| 1900 St. Augustine Evening Record Extracts from the St. Augustine Evening Record E. Reynolds 1900 St. Johns County School Report E. Reynolds is a one term School superintendent and the son of the school system's 2nd superintendent. This report was reprinted in the newspaper. 1900 report. (Letter Writing as a Course) (Teachers 1900-1901) Students who were neither absent or tardy 1904-05 St. Joseph's Academy The Report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for Florida gives a view of St. Joseph's Academy at the close of the 1900 school year: "This institution was founded in 1868 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, of Puy, France, and is still conducted by them under the patronage of the Rt. Rev. John Moore, D. D., Bishop of this diocese. The course is divided into three departments: Primary (with Kindergarten), Junior and Senior. The Senior Department comprises a course of three years. It is thorough, and embraces all the branches of a useful and refined education, including French, taught by Sisters who are natives of France. The program for graduating class covers all studies required for public school teachers; certificates of the highest grade. The situation is one of the most pleasing in a city justly celebrated for its healthfulness and climatic beauty. Young ladies may enter at any period of the scholastic year, either as boarders or as day pupils. Music, painting, stenography, typewriting with use of necessary instruments are extras. There are in attendance 150 students. The number of teachers is seven. For further information address Sister M. Eulalia, Superior. Palm Valley Baptist Church In 1900 the Southern Baptist Convention added another church to its membership. The Palm Valley Baptist was originally called the Diego Baptist Church from 1900-1910. The church was an oblong, white, frame church. Its first pastor was Rev. D. C. Andress from 1900-1914. From 1929 through the 1930s the pastor was Rev. C. F. Finch. who was educated at Clinton Baptist College in Clinton, Ky. Ponce de Leon Hotel Gets and Important Visitor -March 21, 1900 Admiral Dewey and Wife. Apartments have been engaged at the Ponce de Leon by Admiral George Dewey and Mrs. Dewey, who are expected to be here either on the evening of Saturday next or on Sunday morning. Mr. Robert Murray has caused Mr. Flagler's suite of rooms to be put in readiness for the reception of the Admiral and his wife. This suite, which is naturally the most elaborate in the house, was used by ex-President Cleveland and Mrs. Cleveland when they visited this city several years ago. Any projected entertainment of the distinguished couple will be deferred until a consultation as to their wishes can be had with the Admiral and his wife; it being the wish of those desirous of entertaining them that they may be permitted to pass their time as pleasantly and informally as they please. It is hoped, however, that a reception may be one of the many entertainments which will be furnished. All St. Augustine is waiting to give Admiral and Mrs. Dewey a cordial reception. Palm Beach and Miami after St. Augustine, are the objective points of their trip. Casino Bowling Alleys. At the Casino Bowling Alley three prizes will be awarded for the month of March: A large "Stein" for the best score made during the month, and a wee, blue mug for the best cocked hat score made in the month. The tournament for the News Herald challenge cup is now on. This cup was won in 1896 by John O'Connor, in 1897 and 1898 by William Carcaba, and last year by Donald Dunham. To further encourage ladies who go in for bowling, a hat pin contest will be inaugurated by Mr. Taylor for those making a certain score. He has several attractive hat pins, some with a coonhead design and others with coat-of- arms of the State. Cake Walks - March 17, 1900 The twelfth annual cakewalk of the Ponce de Leon waiters at the Casino last night was a pronounced success. There was a regular crush. The first part of the program consisting of some singing and dancing did not amount to much, with the exception of some good buck dancing which was done for a $5 prize. This was won by Wragley, to the satisfaction of everybody. The cakewalk itself, which began about ten o'clock was the main thing, of course, and the contestants included some very clever steppers. After a short time it became evident which was the favorite couple in line and the decision of the judges a warding the cake to couple number fourteen met with general approbation. The cake is the large and much ornamented one which has been on exhibition at the Casino for the past several days, and was