Knox Hats Imperial Hats
Keiser's Neckwear
Schloss Bros. & Co. Clothing
Cordova Block, 47 King Street
Phone 101
Cleaning, Pressing and
Repairing Clothing
a Specialty
AGENTS FOR ST. AUGUSTINE STEAM LAUNDRY
CMEITIN.H
GARS
El Mascotte Tampa Clear Imported Habana
Cigars
C. MEITIN, Manufacturer ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA.
HETH CANFIELD President
T. S. CANFIELD Vice-Pres. & Manager
ROY CANFIELD Sec. & Treas.
Canfield Company
Saw Mill at Bayard, Fla.
Lumber, Laths, Shingles, Sash, Doors and Blinds
Lime, Cement and Plaster, Wood, Paint, Fertilizers
OFFICE, YARD, SAW AND PLANING MILL 134 to 140 Riberia St. ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA Telephone 58
15
ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, ILLUSTRATED.
in the State is still unscratched by plow. In the vicinity of Hastings cleared farm land commands $100 per acre. However, even near Hastings, or in the potato belt, splendid land can be purchased at half the price mentioned. In some parts of the county, which have not yet been settled to any extent, fertile lands may be pur- chased at five dollars per acre. A colony of farmers and a good hard road to the last mentioned section would mean the quadrupling of values in a year.
In looking over the agricultural statistics of St. Johns county are noted many vegetables, fruits and grain familiar to the North- ern fields. Those which are profitably grown include cabbage, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, lettuce, celery, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, English peas, beets, beans, onions, canteloupes, peppers, corn, hay, cassava, sugarcane, watermelons, strawberries, pears, peaches, plums, guavas, bananas, oranges, grapes, grapefruit, lemons, limes, figs.
The variety of vegetables and fruits is almost urlimited, but the above are familiar, in name at least, to the farmer of every state.
PLACES OF AMUSEMENT
The contract has been awarded for a magnificent theater build- ing, modern in every detail, which will be completed next winter. At present we have the Casino, in Alcazar building; entrances on Cordova and Granada streets; the attractions being concerts, danc- ing. swimming pool, theatrical attractions. Genovar Theater, St. George street. Moving Picture Theaters ( scattered). Dancing Pavilion, moving pictures, etc., at South Beach.
Pleasant drives about the city, around the Horn, Garnett's or- ange grove, Magnolia Grove, Jessamine Swamp, Moultrie road, Moultrie and grape vineyards, pine barrens, new cemetery, race track, Four-mile Swamp, Picolata road, Palatka road, Ponce de Leon Springs, Hanson's Swamp and sugar mill ruins, Buena Es- peranza, to Anastasia Island, over the new bridge, ruins of old Spanish lighthouse, new United States lighthouse, coquina quarries, South Beach, driving and bathing.
South Beach, Anastasia Island, Light House, Wireless Station, reached by trolley car, automobile, bicycle or carriage. North Beach, Crescent Beach, Matanzas, Summer Haven, reached by boat. Moul- trie, reached by water or road.
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
Two active business organizations, the St. Augustine Board of Trade and the St. Johns County Business Men's League, are push- ing the interests of the city and county and the many natural ad- vantages of this locality are being exploited. Despite the immense strides St. Augustine has made in the past decade the work of development has but just commenced, and those who settle here now will do so under the most favorable conditions and will reap their share of the prosperity and growth of the future.
Surrounding the Ancient City are boundaries fairly teeming with wealth, as yet but in the incipient stages of development. The lands to the north, west and south are fertile and capable of yield- ing enormous crops. Fruits and vegetables produced in this locality reach the markets early and command fancy prices, which is re- sponsible for the prosperity of those who have devoted themselves to the cultivation of the soil here. The county offers wonderful opportunity to men of capital and experience. Farmers, with less capital than they have invested in their Northern farms, can casily double the profit per acre They usually treble what their Northern farms pay ou an equal investment. St. Johns county needs farmers and fruit growers. Wealth awaits the intelligent farmer and fruit grower who starts right: that is, with the knowledge they are en- gaging in a business that requires attention as much as does their Northern farm or orchard. Capital is required here as elsewhere, but the merits of the situation lie entirely in the great profits of farming in this favored section Farming and fruit growing are really pleasant pastime here, in a sense, as much of the drudgery of the Northern farm is unnecessary herc.
