Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-06-03
Letter from Bradford County. Florida

hAMFHONt rLA.s June 1-EQttor Morning
Nsus: Allow me space in your valuable columns
for few words from this portion of Florida
This part of Bradford county, like a grea,
many other parts of the State, has been set
tied mostly in the last three or four years BY
Northerners and foreigners. very little being
known Of it before the culture of oranges and
vegetables caused such a rush of emigrants
while now it is engrossing the attention of q
great many wealthy Northerners, who contem-
plate purchasing homes in our genial cline
where they will be comparatively free from ice
and entirely free from snow.
This portion of Florida cannot be beaten for
raising vegetables and oranges the soil being
light, fertile and easily cultivated
Mr.. J. d. Jeffords Roadmaster on the Allan
tic, Gulf and West India Transit Railroad has
realized from one acre of Irish potatoes $3.50
above expenses, besides shipping a great MANY
cabbageS and beans, which Weld a fair nrofit
Cucumbers and Irish potatoes are, however,
acknowledged TO be the most profitable CROP
great many are planting cotton, and crops
are looking well, Notwithstanding the unfa-
vorable spring.
The second anniversary of the Alachua Coun.
ty Sabbath School Association took place at
Gainesville on the Goth ult. lasting until the
2Sth. On Saturday, 2Sth, an excursion train in
charge OF that most courteous and efficient
conductor, Mr.. Saussy, was run from Lawtey
to Gainesville, to take visitors who wished to
remain only Saturday, the picnic day, the fare
being only fifty cents for the round trip By
half-past seven O'Clock your correspondent
with fifteen or twenty Sabbath-schooi
children. were awaiting the train at this place
The train arrived at half-past eight and we
were all soon comfortably seated and in antici-
patton of a nice ride and pleasant day, and
we were not by any means disappointed.
AT Waldo, the next station, We awaited the
train from the Peninsula Road, which con-
meets with the Transit Road at that pIa6 q
Waldo is an unpretending place 1t has seven
stores, two barrooms, an art gallery and ho-
tel. The Santa Fe Lake Canal Company's
office is also situated here. the canal extending
within a few hundred yards of the depot
Mr.. Kenard owns beautiful orange grove
near there The people seem busy planting
cucumbers, judging from the number of patches
ty we saw: On arriving at the depot. which is
three-quarters of a mile from Gainesville we
were met by good many of the citizens and
escorted to Oak Hall Grove. where the exer-
cises of the day were to take place.
Gainesville is a very pretty town. and Ia
building up very rapidly. 1t might be called
an immense orange grove and cucumber
patch. Every available spot and yard is either
planted In one or the other, though the orange
trees are not looking as well as those between
Starke and Waldo, on the line of railroad.
On arriving at the grove, we were greeted
with song of welcome by the Sabbath schools
of Gainesville, after which all dispersed to
enjoy themselves as best suited their inciina-
tions
Oak Hall Grove is beautiful place, and. if
planted in Bermuda grass and properly fer
tilted, could be made one of the prettiest
places in Florida. The United States Land
Ohice building is situated in the middle of the
grove.
At one o'clock sumptuous repast was
spread by the good people of Gainesville be-
meath the umbrage of those magnificent oaks
and all were invited to partake The invitation
was received with pleasure, and all were soon
busy appeasing the demands of the inner man.
After dinner the young folk INDUCED in many
merry games, some of the older ones joining
them, no doubt feeling young again under the
exhilarafipg effects of the enthusiasm of their
youthful companions. Good order pr vailed
and peace and plenty reigned gupreme
throughout the day, few induiging in a little
of the ''o'er JOYFUL but not to excess.
At 3 O'Clock we retraced cur steps to the
depot and soon the conductors warning stall
aboard was heard. and we bid farewell to
Gainesville, carrying with us fond recoIlectfons
of those happy hours as we re-echo the words
of the last song sung.
IF thy will, o Lord, we pray thee
Grant we all may meet again"
Nothing occurred to mar the happiness of
our return except a few who had not joined
the temperance society and consequently were
pretty boisterous. One young man lost his
hat, being thus rewarded for his meritorious
conduct while under the influence of king al
cohol.
A few rips peaches were visible now and
then through III day, and looked very tempt
ing.
Bradford county is noted for its good health.
no malaria existing of any consequence Chills
and fever almost unknown. Measles and mos
Quitoes are, however, very plentiful the latter
especially. A good many very pretty lakes in
this vicinity furnish good sport for the fisher
man. The weather has been very dry for some
time, but yesterday good rain fell, and all
nature looks refreshed.
The WEEKLY NEWS is the most popular paper
OF this section, and is gaining ground rapidly
Long may she wave. More anon.
Il.