won by the Valencia bell-boy and his partner, a dusky belle of Jacksonville. A couple of two steps and waltzes were participated in after the award by the entire "push" and some very graceful dancers were seen 1901-1902 State School Report W. S. M. Pinkham the new County Superintendent (elected in 1900) submitted his first report to the State Superintendent. The school system is dealing with a chronic shortage of money and except for the city schools the term of the schools is shortened. A new issue for schools is compulsory education. For more of W. S. M. Pinkham's reports see (1906) and (1910). Soldiers in the Philippines Soldiers from Lincolnville that served in the U. S. Army during the Philippines insurrection were in the Twenty- fourth and Twenty-fifth Infantry: Wm. Robertson, Wm. Plummer, Joe Robertson, Granville Houston, Bill Dummett, Lawrence White, Geo. Adams and Arthur Kyles. There may have been others participating in other regiments. Shooting of Councilman John Pappino In 1902 one of the most dramatic moments in the St. Augustine City council occurs as the Reconstruction period comes to an end with the shooting of Councilmen John Pappino by the Town Marshall Charles Benet in chambers and the failure of the town to do anything about it. For the newspaper account. Jessie McCain another black Alderman was arrested after his term. 1902 also saw the death of John Papy. The Rebuilding of Trinity Episcopal In 1895 Rev. C. M. Sturges became rector of the church. Although talked about since the 1880s the rebuilding of the Trinity Episcopal Church begun in 1900 was completed in 1902. The architects were Snelling and Potter, New York architects.. The entrance to the church was now oriented toward St. George Street. Work began in early 1902 and on January 17, 1903 the first services were held in the remodeled church. The church could now seat 500 worshipers. The Reverend L. Fitz-James Hindry served as Rector from 1904 until 1936. The Altar Guild, Daughters of the King, St. Catherine’s Guild, St. Monica’s Guild were formed during his ministry. Cordova becomes the Alcazar Annex In 1903 a bridge is built across Cordova street connecting the Cordova Hotel (old Casa Monica) and the Alcazar. Over the years since its creation the Alcazar Hotel (originally an overflow for the Ponce de Leon) became more and more popular. The bridge ended the independent existence of the Cordova Hotel making it simply an overflow annex of the Alcazar. Rural Schools - On again/Off Again On July 13, 1903 an article appeared in The St. Augustine Evening Record about new desks for Osceola School. The school board was trying to consolidate the Tocoi, Picolata and Osceola schools to boost the number of students. Because the schools did not have the number of students the schools had not been open for two years. St. Johns Methodist Episcopal Church This church was organized on Palatka Road outside Hastings. From 1903 through 1913 the church was located in the Byrd Building in downtown Hastings. The building was erected in 1913 as a square granite stone building of natural color. $7600 was given by the Livingston Fund in the building of the St. Johns M. E. Church. The first pastor was J. L. Folsom from 1903-1907. In 1937 the pastor was Rev. Charles E. Carroll. He was pastor of this church when it merged in June 1939. He had a B. A. Degree at Morning side College in Sioux City Iowa, a M. A. Degree from Boston University and a Ph. D. from University of Colorado. Y.M.C.A. The Y.M.C.A. grew out of the 1904 Florida East Coast Railway Athletic Association. In 1908 Henry Flagler built a red brick YMCA building for the people of St. Augustine. The YMCA was located at the corner of Valencia and Riberia Streets. The railway was the main backer. It had bowling allies, a gym and later a swimming pool. It's members were expected to pay dues. This was another extension of the sports and entertainment vision of the Flagler Empire. The building of the Y.M.C.A. was especially important because it was a year round operation as opposed to the Alcazar's Casino that was only open during the winter season. Marble Head Stones for National Cemetery Arrive (August 18, 1905) Sgt. Pate, who is in charge of the military post here is engaged unpacking scores of marble headstones for graves today. The stones are for the heads of the graves in the military cemetery at St. Francis Barracks. In all, there are 83. Of these, 73 are unknown, five are known and five are to mark the graves of Indian prisoners. Many graves in the cemetery are marked merely by a coquina block on which is carved the number of the grave. These blocks will be replaced