HOME OF THE MISSES SMETHURST, ON THE BAY FRONT
PICKING ORANGES IN DR. GARNETT'S GROVE, SAN MARCO AVENUE
1
BUSINESS QUARTERS OF ALDERMAN J. C. LIBBY, ST. GEORGE STREET
16
ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, ILLUSTRATED.
To Catch
the right idea of this Drug Store's proficiency you should test its service, as many others do. Try us, whether you require a prescription filled or merely desire to purchase some simple household remedy. In any event you can rely upon the purity of our
Drugs
That surely is an assurance you cannot afford to ignore. Health, and perhaps life itself, may depend upon your next Drug purchase.
Ponce de Leon Pharmacy H. A. TRUEMAN, Proprietor Corner King and St. George Streets
#9H
Genovar's Cigar Emporium
WM. P. GENOVAR PROPRIETOR
Bishop's Building
Saint Augustine, Florida
. The . Leading Tobacconist
High Grade Imported and Domestic Cigars, Cigarettes, Plug and Smoking Tobacco
The most complete line of Smokers' Supplies to be found in the State
( Send us your Mail Orders
All the Leading Brands of Cigars
Cigarettes, Plug and Smoking Tobaccos always in stock
ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, ILLUSTRATED.
NEW AUGUSTINE
New Augustine is just across the San Sebastian river from the old city and is a delightful little village of about 1,500 inhab- itants. It boasts of several fine general stores, fine shelled streets and many pretty homes. Building lots are cheap in this little city, and as it is very convenient to the parent city it is building up rapidly. Nearly all of the residents there have the pleasures of country life in addition to those of the modern town. The streets and residences are lighted by electricity, have telephone service and gas. Poultry raising and gardening is practiced by many of the residents as a profitable pastime. There are many excellent op- portunities for good paying investment in New Augustine.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
St. Augustine supports two social clubs, the Osceola and the Elks clubs, and the membership includes the leading business men of the city. Both are maintained on a high plane and visiting Elks always find a cordial welcome at the Elks handsome club building. Courtesies of the club are also extended to visiting friends by the Osceola club members. The Young Men's Christian Association building, the finest in the South, is another social institution which contributes largely to the pleasure of visitors.
WATER SUPPLY
St. Augustine, and indeed all sections of the county, derive their water supply from artesian wells. The water is absolutely free from all germ life, coming as it does from a depth of from 200 to 1,600 feet. It possesses mineral ingredients which give it medicinal virtues. The supply is inexhaustible and it solves the question of irrigation at a trifling cost.
LOCAL POINTS
Public Library, corner Hospital street and Artillery Lane; Flagler Hospital, south end of city on water front. Golf courses. Bridges and docks. Artists' studios, Valencia street. Cigar fac-
tories. Bay front. Barracks. St. Joseph's Convent. Sea Wall.
TEMPERATURE STATISTICS
1907
JAN.
FEB.
MARCH APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
DATE
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Min.
1
68
53
68
50
78
56
72
55
82
66
90
73 67 67
90 88 87
74 74
2
70
54
70
52
73
56
56
4.1
84
68
83
67
68
89
66
88
73
5
70
50
64
50
47
68
74
67
62
54
70
56
86
76
93
73
74 75 75
13
64
53 50
65
56
57
6-4
65
56
68
74
80
61
77
65
60
80
70
90
93
78
92
49
35
44
65
50
84
80
78
75
52
75 78
67
78
67
92
75
90
73 73
90 89 96
75
30
57
47
-
-
82
68
82
67
87
90
74
77
31.
