HISTORY OF PASCO COUNTY

The Timeline

Sources: Bellwood refers to Tales of West Pasco (1962) by Ralph Bellwood. Ash refers to Florida Cracker Days in West Pasco County 1830-1982 (1984-5) by Pauline Stevenson Ash. WPH refers to West Pasco’s Heritage (1974) by the West Pasco Historical Society. Historic Places refers to The Historic Places of Pasco County (1992) by James J. Horgan, Alice F. Hall, and Edward J. Herrmann. Avery refers to The Genesis of New Port Richey (1924) by Elroy M. Avery. Stanaback refers to A History of Hernando County 1840-1976 by Richard J. Stanaback. MacManus refers to Citrus, Sawmills, Critters, & Crackers: Life in Early Lutz and Central Pasco County by Elizabeth Riegler MacManus and Susan A. MacManus. Hendley refers to History of Pasco County (1943) by Jefferson Alexis Hendley. Stoughton refers to Tarpon Springs Florida - The Early Years (1975) by Gertrude K. Stoughton.

This page was last revised on Feb. 6, 2010.

For more events before Pasco County was created in 1887, please see the Hernando County timeline.

About 900 to 1500. Native Americans known as the Tocobaga Indians live in small villages at the northern end of Tampa Bay.

1528. Panfilo de Narvaez lands on the shores of Old Tampa Bay and marches northward through what is now Pasco County. He learned that the local Indians were called the Timucua.

1825. Fort King Road is cleared. [It was completed in 1826. This military trail connected Fort Brooke (Tampa) to Fort King (Ocala).]

Dec. 23, 1836. Construction begins on the fort that would become Fort Dade, at the intersection of Fort King Road and the Withlacoochee River, near present day Lacoochee.

Mar. 6, 1837. At Fort Dade General Thomas S. Jesup and five Seminole chiefs and representatives sign the capitulation in which the Seminoles agreed to emigrate.

Dec. 14, 1837. Lt. Thomas Boylston Adams dies of typhoid fever at Fort Dade, at age 28. He served in the Seminole War.

1839. Fort Dade is abandoned.

About 1842. Thomas R. Tucker (1798-1865) and Sarah Tucker (1788- 1855) settle in Pasco County. [He planted the county’s first orange grove in 1845. The area was called Tuckertown, and later Richland. The earliest marker at the Tucker Cemetery in Richland is that of Sarah Tucker.]

1842. Jacob Wells arrives from Madison County and builds a home near Riggs Hammock on what originally was Handcart Road, now Prospect Road. A community developed there called Prospect.

Aug. 4, 1842. The Armed Occupation Act is signed into law.

Dec. 20, 1842. James Gibbons is issued a permit for 160 acres in S 27, T 24, R21, in what would become Dade City. [Information from a deed dated Dec. 1, 1849, conveying the property to Gibbons’ heirs.]

Jan. 2, 1845. The Fort Dade post office is established.

Mar. 3, 1845. Florida becomes the twenty-seventh state.

1849. The Army rebuilds Fort Dade west of the current location of Dade City.

About 1850. Capt. John Townsend builds a log cabin about 14 miles northwest of what is now Dade City. [Townsend donated the home in 1856 for use as a Methodist Church.

1852. A man named Walter Lowe goes in the schooner Chestnut to Anclote Key and in several days secures a cargo of sponges. They brought such a profit that other men embarked in the business. This might be considered the birth of the sponge industry of Florida. [From an 1892 newspaper article.]

Aug. 20, 1853. A post office is established at Cedar Tree.

About 1855. A bridge is constructed across the Withlacoochee River. [According to a historical marker, it was constructed by the slaves of James Lanier. In 1855 Lanier patented property at what is now Socrum in Polk County; the bridge may have been built to facilitate his move to Polk County and for shipment of his produce.]

