|
Located in beautiful
north Florida, halfway between Gainesville and Lake City, the area offers
delights for the nature lover, sportsman, and historian. Beautiful
pristine rivers offer a multitude of sports which include canoeing, tubing,
fishing, snorkeling, and cave diving.
Today, visitors to the High Springs area prize these
waters for their recreational value.
Historic buildings
outline the downtown center with shop filled with antiques. Shop till
you find that item you never thought you would find, or just relax with an
ice cream and admire one of our many historic buildings. Stroll through the
quaint tree-lined streets and stop to enjoy fine eateries, browse till
your heart's content through the antique specialty gift shops.
There are a number of cozy
Bed & Breakfast or Country Inns
where you can relax after search for shopping, bargain hunting or searching
for real estate properties. About 82% of
housing units in High Springs are owner-occupied. Housing in the city tends
to be newer construction.
Bones of prehistoric mammals and tools
of paleo-Indians have been recovered from springs and rivers near High
Springs. Hernando de Soto led his expedition through this area around 1539,
and in the 17th century Indian villages and a large Spanish mission
flourished near the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe Rivers. A boisterous
mining town developed with the discovery of phosphate deposits nearby and
the 1884 extension of the Savannah, Florida, and Western Railroad from Live
Oak to Gainesville, Florida . In November of 1884, a post office
and a station called Santaffey were established. The name was changed
to Santa Fe in March of 1885. A community named Fairmont, north of the
railroad, appeared later in 1885. The post office was called Orion in 1886.
The name became High Springs on May 24, 1888 and the city incorporated in
1892. (Another name change, recommended by the Chamber of Commerce, in 1925
was not adopted.). On September 29, 1896, a severe windstorm caused
extensive damage to the city. The business district had serious fires in
1898 and again in 1912.
High Springs became an important rail center in the 20th century with a
large yard and maintenance shops. It also became a major agricultural center
for the surrounding area. Tobacco and peanuts continue to be important
crops.
High Springs offers several
Florida
State Parks
surrounded by numerous rivers such as:
Ichetucknee
Springs State Park stretches along the
crystal-clear, spring-fed Ichetucknee River, about fifteen miles north of
High Springs. Dive the springs or drift along on an inner tube through
unspoiled natural wilderness.
Blue Springs
is a must see - family owned and operated since 1958 with 250 acres of the
"Real Florida". Stroll along 1/4 mile boardwalk as it follows the springs
run into the scenic Santa Fe River, or gaze into the crystal blue depths
from the dock overlooking the springs boil. A dip into 72 degree water is
sure to leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.
Ginnie Springs
offers scuba diving and cave diving. Nine springs, including the incredible
Devil's Eye, well up in sparkling abundance. Tubing and canoeing on the
Santa Fe River and
camping in wooded sites complement the excellent diving.
Poe Springs Park
is five miles west of High Springs on the Santa Fe River. Recently
renovated, it has been a popular attraction for decades.
Oleno State Park,
six miles north of the heart of High Springs, is on the site of the old town
of Leno. Bypassed by the railroad, this unlucky town just evaporated. In the
1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed it as one of Florida's
first state parks, and the rustic buildings and suspension bridge the CCC
built over the Santa Fe River are still in use. Within the borders of the
park is the land bridge created when the river sinks below the surface, only
to emerge several miles away.
Camp Kulaqua,
site of historic
Hornsby Springs
where many
prehistoric artifacts have been recovered, offers horseback, camping, water
sports and a zoo.
Follow the map for a
Historical Walking Tour one can take
with the following home sites in High Springs:
1. STEVENS - PIERCE
HOUSE
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, this house was built about 1896.
Mr. Stevens, a druggist, owned and operated a drug store in the Main Street
business district. Kip and Sandy Pierce are now converting the house to an
antique shop.
2. GODWIN HOUSE - HIGH SPRINGS HERALD OFFICE
Will Godwin, a railroad worker, built this house in 1896. Used as a
residence for several years by various owners, it became the office of the
High Springs Herald in 1969, owned by Robert and Jillian Sharkey.
3. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Presbyterian Church was built in 1897 with heart pine lumber from
the mill at Leno (O'Leno). The structure was modified in the 1950's when the
brick veneer was added. The belfry was enclosed with the louvers to exclude
pigeons. The sanctuary continues to serve its congregation.
4. GODWIN - MOSLEY HOUSE
This house with its porch on two sides, decorative scroll work and
fish scale shingles on the gables was the home of Elias Godwin, Justice of
the Peace. Built in the 1890's, it originally had a circular cupola on the
corner of the porch. Note the small second floor porch. Restored by previous
owners, this is now the home of Ed Mosely.
5. ALLEN CHAPEL and CHURCH
Organized in 1886, the original frame structure was destroyed by the
tornado of September 1896. It was replaced by this attractive red brick
building by 1902. The church was completely renovated in 1977, at which time
the bell was moved from the tower to its present site.
6. THE PALACE SALOON AND GRIMES GROCERY
This brick structure was probably built after the 1896 storm. The
newspaper reported that the Fryer and Thomas saloon was destroyed by the
storm of September 1896. Saul M. Thomas owned the Palace Saloon. The J.L.
Grimes Grocery was in the right half of the building. After prohibition in
1919, Charles Nisi operated a grocery and bakery in the building.
7. NISI HOUSE - TENDER CARE CENTER
Built near 1900, this was the home of Charles and Ella Nisi. They ran
a bakery, grocery, and confectionery store next door. Later they moved the
store to the old saloon site. Carl Nisi, their son, lived here. Recently
this Building was remodeled as The Tender Care Center by Robin True.
8. THOMAS HOME - RENFRO APARTMENTS
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Saul M. Thomas, this building dates from the
late 1890's. Mr. Thomas, who owned the Palace Saloon, also rented rooms to
railroad workers. Their daughter, Maude Renfro, converted the building to
apartments. Note the fancy scroll work of the second floor porch.
9. PRIEST - CONE HOUSE
This house existed in 1914. It was purchased as the home of Mr. and
Mrs. W.J. Priest in 1918. Owner of the Priest Motor Company and Ford Dealer,
Mr. Priest was a prominent business man. It is now the home of Mrs. Priest's
sister, Louise Cone.
10. PHIFER - MORIE - SMITH HOUSE
Built by Sam Phifer, a merchant and lumber yard owner, probably
around 1900, this two-story house has a wrap-around porch with white columns
and triple gables across the front. It is now the home of Jacquelyn Morie
and Allen Smith.
11. McCALL - SMITH HOUSE
Built early in the century, reportedly by Sam Phifer, this was the
home of G.W. McCall, an officer of the High Springs Bank and former mayor of
Hiqh Springs. It is now the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and
Mrs. Dale Smith.
12. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH -FAITH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
CHURCH
In 1883 the First Baptist Church was formally organized. Three
successive frame churches stood on this site; the first two destroyed by
storms and the third demolished to make room for this brick building which
was completed in 1930. In 1978, having again outgrown the facility, the
congregation moved to its new home on US 441. This building continues to
serve the community as the Faith Christian Fellowship Church.
13. ROACH - RAWLS HOUSE
This house was built in 1897 by James S. Roach, an engineer with the
Plant railroad system. Bourton H. Rawls, attorney, came to High Springs in
1925. "Col." Rawls, a promi-nent citizen, served in the Florida House of
Representatives. He and his wife, Elizabeth, still reside here.
14. MAIN STREET BUSINESS DISTRICT -East Side
Photos at the time indicate that the southern half of this block was
destroyed by the September 1896 storm. The Bank of High Springs, chartered
in 1903 continued until 1984 when purchased by the Barnett Bank group. The
post office was immediately south of the bank. The other structures were
built later.
15. OPERA HOUSE - GREAT OUTDOORS TRADING COMPANY
The Opera House was built some years before 1896. The upper floor
provided a hall for meetings, shows, dances and entertainment. The ground
floor always was used by some mercantile firm. H. McL. Grady rented the
building in 1904 for 15 years and had a ready-to-wear store downstairs. Old
photos indicate that the Romanesque arches were carried through the
one-story Petteway's Drug Store (earlier, Edwin Berry's Drug Store),
indicating that it was part of the original structure. The building is being
restored by Robert and Leslie Justis, owners of the Great Outdoors Trading
Company.
