Floridiana Magazine

History. Heritage. Home.

Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival

Only in Florida can you toss mullet, dance with pirates, watch swamp buggies race, or feast on swamp cabbage—all part of the flavorful and festive traditions found across the state.

Of all the festivals I’ve been to over the years, the Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival is the only one I’ve been to where the stars of the show are slimy, wriggling, and completely unaware they’re part of the entertainment. Before I made my way to Sopchoppy, which also happens to be the Worm Gruntin’ Capital of the World, I didn’t have the faintest idea what worm grunting was all about. I mean, how exciting could coaxing worms out of the ground really be? But curiosity got the better of me—and I couldn’t resist digging in.

What is Worm Grunting?

Worm grunting is simply a method used to lure the worms out of their burrows using a wooden stob and a roopin’ iron. By driving the stob into the ground, then rubbing the roopin’ iron over the top, the result is a grunting sound that causes the stob to vibrate. This vibration is sent into the ground and is said to mimic the movement of a mole – one of the worm’s enemies – and cause the worms to surface.

Interestingly enough, in 1881, in his book “The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms,” Charles Darwin theorized this phenomenon: “It is often said that if the ground is beaten or otherwise made to tremble, worms will believe that they are being pursued by a mole and leave their burrow.” His theory was proven correct 127 years later (2008) when Vanderbilt biologist Ken Catania traveled to the Apalachicola National Forest and tested the hypothesis.

Why Sopchoppy? Why did this small Florida town become ground zero for worm grunting in the United States? 

Back before plastic lures were used for fishing, worm grunting was THE way to get live worms for bait – especially in the Apalachicola National Forest and surrounding areas due to the flatwoods and good topsoil. The worms aren’t just your run of the mill worms. These earthworms are a native species for the forest.

Sopchoppy resident Lossie Mae Rosier (1927-2011) is given credit for starting the practice of worm grunting in the area. Beginning in 1950 she began harvesting the worms and used the money she made selling them as fishing bait to raise her 11 children. (Rosier went on to be crowned the Queen of the Worm Gruntin’ Festival in 2003.)

Worm Gruntin’ Festival queen Lossie Mae Rosier with others in Sopchoppy. 2004. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

Others began to follow suit and the harvesting reached its peak in the 1960s when hundreds of worm grunters traipsed through the Apalachicola National Forest gathering millions of worms.  The popularity was so intense the Forest Service stepped in and started issuing permits out of the concern for these native worms.  Gary Revell, who calls himself the “Worm Man,” is a legend in these parts and has been worm grunting for about 70 years, learning from his father.  He says at one time there were 700 permits, but now he is one of the last ones to hold a permit.

Gary and Audrey Revell | Floridiana Magazine | Doris Keeler

Gary and his wife Audrey are still worm grunting, but on a much smaller scale. And they are annual fixtures at the Worm Gruntin’ Festival.

History of Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival

Now in its 25th year, the Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival started as a way to celebrate this tradition. Held on the second Saturday in April, the festival draws thousands of people to the Sopchoppy Depot Park. The day starts with a fun run and culminates with the Worm Grunters Ball. In between there are vendors and food trucks, live music, and the crowning of the Worm Gruntin’ Festival Queen. But probably the highlight of the day is the worm grunting contest for kids 12 and under.

Field of worm grunters. | Floridiana Magazine | Doris Keeler

Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin” Festival | Floridiana Magazine | Doris Keeler

Concentration is key to worm grunting | Floridiana Magazine | Doris Keeler

You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen these kids – armed with stakes and metal rods – get down to business in a field next to the depot.  The field, once a parking lot, is seeded with worms in advance to give these youngsters a chance at a successful haul.   And just like they are trying to coax the worms out of the ground, their moms and dads, grandparents, and other family members are there coaxing them on, offering advice, and helping to watch for the little wrigglers to emerge.