May 14, 1856. Seminoles besiege the isolated cabin of Capt. Robert Bradley and his family near Darby. Two of his children were killed. More is on the Hernando timeline page.

1859. The Florida map accompanying the 1859 annual report of the Surveyor General shows Pittitochoscolee, where New Port Richey is now located. [An 1875 U. S. government publication listing post roads has: “From Monticello, by Beaseley, Fort Andrew, Fort Hulburt, Fort Frank Brooke, Clay Landing, Wakasassa, Wekevia, Fort Clinch, Homasassa, Augusta, Spring Hill, Pittitochoscolee, to Fort Harrison.” In 1876, Florida: Its Scenery, Climate, and History has: “PITTITOCHOSCOLEE—Settlement in Hernando County, on the Gulf Coast, a short distance above Anclote River.”]

1859. A post office directory shows post offices at Cedar Tree, Fort Dade, and Fort Taylor.

Dec. 7, 1859. Maj. John Parsons receives a deed for a homestead in S1 T24 R16, in Aripeka.

1860s. During the Civil War, a salt works was in operation at the Salt Springs, just north of Port Richey.

Jan. 10, 1861. Florida secedes from the United States.

Dec. 1863. According to Rev. Capt. Leroy G. Lesley: Tampa’s Fighting Parson, by Spessard Stone, “In December 1863, [Lesley] and his neighbor David Hope were engaged in the production of salt, twenty- five miles southwest of Brooksville. 'Hope, Leslie & Ryals' advertised salt for $10 per bushel and that they'd give $5.00 per bushel for corn, or give one bushel of salt for two of corn. On January 16, 1864, 'Hope & Leslie' gave notice that they would sell their stock of 800 head of cattle, more or less, for $20,000; also for $8,000 their salt works, producing 10 to 15 bushels per day. In 1864 L. G. Lesley was taxed on 200 acres, valued at $500, with $500 in improvements, 10 slaves assessed at $10,000, for which he paid $71.84 in county taxes and $35.92 in state taxes. In 1866 he was taxed on 200 acres.” [At this time, neither Lesley nor Hope lived in what is now Pasco County.]

About 1866. Peter Karr Baillie and his wife leave Georgia for Florida and build a home at what is now called Bailey’s Bluff. Ash gives the dates 1864 and 1867.

1867. Frederick Meyer and Franklin B. Meyer, brothers, build log cabins about 100 yards west of the present Anclote Cemetery, thus founding the community of Anclote.

1868. According to Hendley: “Hudson. The first settlers that we have any record of settled there in 1868, Mr. Worley, Jess Hay, William Hay, and Joseph Hay. Later on W. D. Frierson, Bill Lang, William Bailey, Bill Tillet and Crocket Whiden, Sam Stevenson, Bud Stevenson, Allen Hill and Malcolm Hill, Hill House and J. W. Hudson made a scattering settlement along the coast.” [According to F. C. Mallett, Malcolm Hill settled on what is now Massachusetts Avenue.]

May 25, 1869. According to a genealogy web site, Nancy Jane Branch is born at Hudson. [Web sites indicate she was a daughter of John Laurence Branch and Eliza Wilder, and that she married Reuben Y. Walden. The place name Hudson was not yet in use at this time.]

About 1870. Dr. James G. Wallace (1836-1911), comes to Pasco County, the first medical doctor in the county, according to William Dayton. [In 1884, John Ward Hill (died, 1916, in St. Petersburg), a pioneer doctor in Pasco County, began a practice at Chipco. Hendley wrote, “Dr. G. B. Roberts. Dr. J. G. Wallace, Dr. C. T. Seay, and Dr. Alexander attended to the health of the country at large.” The Florida State Gazetteer and Business Directory for 1886-87 lists W. W. Cochran and W. F. Alexander as physicians in Fort Dade and A. F. Newkirk as a physician in Blanton. The first established doctors in Dade City are said to be R. D. Sistrunk and John T. Bradshaw.]