with the marble headstones and the appearance of the cemetery will be greatly improved thereby. Every grave will be marked when all the stones are up. The slabs marked "Unknown" bear the following inscriptions: Unknown U. S. Soldier Indian Wars in Florida. The stones are also numbered consecutively from one to 83. Great improvements have already been made at the cemetery by removal of the deciduous trees and the erection of a number of handsome marble monuments. City water has also been introduced into the cemetery and four pipes are conveniently arranged for reaching any portion of the enclosure. This will enable those desiring to cultivate flowers to do so. After the first frost, the 30 bodies of soldiers buried in Jacksonville of which mention has been made before, will be brought over and interred in the northeast corner of the cemetery. The graves will be marked by marble shafts and the graves will be laid in ten rows, each containing 3 graves. A very handsome monument will be placed in the corner. Sgt. Pate will be busy for several days placing the headstones. Theodore Roosevelt Visits the Ponce de Leon Hotel On Oct 21, 1905 Theodore Roosevelt made a visit to the Ancient City with a party of 12. Even though he was early the flagship hotel was opened in his honor. Wm. Kenan represented Henry Flagler. Roosevelt was greeted by a committee of distinguished citizens and officials of the Florida East Coast Railroad. The crowd came through the main gates on King Street for a brief reception in the great Rotunda and then he was escorted to Henry Flagler's private suite. St. Agnes' Mission Chapel Organized In 1906 North City Catholics organized St. Agnes' Mission Chapel to serve the residents of North City. The church was a rectangular frame structure painted white with a belfrey tower and painted green. It had a bell and a small reed organ. The first Father was Rev. M. Foley from 1906-1910. He attended American Catholic Theological Seminary in the 1920s and 30s the pastor was Father R. J. McGill who had attended American College and Seminary in Rome Italy and Mungret College in Ireland. St. Johns Light and Power Company Lays Street Car Tracks In 1906 the St. Johns Light and Power Company began laying tracks. The first trolley ran on June 16, 1907. In the downtown area. Soon service was extended throughout the city. By 1908 the trolley ran north to the Florida Deaf and Blind School at Genopoly Street on San Marco Avenue. On Central Avenue the line went to South Street and west on King Street to New Augustine. The trolley would eventually include a line across the Mantanzas to Anastasia, South, Chautauqua, and Crescent beaches. including the South Beach bathing pavilion and alligator farm, Chautauqua Beach, assembly grounds of the M.E. Church South, auditorium and bathing beach. The Film Industry Comes to St. Augustine In 1906 the Selig Polyscope Company films "A Trip to St. Augustine". This company was founded by William N Selig in 1896. This company gave Tom Mix and Bronco Billy Anderson their starts. In 1909 the Ponce de Leon Celebration is filmed by Kalem Studios. Kalem had a production studio in Florida. 1913 saw the first movie studio at the Fountain of Youth with the Pathe Company. This was a short venture as Pathe a French company stopped US production in 1914. In 1915 from a poem of Rudyard Kipling "A Fool There Was" Theda Bara launched her career. She would be famous for her vamp pictures. Also appearing was Edward Jose and Creighton Hale. The oldest city would be a favorite location for movies and actors and actresses. Ethel Barrymore, Billie Burke, Pearl White and others would visit and film in St. Augustine. The estate of "Three Oaks" at 175 Oneida St, the Fort, the Ponce de Leon Hotel and Fountain of Youth were popular film location. Flagler Mausoleum Built Flagler would be returning to St. Augustine to rest in eternity. Not in 1906 but the mausoleum was added to the Memorial Presbyterian building. Jenny and her baby were the first to be placed there. Church of God Organized The Church of God, an African American congregation, was located on 169 Palmo Street. It was organized in 1906. The headquarters of the church was Anderson, Indiana. It was part of the Florida State Presbytery of the Church of God. From 1906 to 1912 services were held in a private home on Palmo Street. The services were headed by Elder Bruce. In 1912 a stone church was erected. It was a square stone building stuccoed on the outside, gray in color. This building was destroyed in a storm in 1913. In 1914 the church was rebuilt using the same material. In 1930 the church was remodeled. The first