'Our Virtual Sumter County, FloridaPast Museum'
Click to visit and join our Sumter County FloridaPast Facebook Group
'one pick at a time'
FloridaPast Facebook
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Our personal FloridaPast collection consists mostly of early Sumter County history.
Of course, we have some interesting Old Florida Findings within the archives as well.
Here we shall Share our findings with You. Much More to Come as time allows.
It's our hope, that you will Enjoy Our Showings, as much as we Enjoy Sharing them!
We travel the countrysides, in a quest to find some Good Old FloridaPast Treasures,
and constantly look to aquire more historical FloridaPast finds. If you have any, let us know.
CLICK THIS LINE, TO TRAVEL BACK TO ANOTHER SUMTER COUNTY TIME
With Now & Then Fades, History and Stories
and constantly look to aquire more historical FloridaPast finds. If you have any, let us know.
CLICK THIS LINE, TO TRAVEL BACK TO ANOTHER SUMTER COUNTY TIME
With Now & Then Fades, History and Stories
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Sumter County Times - Bushnell, Florida - Friday, May 23, 1913
Big Barbecue at Bushnell - Laying Corner Stone New on Courthouse
THE JAIL BUILDING - Just reached 2nd story
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Some Great Local Stories
Mr. Flagler Dead - West Palm Beach May 20th
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Greetings from Webster Fla.
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A Wonderful Gem, which we found at the Famed Webster Flea Market some years ago. Greetings from Webster. A Rare Find.
Love the message, as well as the Webster Postmark. Which of course, during that time, mail was hand stamped by the Post Master. Time and date. We can vision and hear the stamping now. Enjoy! |
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The Guardian of Webster Past
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Vote for Martha S. Locke
Sumter County School Board Member
"Because She Cares"
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1974 High School Football Schedule on backside
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Martha Locke was a Wonderful Wonderful Friend, and is missed on a daily basis.
She was one of the Inspirations to our locating to Sumter County.
She was a long time Antique Dealer
who owned "Red Stick Run"
as time allows, more shall be added about this Sweet Woman.
Remnants of Martha Locke, Rose and Rose Ann's Red Stick Run Antique Business Card
for Red Stick Run
We would Love to know where the original Red Stick Run Stand-Up Sign is
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The Many Faces of Honorable Mr. E. C. Rowell
Portrait Painting of Mr. E.C. Rowell which hangs in the Webster Library
Mr. E. C. Rowell - State Representative for Sumter County - April 28 1960
E.C. was the man responsible for getting State Route 471 through the forest, to Lakeland, Florida.
Democrat House Representative E.C. Rowell - Wildwood Florida 1961
[FloridaMemoryProject photo]
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E.C. in his later years - Enjoying a Stogie - From the back cover of his book
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"Honorable E.C. Rowell"
The framed photo directly to our right, is E.C. Rowell while serving World War II. E.C. was born in Oxford Moved to Webster area around 1922.
A Sincere Thanks goes to Kathy Gentry Elliott, who shared this image with us on our Sumter County FloridaPast Facebook Group. |
A interesting correspondence to Honorable E.C. Rowell, from Florida Probation and Parole Commission, dated June 7, 1961. Informing E.C. of the Parole of Barnes. Which stipulates that Barnes refrain from the use of any intoxicating beverages. 
E.C. Rowell while serving World War II
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Mr. Rowell now on display at the Webster Post Office
Mr. E.C. Rowell, representing Sumter County. Thanking our Webster Post Master for giving me the opportunity to frame and share. To see in person, Mr. E.C. will be on display with other local photographs at the Post Office in Webster.
We'll be adding more photos, stories, history and links as time allows. |
FloridaMemoryProject Photo from Florida Archives
Margie Rowell on left with others at unveiling of House Speaker E.C. Rowell's portrait on Legislatures opening day Tallahassee Florida 1965
Would love to know who the other four Gents are sitting with E.C.. If you know, please let us know. It would be Much Appreciated.
Mr. E.C. Rowell, sitting with other Prominent Gents
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Webster City Hall has a few E.C. Rowell Photos on display.