Jan. 10, 1870. Benjamin H. Gaines marries Rosannah C. Baillie in Anclote. [Information from Carl Gause.]

Mar. 9, 1870. The Florida Peninsular reports:

SUPPOSED MURDER.—A dangerous character by the name of James Gibson is supposed to have been killed near the Ft. Dade settlement on the 19th ult., by Jack Osborn and Charles Wells, two young men of that vicinity. It appears that Gibson was eloping with a sister of Mr. Osborn, and he was pursued by Osborn and Wells for the purpose of rescuing the girl from his hands and carry her to her parents. On overtaking them resistance was offered by Gibson, whereupon the pursuing party fired upon him and it is supposed killed him, as nothing has been seen or heard of him since that time. The authorities are making a vigorous search, and at last accounts were dragging a lake where the body was supposed to have been thrown. Miss Osborn has returned to her parents, but no facts can be elicited from her as to the murder. Osborn and Wells have left the country. When we hear the full particulars of the affair, we will give them to our readers.

May 11, 1870. The Florida Peninsular reports, “Mr. E. Bettman and Capt. F. Worth have opened a store at Tuckertown, in Hernando County.”

Sept. 28, 1870. The Florida Peninsular reports a political rally at Fort Dade featured speakers T. S. Coogler, colored, John A. Henderson, Capt. F. Lykes, F. E. Saxon.

1872. James Washington Clark Sr. and some of his friends settle at the mouth of the Pithlachascotee River, according to Frances Clark Mallett. [According to Avery he settled there in 1874.]

1872. Newton A. Carter, Wright W. Williamson, a Mr. Strickland, and a Mr. Lyons build the Mount Zion Methodist Church in Fort Dade, according to a 1920 article in the Dade City Banner. [On June 19, 1879, the Sunland Tribune mentions in its Fort Dade news column Mt. Zion Methodist Church with Rev. Pander, pastor.]

1874-75. Two water mills used to grind meal are constructed by Levi Eiland. One was south of Chipco and the other was near the farm of J. W. Hudson [Stanaback].

1875. A grist mill built by Jack Howell and Levi Eiland goes into operation at Chipco.

Oct. 5, 1876. A post office is established at Tuckertown. [It was renamed Richland on July 17, 1886.]

Jan. 8, 1876. Rev. John W. Wells begins serving as pastor of the newly organized Union Church, according to a local church register. This church is believed to be the first Baptist church in western Pasco county.

Dec. 22, 1877. The Sunland Tribune reports, “Mr. John Geiger, living in the lower part of Hernando county near the county line between that county and Hillsborough was killed on the night of the 18th inst.”

Late 1877 or early 1878. The Isaac W. Hudson family moves to what is now the site of Hudson, building a home near a large spring. He was advised by his doctor to move to the Gulf coast, hoping that the salt air would help his bronchial ailment. (Isaac W. Hudson Jr., who was born on Nov. 17, 1870, said he was a little over seven years old when they arrived. Apparently in 1978, the Florida legislature proclaimed April 28 to be Hudson Founder’s Day, based on the approximate date April 28, 1878, on which Isaac Hudson settled here. According to Webb’s Historical, Industrial and Biographical Florida (1885), the family settled there on Feb. 5, 1879.)

1878. The Hudson Cemetery is established with the first burial that of Ida Melissa Hudson, the daughter of Isaac W. and Amanda Hudson, according to Historic Places.

1878. The Enterprise Church is built. [It was moved to the Pioneer Florida Museum in 1977. A sign on the church lists the charter members as: Bishop D. S. Legget, P. E. W. [illegible] Jordan, Robert Sumner, Jane Sumner, David H. Thrasher, J. Cary Sumner, Mary [illegible] Sumner, Willie Thrasher, James Shearer, Jane Shearer, F. A. Barnes, Mary Clement, Elizabeth Tucker, W. H. Parker [illegible].]

