This Wonderful Painting Hangs in Webster's City Hall - Done by John "Johnny" Beckett of Webster

Nelda Gentry, from our Sumter County FloridaPast Facebook Group, tells us; "This was a picture of Webster painted from a postcard that Mr. Nobel Brown gave him (Johnny Beckett) to paint for him. I was working there when all this took place."

Welcome to our Sumter County, Now & Then
we can only share what we know and learn
So if Anyone has knowledge, images, stories or history of Any Kind, Please Share.
It's up to those who know now, to share what you know, for those of tomorrow.
THANK YOU ALL WHO HAVE KINDLY SHARED YOUR PHOTOS,
MEMORIES AND HISTORY WITH US
​I know some of you put a Lot of Work into Preserving History
You can find us daily on our Facebook Pages
SnapShotPhotographs.com or FloridaPast.com
​And now on our newest Facebook Group, Sumter County FloridaPast

FloridaPast Facebook

Your visit, likes and comments will be Greatly Appreciated

Sumter County FloridaPast Facebook Group

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Webster Now & Then Fades
(settled in 1873)

There are Many that we need to give Thanks to for sharing their photographs, history and memories with us,
so we can create these rare glimpses into FloridaPast
Without these Wonderful Folks, we would never be able to "Preserve Yesterday, Today, for Tomorrow"
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​-We give a Special Thanks to Buddy Tompkins for helping us place WhatWasThere-

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Since the history of Sumter County has been well documented, I direct you to the Florida General Web Project ->
CLICK HERE
You'll also find some interesting Webster Factoids by CLICKING HERE
And for convenience, I add this link to The Official Sumter County website
Visit "Discover Sumter County" Website Here 
​Very Interesting Page Here; The history of Cumpressco - Sumter and Pasco Counties
More links will be added, and can be found throughout FloridaPast.com. And don't forget, we have a page Full of Favorite Links.

We are Ear-Marking as many Sumter County Gasoline Service Stations as we can gather.
Click here to see those Service Station Ear-Marks already in place.
We can use your' help with this on-going project. If you remember a gas station, where it was, or have any photographs, please share, so we can place it on the map.

The year is 1899
Downtown Webster, Sumter County, FloridaPast
I consider this moment captured, a "fitting-fade"
We are facing N.E., standing on the cross roads of North East First Street, with the current library at our back.

Only two or three structures still remain on this particular block.
The old Sumter Bank/Pharmacy Building. You can see the "Archway Entrance" to the bank. That's how I matched up this "fitting-fade",
and you can just see a piece of the entrance over-hang to another building that still stands, off to our far left. It's a Church at this moment. It was a thriving antique mall for quite a few years, before the Church. (history to be continued)
With a Sincere Appreciation to Buddy Tompkins, of Webster, for His Dedication in the Preservation of Webster.
And we shall Never Forget Buddy's Mom, Helen, who was a Sweet Sweet Woman. She Knew Everything about Webster and it's History. 
If I could only turn back the pages of time....................... 

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WEBSTER HOUSE
Meals .35 Rooms $6.00 week

When I first received this image in the mail, Thanks again Pat :) - I thought I knew where it once sat. But a telephone call to Buddy Tompkins, set this Wonderful Old Webster Establishment Right In Place. We would have never known if it weren't for Buddy. It's funny, just how many times we visit the Post Office, City Hall, or just pass by going through town, and never had an idea what was in the Palm Tree Lot next door to City Hall.

This made a Wonderful Now & Then Fade

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Webster Pharmacy aka Joyner's Pharmacy
AND THE HISTORIC SUMTER COUNTY STATE BANK

One of the few remaining historical buildings left standing, in what appears to be a "step back in time" FloridaPast City, Webster, Florida, in Sumter County. Located on N.E. First Ave.. It once housed the Sumter County State Bank, Webster Pharmacy, a Doctor/Surgeon and Insurance office was upstairs. The last occupant in the Pharmacy side was the Webster Library, and the bank side had an antique business. Back in the day, this little City was hustling and bustling with business. Wooden sidewalks, stores, packing houses, railroad depot, hotels, cafes, soda founts, and much of what you would expect. Directly in down the center, running east-west, two sets of railroad tracks. Now either buried or long gone. Hauling of citrus, fruits and veggies.
VISIT THE FACEBOOK THREAD FOR SOME LOCAL HISTORY AND STORIES

Webster Pharmacy - Dentist - Physician/Surgeon - Fire Insurance - 1913
Click to see a Great Now & Then Fitting-Fade

Webster Pharmacy 1913

Click the Pharmacy and go back to 1913

Home of Dr. F.J. Marke Dentist, - surgeon and insurance.
The building still stands, right next door to the Famed Sumter County Bank, which also still stands.
In 1997, The Sumter County Historical Society renovated this building, the former E.C. Rowell Public Library for Webster, as the new building across the street would be the new E.C. Rowell Public Library and Civil War Museum. The Historical Society planned on creating a County History Museum. They did a stucco covering over the original red brick. 
Sumter Sheriff Bill Farmer assisted the project by providing inmate labor to help with some of the renovations. At this time, the Historical Society had already moved the small log building, which still sits next to the Pharmacy. They say that the little log structure was used as a corn crib or smokehouse used in Linden area in the early years.

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September 25, 1997 - Sumter County Inmate working on finishing front facade

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B.M. HEWITT Grocery Store
(Pat Hewitt Duane, tells us that her Grandaddy is not in this photo)
Corner of N.E. First Ave. and N.E. First Street
NOW & THEN "FADE"

Step back in time to 1954 and see these Gents come to life

(Photo Thanks to Buddy Tompkins)
One of the few remaining historical buildings still standing today, is this one, B.M. Hewitt's Grocery Store, built in 1922. With the Internationally Famed O'Boy Bread sign painted on the East wall. Seen here in this image, and still remains un-touched today. The building is now owned by Buddy Tompkins, and currently home to DIDDLEY-SQUAT'S BOOKS, which you can visit here - http://www.didsquat.com/.
On this same side of the street, one block East, still remains the old bank and pharmacy buildings. In what appears to be a "step back in time" FloridaPast City, Webster, Florida, in Sumter County. Located on N.E. First Ave.

