Story and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
Once a small agricultural and sawmill town, Groveland is now one of the fastest-growing communities in Florida. The City With Natural Charm is blessed with bass-filled lakes, pine forests, wild game and a terrific climate, and this year celebrates its Centennial Anniversary. Over the next few months, the city will host special events, concerts and lots more. (see Centennial Celebrations for February)
One of Groveland’s best-kept secrets and attractions is the Groveland Historical Museum, located right next to Lake David Park.
Groveland Historical Museum houses rich local history and the Historical Society President Mary Helen Myers, its Board, and its tour guides enjoy sharing the stories, photographs, and antique memorabilia at the museum.
Mary Helen shares, “in the late 1890s, brothers B.M and C.C Taylor started a turpentine sill near the edge of Lake David. The brothers called the settlement Taylorville. In 1899, Elliot Edge brought the Taylors’ turpentine sill and home. Edge built a sawmill and five years later sold his interest to timber baron Robert Dowling. Robert Dowling’s son-in-law J. Ray Arnold took over the mill. The sawmill grew into a great success and employed about 500 workers and had a payroll of $70,000 a month, making it the largest employer in Lake County. The citrus industry took over after the closing of the sawmill. The Edge family built one of the largest department stores in Florida in 1923. The city’s name was officially changed from Taylorville to Groveland in 1922”.
While there is more historical information to be added, this little museum proudly showcases the founders, the local heroes, honored military, schools, sporting legends, World War II and many important time periods through today.
Modern technological commerce has arrived in Groveland attracting Niagara Bottled Water, Amazon Fulfillment Center, Kroger, plant nurseries, warehouses, large trucking firms and other businesses which have settled in and around surrounding Groveland, causing explosive new growth.
If you are a local history buff and have some spare time, the Groveland Historical Society is always looking to expand its team. Families of military veterans are invited to share photographs and histories of their relatives who have served to protect the USA. Donations of local antiques, artifacts, letters, equipment and memorable photos are always graciously accepted.
For a minimum $30 donation, you can have an orange with your name posted on the Citrus Giving Tree. Tax-deductible gifts, donations and sponsors are always welcome. Supportive membership starts at $15 per year for individuals and $25 for families with Lifetime Memberships available at $100. Checks can be made out to the ‘Groveland Historical Society’ and mailed to PO Box 761, Groveland, FL 34736.
The Groveland Historical Museum is operated by a partnership of the City of Groveland and the Groveland Historical Society. It is connected to the Puryear Building located at 243 South Lake Avenue, across from Lake David Park in Groveland, FL 34736.
This museum is free and open to the public. For more information, call: 352-429-4514. visit: www.GrovelandHistory.org. Like and follow them at: https://www.facebook.com/GrovelandHistorical.