pastor was Elder Benjamin Calhoun who was the pastor form 1906-1912. He highest education was grammar school. (By 1928 the Pastor Elder Doyle Lee Sherman was a graduate of Edward Walter College and B. F. Lee Theological Seminary.) Y.M.C.A. Built In 1906 the Y.M.C.A. building was completed. It was paid for by Henry Flagler. Dr. Brown's Hospital - Dr. D. H. Brown was a physician and surgeon who specialized in diseases of women and children. His office was at 61 Washington Street in Lincolnville. In 1907 he had Fannie R. Mason the second richest African American woman in the United States as a patient at his hospital. Our Lady of Good Counsel In 1907 in Bakersville a Roman Catholic Church was organized. It was a mission of St. Ambrose Church. Prior to 1907 people in this area either attended St. Ambrose or the Cathedral. The building was erected in 1907 as a rectangular frame building painted white in Gothic style. The building had a corner stone, bell and reed organ. The first priest was Father Stephen Langlade was there from 1907-21. He had been educated in the French Seminary. In 1935 the priest was Father Alfred McDonald who was a graduate of St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. The societies at the church included Holy Name Society, Altar Society and the Purgatorial Society. Development and Progress on the East Coast (Florida East Coast Homeseeker 1908) During the past three or four years, St. Augustine has made numerous improvements, much greater than would be recognized at a superficial glance. To a great extent this was due to the unity of action on the part of the people of this city. They came together for the purpose of pushing the city's interest and the results, directly and indirectly, have been more extensive than the average person appreciates. A number of splendid buildings have been reared and others are pending. A street railway has been installed, also an electric light plant. The farming section of the county has attracted attention from various parts of the country and farmers are arriving daily to clear and cultivate new land. Mayor Masters has been honored with two appointments from Governor Broward, according to advices from the executive headquarters, received by the mayor today. Governor Broward has appointed Mayor Masters a delegate to represent the State of Florida at the National Rivers and Harbors Congress, to be held in Washington, December 9th to 11th, and also the delegate from Florida to the Southern Commercial Congress, December 7th and 8th, also at Washington. The Telephone Company will soon make it possible for the farmers and those residing in the rural districts to be in constant touch with this city by means of a rural telephone system. This company will make connections with any branch lines which the farmers may see fit to construct, which can be done at a nominal cost, where a number join in the expense of the enterprise. The progressive farmers of this section will doubtless take advantage of this offer and erect such rural lines. That the St. Augustine Power Boat Club has come to stay and fill an active and useful field of action is manifest from the list of prominent men of St. Augustine who have already enrolled themselves as members of the club and are taking an active interest in the contemplated work of the organization. Work is progressing rapidly on the interior improvements to the clubhouse on the bay. The whole of the interior of the building has been torn out and it will be rebuilt on comfortable plans to meet the requirements of the club members and visiting friends. The members hope to get into their new quarters early in December. The members are alive to the fact that St. Augustine is the head of the new famous East Coast Canal, and as such should lead in hospitality and usefulness to the thousands of pleasure craft which will enter this port each season. Dawson Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church Organized In 1908 African Americans organized the Dawson Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church at 42 Bernard Street. The building was a rectangular frame stucco building with a tower, a bell and a small organ. It was dedicated in 1908 and remodeled in 1923. The first pastor was Rev. Dawson from 1908-1909. In 1938 the pastor was Rev. W. A. Lindley who was educated at the State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute in Normal Alabama. Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Organized Dawson Chapel was not the only AME church formed in 1908. Mt. Zion AME on Washington St., Federal Point Road in Hastings was also organized in 1908. It started in a small frame school building next to the site of the present church. The school building was razed and a new rectangular white frame church (meeting house type) with 2 towers, a bell and 14 stained glass windows was erected and dedicated in 1917. The first pastor was Rev. H. A. Denson who served from 1908-1913. In 1938 Rev. A. A. Redfield was pastor. He was a graduate of Edward Waters College in Jacksonville Florida. Three Negro Funerals (St. Augustine Evening Record, Dec. 28, 1909) Three different negro funerals have been handled by Undertaker Ponce during the past few days. Mose Murray, a negro, aged twenty years, died Sunday morning at his home in New Augustine. The funeral was held in the New Augustine church and interment was in San Sebastian cemetery. Nancy Gerard, aged sixty years, passed away Saturday and her funeral was held Sunday from the Catholic church. Interment was in the Catholic cemetery. She lived on Charlotte street. Fanny Reed was another aged negro woman who died Sunday and whose funeral was held that afternoon. She was 69 years of age and was well known among the white people as one of the old time negroes. Orpheum Tonight.(St. Augustine Evening Record, December 29, 1909) Program of Moving Pictures Best of Months. Quite a feature of entertainment tonight will be found in moving pictures. The Orpheum has the kind that pleases everyone. Chief among the pictures is one entitles "Rally Around the Flag." This is a war drama made up of scenes of the Civil war. It's opening scenes show the peaceful landscape prior to the beginning of hostilities. This reel comprises eight scenes and is one of the greatest ever made by the Kalem company. The Mexican Smuggler is another stirring story told in pictures. This is an Edison film. Some glimpses of New York are shown in the story of a New York Policemen. The Teamster's Hold-Up is another interesting picture. All of the pictures are new, being of this month's issue. Carcaba's Cigar Factory The former St. Mary's Convent and Academy building on Cathedral Place becomes the Carcaba's Cigar Factory. By 1909 one of the leading businesses in St. Augustine was cigar rolling. The Solla-Carcaba Cigar Factory at 88 Riberia Street was completed at this time as a building to be given away in a contest. Fred A. Henderick made the plans for the building. First Baptist Church of Hastings Organized The First Baptist Church sponsored by Mt. Olive Baptist Church was organized in 1909 (incorporated 1926). They first met in a tent, later the Masonic Hall until 1918 and then in church building on present site. In 1927 this building was moved to the rear of the lot and a new building was constructed in the Colonial style, rectangular, red brick veneer building with stained glass windows. In 1937 this building was dedicated. The first pastor was Rev. T. U. Amara, 1909 - 10. In 1930 the Pastor was Rev. B. A. Roth who attended the National Bible Institute in New York City and Mercer University in Macon, Ga. . By 1939 the membership was 302 with a Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, Woman's Missionary Union (and 6 auxiliaries.) Plaza Theatre Will Show Several Fine Films Tonight Gold Watch to be Given Away. Everybody who sees the show tonight at the Plaza theatre will immediately sit up and take notice as one of the best selections of films will be projected by that wonderful machine, the Bioscenigraph. Italy's Marvelous Cavalry shows most daring and expert riding "The Kentucky Planter" depicts an exciting night rider story "Meskal, the Smuggler," shows the most sensational of all films of this class and "The Man and the Sack" reels off new comedy. One of the finest Travel Talks, wonderfully illustrated, entitled "The Streets of Cairo," will be presented by Mr. Goddard this evening. The Yosemite Valley which was given las night was superb and pleased the large audience. The colored views were among the finest that have been shown. Tonight at 8:15 another watch will be given away. Go to the Plaza tonight and you will see a good show and might be the lucky winner. Don't forget your coupons. Bring them with you. Orange Street School 1910 saw the building of two of St. Augustine's institutions: 1. The Orange Street School. This school replaced Public School #1 on Aviles Street. The building had originally been built in 1857 and although expanded many times was no longer adequate for the student population. (Orange Street School picture and extended history of the building of the school and school life 1910). (for an additional 60 pages of extracts on life in 1910 from the St. Augustine Record) The Orange Street land was