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Radney's Sundry Store in B.M. Hewitt's Store

These next few Rare Fun and Interesting Photographs, were Kindly Shared by Pat Radney Berrigan, which we THANK SO MUCH!!

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Benjamin Morgan Hewitt, Granddaddy of Pat Hewitt Duane, who Kindly shares her memories and photos with us.

Pat tells us that this is "Webster High School Class of 1948"
"My Aunt Margarete Hewitt Smith helped with the names."

"My dad, Horace Hewitt is 5th from the right and my uncle Henry Hewitt is 4th from the left. It's the same building as the band picture. I think there is a flag pole behind the boy on the left end. That would make it the main building."

My dad, Joe Horace Hewitt and brother Henry Hewitt are the two center back row tall guys.

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The Old Webster School - 1912
Ramon Berry, Pat's Grandfather, is 3rd from left

This was torn down not too long ago. If memory serves correct, I believe during the 1990s era.

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Moments Captured of and around the Sumter Vegetable Cooperative
​also known as the A.C.L. Railroad Depot

A Special Thanks goes to Kelly A. Williams, Mayor of Webster,
for her taking the time to help share photos and information with us.

We would love for you to share your photos of this old depot

1954 - Sumter High School's Senior class trip, boarding the train for Washington D.C.

Click for a Now & Then Fade

Because of the "down-view" image, I decided to break this great fade into two sections.
Keeping in mind, that the Train or Railroad Depot, would have been at our left shoulder.
Shown in the photos, left side, with the Western Union Telegraph Cable Service Flange Sign.

Click for Now & Then

With a Sincere Appreciation to Ken Mueller, who scanned and shared this Wonderful Moment Captured, on Facebook's True Fl Crackers II Group
Webster's Railroad Depot burned some years ago. In the photo, the depot is the building with the Western Union Sign.
In the actual fade, the depot would be directly at our backs. The train ran through the center of Downtown, East West.

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Coming through the center of Downtown Webster on a Railroad Pushcart
With Fresh Picked Watermelons

​From Downtown Webster, 1890s era, we stop and pause to watch Ramon Berry, (center, Pat Radney's Grandpa), with a few other local Gents, coming down the center on a railroad cart with some nice fresh picked watermelons. Hard to see in this moment captured, but in the far right background, sits the old Webster Boarding House. Diagonally opposite the Webster Post Office, and E.C. Rowell's Library.

This Fade is set just about where it was back then

We want to Thank Pat Radney Berrigan and Buddy Tompkins for making this Now & Then Historic Fade possible. Without the kindness of sharing, we would never have the opportunity to see What Was There.

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Loading Cucumbers off the old Railroad Depot/Packing House onto the Box Cars

The first Depot for Webster - This Fade is just about where it was

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The following Family Photos were shared with us by Terry Lovett, who clicked the shutter back in April 14, 1978.
THANK YOU Terry Lovett!! Just LOVE these moments captured!
Mrs. Dixon's Bushnell Preschool getting ready for a train ride, shown at the Webster Railroad Depot. 
Terry tells us that "My son Tony is the dark haired kid waving out the window and seated inside the train. And that Mrs Dixon still lives in Bushnell."

Click to visit a Now & Then Fade

we are close, but not exact with this Now & Then Fade, because of the map

The tracks are pretty close, because of the map, the depot is off track. It actually was a separate building from the packing house behind. Notice the steps. They went to the platform of the packing house.

as we sit and wait for the train to go by, little Tony waves goodbye It's now a Now & Then Fade, showing just about exactly where the train passed

To Visit this moment Now & Then, Click It

Tough getting exact placement, but this Now & Then is pretty close too

Because of the map, we couldn't get exact. But this Now & Then Fade will show you how the trains ran down the center of Webster

This Now & Then Fade comes pretty close to being perfect

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Downtown Webster FloridaPast - 1950s era
Reddish's dry goods store

Lightly tap on the fender of the car and travel back, not so far

Lynda Reddish Seeber describes her childhood days in the city of Webster. Who tells us; "Mr Hewitts old store. (at the far end of this photo, unseen) I remember this place very well. Like I've said before, Mamo would give me list and I would take it in and they would help me get what she needed. She got bologna and Mr Hewitt would always cut it for her thick and wrap it in that paper and put a small piece of tape to keep it closed. I would tell them to put the stuff on Mamos ticket or tab, they would write everything down, put it in a brown paper bag and I'd take the stuff home. Those were the days."
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Still discussing this same side of the street, Lynda tells us;
"Across the street where the one way sign is, was a small house and what was a gas station or what was left of it any way, then another building on down. Then you've got a big space with nothing until you get to the old drugstore and bank building" 
- One block beyond the tallest roof line shown, which is the Bank building, would be where the "one way" sign that Lynda mentions the little house and gas station. The little house still stands behind the Old Radney's Pharmacy Building, today a Church. 
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As told to us from a Born Local, Wayne Hooten, 
"The first building looks like Reddish's drygood store."

"The store's that I rember were redish's,drygoods Hambrick's grocery,jonier's drugstore Mr. Fussell's barber shop,Radney's drug store,and Mr Hewitt's grocery store."
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As I obtain history, it will be added.

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REDDISH SHOES & DRY GOODS STORE
Webster
Lynda Reddish Seeber's Grandparent's Store

Knock on the door to enter 1955

Inspired by Lynda Reddish Seeber, Our Good FloridaPast.com Facebook Friend. 
We "fade" back to 1955, standing in front of Reddish Dry Goods and Shoe Store.
Still during a time when Webster was hustling. This was Lynda's Grandparents store.
That had caught fire in the early 1970s.

