GARDEN GROVE - El Rosso was also known as Chuck Russo of Russo's Hardware in Garden Grove. His figures were a fixture for people who drove on 41. El Rosso has since passed, but Russo's hardware is still there and supplying hardware.

He created a number of caricatures including Dolly Parton, Dr. Phil, Michael Jackson, Woody Allen and Tammy Faye Bakker. He also created images for a number of political figures.

He was a staunch Republican and his figures became well known at Republican political gatherings where he would often display them. He also made caricatures of leading Democrats including Lawton Chiles, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton.

His son Troy related the story of how he showed up at the 1988 Republican National Convention and tried to get in. Security was about to turn him away when one of the organizers recognized him and called off security. He was treated as a VIP, given a badge and credentials. They even let him set up his caricatures of Nixon and Bush.

Troy remembers his father starting to create the caricatures in 1968 with things from around the hardware store. A clown was one of the early works. You can see how he developed as a caricature artist over time.

El Rosso would send a picture of the caricature to the famous person who was the subject. He would often receive signed thank yous and other gifts in return. Several famous people even came to see their caricature. Bob Hope posed for a picture with his. Gerald Ford's caricature is at the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapid, Michigan.

The Russo's originally had a sawmill in 1948 on the site of the Hardware Store. Over time they transitioned from the sawmill to the hardware store.

Before moving to Garden Grove Chuck Russo attended Carnegie Technical Institute. After graduating he joined the Marines and served during World War II from 1941 to 1946 where he achieved the rank of staff sergeant.

Now is your chance to own a piece of local as well as national history. Currently, all of the remaining caricatures are for sale. Along with the rest of El Russo's art which includes painting and sculptures. Mr. Lee who owns Coney Island recently purchased a pistol and a couple of hot dog sculptures.

As you peruse the hardware store, you are greeted by the likes of a youthful Donald Trump. They recently put that caricature out in the store so that visitors could enjoy it. They have a number of others which are not currently on display.

My parents; Christina and Paul Kovarcik moved to Masaryktown in 1951. Upon their arrival they stayed in the Wagon Wheel Motor Court in Masaryktown. They loved the water here (the best in the state) and decided to purchase the Motor Court in 1951.

At the time the Court consisted of 6 stand alone units and was only open during the winter months. I was born a year later in 1952, and at that time the decided to change the name of the Court to the Wagon Wheel Motel, until they discovered another Motel in Pasco County was already using the Wagon Wheel name, so they finally settled on the Kovarcik Motel.

My father was 63 years old when they decided to expand the units and I vividly recall him carrying a block in each hand as he labored daily all by himself to construct the additional units and get ready for the upcoming tourist season.

My mother was awarded a contract through the U.S. Postal Service and became the Post Master of Masaryktown, a position she occupied for 23 years. My parents utilized Cabin No. 1 as the Rural Station, and I remember sitting in the back behind the P.O. Boxes and coloring in my storybooks as my mother assisted the customers. I can recall many of the customers driving from as far away as Clearwater just to mail their packages to Europe with the Masaryktown postage stamp affixed to the packages.

In those days, the Community Hall was extremely active with Little League Games, Town Meetings, Halloween Contests, Community Dinners and the like. I recall my Mother always made my Halloween costume, sometimes spending hours making the outfits much to my benefit, as I most always won the contest. In the late 50’s, I entered the Hula Hoop contest held at the Hall and was awarded a brand new Silver Dollar. Silver Dollars were the awards of choice almost all of the time for the children’s contests.

Masaryktown was a quiet and safe community to grow up in, as my friends and I use to ride our bikes throughout the town until dark and our parents never worried about or safety. After all, everyone knew everyone. I started my first business at an early age by using our front porch which was nearly forty feet long as a skating rink. I charged the other kids in the neighborhood five cents apiece to skate on it.

Being physically in shape was important to our community, as the Community Center held regular Sokol Gymnastics Classes, which most of the children participated in, such as calisthenics, parallel bars, rings, balance beam, etc. I remember winning a gold medal when our Sokol group competed against other Sokol camps from Tampa and Miami. I belonged to the 4-H Club which met at the Community Hall. At a very early age, I began dancing in the Community’s traditional folk dancing group known as the Beseda Dancers, which performed traditional Czechoslovakian dances. I had a wonderful time growing up in Masaryktown, and I will cherish the memories always.

Lydia Kovarcik Dodson is retired after 39 years working for the U.S. Postal Service and is active as a volunteer for the Weeki Wachee State Park.

BROOKSVILLE- The Hernando county courthouse has quite a history. Jimmy Carter spoke from the steps of the courthouse while campaigning in 1975. William Jennings Bryan a former presidential candidate and cousin of William Sherman Jennings, the Florida Governor from Brooksville, also spoke from the steps while campaigning in the 1900s.

The current courthouse and government center was built in 3 stages. The structure nearest Main Street courthouse was built in 1913 by J.F. Jenkins and Company for approximately $42,000. In the 1970s, the county commission discussed demolishing that building and building a new courthouse. After a public outcry the matter was put to referendum. The courthouse was preserved. A three story annex was built behind the courthouse to provide additional space and was finished in 1974.

In the 1980s, there were requests for additional space for the courts and government offices. A new building behind the annex, which is known as the government center, was finished in 1988. It was built on the site of the John Law Ayers Building which was demolished. The John Law Ayers Building had formerly been a ford dealership. The dealership building had been reused as administrative offices and for commission meetings.

The history of the courthouse is closely intertwined with Brooksville and Hernando County. The courthouse was partially responsible for the creation of Brooksville. When Hernando County was established in 1843 it was much larger than it is now. It was comprised of Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. The original county seat was at Bayport. Bayport is on the coast and was a two day trip for people who lived in the eastern part of the county.

Eventually the state government acquiesced to the requests of the residents on the east part of the county. The state government mandated a new location for the County Seat to be chosen that was no more than 5 miles from the center of the county. A new town Brooksville was created on October 15, 1856 to be the county seat. Its location combined the existing towns of Pierceville and Melendez.

Land was provided for the first courthouse by John L. May and Joseph Hale. They provided land on a Hilltop northwest of Pierceville. On December 27, 1856 the governor signed an order moving the courthouse to Brooksville. In 1858, the first courthouse was finished. It was built of wood.

In Sept. 29, 1877 the original courthouse burned down. According to the Oct. 6, 1877 edition of the Sunland Tribune it was not an accident "From the rapidity with which the flames spread there is little doubt but that the incendiary made free use of kerosene oil. The floors had just been carpeted with a layer of sawdust in preparation of the expected term of court, and it is surmised that this offered a good medium next the walls and partitions for saturation with the inflammable fluid."

In 1878 or 1879 a new wooden courthouse was finished with wood from Theodore S. Coogler’s mill. Although most of the records were destroyed one record of a County Commission meeting was found. It was a request for proposals to build a new Courthouse building. The specifications were "Two story, 50’ x 38’ with 28 good solid live oak blocks, 2 ½ feet long, Four sills, 38’, each to be 8x10”, and All to be built out of the best lumber and covered with good pine shingles."

According to the Sunland Tribune on May 10, 1879 there was another attempt made to destroy the records. "Wednesday the building, in which county records have been kept since the burning of the Court House in 1877, was discovered on fire. Messrs. Keathley & Hancock arrived in time to rush in and save the Records, papers, &c., and with the assistance of other parties coming on the ground partly saved the building. This was the work of incendiaries—as from all appearances they forced open a door in back part of the house and built the fire on the top of Sheriff’s desk—and their object was the same as caused the burning of the court house, to destroy the records, registration list &c., and thereby prevent the special term of court being held there in June."

