118 years ago
17 October 1894 - John L. Inglis, President of the Dunnellon Phosphate Company wrote to the United States Engineer Office located in St. Augustine, Florida regarding the need for improvement to the Withlacoochee River. Inglis wrote that some sixteen companies along the river produced about 200,000 tons of phosphate, employed about 1,400 men, and invested several million dollars in phosphate lands, machinery and plants. The Dunnellon Company alone had five mines in operation on the banks of the river,over $1,500,000 invested in lands, machinery, plants, railroads,locomotives, cars steamers, barges, dredges, etc., and produced 50,000 tons per year. Inglis went on to say that if the river could be opened to a depth of 7 feet from the mouth to a point near Blitches Ferry, phosphate exported via the river would increase to at least 300,000 tons. In addition, oranges, cedar and lumber could be exported and a cypress mill was being erected on the banks of the river which would have a capacity of 100,000 board feet per day. 60 years ago
16 September 1943 - On this date, Thomas R. Swilley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Orlando, Florida. Swilley served in the central Pacific and participated in the Okinawa Campaign and Third Fleet Operations against Japan. He sent the post card below to his mother, Mrs. Rhoda Swilley in Judson. Post card courtesy of Sammye and Richard Hart, Chiefland From the Archives & History Center
Levy County Clerk`s Office
Danny J. Shipp, Clerk of Court |
