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A History of Columbia County Florida (1996) Edward F. Keuchel 239/340

A History of Columbia County, Florida

coached by William F. Canova. The backfield was composed of Hal
Robarts (quarterback), R. D. Futch (right halfback), Fred Porter
(left halfback), and Joe Gillen (fullback). On the line was Horace
Wilson, Jr. (center), Leo Thomas (left guard), J. D. Renfroe (right
guard), J. T. Lipscomb (right tackle), Charles Tribble (left tackle),
William Phillipps (right end), and Ono House (left end). The
Columbia High team lost the game on New Years Day, 1921, by a
score of 27 to 0, but took heart from their high quality of play.
There were other handicaps: the Cuban team players were older
and averaged fifty pounds more per player than the Americans.
Some rumors were circulating in Havana that the Cubans thought
they were playing “Columbia University.”55
One important social event in the county during the 1920’s was
the dedication of the Olustee Battle Monument on Olustee Park in
Lake City in 1928. As the largest Civil War battle in the state and
because of its proximity, Olustee has always had a special role in
the county. The 1928 event was a major undertaking in contrast to
the minor celebration which accompanied the dedication of a
monument at the site of the battle in 1913. For the 1928 celebration
$800 was raised to purchase the stone and to sponsor the event. The
county and city commissioners appropriated $500, and $300 was
raised by private subscription. Mrs. E. A. McColskey, Mrs. J. E.
Mathis, and Mrs. E. A. Brown were instrumental in organizing
the event. Held on January 18, 1929, the celebration was well
attended. Governor John W. Martin delivered the chief address.
Major General Charles P. Summerall, U.S. Army Chief of Staff
who was born in Columbia County, was also present. A fifty piece
band from the University of Florida played for the occasion which
was followed by a fireworks display on Lake DeSoto. The 5,200
onlookers were fed barbeque beef and pork prepared by Rett

“Watts Bethea, “The Trip to the Cuban Capital,” xerox copy, Columbia High
School Yearbook, 1920, Columbia County Historical Society Collection; Harkness,
“Columbia County Athletes.”

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