A helping hand | Floridiana Magazine | Doris Keeler

As the contest wears on, the plastic cups fill up. Some of the young grunters give up their tools to their parents. Others stick with it until the end.

Wiggly worms – the stars of the show | Floridiana Magazine | Doris Keeler

To Gary Revell, seeing the children participating creates hope that one of these kids will be inspired and take to the woods and continue the tradition.

What else is there to do in and around Sopchoppy?

Whether you are in Sopchoppy for the festival or just looking for something to do, there are a few places you don’t want to miss while you’re there.

The Sopchoppy Train Depot Museum: The museum sits in the center of town and serves as a small museum celebrating the town’s early railroad days.  Once a vital stop along the Carrabelle, Tallahassee and Georgia Railroad, the depot offers a glimpse into the town’s history and features local artifacts, photographs, and stories of the region’s development. Even the train that ran through Sopchoppy played a part in the worm grunting history, picking up worms that had been harvested and distributing them to fishing stores throughout Georgia. And yes, there’s a wall devoted to the history of worm grunting in the area.

Sopchoppy Depot Museum | Floridiana Magazine | Doris Keeler

A Stroll through Town: A walk through Sopchoppy takes the history out of the museum and onto the streets.  From the old Martha Syfrett Revell Rooming House to the historic brick buildings (circa 1900s) turned into coffee and pastry shops, Sopchoppy remains a living testament to old Florida.

Downtown Sopchoppy | Floridiana Magazine | Doris Keeler

Rooming House | Floridiana Magazine | Doris Keeler

Other Points of Interest: In addition to the local culture, visitors to the area can spend time at the Ochlockonee River State Park, the Myron B. Hodge City Park, the Sopchoppy Opry, and George Griffin Pottery.  Within a short drive of Sopchoppy is the Wakulla Springs State Park, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, and other small towns like Carrabelle.

Turns out, worm grunting is one of those wonderfully weird Florida traditions that you have to see—and hear—to believe. Between the small-town charm, the lively crowd, and the unmistakable sound of a roopin’ iron at work, the  Sopchoppy Worm Gruntin’ Festival  is yet another reason to love Florida’s quirky festival scene.

Enjoy some of my photos in the slideshow below.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Madison County, FL

Long before I started writing about Florida, Madison County was one of my favorite places to visit.  Years ago, I spent many hours researching family history with my parents. Before county records were digitized, we would visit the courthouse and leaf through pages of old marriage records, land grants, and wills. Then we would visit Elmer’s Genealogy Library (no longer in existence) or head out to some of the old cemeteries in the county. At the time, I thought that Madison County was just another small, rural county.  Today, that’s what makes it enchanting as a county that still represents old Florida.

History of Madison County

Just six years after Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821, Madison County was established in 1827 from Jefferson County and was one of 15 counties at the time.  Named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, Madison’s early economy was centered around cotton and tobacco, much like other north Florida counties at the time. After the Civil War, the county rebuilt its economy with the help of the railroad which brought new industries and people to the area. Cotton was wiped out after the arrival of the boll weevil in 1916.

Today, Madison County is home to nearly 18,500 people and the key industries include education, public administration, retail, and health care and social services.

Madison County Courthouse, Built 1912 | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Towns and Cities in Madison County

Madison, Our Attraction is Only Natural

The small town of Madison is the heart of the county, established as the county seat in 1838 during the Seminole Indian Wars.  As the main hub for government and business, it has been named one of the “Best Little Towns in Florida” by Visit Florida. Madison boasts a charming downtown historic district, with quaint antique shops, gift shops, and restaurants. One of our favorite restaurants is Grumpy’s Diner.  Great food in the heart of downtown. Don’t let the name fool you.  No matter if we are in the restaurant or shopping in one of the stores, the townspeople are friendly and hospitable.