June 2, 1878. Double Branch Baptist Church is constituted. [Twenty-four adults became charter members. The name came from two branches of water converging nearby. The church met at Magic Lake off Elam Road near Holton Cemetery. On Jan. 27, 1890, Jane Godwin deeded two acres on State Road 54 to the Church. The Church and Cemetery are still located at this site. In 1895 a new church was constructed. In 1999 the name was changed to First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel. Information from the web site of the church.]

Sept. 10, 1878. The Anclote post office is established.

Dec. 2, 1878. The Hopeville post office is established. [It closed on Nov. 22, 1881.]

Jan. 16, 1879. The state House of Representatives unanimously passes a resolution asking for a lighthouse at Anclote Key. The measure was promoted by Samuel Hope.

Feb. 10, 1879. A post office is established at Pleasant Plains. [It closed on Sept. 17 of the same year.]

June 19, 1879. The Sunland Tribune has:

Fort Dade Items.

RELIGIOUS.—Missionary Baptist, Parson Bell, of Brooksville, pastor, Oak Grove church. Service on Saturday before and first Sunday in every month.

Methodist Parson Parker, Ct. preacher, service at Mt. Zion on Saturday before and 2nd Sabbath in each month, at Fort Broom in the evening after Mt. Zion. The Ct. preacher assisted by Parson Barns.

CROPS—Corn is good, although damaged 20 per cent by the dry weather. Oats generally turned out well. Cotton is very good, in fact the farmers wear cheerful faces.

SCHOOL.—Ft. Broom—John Raymond, teacher, today closed his first session. He will open for the balance of the year on Monday week. He closed by giving a public examination, and in order to contribute to the occasion, the patrons and friends furnished a “fish fry picnic dinner.” I am unable to name it, but will tell you what I saw and heard. In the first place everybody came and “mammy” (?) with them. Examination opened by prayer by Parson Barns, followed with the answering of questions by the students, that gave entire satisfaction to all concerned. ...

[The Dade City Cemetery historic marker reads: “Oak Grove Baptist Church and Cemetery were established here in the early 1870s by Rev. R. E. Bell. Church minutes of 1877 describe the location as 'Oak Grove, Florida.' By 1886 it was referred to as 'Dade City Baptist Church.' In the early 1890s, the congregation transferred to other local churches.” A notice in the Fort Dade Messenger of July 11, 1884, reads: “Bids will be received for the building of the Oak Grove Baptist church and Fort Dade Masonic Lodge until 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 1884. The committee reserve the right to refuse any or all bids. Specifications can be seen by calling on R. M. Wilson, secretary of committee.”]

Nov. 1879. William Maxie Hope (1846-1900) marries Anna Olivia Sowers. It is the earliest known wedding in what is now Port Richey and New Port Richey. [Documents give several dates in November. Her widow’s pension claim filed in 1909 stated that she had married in Port Richey Hernando County. They may not have been local residents.]

Nov. 27, 1879. The Decatur Daily Review reports, “The sponge schooners have two places to clean their sponges when coast-sponging. One at Anclote Keys, the other at Rock Island.”

1880. A post office is established at Pinan. [The post office operated until 1881 or 1887. It may have been in what is now Hernando County.]

Aug. 10, 1881. Judge Edmund F. Dunne contracts with Hamilton Disston to handle the selection of the four million acres of the Disston Purchase from the state of Florida. [As his attorney fee, Dunne received control of 100,000 acres of land, where he founded the Catholic Colony of San Antonio.]

Oct. 12, 1881. A deed dated Oct. 12, 1881, conveys a donation of 11 acres in S29 T24 R21 from Newton Carter and wife May A. Carter to the trustees of the Fort Dade Church. [A deed dated Sept. 26, 1919, conveys 5 acres of the property from A. A. Boone, John Raymond, J. C. Carter, and W. W. Slone as trustees of Fort Dade Methodist Church to J. W. Urquhart. Both deeds provided by Jeff Cannon.]