part of the old moat and had been deeded over to the School Board by the United States for school purposes. First Methodist Episcopal (South) - St. Augustine (Corner of Riberia and King) The First Methodist Episcopal (South) and Trinity claim their beginnings in Bethel Methodist Church, the first Methodist congregation in St. Augustine and probably in the State of Florida. Bethel was a biracial church before the War of Rebellion. It worshiped in a coquina building that was located on St. George St. At the time of the War of Rebellion the whites left the church. In the 1930s the Church leaders gave their start date as 1845 but today their website lists 1825. The church was not fully reorganized until 1906 but the congregation was meeting before that date. In 1911 the church building was erected as a cream, square, brick building with a tower and pipe organ. It was dedicated in 1914. The first pastor was Rev. C. C. Cecil who served from 1906- 1908. In the 1936 the pastor was Rev. S. A. Wilson a graduate of Florida Southern College in Lake land, Florida. In 1937 Shelby A. Wilson was pastor. In 1943 Rev. Marvin H. Norton, D. D. was Pastor. Edward G. Hood was Sunday School Superintendent The records for Bethel dating back to the 1820s are in the possession of Trinity United Methodist Church. 1910 St. Augustine Record Newspaper (see extracts) Frank Genovar and the Cuban Connection In 1910 Frank Genovar returns to the United States after a 10 year absence in Cuba. At Tampa he gave a newspaper interview about his experiences. He is the final link in the chain that begins with Father Miguel O'Reilley who teachers Father Felix Varela who is the "Father of Cuban Independence" who helps write the constitution of 1812, which St. Augustine builds a monument to, who comes back to St. Augustine. Frank Genovar born in the era of Father Felix Varela helps rebuild Cuba after participating in its liberation. The Town of Hastings in 1910 A progressive town of about 1200 people, on the Florida East Coast Railway, in St. Johns County, 54 miles south of Jacksonville -- the New York of the South, 18 miles from St. Augustine, famous throughout the world as a magnificent winter resort, and eight miles east of Palatka. A hard-surface road, connecting St. Augustine and Palatka, runs through the settlement. It is only three miles from the beautiful and expansive St. Johns River, and 17 miles from the Atlantic Ocean." "The town has seven general stores, a brick hotel, one bank, two drug stores, two meat markets, a cold storage and ice plant, one bakery, two large barrel factories, two livery stables, a grist mill, three doctors, one dentist, telephone, telegraph and express service, water works, sewerage and cement sidewalks; also an electric light plant is in contemplation. It has a fine school building, managed by an efficient corps of instructors, and a well- attended Union Church and Sunday School. First Baptist Church of Armstrong Organized The First Baptist Church of Armstrong, an African American congregation was organized in 1910. It was located 1/2 block East of the East Coast Railroad track. It was organized in a small frame church building erected by the turpentine company. This burned in 1915. A frame building was erected. In 1928 this building blew down and was re-erected. Again in 1939 it was blown down and re-erected. This church was a frame, unpainted, country church type with a bell tower, bell and rectangular frame. The first pastor was Rev. Will Gaynor from 1910-1913. In 1936 the pastor was Rev. R. B. McHelm. Friendship Baptist Church Organized African Americans also organized a church 1/2 mile north of Elkton through the National Baptist Convention in 1910. From 1910 till 1914 services were held in the homes of various members. In 1914 they built a church which was used till 1938 when it was destroyed by fire. After meeting in homes again for a year they rebuilt the church in 1939. It was a rectangular wooden structure 20 x 30 feet. The first pastor was Rev. S. A. Cummings who served from 1914-1930. In 1936 the pastor was Rev. Richard Malone. Grand Opening of the Ponce de Leon Hotel January 5, 1910 With the booming of the culvern from one of the towers, the flags fluttering to their places on the tall staffs at the blast from the bugles and the strains of stirring music from the band, the great Ponce de Leon hotel opened for the tourist season of 1910 this afternoon. Promptly at the hour of three, the great portcullis at the main entrance was raised for the winter months. At the same moment the culvern boomed out from one of the towers and the crowds waiting without poured in to