Madison, FL Train Depot | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Grumpy’s Diner | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Greenville

About 13 miles west of the town of Madison along Highway 90 is Greenville. From the highway, there doesn’t appear to be much, but one of this town’s hidden gems is located just off 90 in the Haffye Hays Park on Broad Street. That is where you will find a life-size bronze statue of musician Ray Charles.  Created by Bradley Cooley, it was placed in the park in 2005, after Charles’ death a year earlier.  Although Charles was not born in Greenville, he and his mother moved to town when he was only a month or so old. That’s where he learned to play the piano from a local café owner. Charles’ grew up in a home on SW Ray Charles Road which has been restored by the Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation. Ray lived in Greenville until he was seven, when he was sent to The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. He continued making frequent visits to Greenville to see his mother, until she died when he was only 15.

Ray Charles Bronze Statue, Haffye Hays Park, Greenville | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Ray Charles’ Childhood Home | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Ray Charles’ Childhood Home | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Things to See and Do in Madison County:

The Treasures of Madison County Museum

When you travel to Madison County, there are a few things you must see while you’re there. First things first, a stop by the Treasures of Madison County Museum on Range Avenue. Located in the W.T. Davis Building, one of the buildings of historic importance in town, the museum offers an impressive look at the history of the county. Take a stroll through time in the museum’s exhibits. From military to medicine, to churches and vintage clothing, the space is filled with artifacts and memorabilia.

Treasures Museum in the W.T. Davis Building. Built 1890s | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Historic Walking/Driving Tour brochure | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Four Freedoms Park and Four Freedoms Monument

Four Freedoms Monument is number one on the museum’s tour brochure. Situated in the picturesque Four Freedoms Park, which takes up an entire city block, the monument commemorates the Four Freedoms identified by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his 1941 State of the Union Address: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear.  The monument is dedicated to Madison County native Colin P. Kelly, Jr., who was recognized as one of the first U.S. heroes of World War II.  It also honors other Madison County servicemen who died in WWII. The statue was originally dedicated in 1943 in Madison Square Garden in New York City to a crowd of 60,000 people. It was moved to Madison and rededicated in June of 1944.

Four Freedoms Monument, Madison County | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The park also pays tribute to the Confederate soldiers of the county. The “Our Confederate Soldiers” statue was unveiled by the Daughters of the Confederacy in 1905, and although there have been plans to remove the statue, as of May 2023, it still stands. Other memorials within the park commemorate the First Baptist Convention and Former Slaves of Madison County.

Tribute to Madison County’s Confederate Soldiers | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine (May 2023)

Madison County Courthouse

Across Base Street (Highway 90) from the park is the Madison County Courthouse.  Built in 1912, it is the county’s fourth courthouse and the third one built in the city of Madison. The first courthouse was a log building in San Pedro, which also served as the county seat from 1828-1838. The courthouse was abandoned along with the town. The second courthouse was built in 1840 and burned in 1876. It was replaced by a brick structure in 1880 which was destroyed by fire in 1912. Most of the county records, some dating back to 1831, were saved. The courthouse is still in use today.  It has never been added onto or expanded.

Madison County Courthouse as seen from the Four Freedoms Park | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Standpipe/Watertower

Behind and to the right of the courthouse is the standpipe, built in 1894 as part of the city of Madison’s first public water supply. According to the April – June 2002 issue of The Madison County, Florida Genealogical News, the tower is 100 feet tall and held 133,000 gallons of water when it was completely full. Water was free until January 1, 1895, and then consumers were charged for their usage. The standpipe is no longer in use but is believed to be one of only two standpipes still in existence in Florida.

Standpipe at the Madison County Courthouse | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center

No visit to Madison is complete without a drive by the Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center. The property sits on Highway 90 (Base Street) on the south and Marion Street on the north. Built in 1860, it served as a hospital for both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Wardlaw-Smith House | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Wardlaw-Smith House Historic Sign | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Backroads of Madison County

Of course, once you get out of downtown, the county is home to many backroads that offer beautiful views of the countryside, old churches, and old buildings. One of my favorites is Highway 53 north out of town to the Cherry Lake community or Highway 145 north into Pinetta.