The Mayor let me shoot a few photos. The two here, top and left. |
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Thanking Liz Sumner for sharing this article with us on Sumter County FloridaPast Facebook Community
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Benjamin Morgan Hewitt
Once The Mayor of Webster, Sumter County
Pat Hewitt Duane's Granddaddy when he passed
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B. M. HEWITT GROCERY STORE WEBSTER
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1954 Webster School
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A few words borrowed from SSHS Memories of the 60s and 70s Webster Facebook Page
From Pat Radney Berrigan - "Understand Roy was my father he had pharmacy here in Webster"
{we since gave Pat this card, since it was her Dad who signed it}
From Pat Radney Berrigan - "Understand Roy was my father he had pharmacy here in Webster"
{we since gave Pat this card, since it was her Dad who signed it}
A few pieces of history from Radney's Pharmacy - Webster
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The Ladies Birthday Almanac, which was given to customers each year
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Hauling Sand from Okahumpka to Webster Colored School
August 27, 1940 Bill Receipt for $2.50 signed by Stanley C. Locke
Want a job hauling sand?
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a letter addressed to Dr. W. D. Rogers of the Florida State Hospital,
Chattahoochee, Florida, from the Commissioner
Requesting that he keep an inmate, by the name of J.B. Ramsey, from Webster, for further observation.
As there was concern among some of the residents of Webster,
that Ramsey threatened the life of several parties.
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1940 receipt from Gant's Feed & Seed Store - Webster
D.F. Gant and Son - Feed, Seed, Fertilizers and Insecticides
[Clarence Simmons - Bushnell]
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Posted on SSHS Memories of the 60s and 70s Facebook Group.
Borrowed this comment from Donna Cupal - "this was my uncle Franks feed store. It was located on the corner by railroad track. By Radneys Pharmacy. Where the brothers had their grocery store." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE OF THE THREAD ON Facebook |
D. T. Thompson Fruits and Produce - Webster Florida
A cool receipt printed for the 1930s, used 1940
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Interesting Correspondence, Dated February 5, 1949
Type written on Webster, Florida High School Letterhead
Addressed to Vern Taylor, Governor's Office, Tallahassee, Florida
By all standards, a bit unethical
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To be continued......
"Our legislative delegation will concur in this recommendation"
"Our legislative delegation will concur in this recommendation"
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Jack and Jill Presents
"Little Red Stocking Cap"
Some of the students names that were in the play;
Jack and Jill played by Stephanie Long and Mike Fagan.
The Bluebird, Pauline Blake. Stocking Cap, Joanne Newsome. Mother was Suzanne Burrell. Soldier Boy was Freddy Williams.
Little Boy Blue played by Jack Trowbridge.
The Spring Flowers were Michelle Burnsed, Kelly Oakley, Amy Rozar, Sandra Harris, Kathy Watson and Laura Harris.
The Farmer of this play was Brian Boyett. The Wolf was Jimmy Wheeler. The Bunnies were played by Deidra Waters, Vanessa McCormick and Lynn Purvis. Grandmother was played by Paige Fowler. The Mice were Joanie Weitzenkorn and Jan Davis. Hunting Dog was Adnrew Douglass, the Hunters were Britt Goodson and Randy Rowell. The Flag was David Burnham.
Do you know any of these Sumter County Families?
If so, please click here to visit the FloridaPast.com Facebook thread, and let us know.