This is what Lynda kindly shared us;
"On the right side of the picture past the car there was a single door and between the glass and the door there was a drink mechine and 4 big Lance jars. with all kinds of goodies in them. This store was located right next to the old bank before it burnt down in the early 70's. I'm not sure what year but I do know MY GRANDPARENTS HAD ALREADY SOLD IT WHEN HE PASSED AWAY IN 1972. Behind the store my grandfather had a building where he worked on TVs. It was so close to the back of the store that they had a small ramp or bridge connecting the two. He won't let my brother and I go back there. We could go to the front door, but know further. He always said the wompest cat would get us. And of course as kids we believed him. We NEVER got to go in there, NEVER. I do know we were one of the first ones in town to get a color TV. That was big back then."
"My bother and I use to watch the mail when it would come in on the train. That's how close we were to the old bank and post office."
"I remember when I was little My Grandparents had a rack of reading glasses by the front door as you went in. My brother and I always thought it was fun to put the glasses on and when you looked down at the floor it was like you were stepping in a big hole. You know how kids are, but it was innocent fun. I also remember the toys were back in the back of the store and they had a baby doll that I loved and played with all the time. One day I went to play with it and it was gone, Mamo said some one bought it, Dennis, I cried and cried. But come Christmas time I found the doll under the Christmas Tree. You don't know just how much I loved my grandparents, and I miss them both."
" There's so many little things I remember about the store. Like the levis standing up on their own, because they were so stiff. And when my grandmother cut fabric she would always hold the fabric out with one hand as far as she could reach and touch her nose with the other end. She said that was a yard. Hope you can figure out what I'm trying to say. I guess that's how the old timers done it. She never used a yard stick. Also she told me if you measure from your elbow to your wrist, that's how long your foot is. And believe it or not she was right about that. In most cases that's true. And as far as you can reach from one figure tip to the other is how tall you are. I guess every body feels the same, but my Grandparents were awesome. As you grow older you come to realize they only had what's best for you in mind. I hope I'm not boring you. It just feels good to go back and remember the childhood memories. How good I had it growing up in our little corner of the world. Thanks again for hearing me out and being the friend you are. And as always, God bless you ."

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The First Baptist Church of Webster
Dedicated to Mrs. Mildred Wala, a Wonderful Dear Woman.

Click to see a Now & Then of this Beautiful Church

Mrs. Mildred Wala; 1922-2010
Mildred was born April 24, 1922 in Fremont, Iowa. She was a former Substitute Teacher for Sumter County Schools, mostly Webster.
As many know, Mrs. Wala loved reading poetry to local school children.
And of course, Mrs. Wala was also a member of First Baptist Church of Webster.

"Founded in 1891, known as a 'praying church"
For those of you who may want to visit their website;
The First Baptist Church of Webster

​To light a candle for Mrs. Wala, please visit Beyers funeral home and crematory

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The First Baptist Church of Webster -1891

She stood right about where Jack Drawdy's house is

When I found out where this Great old Church once stood, I was amazed.
I asked Buddy, he said that sat right behind my store, just about where Jack Drawdy's house is now. And that's where we put it.
As I viewed the other Baptist Church image, and the current Church, these may be one and the same buildings. 1938 is what was passed along as being the year they moved or moved into the current Baptist Church.
Sometime I'll visit the Church, give it a good close up study to determine.
​I will post my findings.

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John Hayes' Old Webster Cafe & Cities Service Gas Station
Once the Hot Spot of Webster

We shot this photograph right before the demise of this old Cafe.
Which was a Cities Service Gas Station for many years.
(would Love to see any photographs of it)
I can still remember it's final days of serving food, the clinking of china, the hustle and bustle with all the voices telling the day's stories and news.
Nothing remains of this place, with the exception of a few things that FloridaPast has in it's archives.
Which someday will go to the local Webster History Museum. If it should ever materialize. 
There once hung a sign on the back door of this cafe,
colored entrance only.
​If you know where this sign is today, Please let us know.

Was on the corner of S.R. 471 and West Central Ave. - Click to See Where

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Junction SR 471 Webster

One of the Last Remaining Florida State Highway Signs, that depict the Florida Keys - This sign Has NOW Been Replaced.
So there are No More!
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Sumter Drive In Theatre at Beville's Corner
SR 471, just north of Webster
Home of Monday Flea Markets

Wonderful Over-Head View Painting of Sumter Drive In Theatre
​Done by Pat Hewitt Duane - 1968

Now Showing on the Big Screen - Planet of the Apes

Pat tells us; "The year was Summer 1968. Every car in the picture belonged to someone I knew. They all contacted me with models and parking locations. This one took awhile to paint.
There were lots of stories as well."

She also shared with us this aerial view photo of the Sumter Drive In 1970

Pat says, "I worked in in the snack bar for a couple of years. It was fun and entertaining. Charlie and Rosie Rook owned it. I worked with Dorothy Wilson, May Prevatt, and Sophie Vann. Woodrow Wilson was upstairs projectionist."

SUMTER DRIVE IN THEATRE - BEVILLES CORNER, FLORIDA EXAMPLE OF THEIR FLYERS

Sumter Drive-In Theatre Flyer March 1975

Sumter Drive-In Theatre Program September 1976

Note; WHITE FAMILIES - ONE TO EACH 1954 MOVIE HAND-OUT

Standing on SR 471, facing the current flea market, and the Then Drive In
Note the projection house still stands. I've been in that building many times.
See where the screen stood.

Clicking Activates a Now & Then Fade #1 of 2

The actual ad which was in the Sumter County Times
75th Anniversary Edition for the Times.
Dated Feb., 23, 1956
This was just about the 3rd Anniversary for the Drive-In

Click for a larger view.

Showing a close up of the Drive-In Billboard.
It's just about in the spot where it was.

Click for a Now & Then Fade

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Beville's Corner Garage - 1940
Enjoy the view of what was, because soon enough, the remnants of this building, now a liquor store, shall be demolished to make way for a strip mall.