Go slow, pull over to let others pass if you have to, and enjoy the scenery. Oh, and don’t be afraid to turn onto a dirt road or two. You’ll never know what you might find.

Madison County, FL Backroad | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Old Tobacco Structure, Madison County, FL Backroads | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Old Tobacco Structure, Madison County Backroads | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Shiloh Methodist Church, Madison County, FL | Photo by Doris Collins Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

How to Get There

Madison County is located north of Interstate 10 about six miles at Exit 258 (Highway 53).  From Tallahassee, travel east on U.S. 90 bout 55 miles. It is also about 112 miles west of Jacksonville.  Madison County is indeed a faraway place that’s not very far away.

Please like our post, share it on social media, and leave a comment about Madison County. And if you like Madison County, you’re sure to like Monticello.  Check it out here.

See our slideshow below for more photos from our adventures into Madison.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Havana: Florida’s Friendliest Small Town

From its heyday as a major shade tobacco producer to its popularity for antiques and vintage collectable shops, Havana is one of those small Florida towns that exudes southern charm. A walk through the museum, the shops, or a stop in one of the local restaurants provide visitors with personal experiences of why Havana is considered Florida’s Friendliest Small Town.

History of Havana

Like many small Florida towns, railroad expansion provided the catalyst for Havana’s formation. A track was completed for the Georgia, Florida and Alabama Railroad in 1902 from Cuthbert, Georgia to Tallahassee, Florida, and in 1904 the small town of Havana began to take shape. Within two years, families had moved in and businesses were opened, and in 1906, Havana was founded.  The name “Havana,” proposed by local schoolteacher James Mathewson, pays homage to the Cuban tobacco cultivated in the area. It was a crop that would carry this town until the late 1960s.

While Havana was prospering in the tobacco fields, a fire in 1916 destroyed 24 stores and residences in or near the business district. According to an article that appeared in The News Leader, Richmond, VA on Saturday, March 18, 1916, only three buildings were left standing. The town would have to rebuild.

The News Leader, Richmond, VA, March 18, 1916

Shade Tobacco History

Even though Havana was not incorporated until 1906, the history of shade tobacco farming goes back to the 1800s. Early growers discovered that if tobacco plants grew in the shade of a tree, they produced thinner outer leaves and resulted in a more delicate taste. Growers adapted to this discovery and the “shaded” fields evolved from wooden slatting to plastic mesh.

Miles Henry Womack in a field of tobacco being grown under slats – Havana, Florida. 1910 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.<https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/28703>

Magnus Delacy Peavy and his farm hands in front of a tobacco barn – Havana, Florida. 1910 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.<https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/30349>

At the peak of its tobacco farming, Havana and the surrounding areas were home to more than 2,000 tobacco barns that housed the tobacco used as the outer wrappers of cigars. Over the years, those barns have fallen prey to neglect and weather, and their numbers are nearly non-existent. If you drive around Gadsden County today, you can see some of them. There’s evidence that the property owners are trying to restore some of them.

Tobacco Barn in Gadsden County | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Tobacco Barn in Gadsden County | Photo taken by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Tobacco Barn in Gadsden County under renovation | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

At one time there were 2,000 to 3,000 people working in the industry in Havana, and the value of the crops grew to $22 million. But unfortunately, that all ended in the late 1960s. One of the main reasons was that growers in South and Central America were able to produce the wrappers at a cheaper cost. New technology also allowed the outer coverings to be produced thinner and at scale.

What to Do in Havana

Shade Tobacco Museum

First and foremost, a stop in the museum is a must. A self-guided tour provides an in-depth glimpse of a once profitable industry and the work that went into successful crops. Read about the process from cultivation to cigar making.  Get a close look at some of the farming implements used, the way tobacco leaves were strung, and the molds used for the cigar making process.