These fires destroyed many of the old property records. In fact, Gulf Coast Title in Brooksville managed to get the agriculture department's records from this time and they have records that the county does not.

The probable reason for the 1877 arson of the courthouse and the following arson in 1879 was to stop a grand jury investigation into the murders of Arthur St. Clair a Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives and Henry Lloyd a man who had come to his aid. Several notable public figures were murdered as they looked into these events including Sheriff David L. Hedick and County Judge William Center. This story will be covered in more detail in a future article.

The Hernando County courthouse has been the center of the county for well over a hundred years. A local resident wrote a poem describing the courthouse as "the Brooksville crown" and if it was removed the city would be a "a headless torso" when the County was thinking of razing it in the 1970s. Over the years the courthouse has been the backdrop to a tremendous amount of history.

The Historic Hernando Preservation Society guest speaker Steve Noll, Ph.D. University of Florida held a lecture at City Hall Thursday night. The guest speaker teaches the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, the History of Disability in America, and Florida History at University of Florida. He has published three books: Feeble-Minded in our Midst, Mental Retardation in America, and Ditch of Dreams: The Cross-Florida Barge Canal and the Struggle for Florida’s Future.

Dr. Noll’s lecture was about the transformation of post WWII Florida. He examined how weather, tourism, housing development and interstate construction has made a huge historical impact on Florida soil.

“It’s nice to get out and talk to people in the community. We can see that this history is relevant to their lives and that their life is relevant to what I am doing. I learn so much from them, maybe more than they learn from me.”

During WWII, Florida experienced an economic boom, from agriculture to the building industry and military training. During the 1940's Florida's population grew by 46%

The first bomb squadron arrived in Brooksville in November 1942. The town offered 2,014 acres where the night bombardment group trained on B-17’s and B-24 Liberators. This area was the Brooksville AAF, which is now called Brooksville - Tampa Bay Regional Airport. What remains is a concrete bunker that was used in testing and alignment of aircraft machine guns.

After WWII, Florida was the state to be and live and the population began growing at an even faster rate experienced during the war. The men who conducted their military training originally from the northern states loved the weather and sandy beaches.

Florida increased in population as the marketing of tourism to the state brought vacationers and of course the love/hate relationship of college students during spring break. One of the hotspots on the list was Weeki Wachee Springs.

Despite all the high and lows as well as challenges, this sunshine state has endured over the years. To many, Florida will always be paradise.

Don Moses is the Historic Hernando Preservation Society President. Referring to Dr. Noll's lecture on "The Transition of Florida," Moses stated, "It was like reliving what I grew up with… I like to see people just become aware the way Florida was. Florida was changed so drastically.”

The Historic Hernando Preservation Society is dedicated to preserving Hernando County history, as well as incorporating historical tourism.

Their next event is a field trip to the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park on May 28th. They will be participating in a program entitled “Cherokee Leaf Printing and Native Dyes.” The program is from 10AM to 12PM. Dade Battlefield is located at 7200 CR 603, Bushnell, FL 33513, 352-793-4781. Admission is $3.00 per vehicle. You are welcome to wander through the battlefield, and enjoy the local history.

Each meeting of The Historic Hernando Preservation Society features a special lecture on a historical topic. Monthly meetings take place on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at Brooksville City Hall. Lectures are free and open to the public.

Find out more: http://historichernandopreservationsociety.org/

Couple of more links for you to check out.

http://fcit.usf.edu/wwii/index.php

http://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/heritage-trails/world-w...

The Tangerine Hotel was on Howell Avenue. It is now the Tangerine Cove assisted living facilities. The Tangerine Hotel was the site of a famous murder. The City Attorney in 1931 Herbert Smithson was meeting with Judge Bird and Prosecuting Attorney J. R. Kelly. Smithson is said to have been gunned down by three men in a small sedan as he left the hotel. It is rumored that Smithson was helping federal agents fight the illegal alcohol trade in Hernando.

Judge Whitehurst oversaw the inquest. He was one of four brothers in Brooksville that were all lawyers. Sheriff Cobb asked Governor Carlton to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the murder. Herbert's body was taken to Talladega, Alabama by his wife. That was where she was from.

Police looked for two Ford cars that witnesses reportedly saw speeding away. The first car was a sedan without a license plate. This is the car that the three men were said to fire the shots from. The second car was a roadster with yellow wheels that followed that car. The cars were reported to have left town heading south.

Herbert Smithson was a married man and had been in Brooksville for seven or eight years. Herbert was commander of the local post of the American Legions. The men from the post assisted with the investigation.

The murder of Mr Smithson was never solved although the investigation called a number of witnesses. One of the people called to testify was a former fisherman from Pine Island.

Smithson's family offered a reward of $1900 for information leading to the conviction of his murders. According to Richard Cofer's Bootleggers in the Backwoods: Prohibition and the Depression in Hernando County, "Three men, including a deputy sheriff, were eventually indicted for the murder. The charges were dropped, however, for the three men maintained good alibis."

It is understandable that the crime was never solved. Prohibition was beneficial to rural poor Hernando County. There were large tracts of uninhabited forests in which to operate stills and miles of canals and marshes that allowed alcohol to be imported undetected. The area was far enough from big cities to not have a federal presence, but it was not far from Tampa. Many of the residents including prominents ones were said to have been involved in bootlegging.

If Mr. Smithson was investigating illegal alcohol he would have been threatening the livelihood and freedom of a number of residents. If word of his investigation had leaked out, all of these people would be potential suspects and unlikely to assist in the investigation of the murder, since it could lead to discovery of their own criminal behavior.

In later years, the Tangerine Hotel became run down. There were rumors that the hotel served as a bordello. A local resident recounted that there were "red lights on every door..

The building that was the Tangerine Hotel is still on Howell Avenue in Brooksville. It was renovated in 1990 and converted into an assisted living facility called Tangerine Cove.

The Tangerine Hotel/Cove was built in 1925. This is one of a few buildings that tie this county to its past and hopefully it will continue to be preserved.

There is only one public beach in Hernando County on the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is called Alfred McKethan/Pine Island Beach Park. The coast line of Hernando County is naturally saltwater marshes, so to get to the barrier islands requires crossing these salt marshes. There is a two and a half mile causeway that is dredged through the salt marshes that leads to the barrier island on which the beach is located.

One of the earliest mentions of Pine Island was in regards to a former fisherman from Pine Island being a potential witness to the murder of the City Attorney of Brooksville Herbert Smithson on October 12th, 1931. Mr. Smithson was shot several times with shotguns as he walked to his car parked in front of the Tangerine Hotel in Brooksville. Mr. Smithson was meeting with Circuit Judge Bird of Clearwater and Attorney J. R. Kelly. It is rumored that Mr. Smithson was investigating illegal bootlegging in Hernando County during prohibition.

According to Alfred McKethan's Hernando County: Our Story, a "highway" was first built to connect Pine Island to the mainland in 1925. Another historian sets the date for the creation of the causeway prior to 1925. No improvements to the island occurred in the years following the causeway's construction. The development that was planned was scuttled in the Florida land bust of 1925. McKethan's Our Story describes how a stand of tall longleaf yellow pines were taken out to make way for a radar station during World War II. In Douglas Waitley's Best Backroads of Florida: Beaches and hills he says "Pine Island supported a beautiful stand of longleaf pines, but, during World War II, the trees were felled so as not to interfere with the anti-submarine radar station built here." Another historian's account was that that the radar station was actually built on Bayport as Pine Island was prone to flooding and cites a mound near the Bayport Inn as the place where the radar station once stood.