Click for a Fade

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Joe Hooten at Hooten's South Sumter Grocery, Tarrytown
Intersection of Highway 50 & SR 471

Tap the Coca-Cola sign, and "fade" on back to this moment

Not long ago, in the pages of the Sumter Express, I came across this story I'm about to re-share with Rose Davis's Permission, and THANKS to K.W. Zachary for his sharing.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FACEBOOK THREAD, AND SEE SOME LOCAL STORIES
ALL Text following, Borrowed from the Sumter Express and K.W. Zachary, shared for Education and Preservation of FloridaPast Sumter County History.
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The article;
"The Farmer Says.....
by K.W. Zachary"
"Today we are talking about Arthur Joe Hooten and Hooten's South Sumter Grocery in Tarrytown back in the day. This is where all the farmers shopped for groceries. Arthur Joe bought the store in 1954. Wayne Hooten, Arthur Joe's son said it was always a good business until the freeze in the early 80s killed all the orange groves.
Arthur Joe would stay at the store until he knew the last farmer had come out of the fields even after closing time. He knew they needed to come by and get groceries for the night. If they didn't have money he would just write it down in his book. A lot of times he would carry the farmers til picking time - that's what you call community service by taking care of your neighbors. I think that's what is missing today. (BRAVO TO THAT I PERSONALLY SAY)
One year Arthur Joe was robbed 13 times, but one day he was ready for them. They tried to rob Arthur Joe and they shot him in the ear but he ran them off. They caught the two men from Lake County and they went to jail.
Arthur Joe was a man of his word and he expected the same in return.
The story I really liked about him was on year a farmer owed him $400.00, but only ended up with $75.00 from his crop and his mule had died. Arthur Joe said that $75.00 can get you a new mule, so he did and after his next crop came in Arthur Joe was paid in full by that farmer. People it doesn't get any better than that. (Again I SAY, AMEN to That)

Harold Wilson added on to the store in the mid 70s and sold irrigation pipe and power units to the farmers. On a cold rainy day all the farmers would gather up there and fix a big pot of chili or stew then sit around and tell stories all day. Sometimes Arthur Joe couldn't even get to his cash register.
His wife, Alice, (Which I Personally Knew) - had a restaurant in Webster back then and ran it for years. Katie Sue worked fro Arthur Joe in the store in Tarrytown until Alice got tired of the restaurant, then Katie Sue took over the restaurant in Webster for years.
Arthur Joe lived in Sumter County almost his whole life. He thought about closing up the store, but he loved the store more than anything. I know it sure was a pleasure talking with Wayne Hooten about that old store. I remember going there with my dad and brothers to buy irrigation pipe from Harold Wilson.
But we couldn't leave without going in the Hooten's store. I know a lot of the younger generations don't have a clue what this story is about. I suggest to you sit down with your grandparents or elders of your family and hear some of these ol stories. For they are where us folks from Sumter County came from and how we lived. Because people like this is what I call dinosaurs they are not going to be here forever. Don't wait til it's to late. Sit on the front porch and share these stories with your family. And grandparents I think it's also a challenge to you to sit these kids down and tell them these stories. I do believe one day they will look back and be thankful that you did. You take men like Arthur Joe Hooten, I could write about him all day long. So before you go to bed tonight hug your kids and JUST PASS IT ON. ( I SAY YAY)
That's all for now; Let's go plow some dirt."
- K.W. Zachary is a local farmer who voluntarily submits columns about his farming days in Sumter County and other farming happenings for publication.

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Center of Webster, heading south on SR471 - 1955

Click to "fade" to another time in Webster

Heading south on SR-471, toward Highway 50, from the center of Webster. We are getting ready to cross over the Railroad tracks, that once connected Webster with the outside world.
These tracks, one might say, "fed the world"
All Produce, Citrus and Farmed products, such as Peppers, Watermelons, String Beans, and Cucumbers, would be grown, harvested, taken to the packing houses, boxed and packed to be loaded on train cars to ship out.
In this scene, off to the right, which cannot be seen, is the Webster Farm Supply. Which is in the last remaining packing houses in Webster area.
I can still remember the peppers being loaded. As we travel toward Highway 50, we see the Old Cafe and Hayes' old boarding house on the right. The left, still standing, is now Memory Lane Antiques.

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Webster School - 1925

At the time the "fade" for the Webster School was placed, most of what you see in this image, was still here. They recently remodeled, and now, today, the entire front is different. Also, notice the building, back left, which was the original school building. Long since torn down, as most all the old original surrounding structures were.
More History Shall be Added as we gather from you.

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From the era, when it was the Webster High School

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East County Road 478, just about at S.R. 471

OTHER EDUCATIONAL LINKS for Parson Brown Oranges;
Chicago Packer, 1 October 1938
History of Parson Brown Orange, by E.L. Carney - Ocala
Parson Brown Orange: October - January

Wonderful Parson Brown Display at City Hall Webster

A short video tour through Webster, looking for the Famed Water Tower.
Since this video was made, much has changed in the City of Webster.
No longer is the Fire Dept. in the same location, nor the library and City Hall.
Even the Water Tower, has a new look.
The following few photos of it, I recently took.