Entrance to Shade Tobacco Museum| Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Boxes used to size tobacco leaves | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Tobacco Wrapper Exhibit, Shade Tobacco Museum | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Tobacco leaves | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

While the museum’s main exhibit centers around tobacco, visitors can learn more about schools, churches, and businesses in the area.

Cigars can be purchased in the Shade Tobacco Museum | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

The museum is open Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Shops and Restaurants

When the tobacco industry folded, Havana went through a rebirth of sorts.  Downtown is now lined with antique shops, furniture, boutiques, arts, and restaurants, and holds numerous events throughout the year to draw patrons into Havana.

The Planter’s Exchange, a hub of activity in Havana | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Shops and restaurants line the streets | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Clock and fountain | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

What to See

Murals

Like other small Florida towns, murals now grace the sides of downtown businesses, portraying the past and offering a look into the future.  Besides building murals, there are also quilt murals – all painted by Florida artists.

Havana Motor Co. Mural | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Train Mural, paying homage to the railroad industry in Gadsden County | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Havana Mural | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Havana State Bank

Work was completed in July 2024 on the old Havana State Bank building (now known as the Slappey Building) to restore it to the way it was in the 1950s.  A state historical grant is assisting with the funding for the renovation efforts. Although some work has already been done, the rebuilding will begin May 2023.   Stop by for a look now, and then make plans to go once it has been restored to its original beauty.

Historic Havana State Bank | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

Havana State Bank | Photo by Doris Keeler, Floridiana Magazine

How to Get To Havana, FL

If you are traveling Interstate 10, you will want to exit onto Highway 27 at mile marker 199. Travel about 12 miles north into the heart of the town.  (It’s also located six miles south of the Georgia state line.) The drive to Havana provides some scenic views of the old Florida countryside. Whether you are visiting the Shade Tobacco Museum, shopping, or dining in one of the quaint little restaurants, you will soon find out why Havana is considered the Friendliest Small Town in Florida.

Please take a look at the slide show for more photos of our trip to Havana.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Lloyd and its Historic Railroad Depot

Tucked away in Jefferson County, about a mile south of Interstate 10 on State Road 59 is a small town with a population of 140. Lloyd may not be a booming metropolis now but imagine a time when it was a bustling agricultural center. At the heart of that activity was the Lloyd Depot, now a historic landmark. It is the oldest brick depot and one of only two surviving Antebellum depots in Florida.

Lloyd Depot | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Lloyd Depot – oldest brick depot in Florida | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Lloyd Depot History

The Pensacola and Georgia Railroad began construction of the railroad in 1856. It would run from Tallahassee to Lake City then connect with the Florida, Atlantic and Gulf Railroad line to Jacksonville. In 1858, the railway was completed and the depot was built. Originally known as the Bailey’s Mill Station and then the Number Two Station, the depot served as a major shipping hub for cotton and other agricultural products. At the time, Jefferson County was one of the major cotton producing areas in the state and the railway provided planters with access to seaports on both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

The railway met with great support from the growers in the area. Prior to the railroad going through Lloyd, cotton growers sent their crops by several means including ox-drawn wagons to St. Marks more than 30 miles away.

Wagons unloading cotton at the Seaboard Air Line depot – Lloyd, Florida. 1890 (circa).State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 19 Jun. 2022.<https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/26673>

During the Civil War, the railroad transported wounded Confederate soldiers to hospitals to the west. Some of them were taken off the train in Lloyd and were doctored by local women in makeshift hospitals until the soldiers recovered. Only two of the soldiers treated died. They were buried about a mile west of the depot in a field.

A Community is Born

Along with the depot came expansion.  A small community arose along Main Street. Now considered the historic district, some of the old houses remain. Some buildings have been renovated, with signs identifying the families who once lived there. Others have given themselves to the elements.