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William Riley Mills - Webster Florida
Freemason Certificate
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A Long Time Family Friend, Billy Mikels, did the research on this historical certificate. Here is what Billy came up with;
"Good morning sir, I looked over your masonic certificate. Not sure if you are aware of what it is or not. But it is William R Mills Certificate that Advanced him as a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret or better known as the 32nd Degree in Masonry. Which is the highest attainable Non-Honorary Degree a Freemason can receive."- "I also tried to find some historical back ground on the organization there in Webster but have come up empty handed. I will be calling a local Mason tomorrow for some archive research on both the Scottish Rite Valley that used to be located somewhere in Webster as well as any information I can get on William Mills." - "I was able to find a bill of sale for a parcel of land he sold that was dated 1994. There is a good possibility that he is still among the living. With a date on the certificate of 1950 that would put him around the age of 85-90." With a SINCERE THANKS to Sumter County Born and Raised, Billy Mikels. Whom we watched grow from a young boy, to a Man. |
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Old Wooden Thermometer
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 PEPPER FESTIVAL - WEBSTER, FLA -
Hand Painted for one of the FloridaPast Pepper Festivals of Webster ________
From Central Packing Co., Center Hill, FloridaPast - Still in operation today, bigger than ever. Though this uniform patch is from back when. We found this in an Old Florida Cracker House. No electric, No plumbing. Had Cardboard for interior walls, and built out of pecky cypress. This place was torn down shortly after we did our treasure pick'inz.
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 Webster was once the pepper capitol of the world, way back in FloridaPast days |
A Great Find - I have another for sale here on FloridaPast - Under Historical Paper Section
Great Old Hayes Garage Wood Trade Sign
Hayes was one of the founding families of Webster
The building this historical sign now hangs on, was built from the materials dismantled from Hayes' Garage, Cafe and Boarding House.
SUMTER COUNTY
FARMERS MARKET
Leather Pocket Notes-Folder
Never been used
Nice impressed, silver printed letterings
Probably the only one in existence today
Brown Brothers
Produce / Citrus Field Crate from Webster
WANTED - CASH PAID - FOR THIS WEBSTER PRODUCE OR OTHER WEBSTER LABELS
Showing, as best we can under the circumstances, the top part of this great piece of FloridaPast.
Note the WEBSTER Farm Supply impressions, with the 3 digit telephone number.
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BARNES RESTAURANT
Masonite Hand Painted Sign
Another Sumter County
Business sign.
This Restaurant was located
on Rt. 301, Bushnell FloridaPast.
Long since gone,
like most of FloridaPast.
It measures about 19 1/2" x 12"
Painted by a local Artist.
Business sign.
This Restaurant was located
on Rt. 301, Bushnell FloridaPast.
Long since gone,
like most of FloridaPast.
It measures about 19 1/2" x 12"
Painted by a local Artist.
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One can only wonder, where this dog traveled,
what it seen, and what it did, what it heard.
Through these two tags, we do know he lived in Webster and Dade City, FloridaPast
Just a Neat 'O piece of Webster
We are Always Wanting
Webster Items.
If it's FloridaPast....
WE WANT IT!
Please let us know.
And we DO TRADE!
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Medical Professional Services for a year
1950 receipt from Dr. F. W. Coutcher
General Practice - Webster, Florida
I bet Dr. Coutcher made house calls to
Shared on SSHS Memories of the 60s and 70s Facebook Group
Click Here to follow and read the thread on Facebook
Click Here to follow and read the thread on Facebook
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A FANTASTIC FloridaPast FIND
Dated May 6, 1958 - a letter from the
SUMTER DRIVE-IN THEATRE
Beville's Corner
which is now a Flea Market
Notice the heading; R.C.A. Equipped 350 Car Deluxe - Theatre owned and operated by; Chas. and Rose Rook
BEVILLE'S CORNER GARAGE
Sharpening Stone Advertising
Showing a close up of the printings
Another Sumter County Man from Webster, that I personally had known.
Those that knew Mike, know that he was all about business. He was actually a fun man to be around. The stories that rolled off his tongue, sometimes would make you bust a few ribs. More about Mike as I can.
Vote for K.D. "Mike" Smith for Representative
a couple finds from J.H. Price Store - Center Hill
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Victory Theatre Bushnell Movie Poster From November 1954
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Google Snip-it of the Wayne Theatre Building as it was in 2019 Webster
Wayne Theatre Building as it was in 2019 Webster
Front and back of a promotional mailer from The Wayne Theatre
for Week of November 14 thru November 20
This may be the only one in existence
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Note the Webster Postal Mark Stamp
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A Rare Piece of Pasco and Sumter County Florida Fishing History
SALEM B. HATCHER & SONS - LAKE VIEW FISH HOUSE
HUDSON FLORIDA
FLORIDA STATE BOARD OF CONSERVATION
1958-1959 FISH PERMIT
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This was found in an old Sumter County Cracker House,
many a moon ago. Though it has wrath of time, use and nature,
it's a Rare FloridaPast Find, Well Worth Preserving!