Some borrowed to share history about the Parson Brown Oranges;
"Parson originated as a chance seedling in the dooryard of Rev. N. L. Brown near Webster, Florida, and is said to have been planted in 1856 (Ziegler and Wolfe, 1961).  The propagation rights were purchased about 1875 by J. L. Carney, who named it Parson Brown." -> Credit and learn more here
-> PARSON BROWN ORANGE

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"Parson Brown is an early season seedling orange,
with up to 30 seeds per fruit.
Parson Browns can be harvested slightly earlier than Hamlin,
and make an incredible juice orange.
Before 1920, Parson Brown oranges were the leading commercial 
orange grown in Florida.
The seeds of the orange were brought to Savannah, Georgia
on an English ship from China then shipped to Webster, Florida.
The seeds were grown from a seedling orange by Rev. Nathan L. Brown near Webster, Florida.
In 1874 Capt. J. L. Carney bought the rights to the tree as he was 
looking for budwood to graft his sour oranges onto. He named the cultivar,'Parson Brown'It is believed the first Parson Browns grown commercially were planted, on what is now called Carney Island on Lake Weir." <- credit this history, to this site->
All About Florida Oranges

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FARMING INDUSTRY "FADES" FOR WEBSTER & SUMTER COUNTY
Concentrating on The Sumter County Farmer's Market

Sumter County Farmer's Market Webster Thanks to the Fillmon Family for sharing such a rare image

The camera's shutter click back in 1967 - Take a visit and Click It

Cattle Inspection at The Farmers Market
Webster, Sumter County Florida July 31, 1967

"Fade" on back to this moment. Flick Flies off of the cow's back

We are viewing the Tuesday Cattle, Livestock Auction. Held at the Sumter County Farmer's Market, each Tuesday, following the Monday Flea Market.
This particular photograph was taken July 31st in the year of 1967
I call it "The Golden Coral" 
The Sumter County Farmer's and Flea Market started out with Local Farmers selling their produce via. auction and stand selling, in the year of 1937.
The entire Flea Market grounds cover 40 acres, and so, Boasts to be Florida's Biggest and Best Flea Market.
Which is held Each Monday, rain or shine since the 1930s. -More History to be continued... 
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Here is a link address to the Current Sumter County Farmer's Market - http://www.sumtercountyfarmersmarket.com/

A small piece of the Farmers Market History, in our Sumter County Virtual Museum

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If you've ever visited the Sumter County Farmer's Market, Webster Florida on Mondays, you passed this building. Which hosts the Tuesday Cattle Auction.
This is what you would see, if you could look through the walls.

See a Now & Then - In-Out-Fade by clicking image

Aerial View of Webster Flea and Farmer's Markets
Showing a good portion of SR471 or Market Blvd.

Notice Buddy Tompkin's Old House sitting in the field. Bottom left corner. The bottom Center was the home of Webster Farm Supply.

Meet Mr. Jerry Sleger and his Wife. "One Man Band"
These folks played and solde music during the season at Florida Flea Markets, including Webster. I myself, stood in front of their booth, especially when the mechanical show was going full-swing.
The image to the right, when clicked on, will take you to the World Famed Webster Westside Fleamarket Grounds, where Jerry and his Wife would set up, sell and perform. It may not be the exact space they used, but, never the less, we bring them back to the grounds for a lasting memory of what once was, back in another time.......
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It seems that Jerry Sleger, aka, One Man Band, was more famous in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. At least when searching for videos online. So we borrowed a Youtube video taken at a market in Oshkosh.
No matter where he performed, it's still Jerry, One Man Band.

Click on image to see a Now & Then at Webster Westside

We thought it only proper to share a few links here that pertain to Jerry.

This BLOG PAGE is for the Open Minded Only. Seems that they Really Appreciate and Love Jerry's Music

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Within this short video, we can see many changes, from then till now.

View from above of the World Famed Webster Flea and Farmer's Markets

Beautiful Representation for the Famed Webster Markets

The New Livestock Pavilion at Bevilles Corner, Sumter County - 1956

(photo image from Sumter County Times, Feb. 23, 1956) Click for a Now & Then Fade

The accompanying story, as written by the Sumter County Times;
"The Eleventh Annual, All-Florida Breeder's Show and County Fair, which will be held this November, at Beville's Corner, is an example of an idea being born, and the result of a lot of hard work through the years. By a group of people with "grit" enough to say, "It's a Good Thing"
"I will work for it, because I believe the entire County will benefit"
Along in 1945, Lewis Giddens of Webster, heard of a Fat Stock Show, which was underway in Ocala. Having no idea what a "Fat Stock Show" was, he attended, and brought back the idea of starting such a show in Sumter County.
He talked to various officials of the Sumter County Farmers' Market, but non seemed interested in his idea.
The Webster Civic Club had been recently organized and Giddens went to Farmer Hooten with his idea. They both appeared at the next meeting of the market directors, and these men agreed to work to get such a show started.
Cattlemen helping to put on the first show included, Noble Brown, Lofton Brown, John Hayes, Odis Cowart and Herman Beville.
An open Arena was built on the market grounds and some of the cattle shown that first year, were not halter-broken, but everyone had a good time and the idea caught on. Each year's event was held on the market grounds until 1954.
- During 1954, an $80,000 Live-Stock Pavilion was built at Bevilles Corner, although not completed by the time the show opened, that year's show was held in the new location. Long range planning include the eventual locating of all agricultural agencies in the county in addition to the original building.
And, so it has been during the past 10 1/2 years. Last year's show featured cattle from such well known ranches as Heart Bar Ranch, A. Dude & Sons, Circle O Ranch, W.H. Stewart, Polk Brahman Farm, R. G. Heine Hills of Home Farm, Myrtle Lake Farms, and Dixie D Ranch. A new building was completed in time for the 1955 show, and exhibits were arranged by FFA Clubs, 4-H Clubs, Home Demonstration Clubs, Scout Troops, U.S. Forestry Service, and organizations desiring to demonstrate their merchandise. Officers for 1956 are T. Noble Brown, president; Herman Beville, vice-president O.M. Maines Jr., recording sec.; J. F. Hayes, treas. on the Board of Directors are Brown, Hayes, L. Giddens, J.C. Sutch, A.D. Palmer, Joe Hamilton, Willis Tate and Al Baker.
Plans are already being made for the 1956 show, by the time the curtain rises on Nov. 7th, the most complete picture of Sumter County's great cattle and agricultural potentials ever shown will be in the spotlight."

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Loading Watermelons from a local Webster Field
This was a common scene back in the day. If anyone can identify any of the Gents shown here, or if you have any history, please come to FloridaPast.com Facebook Page and share with us.