Laffitte House (1890 – 1906) – Now serves as offices for Lloyd Baptist Church | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

W.A. Willie House – 1890 | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

J.J. Willie, Jr. House – 1910 | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Laffitte Store – 1912 | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

One of the most noteworthy buildings built at the time was the Whitfield House Hotel at the request of the railroad and served as a dinner stop for train passengers. The Florida Memory Project says for 75 cents, passengers would dine on a full-course meal but had only twenty minutes to eat while mail and express shipments were transferred at the depot.  When dining cars were installed on trains, the dinner stop ceased, but the House remained open until the 1930s as a hotel.  It is no longer standing.

In 1882, the names of the community and the depot were changed to Lloyd in honor of Walter Lloyd, a New Yorker who settled in the area after the Civil War and was instrumental in the recovery of its commercial and agricultural life.

The original depot (as described in the National Register of Historic Places nomination form) was a rectangular brick building with large wooden gables on the east and west ends of the depot, and wide eaves all around. It was built with a wooden cotton platform about 40 feet long. Two large freight doors flanked the west end of the building – one facing the tracks to the south, the other facing to the north.

With the town booming, the depot was refurbished in 1870. Then in the 1940s, much of the building’s wooden features were destroyed in a fire, including the wooden platform.  During the reconstruction, the brick walls, which railroad officials were worried were compromised by the fire, were tied together with steel rods, which can be seen today.

Cotton was not always king.  Watermelon, turpentine, and lumber eventually took the place of cotton after the boll weevil infestation in the 1920s.

The Winds of Change

The express and telegraph offices closed in the 1950s and passenger service continued until 1966 when the station closed.  The Seaboard Coast Line donated the depot to the Jefferson County Historical Society in 1968 and prevented demolition of the building.  The Historical Society then gave the building to the Gulf Wind Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society who has owned it ever since.

We had the pleasure of meeting some of the members during one of their workdays at the depot.  They took time away from their projects to show us around and explain what they’ve already done and what they plan to do.

Gulf Wind members began their preservation efforts in the original two waiting rooms and station master’s office. Those areas have been turned into the town’s post office, which still serves the community.

Lloyd Post Office – still serving the community | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Old Depot Ticket Window – now the window at the post office | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Post Office Boxes – Lloyd | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Work has also been done on the freight room with new electrical and plumbing fixtures being added.  The freight room now houses many artifacts, either from the depot or the railroad industry. One of those is a 1938 Fairmont S2-G which they had restored. “The Pumpkin” as they call it, holds six to eight people and travels at the “high rate of speed” of three miles per hour. Railcars like this were used to dispatch railroad crews down the line to work.

Nicknamed The Pumpkin, 1938 Fairmont S2-G Railcar – Lloyd | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Other artifacts include a safe, an original baggage cart with scale, railroad benches, a chalkboard for marking arrivals and departures, and what Society members consider to be one of the star attractions – the original Lloyd ticket cabinet, which they found in Plant City. A rack inside the cabinet held the tickets. The station master would unlock the cabinet and pull the tickets out for the passengers.

Original Safe – Lloyd | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Baggage Scale – Lloyd | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Old Chalkboard to announce arrivals and departures – Lloyd | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Original Lloyd Ticket Cabinet | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Historic Preservation of the Lloyd Depot Continues

In 1974, the depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Chapter members work diligently to uphold the character of the building. Lamps are reproductions of what you would have seen at the time. The mortar they use to shore up the bricks is tempered so it doesn’t destroy the existing old and soft brick.

Chapter members spend many hours working on restoring the bricks of the depot | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Mortar supplies | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

Still there is a lot to be done. The chapter is looking forward to its next projects – stabilizing the southwest corner of the building, replacing the safety railing on the platform, and adding a new door for the side of the freight room facing the railroad tracks.

Pointing out some of the projects to be done: replacing the old freight door and the railing. Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

The old railing at the depot. | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/DorisKeeler

The Gulf Wind Chapter has received some funding from the Florida Division of Historical Resources, fundraising efforts and by holding public events like the Annual Open House.

