Page 247 - a-history-of-columbia-county-florida-(1996)-edward-f-keuchel

A History of Columbia County Florida (1996) Edward F. Keuchel 236/340

The Early Twentieth Century

always popular, especially the black ministrel group “Silas Green
from New Orleans.” Both whites and blacks attended these shows
although they sat in different sections of the theater. Visiting
circuses were well-received and children, especially, loved circus
parades complete with animals and the “steam piano” (calliope). In
warm weather picnics were a favorite form of recreation, and the
preferred places were White Springs, Suwannee Shoals, Iche-
tucknee Springs, and Ocean Pond. White Springs and Ichetucknee
Springs were easily reached by train and later by automobile.
Political rallies in the form of fish fries were popular, and they
were usually followed by square dances. In Lake City, Aunt
Aggie’s Boneyard, previously mentioned, was a favorite recrea­
tional spot, and the DeSoto Drug Store downtown offered the
delights of the soda fountain?8
Various work activities were often turned into social events.
Hog killings, for example, were the occasion of general family get-
togethers as families gathered to share the work and the “fresh”
(meat). Hog killings were spaced several weeks apart and each
family of the group took its turn in sponsoring the event and
providing the animals. In the fall similar cooperation, as well as an
outing, was provided for the male members of families who went to
Horseshoe and other places on the coast for several days to get the
winter’s supply of mullet. It was quite common for each family to
have a barrel of salted mullet to last the winter. On another level
traveling Chatauqua groups offered plays, lectures, and concerts
to elevate the cultural life of the rural parts of the county.48 49
Shortly before World War I, home demonstration, 4-H clubs,
and related activities became an established part of the county’s
social life. From the 1880’s on fairs had been popular in the county,
and sponsored activities such as 4-H presented greater oppor­

48Lassie Goodbread Black Interview, November 22, 1976; Alyce Jones Caesar
Interview; Jessie Gleason Interview, November 23, 1979.
49Lassie Goodbread Black Interview; Eldridge Collins Interview.

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