16. MAIN STREET BUSINESS DISTRICT -West Side
All of the buildings now on the west side of this block appear in
photos from the early 1920's. For many, the decorative brick work across the
front is still exposed to view. These have housed many commercial activities
over the years. The name J.A. Stevens appears on the building toward the
north end marking the site of the Stevens' Drug Store.
17. NEW CENTURY WOMEN'S CLUB
Organized in 1899 by twelve women, its first president was Mrs. L.C.
Gracy. It was federated with the national organization in 1900. In 1912,
financed by the Club president, Mrs. James Paul, and her husband, this
building was built. The Club continues as an active element in the High
Springs community.
18. ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
One of the oldest Episcopal Churches in North Florida, this
board-and-batten structure was built in 1895 of heart pine by railroad
workers during after-work hours. John F. Young, second Bishop of Florida,
1876-78, had plans developed for a church that could be built by laymen
carpenters. The resultant "carpenter gothic" style can be found in old
churches throughout the diocese.
19. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH-SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
The original frame church was built by the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, prior to 1895. Severely damaged by a fire in 1938, the
building was repaired and restyled with a brick veneer exterior. In June
1985, the United Methodist Church moved to their new spacious sanctuary on
South US 441. The structure now serves as the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
20. EASTERLIN HOUSE
Built in 1896, this was one of the first houses built on the "rock
road", the home of George W. Easterlin, High Springs businessman. Note the
turned-wood spindle decoration of the porch and second floor balcony. It is
still owned by the Easterlin family.
21. NAZARENE CHURCH - MASONIC LODGE
Built by the Nazarene Church in the 1930's, the brick building served
that congregation until 1965 when it was purchased by the High Springs
Masonic Lodge No. 137.
22. DAY - AUDETTE HOUSE
As evidenced by a find of old newspapers sealed in the wall, this
structure was built in 1898. A Captain Stewart, who operated steam-boats on
the St. Johns River is supposedly the builder. For several decades after the
1920's it was the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Day. Later it was remodeled as
the Berry Apartments. The new owner, A.L. Audette, Jr., is now restoring the
heart pine structure.
23. COLE - COTHRON HOUSE
This two-story house, with a wrap-around porch and balcony on the
west side, was built prior to 1900 by Mr. and Mrs. G.C. Cole. A railroad
superintendent, Mr. Cole moved to High Springs in 1897. Purchased in 1940 by
G.C. Cothron. also with the railroad. it is still the home of Mrs. Cothron.
24. PENDLETON - ISLER HOUSE
Another home dating from the turn of the cen-tury, this house was
built by Joseph T. Pendleton, who worked in the railroad offices. The house
later was the home of a M. Addison, a railroad engineer. The gabled entrance
to the porch on three sides of the house and the white porch columns are
distinctive features. Old pictures indicate that the roof line was changed
in the 1930's. This is now the home of Walter Isler.
25. RIMES - WAGONER HOUSE
Built about 1900, this structure was used as a, rooming house,
serving the crews of the railroad. It was operated by Mrs. Ellen Rimes
during the 1920's and 30's. Later it was known as the Humphrey Apartments.
It is now being restored by John Wagoner. Note the carpenter lace work on
the porches.
26. THOMAS' DRUG STORE
Built in the early 1900's in Bell, it was moved to this site in the
1920's. Over the years it has housed a grocery store, watch shop, a large
railroad restaurant, Paul Kahlich's meat market and the dry goods store of
R.J. O'Steen. In the 1940's this became J.W. Thomas' Drug Store. The upper
floor offered rooms for rent, convenient to the rail depot one block south.
27. OLD ST. MADELEINE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Located now on Highway US 441, 2.3 miles south of High Springs (see
tour map), this white frame sanctuary, built in 1925, originally stood on
the corner of N.E. 2nd Ave. and 2nd St. After serving for fifty-four years,
the new church was built here and the old church moved to this site,
preserving a part of the parish's history.
|
Real Estate Directory |
Schools |
  |
|