64
50
-
70
62
-
-
92
66
90
73
89
72
88
76 76
28
52
56
44
-
-
80
68
80
66
86
72 75
89
92 93 90
78 80 76 74
26
66
49
72
44
74
42
75
54
82
68
82
65
70
62
84
76
90
72
89
73
88
70
92 94
76 75 76 76 74 76
19
20
21
49
35
57 60
74
47
73
50
50
66
78 76 77
60
92
74
89
73 76 77 76 70
90 90 88 86 85 86 86 90
74
14
65
66
65
71
54
66
56
80 79
66
78
62
89
75
87
90
78
3
70
56
72
50
62
70
52
75
58
84
84
75
89
72
6
69
51
56
52
46
50
58
48
70
72
78
78
64
68 64
72
5-1
82
84
78
65
82
74
18
67
52 50
64
42
62
50
42
82
68
80
67
68
76
62
84
73
90
74
92 90 92 90
73 72 74
8
64
66
66
51
52
54
60
65
45
50
80
64
.4-1
85
62
76
83
74
86
75
71
4
72
52
67
62
68
58
77
82
56
84
66
60
86
86
75
72
72
90
72
90 76
12
43
42
80
70
60
76
58
62
82
64
84
82
83
23
24
57
46
66
27
60
45
36
35
42
60
64
66
76
55
56
80
61
89
71
86
70
87 | 87
7.
70
50
54
52
68
11
89
70 74
92
68
54
54
50
55
65
82 84
71 69
89
94
76
93
9
10
92
68 69 70
75
68
52
49
82
83
76
17
73
71
70
70
29
EC.BROWN
RESIDENCE OF L. L. SIMMS, SANFORD STREET
DWELLING OF L. A. COLEE, KURTH'S ISLAND
52
67
49
58
64
52
60
15
16
48
54
48
5-1
66 60
65
52
68 54
54
82
75
76
87 8.1
HOME OF ALDERMAN USINA, SAN MARCO AVENUE
18
ST. AUGUSTINE. ST. JOHNS COUNTY. ILLUSTRATED.
Digging Potatoes at Hastings, Dupont's Farm
HASTINGS ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA
HE banner potato section of the world. Not only this, but experimental tests have proven that this section is to become the greatest center in the State for the shipping of all varieties of winter vegetables and fruits, such as celery, lettuce, cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, beets, radishes, citrus fruits of all kinds, where two and three crops are harvested from the same field in one season. Where vegetables are shipped during the winter and early spring instead of during the summer.
ยท Are you looking for a good home?
We want a few more thrifty, energetic farmers, at Hastings. Land can be had at reasonable prices and full particulars can be had by addressing
The Hastings Board of Trade HASTINGS, FLORIDA
Spud Gatherers at Work, Hastings
19
ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. JOHNS COUNTY. ILLUSTRATED.
HAYENS
nord
DIGINO PERATOCO/.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY FLA
DIGGING POTATOES AT HASTINGS, ST. JOHNS COUNTY
HASTINGS FARMING SECTION
As some sections are especially adapted to some particular variety of fruit or vegetable they reap the benefit of this peculiarity only by taking advantage of it. Some few years ago Hastings was discovered to have soil peculiarly adapted to the culture of Irish potatoes. Year by year enormous yields of finest quality potatoes demonstrated the superiority of Hastings soil for this tuber. It is not surprising therefore that Hastings has become the leading center of the South for the early Irish potato. Every market in the United States is familiar with the superior quality of the Hast- mgs potato and in the digging season agents are on the ground to buy the spuds in the field or i. o. b.
While the potato is king at Hastings diversified farming is in general favor and to a great extent practiced. This section is shipping corn and hay by the carload and is devoting many acres to vegetables and fruits. The soil responds generously when fer- tilized and fruits and vegetables of such varieties suitable to the climate grow with a luxuriance surpassed nowhere
Poultry farming is engaged in by several parties at lastings and they have met with splendid success. The opportunities for poultry raising and dan'ying are most inviting, as there is a heavy demand for the products at fancy prices at the farmer's door. This is said to be the only sertion in Florida where the thoroughbred Jersey thrives. Jersey cattle are not afflicted with the ills here which are the cause of much complaint in other parts of the South and they thrive as vigorously as in the North.
Hastings is a revelation to many who visit the place for the first time. Great fields of potatoes, orange groves, thoroughbred stock of all kinds, poultry farms and truck farms meet the eye. The visitor is impressed by the prosperity as pictured in the com fortable homes, which are equal to the best in the neighboring cities. The latest farm machinery is observed in almost every field and an air of thrift and prosperity is visible on every side.
