Issue of Thurs. January 14, 1926
A community of 60 families all of which have been assembled since last February is the record set by Harry Nobles, developer of Nobleton, it was announced this week.
Since Mr. Nobles began work last February on his project, which is ten miles northeast of Brooksvillle on the Withlacoochee River, more than ninety houses have been erected, streets have been graded, a water system installed and electricity will be available within the next few days. There are also a grocery store, hardware store and lumber yard at the town all of which are now open for business.
Mr. Nobles stated that his purpose in developing in Nobleton was first to build houses and have residences available for occupancy at all times.
"I am reversing the usual proceedings in the building of a new community," Mr. Nobles said. "Houses are the first and principal issue with me. I want to have places for people to live. There are too many subdivisions in Florida with excellent streets and sidewalks but no residents. They would have people in them if more attention had been devoted to building houses and less to landscape gardening."
"At Nobleton I may not make as big a profit as some of the other developers would, but I shall have a substantial community. I am keeping prices reasonable for I believe we can get more permanent residents for Florida by giving them lower prices and better values."
Mr. Nobles said he conceived the plan for his development after visiting numerous tourist camps throughout the state. He said he found that there he found thousands of substantial people who did not feel they were justified in paying high rentals in the larger cities and at the same time felt that they could not afford to place $8000 or $10,000 in a home.
"The class that comes down to enjoy the outdoors, just the same as northern vacationists do in summer are the ones for whom I am working," Mr. Nobles declared. "They want to play and hunt and fish. They are not interested in society but… (illegible)"
Roque and tennis courts are being built for the use of residents while row boats and a motor boat are available now for the use of anglers at Nobleton.
Mr. Nobles said that before spring there will be 120 families more either living at Nobleton or planning to make their residences there next season. Ground was staked last week for six more houses and plans are under way whereby the building program of last winter calling for 15 houses a month will be continued through the present season.
A force of carpenters, electricians and masons are employed continuously at Nobleton. A plant has been installed for manufacturing brick, while the lumber yards are equipped for turning out complete patterns for houses.
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Editor's note: Nobleton is a small community that lies on the Withlacoochee River in Northeastern Hernando County.