In 1950, a hurricane destroyed the wooden bridge to Pine Island. The family that lived on the Island at the time was the Plummer family, who were commercial fisherman. They used boats to bridge the gap and placed planks across boats and used that as a temporary bridge to drive their pickup over. At first Mrs. Plummer refused to drive the pickup across, but after a while she would drive the pickup over the makeshift bridge to deliver the fish. The Plummer family ended their fishing business in the 1960s, because a change to state law made their fishing methods illegal.

In the early 1950s, when Alfred McKethan was the chairman of the State Road Department (currently known as Department of Transportation), the road from 50 to Bayport was improved. The southern tip of Pine Island was donated to the State for a park. The park influenced the state to undertake improvements to the road that led to Pine Island. In 1959, developers split the remainder of the island into 101 residential lots.

A neighboring island, called Bimini's Isle, located between Pine Island and Bayport was once owned by Col. Raymond Robbins of Chinsegut Hill. He made an island home there where community organizations such as the Hernando County Audubon Society would gather to observe the wide variety of bird species on the island. The Robbins would also bring celebrities and dignitaries there. The island is not as large as Pine Island. An article in The Evening Independent, 1940, describes the caretaker at the time, F.D. Spear explaining how the island became a bird sanctuary. The Robbins built a dyke on the island for fresh water, which attracted a wide variety of birds. The island formerly had no source of fresh water.

The Alfred McKethan/Pine Island Beach Park is surrounded on three sides by water. The water gradually gets deeper so you can walk out quite a ways. During some tides you can wade to nearby islands.

The park abuts salt marshes which serve as an estuary for many animals. Small fish are plentiful and there are many blue crabs that scurry along bottom. There are also areas where there are sea grasses.

The three acre park has parking for a little over a hundred cars. Besides the beach, the park has a concession stand, restrooms, picnic tables, bbq grills, and a volleyball court. The park fills up quickly on a nice day, so if you would like to be assured of a place to park you have to arrive early. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m and parking costs $5.

The park is also home to drum circle. A drum circle is a gathering where people play hand-drums and percussion. The term drum circles originated in the 1960s and 70s. Drum circles were particularly popular among counterculture groups. In June, the drum circle will have their third anniversary.

Pine Island used to be open to dogs early in the morning every other Saturday, but that was ended by the county’s Park and Recreation Department in 2015. They cited safety concerns for the decision.

Pine Island has a long history. It is a popular destination for residents during the day to cool off or in the evening to watch the sun set.

The bronze sculpture of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith by artist C. Adrian Pillars, will be removed from National Statuary Hall Collection at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. The State of Florida gave the sculpture to Statuary Hall in 1922. A statue of the inventor of air conditioning, Dr. John Gorrie, will remain in Statuary Hall. Each state displays two statues within the Hall's collection.

Smith was the oldest surviving general on either side of the Civil War and led the last Confederate force to surrender. He is a United States Military Academy graduate and taught Mathematics there following his service in the Mexican- American War. Smith was brevetted (promoted in rank) for merit while serving in the Mexican-American War. He also authored botanical reports during the Mexican-American War that he donated to the Smithsonian Institute.

While assigned to teaching at West Point, he was called to serve in the Indian Campaigns, joining the 2nd Cavalry. At the beginning of the Civil War, while still serving in the 2nd Cavalry in Texas, Smith refused to surrender to the Texas Militia. However, when Florida seceded from the Union, Smith decided to resign from the United States Army. He joined the confederacy as Lieutenant Colonel. Smith was born in St. Augustine, Florida.

Smith's story is entwined with that of Alexander Darnes- who was born a slave to the Smith family in St. Augustine. It is reported that Darnes was of mixed race decent- with European and African heritage. Darnes left St. Augustine in 1855 to serve as (then) Capt. Edmund Kirby Smith's valet in the Indian Campaigns. When Smith joined the Confederacy after Florida seceded, Darnes continued his service to Smith. Darnes left an autobiographical account of his experiences as a private servant during the wars, which is a rarity according to Charles Tingley, Reference Librarian for the St. Augustine Historical Society Research Library.

Alexander Darnes decided to pursue a medical degree following emancipation and graduated from Howard University. Edmund Kirby Smith's sister, Mrs. Lucien Webster, assisted Darnes with the cost of his education. (Mrs. Lucien Webster maintained Union loyalties during the Civil War.) Darnes became the first black physician in Jacksonville, Florida and second in the state.

Darnes is a well known figure in the Jacksonville area. When he passed away in 1894 newspapers reported the funeral as the largest that they had seen.

On November 8th, 2004 the city of St. Augustine unveiled a bronze sculpture of Darnes and Smith together, by Maria Kirby Smith, great granddaughter of Edmund Kirby Smith.

In March of 2016, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed senate bill 310 into law. The bill states, "An act relating to the National Statuary Hall; providing for replacement of the statue of General Edmund Kirby Smith in the National Statuary Hall Collection at the United States Capitol;

providing for selection of a prominent Florida citizen to be commemorated in the National Statuary Hall Collection..."

The bill was introduced by Sen. John Legg R and Senator Gwen Margolis (D) and filed September 17, 2015, exactly three months after the Charleston Church shooting.

The Great Floridians (Ad Hoc) Committee, of the Department of State will select 3 prominent citizens to replace Kirby Smith- one will be chosen by the Legislature in 2017.

The Great Floridians Committee is giving the public the opportunity to recommend prominent citizens.

To recommend prominent citizens, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NationalStatuaryHall
The online survey will close at 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 10, 2016. The results of recommendations received by the Division will be considered by the Ad Hoc (Great Floridians) Committee at its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, June 22, 2016.

Recommendations may also be submitted in writing, including by mail or in-person delivery. Written recommendations should be submitted to the Division of Historical Resources at the following address by 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 10, 2016:

Division of Historical Resources
ATTN: National Statuary Hall
3rd Floor, R.A. Gray Building,
500 S. Bronough Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250

He was known to many people as Mr. Looper, to others he was known as Bill Looper, to me, he was Daddy. He was a good storyteller and although I had heard many of the stories over and over, I still enjoyed them. I listened very carefully to see if he ever changed a story, but
they always seemed to ring true to form. My Dad didn't get much formal education, but I believe he was ahead of his time in many ways. For instance, he got tired of draining the
radiator on cold nights - I don't think I had ever heard of anti-freeze until some Michigan folks started spending the winter in our little village- well, my Dad just filled his radiator up with kerosene! We all thought it would blow up when the engine warmed up, but he got away
with it.

My Dad loved to hunt and fish. I think hunting was his first choice. He loved his guns. He always thought he had the finest gun in the woods. Many times when we hit the woods; I would go about trying to get some game for the family and on working my way back to the car, I would come upon my Dad talking to a stranger telling him about his extra special gun. The stranger was probably wanting to get on with his hunting, but was too polite to stop my dad's explanation of why his gun was the "best in the woods".