1882. A Baptist church is constructed of pitch pine at the corner of Hudson Ave. and Main Street in Hudson. [The church was moved in 1888 to the corner of Hudson Ave. and Guava Street. The structure served as a community church, and later had other uses, including a 1920s post office, a store, a school, and a 1930s residence. The church was later rebuilt and now houses Igesia Fuente de Amor Church of God. According to a Methodist church history, a Methodist church, built just before the turn of the century on East Hudson Avenue and Guava Street was destroyed by fire on Feb. 18, 1938. The Baptists offered the Methodist congregation the use of an old church which was later moved to the lot where their church had burned.]

May 16, 1882. The first post office in Hudson is established.

Oct. 30, 1882. A post office is established at Hatton. [The name of the post office was changed to Dade City on December 18, 1884.]

Nov. 27, 1882. A post office is established at Sumner. [It was renamed San Antonio on Dec. 19, 1882. The post office was renamed Lake Jovita on Nov. 1, 1926; it was renamed San Antonio on Aug. 1, 1931.]

Feb. 1883. The state of Florida sells several hundred thousand acres of land located mainly in what are now Pinellas and Pasco counties at 25 cents per acre to the Florida Land Improvement Co. Part of the city of St. Petersburg and almost all of the town of New Port Richey are on these lands.

Apr. 3, 1883. A post office is established at Lenard. [It was discontinued in 1900.]

May 1883. The Florida Land Improvement Co. sells part of its land, including the site of Port Richey, to Anson Peacely Killen Safford (1830-1891).

May 28, 1883. A post office is established at Diston. [It was originally in Hillsborough County. It was renamed Drexel on Sept. 15, 1888.]

June 1883. Andrew Barthle (1802-1891) and Charles Barthle (1852- 1936) build the first permanent home in what would become St. Joseph.

June 22, 1883. The Fort Dade Messenger, Vol. II, No. 2, consisting of four pages, has “The amount subscribed for the Baptist church organ is almost made up.” R. M. Wilson was in charge of checking off donations. Earnest and Thrasher on Lake Buddy has an advertisement. Land is offered for sale by Judge E. F. Dunne who lived at “Residence E side of Clear Lake, 3 miles southwest of the Post Office.” Jas. A. Grady was selling the “largest lot of buggies ever brought to this market.” Orange trees were sold by D. T. Clements, who could be reached at the International Ocean Telegraphic Office at Tuckertown.

July 16, 1883. A post office is established at Chipco.

Oct. 9, 1883. The Gulf Key post office is established. [It was renamed Argo on Nov. 12, 1886, and renamed Gulf Key on Dec. 24, 1892. The post office was closed on Jan. 6, 1896.]

Dec. 1883. Aaron McLaughlin Richey and his wife and daughter settle near the mouth of the Pithlachascotee River.

1884. The San Antonio Herald is founded by Edmund Dunne, according to a history of San Antonio by Bill Dayton.

Jan. 28, 1884. A post office is established at Ellerslie.

Apr. 2, 1884. A post office is established at Keystone Park. [It was discontinued in 1923.]

July 9, 1884. The Port Richey post office is established. Aaron Richey was the first postmaster.

July 11, 1884. The Fort Dade Messenger (vol. 3, no. 4) shows John H. Brown is the publisher. R. J. Marshall is the postmaster. R. M. Wilson is listed as secretary of the Masonic Lodge. A Baptist church directory shows R. E. Bell as pastor of Oak Grove, L. Parish as superintendent of the Sabbath School, W. W. Bostick as pastor at Pleasant Hill, R. T. Caddin as pastor of a church at the county line between Hernando and Hillsborough, and B. L. Ray as pastor at Double Branch Church. There are advertisements for:

