Category: History

Pride Month

Debbie Roney Smith on

It’s Pride Month! Celebrated annually in June to commemorate its roots in the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, this is a time to not only celebrate the LGBTQ+ community but learn about the dangers facing the community today and identify ways to help. 

by Jonel Art

Pride started as a riot; in June 1969, the NYPD violently raided the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. This sparked six days of protests and riots in the area as the community fought back against the unfair oppression. The riots elevated what was considered a fringe culture to the front-page news. A year later, activists in New York marched through Manhattan to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots – this was the first Pride celebration.

Pride Month was officially recognized as a national event in 2000(1). Despite an increase in anti-LGBT laws sweeping through Florida in the last few months, those who haven’t fled the state for their safety are determined to celebrate and create a space of acceptance and support. Here are some LGBTQ+ events to take part in this month:

  • PensaPride Festival (June 24th) at Cordova Square Park, 1100 E. Brainerd St.
  • Bay Pride Fest (June 10th) at McKenzie Park, 36 Oak Ave
  • Tallahassee Pride Events

Moss Hill Methodist Church

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Moss Hill Methodist Church is a historic site located near Vernon in Washington County, Florida. It is a wooden church built in 1857 using slave labor. Services are held in the church to this day, although modern conveniences such as electricity are still missing from the structure. Moss Hill was founded as a Methodist Misson soon after Florida joined the USA. The church was a centerpiece for life in the surrounding communities during the Civil War. Some of the congregation died in the war and were memorialized by markers in the Moss Hill Cemetary. The cemetery and church grounds are open to the public daily; visit to view the historic marker on the grounds that provides a brief history of the historic structure. 

Florida’s First Commercial Oil Well

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Did you know that Washington County is home to one of the first commercial oil wells ever drilled in Florida? In 1919, a string of wells was dug in eastern Washington County by independent oil seekers following a rumor of oil beneath the hills. One such well was dug at what is now Falling Waters State Park. It was a remarkable achievement, reaching a depth of 3,900 feet – an astonishing feat given the technology of the time and the location of the hole. While there was a brief moment of hope when the drillers found a pocket of natural gas, the well ultimately failed to produce anything of use and was capped. 

A few decades after drilling had ended, a cow fell into one of the sludge pits. The event was covered by multiple newspapers, leading to an outcry of public concerns about the “dangers” of the site. International Paper, then-owners of the land the well was on, ended up passing the deed to the land to Washington County. This land is at the center of the now-established Falling Waters State Park. While the well was unproductive for commercial oil quantities, it did eventually lead to a wonderful treasure for the people of Washington County and the wildlife of the area. 

Visit Falling Waters today to see the old oil well along the park’s nature trail, just around the bend after Florida’s tallest waterfall! 

Arbor Day 2023

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Arbor Day 2023 is coming this Friday, April 28th! Arbor Day, literally translating to ‘Tree Day,’ is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees, forests, and old-growth forests. The first Arbor Day as it is recognized in the USA was held in Nebraska on April 10, 1872, and has since grown into a national holiday (circa 1970) and has even gained international recognition (circa 1883). 

Prior to the introduction of Arbor Day to the United States, the first historical celebration that aligns with the ideals of ‘Arbor Day’ was celebrated in 1594. In the Spanish village of Mondoñedo, the first documented arbor plantation festival was successfully organized by the mayor of the town. Clearly, the celebration of trees has been a cultural cornerstone for hundreds of years. It is estimated that the celebration on April 10, 1872 culminated in hundreds of thousands of trees being planted. 

Want to celebrate Arbor Day? Consider:

  • Planting a tree
  • Create art celebrating trees
  • Build/purchase something made from recycled wood
  • Sponsor/adopt a tree in need
  • Participate in ‘tree care’ (mulching, pruning, and watering)
  • Visit a local park/state park
  • Read Arbor Day’s Celebration Ideas list for more suggestions

National Pet Day 2023

Debbie Roney Smith on
Duke, one of Debbie’s furry family members.

Today is National Pet Day! Founded by Colleen Paige in 2006, it’s an annual opportunity to celebrate our animal friends. Paige is an animal welfare advocate and pet-and-family lifestyle expert who wanted to bring attention to the growing needs of many unhoused pets who are waiting to be adopted from shelters.

One of many sweet kitties who live with Debbie.

These animals include more than the standard dogs and cats; rabbits, pigs, birds, and many reptiles are often taken in by shelters or rescue organizations. The phrase “Don’t Shop! Adopt!” is the holiday’s motto. Celebrate National Pet Day by doing your furry family member(s) favorite things, volunteering at an animal welfare organization, or donating resources to no-kill shelters or rescue centers in your area. 

JD, one of Debbie’s furry family members.

Abe Springs

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Abe Springs was the seat of government for Calhoun County from 1849 to 1880. It was the location of a nationally infamous jail that was used so rarely that the county rented it out as a corn crib (a granary used to dry and store corn). Abe Springs is now an unincorporated community in Calhoun County. The seat of government was moved to Blountstown in 1880 after the courthouse at Abe Springs Bluff burned down. The historical marker for the old courthouse was erected in 1993 by The Florida Department of State. Learn more about Calhoun County’s history by visiting this blog about the genealogy and history of the county. 

Historical Russ House

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Jackson County is home to numerous historic sites, one of which is the Historical Russ House. Built in the 1890s, it underwent significant remodeling in 1910. Russ House is one of the most beautiful Classical Revival/Queen Anne homes in the U.S.A. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home is available for rent for meetings, showers, weddings, and more. The house also functions as Jackson County’s official Visitor Center. Interested in renting or scheduling a tour of the Historical Russ House? Contact the home at (850) 482 – 8061. The House is open to the general public Monday-Friday. 

Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival

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Come out to the Tallahassee Museum to enjoy a two-day jazz, swing, and rhythm and blues music festival on March 25th-26th, 2023 from 11am-5pm! The Tallahassee Museum, located on an 1880s farm, is home to one of the town’s most beautiful outdoor concert venues. Guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs or blankets to enjoy the music. There will be music, food, adult beverages, and historical activities. View the full lineup at the festival website HERE. 

Women’s History Month

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March is Women’s History Month. What started as a single day to acknowledge the role of women in society became a month-long celebration thanks to the National Women’s History Project; in 1987, they successfully petitioned Congress to expand the established National Women’s History Week.

The National Women’s History Alliance declares a theme for each year’s History Month. 2023’s theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” This theme recognizes “women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media.”(1)

Women’s History Month acknowledges women’s contributions to culture, history, and society. It also offers people an opportunity to reflect on the struggles women face in modern society. Learn more by visiting the Women’s History Month website here. 

Greenwood: A Great Place to Live!

Debbie Roney Smith on

Greenwood is a small, close-knit community in Jackson County, Florida. The town is home to a number of historic sites such as the Historic Erwin House and the Great Oaks/Bryan Plantation. Additionally, Greenwood is home to the oldest running hardware store, Pender’s Store. Pender’s was opened in 1869 under the name of N. B. Long and Bros. The store maintains the original shelves and heart pine floors. 

The small town is nestled among a growing community, has a lovely public park, and is within a day of a number of amazing cities, state parks, and family-friendly activities. Considering moving to Greenwood? Click on the photos of the beautiful homes below to visit their listing and schedule a viewing!