He got a small single-shot 22 rifle for me. I still don't understand how a gun of that type would be worn out. This one was! In order to load the rifle, you would pull the hammer back, then push a little metal block down from the opening of the barrel and insert the bullet, pull the block back up and let the hammer down. Now it was loaded. That rifle would put a bullet through a can sideways - if you did hit the can. Good rifles make a neat round hole. Also, it would split the
casing of the bullet - I took a wire ramrod along to eject the casing. This was my first gun (I wasn't very proud of it because it didn't work too well), but it was extra-special because it was given to me by my father. One day my Dad purchased a single shot 16 Ga. shotgun for me. I really began to get the squirrels with that beauty! Now maybe I had the "best gun in the woods"!
My Dad was a trader. I don't ever remember him as ever being the owner of a new automobile. He traded his in on another - then he would paint it. The wheels were invariably painted red. We would just cringe and try to enjoy our "new" car.

Before I was old enough to start school, we lived on a 40 acre farm way out in the woods. I used to ride up to the gate with him in the morning to open and close it for him and then I'd walk back to the house. In the evening when he came home from work, I'd run out and jump up on the running-board of the car and say, "What did you bring home for your baby today?" Sometimes it would be the meat rinds from his bacon, sometimes it would be an orange, but it was always a thrill to see what he would bring me each day. I was still his "Baby Boy" when I was forty years old.

Anyway, we had no electricity, but my Dad had a battery powered radio. He used automobile batteries, I think. He ran an aerial from the house out to a pine tree some distance from the house. When we moved closer to his work, we bought a home in the little village
beside a large lake. He owned one of the first radios in the village. Friends used to come to visit and sit on our front porch and listen to the radio. The Lum and Abner program was a hit then.
He loved music! He would sit on our porch and play his banjo for all to hear. We had lots of fun on that old porch. Anyone that could play an instrument would join in and some good sounds came forth for us to enjoy.

He owned a large Harley motorcycle and I enjoyed riding with him. When I got out of high school, I purchased an old Indian motorcycle for $50. I guess it just runs in the family.
My Dad made a sawmill in our side yard. He used a small automobile engine for power. He would saw up cedar logs into rough boards, and our neighbor, being a skilled carpenter, made beautiful furniture and cedar chests out of the lumber.

When we went on a trip, my Dad didn't like to use road maps. His theory was that if you used a map put out by a particular gas company, the map would steer you past their gas pumps and thus not necessarily get you to where you were going in the most direct route.

My Dad used to tell us about Frank James (Jesse's Brother). I was never convinced about those stories. I wanted to believe, but that part of his life will always remain a mystery to me.

One day, Dad and I were out fishing and were thinking about coming home when he cast his lure into some dollar sized lily pads and there was a big swirl and he tried to reel in the fish. The fish and bait got all tangled up in the pads and we had to row over to the spot. When we got the lure and fish into the boat, it was an eight pound bass. He was so thrilled that I had to take him over to one of his friend's home to weigh it. Of course he wanted to show off his catch also!

In closing, I'd like to share a very touching story, at least for me. I was reported as missing in action and ended up as a POW in Germany. When I returned home, my Dad said, "I want you to come with me." We went out to the garage and he pointed to a spoon stuck in the side of
the wall. He told me to take it down. He said, "When you left to go overseas, I put that spoon in that crack and said that you were the only one that was going to take it down." That was my Dad.

Published in: Southern Argus, Thursday, May 7, 1908

TO THE VOTERS OF HERNANDO COUNTY:

As a faithful public servant, I offer myself a candidate for re election to the important office of Superintendent of Public Instruction of Hernando County, subject to the action of the democratic primaries.

In offering myself as a candidate for re-election, I desire to thank you most sincerely for the repeated endorsements you have given me at the polls, and to assure you of my profound gratitude. I also thank you for the able and willing assistance extended me in the performance of my official duties. Without your aid no effort of mine could have made the schools of Hernando County a success.

I ask for your suffrages for the following reasons:

1. Almost a lifetime's experience in superintending the instruction of children in Sunday and public schools has made me familiar with the details of the work and efficient in putting in operation the best and most [successful methods] of instruction.

2. I have been so long separated by life's devotion to the cause of education from other occupations and interests that I am better qualified for the superintendent's duties than any other, and, being so long accustomed to the work, I would not feel at home in following any other occupation.

3.Although the schools have flourished and reached a high point of efficiency under my hand, and the fine reputation of Hernando county schools has become state wide, I feel that I can yet be a benefit to the schools and bring them up to a higher state of proficiency and usefulness, and a larger and brighter reputation.

I promise should you trust me with the office to understand and maintain the following:

1. To administer the affairs of the office and the schools as to finances, with the utmost care and economy, consistent with the highest, best and most practical education of the children. No money shall be wasted, no graft permitted if I can prevent it.

2. To maintain and operate the best schools possible in all the communities in the county where they can be lawfully maintained; to give the small isolated schools all necessary attention, adequate facilities of instruction and best teach….

[Points 3 through 5 illegible.]

6. Patrons and trustees shall be consulted and their wishes ascertained on all questions affecting their schools.

7. No school money shall be wasted or extravagantly spent, but every effort will be put forth to make every dollar bring the highest and best results in the education and mental and moral development of the children of the public schools.

8. Every school in the county shall have the privilege and opportunity to run at least eight months in the year, if patrons desire it.

9. I, as superintendent, pledge myself to be the servant of the whole people, and not of a clique or factor, thereof.

I have tried to make you a good school superintendent in the past; I will do my best to make you a better one in the future.
Should I receive your suffrages and be re-elected, I shall feel profoundly grateful and highly honored, that you have called me to put forth the highest and noblest efforts of my life.
Should you give your support and the office to another, I shall submit my most loyally and patriotically to your decision, and willingly do all I can as a private citizen to advance the cause of education, which I love better than any other of a secular nature.
Soliciting your suffrages and support at the polls on May 19, I subscribe myself,

Your obedient and faithful servant,

A.M.C. RUSSELL.
Brooksville, Fla., May 7, 1908.

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EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Southern Argus was published by A.M.C Russell or Russell Publishing. In addition to publishing and holding the Superintendent's position, Russell was a businessman, postmaster, mayor and reverend. It has been stated that during his tenure as Superintendent, Hernando County schools rose to be considered first among Florida schools. Although elections are coming up this year, the Superintendent is not a position on the ballot. Today, the Superintendent is appointed by the school board.

TALLAHASSEE– The Museum of Florida History is pleased to announce the winners of the annual Florida History Fair (FHF) contest held in Tallahassee May 1–3. More than 50,000 students from around Florida participated in Florida History Fair this year and the top entries from each county competed at the state contest. At the event, outstanding history teachers from across the state were also recognized and presented with awards.

“The students and teachers who participated in this year’s Florida History Fair are a shining example of the talent and creativity in Florida schools,” said Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “I’d like to recognize all of the students who devoted hours to researching their topics and perfecting their presentations, including the award winners who will represent Florida at the National History Day contest in Washington, D.C. I’d also like to recognize the teachers honored with awards this year whose dedication inspires students to cultivate their interest in history.”

More than 1,120 middle and high school students presented award-winning research in a variety of mediums including, documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances and websites. The top two placements of each category are invited to represent Florida at the National History Day (NHD) contest in College Park, Maryland, June 12–16.