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Some history borrowed to share,
from The West Pasco Historical Society.
"SALEM B. HATCHER (1900-1989) arrived in Hudson from Levy County in 1922, according to one source, although in a 1978 newspaper interview he said that he had been living in Hudson since 1923. He was a commercial fisherman and owned a fish business. He married Eda Collum (1911-1990) on May 15, 1929, in Bushnell. The two stayed at the Kentucky Inn of Hudson for at time after their marriage, and in 1943 or 1944 they purchased the building. Eda was born in Boston, Ga., on April 18, 1911, and died on May 26, 1990. They had nine children, one of whom, Florence Nan LeFils Balogh (died, 1978, at age 46), was a member of the New Port Richey city council in the early 1970s. His obituary:
HATCHER, SALEM B., 89, of Hudson, died Wednesday (Dec. 20, 1989) at HCA Bayonet Point/Hudson Medical Center. Born in Bronson, he came here 67 years ago from Miami. He was a retired commercial fisherman and a Presbyterian. He was a World War I Navy veteran and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6180, Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Eda; four sons, Paul and Andy, both of New Port Richey, Austin and Calvin, both of Hudson; two daughters, Vada Keller, Wilmington, N.C., and Eleanor Pratt, Crystal River; 19 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Wellwood Funeral Home, Hudson. The following is from West Pasco’s Heritage, by Julie Obenreder.
Salem Hatcher arrived in Hudson from Levy County in 1922. The first job obtained was working for the county building roads, filling swamp areas along Route 52, later worked on the construction of the road from Aripeka to Hudson. In 1925 when the boom sent wages sky-rocketing in New Port Richey he took advantage of it and went to work for Bragge Contractor in the city. He married Eda Collum, formerly of Georgia, in 1929. Eda recalls her first impressions of Hudson. There were thirty two homes in the town in 1929. The old Kentucky Inn, built in 1910, located on old Highway 19 which wound along the Gulf, had a heavy black iron fence surrounding the two story frame building and a large square cupola was a landmark on the top of the Inn. The room rate was three dollars per month. She and Salem stayed there for a time after their marriage and in the year 1943 they purchased this building and reside there today. The fence and cupola are gone but otherwise the house remains virtually unchanged.
Highway 19, of course, has been relocated, and the house address is now Main Street, Hudson.
Salem can tell many stories of the Hudson area. He related the tale of the discovery of a treasure buried by Captain Kidd at Gold Island, north of Hudson. When asked how the treasure was discovered he said, “a woman came to Hudson in 1922 with some equipment. She had a ‘money needle’ which acted as a magnet and when it came to this certain spot she had her crew dig, and deep in the rocks found a wooden keg which was reported to contain over sixty-five thousand dollars in gold pieces.”
Salem also remembers the prohibition days when boats brought illegal whiskey from Cuba and Bimini. The men would bring the boats in to the bayous around Hudson, tie six quarts of whiskey in each bag, put it overboard, it would sink and remain concealed from the Coast Guard Revenue Representatives. They finally did catch one boat, “The Roving Gambler,” in the bayou and this led to the slowing of the whiskey traffic for a time.
An amusing incident of the way justice was meted out for misdemeanors was also proffered by Salem. In the early days when the courthouse in Dade City was too far to travel. There was a Judge Carraway who lived at Bear Creek and presided over the court. It is told that when he pronounced sentence he would hand the culprit a Sears-Roebuck catalogue and tell him to open it and put his finger on the first item on the page. Whatever the cost of the article would be the amount of the fine imposed whether it be a ten cent tea strainer or a eight ninety-five suit. One man who ended up in the Judge’s court remarked, “I’m sure glad they don’t sell big boats or cars in that catalogue.”