[According to one source the newspaper was established in 1882. The newspaper was apparently founded by R. O. Carter and B. L. Blackburn. According to Hendley, the first newspaper in Pasco county was called the Messenger and was edited by B. L. Blackburn and the first printer or type setter was Mr. Mahoney. D. H. Moseley, an editor of the paper, later wrote that it was “a weekly paper that boasted of having the largest circulation in Hernando county, with a paid-up subscription list of 87.” The June 22, 1883, issue shows W. C. Sumner as publisher and the editor was J. G. Wallace, who had just assumed that position with that issue. According to Webb’s Historical, Industrial and Biographical Florida (1885), the Fort Dade Messenger was established in 1882 by a stock company and is now published by W. C. Sumner with J. G. Wallace editor. The 1886 Florida State Gazetteer and Business Directory shows W. F. Alexander, a physician, as the publisher.]

Aug. 29, 1884. A post office is established at Twin Lakes.

Oct. 13, 1884. A post office is established at Ashley.

Nov. 12, 1884. The incorporation papers for the Cootie (or Cooty) Land & Improvement Co. are filed.

Dec. 1, 1884. Henry W. Coleman and William N. Ferguson open a store, the second general store in Dade City.

Dec. 17, 1884. The Blanton post office is established.

Dec. 18, 1884. The Hatton post office is renamed Dade City.

1885. A real estate brochure for Annuttaliga Hammock in Hernando county has: “Still further south are the Pithluchescootie and Anclote, both navigable by vessels of ordinary tonnage. At the mouth of the latter river is the flourishing settlement of Anclote. Here, too, are located some of the finest fisheries in the county.”

Jan. 1885. A. P. K. Safford sells his land to the Cooty Land and Improvement Co. [On June 15, 1886, the Columbus Daily Enquirer (Ga.) reported, “Gov. A. P. K. Safford has just consummated a big land sale, selling 7000 acres between Anclote and Cootie rivers to northern capitalists for $31,000.” In May 1897 the Cooty Land and Improvement Co. sold its land to Albert Sessoms and B. F. Bullard, turpentine and timber operators. In 1905 they sold their land to the Aripeka Saw Mills, a Georgia corporation.]

Jan. 2, 1885. A post office is established at Saint Thomas.

Jan. 6, 1885. A post office is established at McLeod. [The post office was renamed Macon three weeks later. The Tampa Tribune of May 2, 1895, reports on Macon, a new town which has evolved at the junction of the Savannah and St. Petersburg Railroads. According to Hendley, the A. C. L. R. R. changed the name to Trilby in 1896. A plat map dated December 1896 has “Trilby Townsite.” A magazine article, using the name Trilby, is dated Oct. 31, 1896. The town is called Trilby in a Washington Post article of May 22, 1897, and in an 1897 New York Times article. The post office was renamed Trilby in 1901.]

Jan. 12, 1885. A post office is established at Loyce.

Jan. 29, 1885. The Indiana Weekly Progress reports, “Mrs. Harriet Smith, of Tuckertown, Fla., has proved that women have a soul above the fashions. She is making money by running a large sawmill.”

Feb. 17, 1885. A post office is established at Earnestville.

Aug. 18, 1885. A post office is established at Dixie.

Nov. 4, 1885. A post office is established at Carmel.

1886. An 1886 survey of the Port Richey area has these place names: Cow Creek, Cross Bayou, Deer Island or Green Key, Oyster Creek, Pith-lo-chas-Cootie River, Port Richie P. O., and Salt Bayou.

1886. The spongers from Key West build a pavilion at Bailey’s Bluff to store the sponges they had pulled from the Gulf.

1886. The Dade City hotel is built. [The hotel burned down apparently in 1907, although one source gives 1910. On Dec. 19, 1909, a newspaper reported, “E. M. Harvey, of Dade City, in the south of Florida, has sold the Dade City Hotel plot of ground to S. H. Gerowe, of Atlanta, Ga., who will give that city its crying need, a new hotel, which he intends to manage himself.” On Mar. 8, 1912, the Hotel Edwinola, on the same site, opened, with Edwin J. Gasque, owner, and A. J. Stebbins, manager. A Mar. 8, 1912, newspaper reported that it had its formal opening on Saturday night. In the 1950s the building became Florida East Coast University; the university was closed in the 1970s. The Edwinola reopened in 1974 as a restaurant, and as a retirement home in 1982.]