Watermelon Harvesting in Webster, 1940s era. - CLICK for Now & Then

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Rainforest and Art Garden Attraction Sumterville, FloridaPast

Tell Us What You Know about the Rainforest on Facebook -CLICK- IT

Opened June 1963 - Closed in 1967
As time allows, and as more of you Kind Folks Share your experiences while visiting the once popular Rainforest Attraction in Sumterville, Florida, more photos, fades, stories and history shall be added here.
Thank You Folks whom already took their time to share with us.
And as other sources of information are gathered, I'll include those links here;
This is a story by St. Petersburg Times - Dec 21, 1963 CLICK HERE

Click Dino, and See Then, 1966 & Now

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A FloridaPast moment captured by Jim Carmichael in 1963
Unknown Gathering for this photo shoot.
HELP WANTED identifying Please

Unknown gathering ? Can You Help?

Notice how the trees off to the right, line up today, as if it were yesterday. If the Goo Goo mapping was a bit more flexible, this may have been the Perfect Now and Then "Fade"
We could use your Help to Identify this gathering. You can share with us on FloridaPast.com Facebook. It would be Greatly Appreciated.

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Click the mouse, as you Click the Shutter - And go back to this moment

You can visit this Fun Moment by Clicking

Click Dino to Bring Yesteryear back to Life

The ostriches that roamed the grounds of the Rainforest. This image was taken September of 1966, and Preserved and Shared by FloridaMemoryProject

Thanks to FloridaMemoryProject for the use of their photograph

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"The Headless Dinosaur"
Lake Lindsey Road - Brooksville
West of Bushnell and Nobelton

Michael Turbeville Photo - Click for a Now & Then Fade

​Michael Turbeville Photo Dinosaur on 25454 Lake Lindsey Rd Brooksville Photo by ROBERT POLZER 1980s

From the Artistic Mind of August Herwede, [1886-1967]
Who created this roadside creature. August lived in the small white house behind this Dinosaur. When August's his wife passed in 1964, he began to construct various concrete animals around his property.

There is a wonderful article by the Hernando Sun, that is worth the read;
The Headless Dinosaur by August Herwede

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"Tin Grave Marker"
A Rare Historical Marker in it's own respect.
Marking the site of Annie Brown -
Born 1845 - Died Oct. 8, 1913

Click photo, to visit Exact Spot She Sits Today

This Unique, Sumter County, Florida, Roadside Grave Marker, sits alone, out front, with the Heart of the Cemetery back behind. It's been in this spot, in direct weather, all these years. And here she still sits. A Lot to be said about a tin Grave Marker.
To see more about this Cemetery, who is buried and pictures of the headstones which mark their graves,


Take a stroll around the grounds of  South Sumter Evergreen Cemetery

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I created a Super Size Image to show details

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Bushnell, Now & Then

• Dade Battlefield Historic State Park 

Click on photo to visit Now and Then

The Entrance Arch that we see here, was built in 1922, by the Folks of Sumter County.
There has been a lot of history documented about this Famous Battlefield.
So we borrowed some to share for educational purposes. Please credit the FloridaMemoryProject Florida State Archives for the use of their image and history.
"Dade Battlefield Historic State Park was the site of the opening battle of the Second Seminole War on 28 December 1835.
Angry over the American government's Indian removal policy, a group of 180 Seminole males attacked Major Francis Dade and his 103 soldiers marching from Fort Brook (Tampa) to Fort King (Ocala). Only three of the Americans survived. The event was for years known as Dade's Massacre. Starting in 1905, with Congressman Stephen Sparkman, attempts were made to preserve the site. Finally on 29 September 1921, at the urging of US Senator Duncan Fletcher, the state legislature purchased the site as a historic memorial. The 80-acre property was later transferred to the Florida Park Service as a state park. In 1972, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Dade Battlefield Historic Memorial. It was also designated as a National Historic Landmark."
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FACEBOOK THREAD ABOUT THIS HISTORIC LANDMARK

Bushnell was established as a city in 1884. It was named after a Railway Surveyor, by the name of John W. Bushnell.

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Various Moments Captured of the Sumter County Courthouse, Bushnell

Special Thanks to Geneva Williams for sharing this 1930s photo

Some Sumter County Courthouse History

"Until 1881 all County business was conducted in Leesburg, which was a part of Sumter County at that time. October 15, 1881 was the first documented County Commission meeting in Leesburg, Sumter County. Leesburg and the surrounding area would remain as Sumter County until Florida Legislature, in 1887, took a portion of Sumter and Orange County to form Lake County. All County business remained in Leesburg until the decision was made to move to Sumterville. On October 10, 1881, an election was held to move the Sumter County Courthouse. Sumterville received the majority of votes. It was then decided that the Clerk's office would start receiving sealed bids for construction of the Sumterville Courthouse. Prior to construction of the new courthouse, it was decided by the County Commission to rent a site in Sumterville. A lease agreement for $85 per month with Mr. W.W. Mallard was drawn for lot #66 in the town of Sumterville.

The first meeting to be held in Sumterville, Sumter County, Florida was November 7, 1881. Then the old Courthouse in Leesburg was advertised to the public for sale. Later it was decided by the Mayor of Leesburg that Leesburg would purchase the old courthouse, and did so on August 6, 1883. County records remained in Leesburg until the completion of the Sumterville Courthouse. Ledgers show many road petitions were filed and completed during the 1800s and early 1900s. Traveling proved hard work over the terrain from Sumterville and Leesburg, as well as throughout the rest of the County. Long distance travelers and shippers utilized the newly constructed rail lines for transportation.

County Courthouse;
The Sumterville Courthouse was completed, and the County continued to help implement the many changes needed for its future growth. The courthouse remained in Sumterville until a fire destroyed the building and nearly all contents on January 30, 1909. Commission meeting minutes prior to October 18, 1881 were lost in the fire. This set the Commission back for a short time until another location could be secured and a new Courthouse could be constructed. Mr. Rutland was approached by the Board, and the County rented a site for $150 per year until the new courthouse was completed.