Hernando County winners:
2nd Place - Harlem Renaissance
Senior Group Performance
Jasmine Jean-Marie, Weeki Wachee High School
Hannah Jean-Marie, Weeki Wachee High School
Madeline Jean-Marie, Weeki Wachee High School

3rd Place Jackie Cochran and the WASP, Encountering WWII
Junior Individual Documentary
William An, Powell Middle School

3rd Place Sergei Korolev: the Seacoast of the Universe
Senior Group Documentary
Dustin Faulkenberry, Frank W. Springstead High School
Stefanos Belavilas, Frank W. Springstead High School
Will Rainsberger, Frank W. Springstead High School

When we spoke with Melba Peters Ward, Istachatta Historian, in 2015, she expressed a desire to change the name Lake Townsen to reflect its historical namesake Francis M. Townsend and original name Lake Townsend. This would require re-adding a "d" to Townsen. Mrs. Ward expressed a desire to hand draw a D on the Lake Townsen to correct the historical mistake. As a tribute to Mrs. Ward after her passing a group of people set out to correct the name of Lake Townsen.

Part of the process of changing the name is to make a request to the USGS, approved by the local government. Assistant County Administrator Ron Pianta helped to shepherd this through the process. On January 12th, the USGS Lake Townsen name change to Lake Townsend was approved through the consent agenda at the County Commission meeting.

A representative of the group meet with Mr. Pianta to fill out and submit the USGS application. Last week, the county received a response to the name change request. The state of Florida does not have any issues with the renaming of Lake Townsen to Lake Townsend, but the Florida Department of Environmental Protection requests "proper recognition" of the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program on new signage created.

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names have informed the Seminole Tribe of Florida and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, both of which have interests in Hernando County. They are awaiting input from the tribes on the potential name change.

If it is accepted, then the name change will be reflected on search engines and online maps such as google when the receive the updated name. As signs need to be replaced, Lake Townsend will be used on new signs. This process will most likely take several years, but eventually we hope Mrs. Melba Peters Ward will get her wish and the d will be returned to Lake Townsend.

On September 29, 1877 the original Hernando County courthouse burned down. According to the Oct. 6, 1877 edition of the Sunland Tribune it was not an accident "From the rapidity with which the flames spread there is little doubt but that the incendiary made free use of kerosene oil. The floors had just been carpeted with a layer of sawdust in preparation of the expected term of court, and it is surmised that this offered a good medium next the walls and partitions for saturation with the inflammable fluid."

The burning of the courthouse highlighted a time of turmoil for the county. The probable reason for the 1877 arson of the courthouse and the following arson of the building storing the records in 1879 was to stop a grand jury investigation into the murders of Arthur St. Clair an African American Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives and Henry Lloyd a man who had come to his aid. Several notable public figures were murdered as they looked into these events including Sheriff David L. Hedick and County Judge William Center.

The years following the Civil War was a time of lawlessness throughout the south. During the civil war both sides used raiders who seized supplies needed for the war effort and destroyed what was left behind. Some of the raiders continued this activity after the war.

In the south, the Civil War left behind a destroyed infrastructure. One of the tactics that led to winning the war was to destroy train tracks, crops, and bridges, which left the south unable to supply their troops. After the war this lack of infrastructure left hobbled the south's ability to rebuild.

According to the 1860 census Florida's population was approximately 140,000 people. Of the 15,000 Floridians who fought in the Civil War a third never returned home; many more carried injuries, both mental and physical for the rest of their lives. The injured Confederate soldiers were not given disability benefits and had to take care of themselves and their family as best they could or starve trying.
There was a fight between moderate Republicans and Democrats and the Radical Republicans over whether they should punish the south or work to reintegrate them. The Radical Republicans wanted to see the south punished for their succession.

For several years after the Civil War the south was under military rule. Many soldiers were stationed throughout the south to maintain order. Under the Radical Republicans, Congress passed a number of Reconstruction Acts. These acts required that the southern states rewrite their constitutions. There were laws that prevented Confederate officers and officials from holding office and in some cases voting. For a while, many of the elected officials were former slaves and northerners. During Reconstruction fifty-two of the sixty individuals who served in the Congress from the south were ex-Union soldiers. Lands were seized and redistributed. Florida was readmitted to the Union in 1868.

This was the climate of lawlessness during the Civil War. Many in the south felt that the United States had treated them unfairly and they resented it. This contributed to a lack of faith in government and the law.

The bloody civil war had also changed many of the people. They had seen plenty of death and were no longer shocked by it. There were also lots of diseases that swept through the area, killing many people. This is the background that needs to be kept in mind when trying to understand the bloody 1860's and 1870's.

Take for example a well known Brooksvillian Frank Saxon. He returned from the Civil War limping from a wound and married a widow Marena May, whose husband John had passed away from tuberculosis. Frank and Marena had a boy Frank who passed away as an infant. They then had another child, a daughter Jessie May. Marena passed away in childbirth and Jessie May only lived to three years old.

It's important to examine the actions of the people of this time period within the context of the hardships they were experiencing. Comforts that we have today did not exist. There was no mosquito spraying, air conditioning, or indoor plumbing. The illnesses of the day claimed many lives influenza, malaria, typhoid, dysentery, cholera, and tuberculosis among others.

TALLAHASSEE– The Museum of Florida History is pleased to announce the winners of the annual Florida History Fair (FHF) contest held in Tallahassee May 1–3. More than 50,000 students from around Florida participated in Florida History Fair this year and the top entries from each county competed at the state contest. At the event, outstanding history teachers from across the state were also recognized and presented with awards.

“The students and teachers who participated in this year’s Florida History Fair are a shining example of the talent and creativity in Florida schools,” said Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “I’d like to recognize all of the students who devoted hours to researching their topics and perfecting their presentations, including the award winners who will represent Florida at the National History Day contest in Washington, D.C. I’d also like to recognize the teachers honored with awards this year whose dedication inspires students to cultivate their interest in history.”

More than 1,120 middle and high school students presented award-winning research in a variety of mediums including, documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances and websites. The top two placements of each category are invited to represent Florida at the National History Day (NHD) contest in College Park, Maryland, June 12–16.

Hernando County winners:
2nd Place - Harlem Renaissance
Senior Group Performance
Jasmine Jean-Marie, Weeki Wachee High School
Hannah Jean-Marie, Weeki Wachee High School
Madeline Jean-Marie, Weeki Wachee High School

3rd Place Jackie Cochran and the WASP, Encountering WWII
Junior Individual Documentary
William An, Powell Middle School

3rd Place Sergei Korolev: the Seacoast of the Universe
Senior Group Documentary
Dustin Faulkenberry, Frank W. Springstead High School
Stefanos Belavilas, Frank W. Springstead High School
Will Rainsberger, Frank W. Springstead High School

When we spoke with Melba Peters Ward, Istachatta Historian, in 2015, she expressed a desire to change the name Lake Townsen to reflect its historical namesake Francis M. Townsend and original name Lake Townsend. This would require re-adding a "d" to Townsen. Mrs. Ward expressed a desire to hand draw a D on the Lake Townsen to correct the historical mistake. As a tribute to Mrs. Ward after her passing a group of people set out to correct the name of Lake Townsen.

Part of the process of changing the name is to make a request to the USGS, approved by the local government. Assistant County Administrator Ron Pianta helped to shepherd this through the process. On January 12th, the USGS Lake Townsen name change to Lake Townsend was approved through the consent agenda at the County Commission meeting.

A representative of the group meet with Mr. Pianta to fill out and submit the USGS application. Last week, the county received a response to the name change request. The state of Florida does not have any issues with the renaming of Lake Townsen to Lake Townsend, but the Florida Department of Environmental Protection requests "proper recognition" of the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program on new signage created.