Large slaughter pens and a large cold storage plant are among the assets of this place. Stall-fed Florida cattle are slaughtered at Hastings and shipped to all parts of the State and this industry is continually growing.
Some facts and figures will no doubt tell the story of Hastings better than an exhaustive description of the resources.
lastings is situated on the Florida East Coast Railway, 17 miles southwest of St. Augustine, and 54 miles distant from Jack- sonville. The town centers around the railway station, but the farms extend back for miles. This year about 3.000 acres are de- voted to Irish potatoes, and from this acreage it is estimated that 120,000 barrels of potatoes will be shipped. This is a very con- servative estimate, as the average yield is 10 barrels to the acre. The crop is sold on the ground or f o. b. Prices range from $3.50 to $5.50 per barrel, so that the average returns from an acre will be something over $200. According to carefully compiled figures it costs $65 per acre to grow and market the Hastings potato, leaving the farmer a net profit of $100 per acre from this crop alone Of
20
ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, ILLUSTRATED.
ICE
AND Distilled Water
Manufactured, Shipped and Sold Direct to Consumers
by
St. Augustine Ice Company
Distilled Water bottled in cases and sold everywhere
A postal card will bring it to you promptly
Our City Delivery
Department is adequate to meet all the requirements, being the most efficient in the South and covering the local territory thoroughly
Telephone 44
Just a Phone Message to No. 11
and our wagon will call for and promptly deliver your laundry, and please bear in mind that you will get the very best laundry service that a modern plant can give.
Linens will be spotlessly white, properly starched and ironed, cleaned with pure soap and pure soft water and returned to you by our driver and charged the same as you would have to pay for ordinary work.
St. Augustine Steam Laundry
Up-Town Agency at H. W. DAVIS & CO., Clothiers 47 King Street
21
ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, ILLUSTRATED.
the cost of planting the fertilizer is quite an item. The fertilizer costs $30 per ton and is spread about a ton to the acre. The potato crop does not consume all of the fertilizer, and corn, which is planted shortly before the potato crop is harvested, gets the benefit, yielding from 40 to 50 bushels. Some farmers follow the Irish potato with the sweet potato, which easily yields 200 bushels to the acre and sells for from 40 to 50 cents per bushel.
Probably one of the best estimates furnished of the cost of producing a crop of Irish potatoes and the average yield together with the net revenue to the grower is that made by Clarence J. White, of Hastings, of the results obtained last year by him from an average acre of land of his own. His expenses were, rent of ground, $5; preparation of ground, $3.30; fertilizing, harrowing in and ridging, $2.60; cutting and planting seed, $2; fertilizer, $23.10; seed potatoes, $10.88 ; barrels, $18.30; tending, $3.65 ; digging, barrel- ing and hauling, $12.75; other expenses, $4-total of $85.58. From the acre were gathered 61 barrels of potatoes, which sold for $206.10, leaving a net profit per acre of $120.52. This estimate has been submitted to a number of the most successful farmers of that sec- tion and all agree that it is very conservative, while in a great many instances the yield has exceeded 90 barrels per acre.
Hastings has numerous advantages. The farmers now are in- variably sure of their crop. Artesian wells enable them to irrigate in a drouth and ditching gives them a system of drainage which carries off surplus moisture. They fear neither drouth nor flood. Again the Irish potato, the backbone of their farms, is a staple that goes into the home of the poor and rich alike. It is not affected like luxuries in vegetables or fruits. There is always a demand for the Irish potato and in prosperity or panic it forms the chief article of diet on every table. The facts mentioned are a guarantee to the Hastings farmer that his labor is not in vain.
Those contemplating a change from farms of other States will find it worth while to investigate Hastings. Capital and industry are essential to success there as elsewhere, but the returns are larger, the work more congenial and the investment safer than almost anywhere on earth. Hastings is growing rapidly and values are enhancing. Those who locate there now will reap all of the ad- vantages of the increasing values.
A Board of Trade has been organized by the leading business men of Hastings and excellent work is being done by that body in promoting the welfare of that thriving vicinity. Anyone interested in property of that locality would do well to address the Board of Trade for full particulars.