Soon the temporary location proved inadequate for County business, and it was determined a more suitable location was needed.

After bitter political fighting, another election was held in 1912 to determine the courthouse location. Votes were cast between the town of Wildwood and Bushnell. By a margin of only nine, Bushnell was selected the new County Seat for Sumter County - Bushnell 657, Wildwood 648 votes.

The process of constructing a building to house County Government began once more. William A. Edwards, an Atlanta architect who designed campus buildings for Florida State University and the University of Florida, was employed to design the plans for the Bushnell courthouse. Acreage was purchased in Bushnell for an unknown amount, and the construction contract was awarded to J.F. Jenkins for $49,759.


The completion of the Sumter County Courthouse was a much awaited event. Local town people watched with anticipation as each brick was laid. Construction began in 1912 and was completed in 1914 and the County Seat remains unchanged. In recent years, annex offices have been established in Wildwood and The Villages to better serve the public."  <- [credit source]
OTHER LINKS TO SUMTER COUNTY HISTORY:
http://sumterchamber.org/history-sumter-county-fl/
http://www.floridacourthouses.net/Sumter/sumter.htm

Sometime during the early 1930s - Bushnell Courthouse

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W. H. Jennings, Owner of the Temple Orange Shop 301 Bushnell FloridaPast

This made for a Wonderful Fitting-Fade

We would enjoy adding history with this moment captured. Which we believe to be 1950s era.
Can you help?

The above building, Temple Orange Shop, later the Sip and Bite Bushnell painted and shared by Pat Hewitt Duane 1968 -->
Pat tells us;
"I drove a V.W.. My dad would always wait up for me to get home.I had to call him before I left. I would always bring him the left over popcorn. One time I called and walked out to go and stopped to talk to some friends. He was sitting on the doorstep, keys in hand, when I got home."
"After The Game", Is same year 1968. I'm the V.W. Peggy Swain was the red car with the cheerleaders. Off the top of my head that's who I remember. Every one was trying to guess who the football player was. Fun painting to do."
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Sip and Bite Bushnell Painting by Pat Hewitt Duane 1968

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Alcianna Hotel and Nobles Drug Store - a moment captured in 1924
U.S. Route 301, North Main Street, Bushnell, Sumter County

We can be sure, that the Gents in this image, are the Big Shots of Sumter County then. Dr. Noble should be within this 1924 gathering

WF Noble Blurb Sumter County Times 1901

Bell's Texaco Filling Station Bushnell
Made for a Wonderful Now & Then Fade
(We Need History or Stories about Bells Filling Station)

Take a faded ride back to this time, by clicking the image

​Bushnell Police known as Speed Stover.
Another Great share by Pat Hewitt Duane.
Visit "Speed" and what local Folks share about their memories,
​here at Sumter County FloridaPast Facebook Group

CITY OF BUSHNELL POLICE OFFICER
​"Speed" Stover

"Speed" Standing Proudly. Most likely his new Police car

The Serenity of Bushnell, back in the 1940s era

The Fillmons tell us that the two little girls at the sidewalk scale, were from Webster

It was very tough to get a nice fitting-fade for the above image. So we placed it close to give the idea.
The following Fades below, will be from the breaking down of the above photo.

The left view from above image. Heading South on U.S. 301 Bushnell

The right view Now & Then Fade of above 1940s view

Citizens Bank of Bushnell 1920s-30s

FLORIDA BANK AT BUSHNELL Sumter County 1975

As it was during the 1920s 1930s era

It may not look so pretty today, as it did yesterday, but, it's still here as a bank

Bushnell had many cool old buildings standing, up until recent years, when they decided to demolish and build new buildings or parking lots. The above photograph was taken sometime during the late 1920s or early 1930s era.

Florida Bank at Bushnell Building in Bushnell Plaza, above,
was still in it's natural state, when this photograph was taken back in the year of 1975.
Since that time, you can see someone wasn't thinking,
​and had painted this beautiful red brick.
Though thankful the building still exists.
Many in this area have been demolished.
At the time of this "fade", this building houses a Sun Trust bank.

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The Florida Bank, Courthouse and other Various Businesses Downtown Bushnell

1940s Downtown Bushnell view from U.S. Rt. 301

The above image of Bushnell, was shared on Facebook by The West Pasco Historical Society, Jeff Miller, whom we give Much Thanks to.
We tried for a fitting-fade, which should have been no problem. But, the Goo Goo Mappers are Off the Ball, Once again,
and they didn't cross over the RR Tracks at this point. I decided to break this image up, so we can get a better viewing of WhatWasThere.

Showing a closer view of the North side of Bushnell Plaza

Two of the buildings that still stand today in Bushnell Plaza

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The Year is 1913 - The Eaddy Boys cranking the Buick Touring Car in front of their building, which later became Allen Hardware

This building is no longer standing. It was demolished in 2013. If it's still on the Goo Goo map, it just means Goo Goo didn't update their map. Photo taken 1913, published in Sumter County Times, 1956

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Bushnell City Hall with their new Fire Truck - 1956
On N. Market Street

The small building still stands. As can be seen, it has been modified through the years - Click to see Now & Then

For the purposes of a Fitting-Fade, we needed to  view from  U.S. 301 - North Main Street.
It is used by the current car lot, which is  across E. Noble Ave., far left, partially seen in the image. 
(above two images from Sumter County Times Publication 1956)

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Main Street, Bushnell, FloridaPast
Route 301
Looking South from Noble Ave.
In the year 1957

With a Great Appreciation to the sharer of this image.
Keep em coming.