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names have informed the Seminole Tribe of Florida and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, both of which have interests in Hernando County. They are awaiting input from the tribes on the potential name change.

If it is accepted, then the name change will be reflected on search engines and online maps such as google when the receive the updated name. As signs need to be replaced, Lake Townsend will be used on new signs. This process will most likely take several years, but eventually we hope Mrs. Melba Peters Ward will get her wish and the d will be returned to Lake Townsend.

On September 29, 1877 the original Hernando County courthouse burned down. According to the Oct. 6, 1877 edition of the Sunland Tribune it was not an accident "From the rapidity with which the flames spread there is little doubt but that the incendiary made free use of kerosene oil. The floors had just been carpeted with a layer of sawdust in preparation of the expected term of court, and it is surmised that this offered a good medium next the walls and partitions for saturation with the inflammable fluid."

The burning of the courthouse highlighted a time of turmoil for the county. The probable reason for the 1877 arson of the courthouse and the following arson of the building storing the records in 1879 was to stop a grand jury investigation into the murders of Arthur St. Clair an African American Republican candidate for the Florida House of Representatives and Henry Lloyd a man who had come to his aid. Several notable public figures were murdered as they looked into these events including Sheriff David L. Hedick and County Judge William Center.

The years following the Civil War was a time of lawlessness throughout the south. During the civil war both sides used raiders who seized supplies needed for the war effort and destroyed what was left behind. Some of the raiders continued this activity after the war.

In the south, the Civil War left behind a destroyed infrastructure. One of the tactics that led to winning the war was to destroy train tracks, crops, and bridges, which left the south unable to supply their troops. After the war this lack of infrastructure left hobbled the south's ability to rebuild.

According to the 1860 census Florida's population was approximately 140,000 people. Of the 15,000 Floridians who fought in the Civil War a third never returned home; many more carried injuries, both mental and physical for the rest of their lives. The injured Confederate soldiers were not given disability benefits and had to take care of themselves and their family as best they could or starve trying.
There was a fight between moderate Republicans and Democrats and the Radical Republicans over whether they should punish the south or work to reintegrate them. The Radical Republicans wanted to see the south punished for their succession.

For several years after the Civil War the south was under military rule. Many soldiers were stationed throughout the south to maintain order. Under the Radical Republicans, Congress passed a number of Reconstruction Acts. These acts required that the southern states rewrite their constitutions. There were laws that prevented Confederate officers and officials from holding office and in some cases voting. For a while, many of the elected officials were former slaves and northerners. During Reconstruction fifty-two of the sixty individuals who served in the Congress from the south were ex-Union soldiers. Lands were seized and redistributed. Florida was readmitted to the Union in 1868.

This was the climate of lawlessness during the Civil War. Many in the south felt that the United States had treated them unfairly and they resented it. This contributed to a lack of faith in government and the law.

The bloody civil war had also changed many of the people. They had seen plenty of death and were no longer shocked by it. There were also lots of diseases that swept through the area, killing many people. This is the background that needs to be kept in mind when trying to understand the bloody 1860's and 1870's.

Take for example a well known Brooksvillian Frank Saxon. He returned from the Civil War limping from a wound and married a widow Marena May, whose husband John had passed away from tuberculosis. Frank and Marena had a boy Frank who passed away as an infant. They then had another child, a daughter Jessie May. Marena passed away in childbirth and Jessie May only lived to three years old.

It's important to examine the actions of the people of this time period within the context of the hardships they were experiencing. Comforts that we have today did not exist. There was no mosquito spraying, air conditioning, or indoor plumbing. The illnesses of the day claimed many lives influenza, malaria, typhoid, dysentery, cholera, and tuberculosis among others.

In 1968, the United States was in the throes of the Vietnam War, Richard Nixon was elected President, and Spring Hill was established. It is hard to imagine how the mega land developer, Deltona Corporation, would choose to develop this unspoiled piece of Florida.

The Mackle Brothers created the Deltona Corporation to build their Florida communities. They created the name Deltona by combining Daytona and Delray. It was through Deltona Corporation that Spring Hill, an unincorporated area of Hernando County between Clearwater and Brooksville, was planned and built.

Frank Mackle, III, explained Spring Hill’s location, “Between Clearwater and Brooksville were miles and miles of raw land: gently rolling, oak tree covered and lake dotted.” So the western portion of Hernando County was converted to the unincorporated census tract we know today. It was the Mackles’ third Deltona Corporation community.

The Mackles began building Florida homes in 1938. By 1954, they had built over 10,000 houses in the Miami-Dade area. They were pioneers in selling Florida land through General Development Corporation, advertising that “for $10 down and $10/month, you could own a piece of the Florida dream.” It was to this end that they began developing planned communities after WWII.

The Mackle brothers, Frank Jr., Robert and Elliott, purchased 21,440 acres of land for their newest community. In typical Deltona fashion, they master-planned for 15,000 acres and left the rest as “inventory.”

At the time of the opening, Deltona Corp. had built 5 miles of roads, 15 model homes, an administrative building, a sales office and a water and sewage system and not much more.
In the master plan for Spring Hill were seven school sites, 23 church sites, 500 acres of commercial-business property, and 165 acres for future industrial development. Two golf courses and two housing cores were included.

At the entrance to this grand community, Deltona Corporation constructed a park that featured a beautiful waterfall fountain with 3 large flagpoles to welcome prospective buyers.

Spring Hill opened to huge crowds in May of 1967. Sales of home sites went at a record pace and the 28,500 platted lots were essentially sold out in three years!

Today, there isn’t much left of the “glory days” of Spring Hill’s development. The Deltona Corp’s sales office has been converted into smaller offices and the brick pillars which once bordered the park are still there, but they look out of place along the easement of US 19. I would guess that the ropes or boards that once made a quaint fence have long rotted away in Florida’s hot sun and wicked rainstorms.

Most of the Spring Hill homes that Deltona Corporation built are 2 bedroom, 1 ½ bath structures with a single car garage, targeting the limited-income retiree. In the 1980s, many of these homes were remarketed to Pinellas County dwellers – again, as a low-cost alternative.

The intersection of Spring Hill Drive and US19 is still marked by the same beautiful waterfall today, but by 2011, it had fallen into disrepair. No longer did the letters sparkle or the water flow.

Hernando County Parks Department had cared for the landmark off and on since the 1980s. 2011 was a horrific budget year for Parks and Rec and the decision was made to cease its maintenance. There was concern over the Waterfall sitting idle and its working parts ceasing up.

Hernando County tried to get Withlacoochee River Electric Coop to step in and repair the electric, but they were turned down. There was public outcry that Spring Hill would lose its main landmark. But what to do?

The Spring Hill Garden Club took on the project of restoring and maintaining the Waterfall. It was costly and labor-intensive. The Club’s members began with a “Save the Waterfall” rally in January 2011.

In response, the community came together with donation drives and fundraisers to ensure necessary repairs would be made and operation of the waterfall continue. Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative came out and repaired the electric, installing lights to illuminate the flagpoles at night with some of the proceeds. Area businesses, as well as individual residents, worked together, raising money for this community cause.Within a few months, the Waterfall was refurbished and operating! In 2014, the Garden Club returned the maintenance of the Waterfall back to Hernando County.