Although there are no trains that stop at the depot today, you may be lucky enough to catch one of the Florida Gulf and Atlantic current day freights slipping past. Even if you don’t see a train, if you stand by the track and listen closely, you might just hear the “clickety clack” of the old trains that once kept Lloyd a bustling community.

Train track headed east from the depot. | Photo by Floridiana Magazine/Doris Keeler

A special thanks to the Gulf Wind Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society for showing us around.

Enjoy more photos of our visit to the Lloyd Depot in the slideshow below.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

The Harvey Trucks | May They Rust in Peace

Driving through smaller towns can reap big benefits – whether it’s a quaint Mom and Pop restaurant, a once-majestic old home left to the elements, or a roadside honey stand still operating on the honor system. And then there are those finds that, at first glance, only seem suited as photo opportunities, yet in the end have their own stories to tell.

One such site is known to the locals of Wakulla County as the Harvey Trucks, owned by long-time resident Pat Harvey and his family.  Located on Crawfordville Highway about two miles north of the intersection of 319 and 98, these old relics once served the Harvey family farm well, first as working vehicles, then later as parts for newer ones. When their use was exhausted, Harvey originally planned on hauling them off for scrap metal.  But once he moved the trucks to the side of the road around 1997 and lined them up, he decided he liked the way they looked in that spot. Little did he know at the time that these two dozen cars and trucks would become the roadside attraction they are today.

The vehicles sit in a semi-circle in chronological order, some as old as the early 1900s and others as “new” as the mid 1970s. Mostly Fords and Dodges, a car buff might also see an old REO Speedwagon front and center.

For folks just passing with no knowledge of the history behind these trucks, they may look like part of a junk yard. For Harvey however, they conjure up pleasant memories. In an interview with WFSU, Harvey recounted some of his most vivid ones.

Among them, the first truck he ever rode in – a rusted 1941 Ford pickup. Then there’s a ’59 Ford he took his driver’s test in, as well as a dark green station wagon which was his family’s first car and the one he used for dates. Although the station wagon is rusted out, a tinge of green paint is evident in several places on the exterior, while the interior still sports faded green and tan seats.

There’s also a cattle truck that did more than just transport cattle. It was used for leisure activities. Harvey remembers sitting on a board put up across the back of the truck and riding down the highway, bugs splatting like a motorcycle without a windshield.

Each vehicle has its own story to tell and as the story of their existence has grown, so, too has their popularity. Over the years, the trucks have become a landmark of sorts. They are used as the backdrop for prom and homecoming pictures, not to mention the subject for photographers and artists alike, whether it’s for their rust and neglect, or just their novelty.

Unfortunately, the years have taken their toll on these old relics. Trees have sprouted through the rusted floorboards; vines have grown around and inside them; and vandals have taken care of what Mother Nature could not. Most are missing all of their emblems or pieces of chrome. Windows have been broken. The interiors stripped of gear shifts and odometers. Still, others got their own “paint job.”  Years ago, there was a sign that sat in the front row of the trucks that read “May They Rust in Peace.”  Sadly, even that sign is gone.

At one time, the Harveys thought they would have to clear away the trucks because of a city ordinance passed to keep folks from letting junk cars sit in their yard in public view.  Fortunately, the Harvey Trucks were grandfathered in and can remain indefinitely.

Visiting the Trucks

Heading south on 319 past Crawfordville and before Medart, the trucks can be seen on the right side of the road. There is no sign that says you have arrived, so it’s easy to drive past the first time. A circular drive makes it easy to park and get out, but it’s advisable to wear closed-toe shoes because of broken glass, overgrown trees and shrubs, and who knows what else. Take your camera along and capture your own photos of these old trucks. I’ve been a couple of times and have taken a picture of something new each time.

Enjoy some of my photos in the slideshow below and stay tuned for another post of just my photos.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.