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Vincent's Five and Dime Store, Main Street Bushnell - 1940s era

A Sincere Appreciation goes to Geneva Williams for sharing this Rare Moment of Main St. Bushnell

U.S. 301 Bushnell - June 13 1949

Earl Miles Crawford, Sr. Service Station U.S. 301 Bushnell

Geneva Williams tells us;
"My maternal grandfather, Charlie Knight, holding my brother, Miles Crawford,standing beside my father, Earl Crawford."
Geneva also tells us, that the building was demolished when 301 was widen (four-lane). Presently, the foundation slab is the only thing visible. I have one photo that shows gas was 22 cents per gallon. With any amount of gas purchase, windshields were cleaned, oil checked, tire pressure checked and inside swept. There were 2 electric pumps and one manual pump as seen in the photo in the middle. My father was Earl Miles Crawford, Sr. Thanks for the interest! Loved my town and sharing the photos!"
WITH A SINCERE THANKS TO Geneva!
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FACEBOOK THREAD ABOUT THIS MOMENT CAPTURED

The Once Hot Spot of Bushnell. Stuckey's, to Dairy Queen to Wayfara and beyond
Now no longer any remnants, except for this image and Now & Then Fade

This cool image of Dairy Queen, during Wayfaras' transformation. DQ was originally on the side of the building before taking over the entire building with Stuckey's.  Thanking the Fillmon Family for sharing their photo with us.
More to come...

Dairy Queen - Wayfara - Stuckey's Bushnell, Florida off of I-75

Guest House Motel at I-75 and Rt 48, Bushnell, FloridaPast during the 1970s era

It actually seems like just the other day. I consider this view,
to be the last of what it once was in FloridaPast.
Before the cookie-cutters came along.
A Serene moment captured of the then Guest House Motel
at I-75 and Rt 48, Bushnell, FloridaPast.
It was tough getting it to fit correctly in our fade.
But it's pretty close. Of course, the pool was much closer to the motel than it appears in this fade. Still, we want to go back.........

Give the photo a click to visit a Now & Then,
from behind the old Leopard Inn.

The Very First Chevrolet Pick Up Truck Delivered in Bushnell to R. L. Wade
​of Wade's Lumber by Bobby Shoemaker of Sumter Motor Co. Wildwood

April 28, 1960 - Sumter Times - Click to see where Wade's was/is and won't be for long

We Thank Miles Crawford of Facebook, who told us where Mr. Wades lumber yard was on the SE side of county road 603 and Hwy 48.
At the time of this fade, the main building still stands, but won't for long, as 48 has grown by leaps and bounds, and what use to be, isn't.

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Some Pioneering Family Fades of Local Florida Folk

Click on photo to see a Now & Then Fade

A moment captured, showing Richard MacKenzie Fussell's Ancestors, taken at their home St Catherine FloridaPast, 1898.
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Richard's Facebook post, borrowed to share->
"Some of you may be related to these people. If so, I hope the info is helpful for your family research. If not, I apologize for the length of this post. Feel free to share this particular photo… I would appreciate it very much if someone could digitally “clean it up” and send me a copy of the restoration. 
The picture is of some of my pioneer Fussell ancestors, taken at their home in St. Catherine, Florida around the year 1898. The man standing in the first floor breezeway is my great-great grandfather William Jacob Fussell. Standing next to William Jacob Fussell and holding the baby is my great-great grandmother Rebecca Whitman Fussell, daughter of Jacob and Penelope “Penny” Whitman. Standing next to Rebecca Fussell is my third-great grandmother Elizabeth Matchett Fussell (William Jacob Fussell’s mother), daughter of Wells and Susan Williams Matchett.
I have not yet identified everyone in the picture, but the man standing on the second story porch is William Jacob Fussell’s brother, Stephen Randall Fussell; and the other lady standing on the porch (to Elizabeth Matchett Fussell’s right) is Stephen’s wife, Anna Jean Rebecca Akins Fussell.
I provided some of the history of this family last week when I posted the picture of William Jacob Fussell on horseback, which was taken in front of this same house at a later date.
Walter Fulton Fussell, Stephen Randall Fussell and Anna Jean Rebecca Akins Fussell are buried at Matchett Cemetery in south Sumter County; along with Jacob and Penelope Whitman."
"above, is listed the names of the adults. The others are the children. William Jacob had 6 sons and 4 daughters. There are only 3 young females in the picture, so by using the childrens birth dates I am getting closer to identifying them and the date of the picture. Just have to find the birth date of his youngest daughter, who was yet to be born when this picture was taken. One of the male children in the picture may belong to Stephen Randall Fussell, the one standing upstairs by Stephen (his name would have been Benjamin Franklin Fussell). Any help is appreciated!"

a little FloridaPast-n-Present Fun in Bushnell

the Mermaid Show
Remnants of a FloridaPast Roadside Billboard Sign, for Weeki Wachee

Just click and go, to see what was, that isn't

Photographed in 2011 - Route 301, North of Bushnell

It was tough photographing from afar

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Ridge Manor Now & Then
though in Hernando County, it's close enough to include here. Besides, there wouldn't be much Ridge Manor images, since it's a small area.

Heading West on Highway 50, through Sumter County, now in Hernando, at the intersection of 50 and U.S. 301, Ridge Manor. Notice the Gulf Station building is still here today.

A Great Fitting-Fade for Ridge Manor - Thanks So Much to the Fillmon Family again for a Wonderful Share

The Ridge Manor Motel - Air Conditioned and T.V.

Though not a fitting-fade, we can see this FloridaPast Roadside Motel still exists. Wouldn't it be nice to Fade on back for awhile?

This next image, we don't know where it was. Do You? Please come to FloridaPast on Facebook and tell us.
We'll credit you for the location. If it can be Faded, we'll Fade it.
Follow the Facebook thread about this image here

Not a Now & Then Fade yet, until we know where this was

Ridge Manor/

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Some interesting Sumter County Websites that are Well Worth the Visit.
http://farenoughphoto.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/the-forgotten-florida-frontier/

http://www.crumcemetery.com/index.php?show=4

http://www.ocalastyle.com/styleadmin/newsadmin/templates/Lake-template.asp?articleid=1955

Lake County Fades/Sumter County Fades/FloridaPast.com Facebook Page/

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FloridaPast.com

SnapShotPhotographs.com

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Please excuse the messy website. It's Always Under Construction.