The landscaping is still under the willing hands of the Spring Hill Garden Club, which operates out of the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, 1489 Parker Avenue, Spring Hill. There are 21 themed gardens which the Garden Club maintains.

If you would like to help with maintaining the waterfall landscaping, please gather with the members on location Saturday mornings. Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary!

Hernando Beach is a misnomer, it is actually a canal home community with a channel leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. This is a great spot for someone who has a boat or loves fishing. There are also a number of shrimpers and fishermen who work out of the area. Life in Hernando Beach revolves around the water.

Linda Pedersen Park at 6300 Shoal Line Blvd. in Hernando Beach offers the closest thing to a beach you will find. It has a sandy recreational area and allows swimming in places. The park also offers fishing, an observation tower, picnicking and amenities such as showers, playground, grills, a community building and restrooms. Many enjoy watching the manatees in Jenkins Creek.
Minnow Creek is the northern boundary of Hernando Beach. It has lured fishermen to the area for many years.

South of Minnow Creek, the fingerlike outcroppings of Hernando Beach were created using the earth dug out of mining operations along the coast, as well as dredging. Environmental laws put into place in the 70's prevent this type of development today. Hernando Beach, prior to the 1950's was wetlands and the restrictions on wetland development in 1971 stopped further growth of Hernando Beach.

Developer, Charlie Sasser purchased the area now known as Hernando Beach in 1965. A tall pine tree which an eagle nested on each year was used as a landmark to attract potential buyers. Today Eagle's Nest Drive on Hernando Beach commemorates this tree which was struck by lightning and later removed. Sasser also held a fish fry dinner every Sunday featuring fresh catch from the Gulf.
The first buyers were northerners who built vacation homes, Florida residents who built second homes and retirees.

In 1973, while the roads were still privately owned by Charles Sasser, residents complained about potholes, lack of curbs and collapsed spillways. The development was constructed before the county created any subdivision standards so they could not force any improvements. The county refused to acquire the roads until roads were brought up to current standards. In 1976 the county accepted the maintenance of roads in units 1-12.

There were ongoing lawsuits between Sasser and state and federal agencies on ownership of submerged property to be included in the development.
In 1979, there were 700 homes in Hernando Beach; 2100 lots with Gulf access and an additional 520 that were landlocked.

The Hernando Beach Yacht Club has provided various events and boating oriented recreation throughout the years. In 1983 Hernando Beach Yacht Club started an annual seafood festival fundraiser. The Yacht club offers its members a variety of activities including sailing regattas, off shore fishing expeditions, a weekly dinner on Wednesday night, as well a Christmas boat parade. There is also a Hernando Beach Club directly on the Gulf which offers similar social activities.

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-8 has served the area for 43 years. Coast guard auxiliary flotillas provide boater safety education, safety patrols and search and rescue operations among many other functions. Members are all volunteers. The coast guard auxiliary program itself was created in 1939.

VFW Post #9236 is also located in Hernando Beach. They hold monthly fish fries, beach breakfasts and spaghetti dinners.

In 1993 the "no name storm" also known as the "storm of the century" hit the area at high tide. The storm surge was recorded as high as 12 feet in Hernando County. This flooded many of the homes that had a ground floor.

The Hernando County Channel runs into the northern end of Hernando Beach. In 2012, the Hernando County channel was dredged with a controlling depth of 6 feet and a 60 foot minimum width. The channel was built in 1960 with similar dimensions and last had dredging work done in 1985. Since 1985, the channel had filled in significantly putting boaters at risk. A concern for seagrasses caused the Army Corp of Engineers to back out of the project in 2004. Then in 2011, county engineers downsized the scope of the project and eliminated rerouting parts of the channel, so that the work could be done through county maintenance permitting.

Although Hernando Beach does not have a beach on the Gulf of Mexico, it is a great place for people who love the water.

June 18, 2016 – Brooksville, FL – Sixty people arrived at Chinsegut Hill Manor House, gathering on the magnificent wrap-around porch for the evening’s festivities to benefit one of Brooksville’s historic treasures.

The sky was ominous, but Sherry Pedonesi, Friends of Chinsegut Hill’s President, lit up the area with her welcoming smile as she served chilled lemon-infused water to guests. Hors d’ovres, including marinated olives, spicy feta, hummus, mushroom pate and crackers were generously laid out for the first course of this five-course dinner event.

At 6:10 p.m., the skies opened to shower the Hill’s guests as they walked from the Manor House to the Dining Hall under cover of umbrellas. Inside the air conditioned hall, the next four courses and our interactive history lesson were served family-style.

The meal quality was gourmet. Soup, salad, rice, stuffed pork loin and berry compote dessert were consumed while participants learned about Raymond Robins: his activities, loves and his political prowess. Each table was instructed to come up with a scenario explaining what happened to Raymond Robins after he disappeared September 3, 1932, from the City Club in Manhattan. He was supposed to be enroute to talk with President Hoover in Washington, D.C. but he never arrived.

Table teams were given newspaper clippings from the time, providing details as to what may have happened to Raymond Robins that fateful night. Twelve theories were shared with each of the teams, including being killed by mobsters for his pro-prohibition activities, being kidnapped by Russian imperialists, problems with Brooksville bankers, and amnesia. Each table was instructed to come up with their own theory of what happened to the famous Chinsegut resident, political activist and economist.

Several fun prizes were awarded for the most unusual, best thought out and most creative stories submitted by the table teams. Laughter rang through the Dining Hall, as each table’s story was shared.

Finally, Jason Kahler shared with attendees what actually happened to Raymond Robins, who had succumbed to an amnesia episode and gone to Whittier, North Carolina. After declaring himself to be Raymond Rogers, a mining student from Kentucky, Raymond Robins settled into the small town for over months before he was identified by one of the town’s residents and pointed out to Federal Agents. It took three visits from his wife, Margaret Drier, for Raymond to recognize her. He was taken to a sanitarium for a short visit until he declared himself healthy again and then returned to Chinsegut to spend his remaining years.

Another fun-filled 5 course dinner event is scheduled for September 24 and features historical information about JC Penney and his visits to Chinsegut. Luncheon on the Hill, featuring a $10 luncheon is held the first Wednesday of each month and includes information about Chinsegut Hill life and its residents.

They Raymonds are buried under the Altar Oak on the Chinsegut property, where visitors can enjoy tours of the Manor House for only $5 Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm, Saturday, 10am – 5pm, or Sunday, 12pm – 6pm, walk the grounds at no charge, spend the night at the Chinsegut Retreat Center’s cabins or rent the Manor House for weddings and events. For more information, please contact 352-799-5400.

The painting above by John Lewis Krimmel depicts celebrations in Philadelphia in 1819. Here in Hernando County in the year 2016, much of our celebrations will be similar, with music, jubilation, flags flying high, marches, children playing, political discussions accompanied by food and beverage as well as vendors selling their wares.

While the 1819 celebration lacked food trucks and demolition derbies the camaraderie of the gathering is apparent and all seem to be enjoying themselves. Organizations in Hernando County are offering a variety of celebrations that will hopefully evoke such fellowship and enjoyment for community residents.

The Masaryktown Community Center is hosting the Freedom Fest on July 3rd 11AM to 6PM, featuring a car show, music, vendors and a food truck rally. It is free and open to the public. The Masaryktown Community Center is located at 539 Lincoln Ave. For more information about the event call 352-345-4818.

