Page 6 - barefoot-in-the-sand-remembering-the-waning-days-of-the-hopewell-community-(1998)-bruce-c-gragg

Barefoot In The Sand: Remembering the Waning Days of the Hopewell Community (1998) Bruce C. Gragg 2/123

very difficult to traverse, and when we had a very wet season the
travel was not easy either. This farm homestead is the central
location for my somewhat brief recollection of events. There were
other conveniently arranged farmsteads in the community but, we
always thought of ours as being rather unique. We just thought of it
as a beautiful spot to have a farm located, and it was convenient to
all the woods and streams around there for ease of hunting and
fishing. Before we moved I had often dreamed the house could have
been finished, and what a show place it could have been. It was not
in the cards for it to ever be finished on that spot. The house was
moved to Lake City a few years after we moved, at its present
location it looks too small. There are no stately pecan, oak, pine or
other large trees around it to grace it and make it look as it was
originally designed. It is so out of place setting on a crowded side
street.

Our farm had been given to Papa by his dad soon after he was married.
The M.C. Rhoden place had been given to Papa's brother Bryant, at the
same time. Papa was from a large family, he was raised in Georgia,
near Cypress Creek, where his dad had a large farm. His family farm
was about two to three miles north of the state line, just off US
441. They were related to several families near Fargo. When growing
up I could listen for hours while Papa told of his experiences while
he was growing up. He had a very interesting life while growing into
manhood. He would tell of doing cattle drives to what is now
Jacksonville, and crossing the St. Johns River to get them to market.
There is a Historic Marker near downtown Jacksonville indicating
where the cattle forded the river. The cattle drive story was just
one of many, he could talk about them for an afternoon. Often when we
were going somewhere in the horse and wagon he could get started, and
it seemed like in no time we were where we were going. He had so many
interesting times I would have liked to have recorded them to pass on
to my children and grandchildren as a valuable part of their
heritage.

Our grandmother, Burnette, was raised in the Jennings, Fla and Lake
Park, Ga. area. She didn't have the same kind of interesting youth.
She was also from a large family. However, she could tell of some
interesting happenings in her life. There was an Indian living near
where she grew up, and when they did something for him he would give
them something of value. But, in a few days he would come asking for
the item back. The most memorable items were his hunting bow and
arrows, was given and taken back several times. This kind of give and
take back is how the term "Indian Giver" came about being used. She
could also sit for a long time telling of her experiences. They too,
were interesting.

www.LakeCityHistory.com LCH-UUID: B98DC69E-ADC1-4EE7-8817-CA941114D897