Horse Island, about two and one-half miles north Of Hudson, was a large fish camp where eight fishermen made their home. A turtle weighing five hundred pounds was brought in with one catch. Eda says it is delicious when sliced and cooked as you would a steak.
Salem had a boat and did some sponging in the 1940’s. He used a hook to pull the sponge from the waters which were plentiful at a depth of eighteen feet. But in 1946 the sponge beds were depleted and the sponge industry ceased in the Hudson area. Salem and Eda had nine children. Three reside in New Port Richey, two in Hudson. Nan Lefils (daughter) is a New Port Richey Councilwoman - 1973-74.
Interview with M/M Hatcher — April 1974"
ALL TEXT COMPILED BY WEST PASCO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Please Credit their Dedication and Hard Work, and take a moment to visit their Wonderful website, with Many Old Black and White Historical Photographs, Stories and History.
PAGE WHICH ABOVE HISTORY TEXT WAS BORROWED FROM
(Early Residents of Pasco County)
MAIN PAGE FOR PASCO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HUDSON FLORIDA
FLORIDA STATE BOARD OF CONSERVATION
1958-1959 FISH PERMIT
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This was found in an old Sumter County Cracker House,
many a moon ago. Though it has wrath of time, use and nature,
it's a Rare FloridaPast Find, Well Worth Preserving!
------
Some history borrowed to share,
from The West Pasco Historical Society.
"SALEM B. HATCHER (1900-1989) arrived in Hudson from Levy County in 1922, according to one source, although in a 1978 newspaper interview he said that he had been living in Hudson since 1923. He was a commercial fisherman and owned a fish business. He married Eda Collum (1911-1990) on May 15, 1929, in Bushnell. The two stayed at the Kentucky Inn of Hudson for at time after their marriage, and in 1943 or 1944 they purchased the building. Eda was born in Boston, Ga., on April 18, 1911, and died on May 26, 1990. They had nine children, one of whom, Florence Nan LeFils Balogh (died, 1978, at age 46), was a member of the New Port Richey city council in the early 1970s. His obituary:
HATCHER, SALEM B., 89, of Hudson, died Wednesday (Dec. 20, 1989) at HCA Bayonet Point/Hudson Medical Center. Born in Bronson, he came here 67 years ago from Miami. He was a retired commercial fisherman and a Presbyterian. He was a World War I Navy veteran and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6180, Port Richey. Survivors include his wife, Eda; four sons, Paul and Andy, both of New Port Richey, Austin and Calvin, both of Hudson; two daughters, Vada Keller, Wilmington, N.C., and Eleanor Pratt, Crystal River; 19 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Wellwood Funeral Home, Hudson. The following is from West Pasco’s Heritage, by Julie Obenreder.
Salem Hatcher arrived in Hudson from Levy County in 1922. The first job obtained was working for the county building roads, filling swamp areas along Route 52, later worked on the construction of the road from Aripeka to Hudson. In 1925 when the boom sent wages sky-rocketing in New Port Richey he took advantage of it and went to work for Bragge Contractor in the city. He married Eda Collum, formerly of Georgia, in 1929. Eda recalls her first impressions of Hudson. There were thirty two homes in the town in 1929. The old Kentucky Inn, built in 1910, located on old Highway 19 which wound along the Gulf, had a heavy black iron fence surrounding the two story frame building and a large square cupola was a landmark on the top of the Inn. The room rate was three dollars per month. She and Salem stayed there for a time after their marriage and in the year 1943 they purchased this building and reside there today. The fence and cupola are gone but otherwise the house remains virtually unchanged.
Highway 19, of course, has been relocated, and the house address is now Main Street, Hudson.
Salem can tell many stories of the Hudson area. He related the tale of the discovery of a treasure buried by Captain Kidd at Gold Island, north of Hudson. When asked how the treasure was discovered he said, “a woman came to Hudson in 1922 with some equipment. She had a ‘money needle’ which acted as a magnet and when it came to this certain spot she had her crew dig, and deep in the rocks found a wooden keg which was reported to contain over sixty-five thousand dollars in gold pieces.”