RUINS OF OLD FORT MATANZAS ( 16 miles south of St. Augustine )
THE WARDEN MANSION, SAN MARCO AVENUE
HOME OF MRS. P F. CARCABA ON THE BAY
HOME OF C. F. HOPKINS, WATER STREET
ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, ILLUSTRATED.
Florida Coast Line Canal
CANAL BETWEEN NEW RIVER AND BISCAYNE BAY
Fronting the beautiful Matanzas bay, with the San Sebastian river bounding the city on the west and the tumbling billows of the broad Atlantic chasing each other to the beach a mile distant to the east, St. Augustine is rich indeed in sunlit waters, but Nature has been improved upon and another waterway has been added by man. The Florida Coast Line Canal, an inland water way, paralleling the ocean coast, now stretches from St. Augustine to Biscayne bay, a distance of 400 miles. This water course opens a safe route for the frailest craft almost the entire length of the East Coast of Florida, and at present St. Augustine is the northern terminus. Work on the final cut, which will bring Jacksonville in communication with the lower East Coast, has already commenced, and will be completed within two years.
Last April the cut below St. Augustine was finished, connecting Matanzas bay with the Halifax river, and opening a continuous in- land water way from St. Augustine to Key West. While the canal has not yet been opened to traffic scores of small pleasure yachts from Northern ports were attracted by the knowledge that the trip was feasible, and this winter a continual procession of craft of this char- acter has been noted on the canal, starting from St. Augustine. It is not surprising that this trip has become so popular, even before the canal has been formally opened, for the scenery along the route is of surpassing loveliness. Wonderful palm groves dot the banks and merge into forests of gigantic oaks and towering magnolias. Tropical vegetation stretches along the banks on either side and the scene is rendered more effective by the great flocks of tropical birds which haunt the vicinity. Alligators are encountered all along the route and add to the tropical effect.
In time prosperous farms will smile along the shores of the canal, as this beautiful water course passes through the richest lands in the State. Already large farms are springing up on the lands adjacent to the canal and the farmers are enthusiastic over the wonderful fertility of the soil. South of St. Augustine farm lands may be procured from the Canal Company at very reasonable prices.
The canal offers a splendid and cheap means of transportation, which together with the fertile soil will result in the rapid development of the land along the route.
Before the formal opening of the canal dredges will deepen the shoals and cut away all projecting points, perfecting this beautiful water way.
Not only farms, but homes and winter villas will stretch all along the shores of this scenic canal in the course of a year or two, as the beauty and other advantages render it ideal for permanent or season homes. The ocean is but a few hundred feet distant at many points, and a commanding view may be obtained of the beach and waves beyond. Again, any point on the canal is within easy reach of some town or city. Boating, fishing and hunting are healthful recreations which the canal and connecting streams afford. Wild duck, turkey, snipe and a variety of water fowl are abundant, while birds of rare plumage delight the eye. This is a tidewater canal, and its waters fairly teem with fish. The tide flowing and ebbing twice daily removes all danger of sickness, which is another great advan- tage. Only those who have experienced the delights of a home on a salt water stream can fully appreciate what the canal offers. In this land of sunny skies and blue waters, embellished by luxuriant trop- ical and semi-tropical forests, life is a summer dream. Amid such environments outdoor life is enjoyed with a keen zest and work be- comes pleasure. This canal is one of the great engineering feats of the age. It is land-locked its entire distance and is tide-level from end to end. It means the development of a vast territory, much of which is in St. Johns county.
Great pine forests stretch back for miles from the canal, the tim- ber being of exceptionally fine growth and very valuable. This timber land is now on the market and can be purchased to great advantage. Nothing offers a more profitable investment than these timber lands, which are conveniently located for cheap transportation.
The headquarters of the Canal Company, under the personal supervision of Mr. Geo. F. Miles, vice-president and managing di- rector, are located in St. Augustine, and detailed information may be obtained by addressing the office.
STEAMER SAN SEBASTIAN IN CANAL CONNECTING THE INDIAN RIVER AND LAKE WORTH
ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. JOHNS COUNTY, ILLUSTRATED.
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