inspect the palatial hostelry. Manager Robert Murray has been superintending the final preparations for the opening for two weeks or more and everything was in readiness today for the beginning of what promises to be one of the most successful seasons in the history of the hotel. The Ponce de Leon is Florida's pride and nothing has been left undone to hold it up to just as high a standard this winter as ever. Tonight in the spacious dinning room the opening dinner of the season will be enjoyed by many invited guests from among St. Augustine's citizens as well as by the guests of the hotel. Every preparation has been made and the hotel service from the very start will be second to none. Throngs awaited the opening gun this afternoon and as soon as the portcullis shot up at the great main entrance the crowds poured in to inspect the great hostelry. It is the custom to allow all to visit every part of the hotel and grounds on the opening day and practically every visitor to the city takes advantage of the fact to see the Ponce de Leon and there are always not a few residents of the city who are in the line of visitors. A large number registered today and with the inauguration of the winter tourist service over the Florida East Coast Railway and the opening of the Ponce de Leon the season may be said to be on in earnest. Every indication points towards the heaviest tourist travel south this year of any previous season in the history of the East Coast and there is little doubt but that the immense hotel will have an unusually large number of guests for the opening week of the season. As usual Mr. Murray has spared no effort in securing the members of his staff from among the very best and most capable hotel attachés in the country. There are a few new faces among the members of the staff this winter and all come from the best hotels of the north. Miss Annie McKay is again with the hotel this season. Mr. A. E. Conklin, formerly of the Hotel Champlain in New York, is the new room clerk. The other members of the staff are Mr. L. W. Maxson, cashier; Mr. J. E. MacQuinn, bookkeeper and assistant cashier; Mr. E. J. Morrill, night clerk; Mr. B. J. Redmond, assistant room and front clerk; Mr. Glenn A Miller, mail and front clerk; Mr. Martin W. Brazee, stenographer; Mr. N. S. Beebe, steward; Mr. Joseph Stoltz, chief; W. T. White head waiter; Hance Howard, head bellman. While the sky was overcast with clouds the weather was mild and delightfully pleasant. It was a most auspicious opening for one of the most palatial and greatest of America's hotels. Taking Moving Pictures. (January 12, 1910 St. Augustine Evening Record) A party of Philadelphians visiting in the city on business combined with pleasure includes Messrs. A. D. Hotaling, D. Herbline and M. Wageman. They are representatives of a large moving picture firm in Philadelphia and will take a number of interesting views of our quaint historic town while visitors in St. Augustine. These gentlemen are guests of the Florida House. Interesting Pictures. St. Augustine is Scene of a Moving Picture Elopement. (January 13, 1910) The representatives of a leading moving picture firm who have spent the past two days in the city have left for Palm Beach where they will take a series of pictures. It is interesting to know that these people are accompanied by several actors and actresses who pose for the moving pictures while the attractive settings are found in the beauties of the places visited. Views of the most interesting portions of the Ancient City were taken. Some of our quaint old buildings, old Fort Marion, the palatial hotels and our lovely tropical scenery will figure largely in the interest of the pictures. The story carried out in the pictures is one of an elopement and the opening scenes are laid in Philadelphia. Then as the young people come south on their honeymoon they are next seen in St. Augustine, sight seeing., and the contrast offered by our bright, sunshiny skies and tropical foliage to the snow and ice bound cities in the North is forcible indeed. Scenes portraying the young couple in Palm Beach and Miami will next be shown and the views displaying these cities will be most interesting. This film will be shown in St. Augustine some time this winter in one of the local moving picture theatres, and will attract much attention here as all will be anxious to witness these pictures containing this bit of local color. If you wanted to party in St. Augustine the Casino's Washington Day Ball Was the place to be Foremost among the social affairs that celebrated the birthday of George Washington was the grand ball given in the Casino by