Salem also remembers the prohibition days when boats brought illegal whiskey from Cuba and Bimini. The men would bring the boats in to the bayous around Hudson, tie six quarts of whiskey in each bag, put it overboard, it would sink and remain concealed from the Coast Guard Revenue Representatives. They finally did catch one boat, “The Roving Gambler,” in the bayou and this led to the slowing of the whiskey traffic for a time.
An amusing incident of the way justice was meted out for misdemeanors was also proffered by Salem. In the early days when the courthouse in Dade City was too far to travel. There was a Judge Carraway who lived at Bear Creek and presided over the court. It is told that when he pronounced sentence he would hand the culprit a Sears-Roebuck catalogue and tell him to open it and put his finger on the first item on the page. Whatever the cost of the article would be the amount of the fine imposed whether it be a ten cent tea strainer or a eight ninety-five suit. One man who ended up in the Judge’s court remarked, “I’m sure glad they don’t sell big boats or cars in that catalogue.”
Horse Island, about two and one-half miles north Of Hudson, was a large fish camp where eight fishermen made their home. A turtle weighing five hundred pounds was brought in with one catch. Eda says it is delicious when sliced and cooked as you would a steak.
Salem had a boat and did some sponging in the 1940’s. He used a hook to pull the sponge from the waters which were plentiful at a depth of eighteen feet. But in 1946 the sponge beds were depleted and the sponge industry ceased in the Hudson area. Salem and Eda had nine children. Three reside in New Port Richey, two in Hudson. Nan Lefils (daughter) is a New Port Richey Councilwoman - 1973-74.
Interview with M/M Hatcher — April 1974"
ALL TEXT COMPILED BY WEST PASCO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Please Credit their Dedication and Hard Work, and take a moment to visit their Wonderful website, with Many Old Black and White Historical Photographs, Stories and History.
PAGE WHICH ABOVE HISTORY TEXT WAS BORROWED FROM
(Early Residents of Pasco County)
MAIN PAGE FOR PASCO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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Another Interesting and Very Rare Sumter County Find
HAYE'S FLEA and TICK KILLER and MANGE REMEDY label
Along with a personal type written letter, dated 1948
TROPICAL CHEMICAL COMPANY
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Bushnell Florida
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Note the various businesses Hayes had
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Special Souvenir Plate from the Webster High School, Webster, Florida
Ornate Vintage Plate for Webster High School, Webster Fl.
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The underside gives a nice history about the Webster High School
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H & H SIGN COMPANY
Bushnell, Florida - Envelope Post marked March 3, 1964
Post Marked by the Webster Postmaster, December 10th, 1931 at 3PM
A claim ticket, filed by M. J. Tillis of Lacoochee, Florida
Note the dollar amount
We can just imagine the conversation between M. Tillis and the then Postmaster of Webster Post Office that afternoon.
If you are here, reading this, and happen to know where the Post Office Building was at this time, Please let us know. Either contact us, or share with us on FloridaPast.com Facebook. It Will Be Appreciated.
If you are here, reading this, and happen to know where the Post Office Building was at this time, Please let us know. Either contact us, or share with us on FloridaPast.com Facebook. It Will Be Appreciated.
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Three Hours of Labor, $3.00 - Screen Door, 90 cents
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CHERRY DRUG COMPANY - REGISTERED PHARMACISTS
CENTER HILL, FLA.
Receipt from 1940
Click Here, to visit WhatWasInThere Now & Then Fade, of some local Boys,
Drinking Soda Pop at Cherry Drugs in Center Hill during the 1970s
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This Link Will Take You To The Cherry Drug Store Thread
On SSHS - {South Sumter High School} - Memories of the 60's & 70's Facebook Page
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This Link Will Take You To FloridaPast Sumter County Now & Then Google Map Fades
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SodaPopBottles.com
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SnapShotPhotographs.com
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