The much anticipated Firecracker Smash 'm Up will be held at the Hernando County fairgrounds starting at 4PM on July 4th. There will be a variety of live music and a demolition derby that starts at 7PM. Fireworks will start after the derby. The cost is $10 to park. If you'd like to see the derby, adults cost $10 and children cost $5. They recommend bringing chairs or blankets to watch the fireworks. The Hernando County fairgrounds is located at 6436 Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601.
If you can't live without a traditional Fourth of July parade, do not fret. You'll be able to catch the High Point parade featuring fire rescue vehicles, decorated golf carts, horses, antique cars and Scout troops. The parade lines up at the High Point bus stop near Cortez Blvd, and makes it way up High Point Blvd to Club House Road. At the conclusion of the parade, there will be a Posting of the Colors ceremony at the community center, followed by refreshments. The parade is free and open to the public. The address for the High Point Community is 12249 Clubhouse Road Brooksville, FL 34613. For more information contact Sylvia at 352-596-6006.

The Hernando County Sportsmans Club is offering a prelude of sorts to the excitement and blasts of the July 4th fireworks and demolition derby. They are having a July 4th Machine Gun Shoot starting at 9:30AM. Participants can bring their own machine gun or rent one from a vendor. Several cars, trucks and assorted targets will be destroyed. No tracers or incendiary ammo. Must be 18 years old to shoot. Please bring your own eye and ear protection, even if you are a spectator and especially for small children. Food and soft drinks will be available for purchase in the clubhouse. For additional information call (352) 597-9931. Hernando Sportsmans Club is located at 16121 Commercial Way, Brooksville, FL 34614.

Hernando County July 4th Celebrations from Years Past:

• In 1938, the Brooksville Townsend Club celebrated with a picnic featuring addresses by prominent citizens along with music and games at Wayside Park

• In 1958, Clark Cagle organized a "Persons born on July 4th" picnic in Brooksville

• In 1960, the streets of Brooksville were lined with flags. Twenty beauty contestants participated in a talent contest and parade at the fairgrounds. A ceremony at the bandshell at city park included speeches by Senator James E. Connor and Representative John Law Ayers in addition to the performance of local choirs. Festivities continued after the morning ceremony at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds festivities included fireworks at 8pm and the announcing of the beauty contest winners. There was also a dance held at the Masaryktown Community Center on July 2nd.

• In 1975, celebrations featured Go Kart races at the track off of Mondon Hill Road sponsored by the Lions Club. Special races included a powder puff race of beauticians from a local beauty shop and a celebrities race.

• On July 2nd, 1977, rain ruined the three day Brookville Civil Air patrol fair where they were planning to put on a mock World War II attack. The organizer of the event was happy that at least the rain brought an end to a drought.

Colonel Raymond Robins had fond memories of his first years in Hernando County. Raymond was sent to live with relatives here after his father lost his inheritance and his mother was committed to an insane asylum. Raymond Robins spent seven years in Brooksville with his first cousin, Mrs. McKay. McKay acted as a foster mother to Robins. The family lived in Bodine Grove, a 100 acre orange grove started by McKay's father Dr. Bodine. As a child he visited the Snow family several times at their home on the top of what is now called Chinsegut Hill. He returned in later life to buy the Chinsegut estate with the help of his sister.

Raymond's sister was the famous actress Elizabeth Robins. She moved to England as a young lady and became known as "Ibsen's High Priestess" for her performances in Henrik Ibsen's plays. She socialized with the likes of H. G. Wells, Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.

Although Raymond had only one year of formal schooling before attending college, he graduated in 1896 from George Washington University (then Columbian College) where he studied law. He worked a diverse array of jobs as a lawyer, miner, in mining relations, and as a labor activist.

Raymond married Margaret Dreier in 1905, an independently wealth labor activist. Margaret was president of the Women's Trade Union League (WTUL) for fifteen years starting in 1907. Under Margaret's leadership the WTUL led the push to unionize woman workers.

Raymond worked with a number of Presidents. He campaigned for Presidential Candidate William Jennings Bryan the cousin of the Florida Governor William Sherman Jennings from Brooksville. He was a close friend of Theodore Roosevelt and was considered for a cabinet position in President Calvin Coolidge’s administration. He was an advisor to Herbert Hoover and worked closely with Franklin Delano Roosevelt urging him to establish diplomatic relations with Russia.

Chinsegut was a gathering spot for the rich and famous of the time. Robins would entertain the dignitaries on the Hill or at his house on Bimini Isle on the Gulf of Mexico. Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, and James Cash (J.C.) Penney were a few of the leaders of business, science, and politics that stayed with Robins.

In 1929, the stock market crash wiped out much of Margaret's fortune. Raymond had been involved with the First National Bank since moving to Florida in 1923 and became the chairman of the bank.

Perhaps one of the most significant impacts the Robins had on this area was their backing of the First National Bank in Brooksville during the Depression. The majority of small country banks were folding during this time. The savings of farmers and townspeople disappeared with the downfall of the bank.

The Robins, realizing the seriousness of the situation backed the First National Bank with what was left of their fortune, preventing its failure. The Robins did this at great personal financial loss. In a statement following First National's merger with Hernando State Bank, the Robins explained, "We are not bankers, and we acquired the majority control of the First National bank to save depositors from loss and to prevent other unhappy conditions in our community in the after boom and subsequent depression years. To achieve these results, including the safety of deposits and integrity of the First National bank, we took personally a heavy financial loss."

In September of 1932, after a tour of hundreds of cities campaigning in favor of prohibition he disappeared. He checked out of the City Club of New York and headed on his way to a White House Council with President Hoover. He never arrived at his destination. The press at the time assumed that the mob or other pro-alcohol elements had kidnapped or killed him.

Colonel Robins' whereabouts were unknown for two months. He was found in the mountains of North Carolina in the town of Whitaker with a population of 500. He was described as suffering from amnesia. Residents of the North Carolina town said he came to the area in early September "tramping the mountains and looking for minerals." While living in the North Carolina town, he went by the name of Raymond Rogers and also gave speeches supporting re-election of his friend Herbert Hoover. He wore overalls and grew a beard. He built a tree stand or "look out" on a mountain behind the hotel he was staying.

Prohibition agents were in Whitaker, NC on separate business, when a barber named Frank Redmond told them about the resemblance of "Raymond Rogers" to a newspaper clipping he had of Raymond Robins. Robins may have actually suffered from an amnesia type episode or he may have had a mental breakdown. Robins was under a tremendous amount of pressure financially after backing the First National Bank. He put Chinsegut up for sale, but was unable to find a buyer.

First National was merged with Hernando State Bank in February of 1939 in order to create a single stronger institution. The Robins explained within the same statement, "The merger of the First National bank of Brooksville with the Hernando State Bank should make the latter one of the strongest and most prosperous country town banks in Florida. There has never been sufficient business to support two prosperous banks in Brooksville."

Three years before the merger, Colonel Robins fell from a tree in 1935 resulting in permanent paralysis from the waist down. The Robins cited this injury as a reason why they desired "to be relieved from the responsibility of a bank."

Raymond was an invalid for the last years of his life. During his life he traveled a long way from his birth in Staten Island, New York on September 17, 1873 to his death on September 26, 1954 at the age of 81 and burial at Chinsegut. From Finding gold in Alaska to heading the expedition for the American Red Cross in Russia, Colonel Raymond Robins certainly saw the world.

The mysterious disappearance of Raymond Robins is a small part of a life dotted with many intriguing elements. We hope to discover more about Colonel Raymond Robins in articles to come.