Mr. Wm. McAuliffe, manager of the Hotel Alcazar. This was one of the most brilliant social functions given in St. Augustine in years, and was enjoyed by hundreds of residents of the city, and a large number of visitors from the various hotels. The magnificent ball-room had, with the aid of artistic decorations, been transformed into a bower of beauty. The great arches were draped with red, white and blue bunting, while large American flags and hundreds of tiny ones arranged in most attractive designs adorned the walls. A large picture of the Father of Our Country draped with our nation's colors, and illumined by many tiny varicolored electric lights occupied a prominent place in the hall. Southern smilax, that most graceful of all vines, twined the pillars, and the effect of the glossy green leaves in contrast to the white columns was exceedingly lovely. In the alcove, where punch was served during the evening, quantities of smilax were used most artistically in draping the walls and arching the windows. The beautiful ball-room thus adorned was a most lovely setting for the number of beautiful women who thronged the room. The display of exquisite evening gowns rendered the brilliant scene like a great parterre of gorgeous flowers, and this was illumined by the soft radiance from myriads of electric lights of the colors red, white and blue. The Ponce de Leon, under the direction of Professor Shaw, and the Alcazar orchestras, led by Mr. E. J. Quiry, furnished the delightful music for the dances, and dance followed dance in rapid succession until eleven o'clock when a delicious course supper was served the guests in the spacious dining room of the Hotel Alcazar. An hour later dancing was resumed and continued until the wee small hours. The dance cards bore on the covers excellent likeness of our first President. In dainty lettering the cards contained beside the program of dances the names of the patronesses and members of the floor committee, and formed very pretty souvenirs of this brilliant ball. Airplane Flights In 1911, local businessman Charles F. Hopkins, Jr. arranged with the Curtis Exhibition Company to conduct airplane flights here with two noted aviators, James J. Ward and J.A.D. McCurdy. They flew on the bay front Health Department. The board of public health for the City of St. Augustine issued rules for the improvement of health in 1912. This board had been very active in St. Augustine since almost the beginning of the Territorial Period. Canfield lays out the Town of Armstrong The community of Armstrong began Oct. 5, 1912, when developers Heth Canfield and J.L. Crary laid out Armstrong on behalf of The Clay Bottom Farms Company, which owned a large tract of land near the railroad station there. From the St. Augustine Record: "TOWN FOR NEGROES IS BEING LAID OUT IN ARMSTRONG SECTION: Heth Canfield and J.L. Crary went to Armstrong this morning to lay out a town for colored people. Streets will be laid out at once and many small cottages will be erected A brick store building will be erected for the convenience of the inhabitants, and a thriving little town will materialize with the next few months." This settlement will be a great convenience to the colored people who work on the farms at Elkton and it will also be a great convenience to the residents of Elkton, who will have labor nearby, at the same time not bringing the settlement into their own community." D. D. Corbett becomes County Superintendent A Dental Clinic is started at St. Augustine school (Orange Street) All white public school students are examined and their teeth treated free of charge with John T. Dismukes paying the dentist's salary. A 2 year commercial course with nine typewriters, and the following classes: shorthand, typewriting, bookkeeping, commercial law, business arithmetic, business English, spelling and penmanship. Hot lunches were served in the basement of the Orange Street High School building and a special tax district was created in Hastings for schools. |
| Dr. Bronson's History Page The Progressive Era to 1913 ab urbe condita - 335 to 347 |
| See Sanburn Fire Maps for street by street, building by building detail 1904 St. Augustine 1910 St. Augustine 1921 Hastings |
| Admiral George Dewey Hero of the Spanish American War |
| First Baptist Church of Hastings |
| 1st Methodist Episcopal Church (South) |
| Trinity Episcopal Church |
| St. Agnes Catholic Church State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/68365 |
| Y. M. C. A. |
| Circa 1906 |
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| Governor of Florida |
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