Feb 17, 1886. The New York Times reports: “PENSACOLA, Fla., Feb. 16.—R. J. Marshall, alias Morton, Postmaster at Fort Dade, Fla., was arrested here yesterday charged with embezzling money order funds by Post Office Inspector Baird, who came here in answer to a telegram from Postmaster Yonge, who had located Marshall the day before. Marshall absconded last July, leaving a wife and two children at Fort Dade.”

Feb. 19, 1886. William Stanton Quertermous (1829-1887) writes, in a letter mailed from Hudson: “ ...we have had nice spring weather ever since with the exception of a few slight frosts to taper off I have watermellons up about four acres planted I have suckseeds in clearing about three acres more of the stock for potatoes I will bud off the balance and part it in corn and peas every thing is beginning to assume its natural appearance the orange trees are not materially injured it is thought the next crop of oranges will be a larger one the lemons and guavers are beginning to put up they were killed to the ground ... we still hear that our Railroad is to be built specialy the Florida Southern I understand will build that road from Brooksville to point Penallas this summer it will run about six miles east of me they have made the survey but I do not think anyboddy Knows what they will do thats our railroad co that never tells nothing They have got the money to do as they please...” [More information on Quertermous is at Jeff Cannon’s web site here.]

Mar. 15, 1886. A post office is established at Herndon.

Mar. 25, 1886. An article in the Philadelphia Inquirer reports, “...on the Cootie river, about ten miles from here, there are bears, deer, wildcats, &c., to be found in profusion.”

Nov. 9, 1886. A post office is established at Bee Tree.

Nov. 11, 1886. Simon J. Temple purchases 280.74 acres of land for $1,026.69 from Florida Railway and Navigation Corp. [He named the area Abbott; it later became Zephyrhills.]

About 1887. A depot is built at Trilby.

1887. The Plant System Railroad comes to Pasco County. [It was later called the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. A second railroad arrived in 1888, which later became part of the Seaboard Railroad. Some businesses abandoned the Fort Dade location and moved to the new depot along Meridian Ave; the new location was named Dade City.]

1887. A second newspaper in Dade City, the Pasco County Democrat is established by Capt. John B. Johnston. [On Mar. 26, 1920, the Dade City Banner reported: “Jno. B. Johnston, of Tampa, whose name will appear prominent in the history of Dade City journalism, if such is ever written, was a caller on the Banner last Saturday. Mr. Johnston was the pioneer printer in Pasco county we believe; anyhow he established the Democrat here in 1887 and continued its publication for twenty years. Later he started Progress in Dade City, but it belied its name and expired in two years.” An 1899 directory showed the Democrat was owned by J. A. Johnston and had a circulation of 400. In 1909 the Democrat was absorbed by the Dade City Star.]

1887. Oranges and Alligators: Sketches of South Florida Life by Iza Duffus Hardy has: “About nine miles north of Tarpon, near the mouth of the ‘Cootie River,’ the settlement of Tremont Springs is in process of formation, and, though in a very early stage as yet, promises well, on account of the fine quality of the land there, which for a mile or two back from the coast is a rich and fertile loam, wherein both the pine and the palmetto flourish abundantly.” [A “Map of Tremont, Pasco Co.” is labeled Gulf Coast Land Co., Tarpon Springs and Chicago. This proposed community would have been located in the Port Richey area.]

Mar. 4, 1887. A post office is established at Cedar. [It was discontinued three months later.]

June 2, 1887. Florida Governor E. A. Perry signs into law “A Bill to Divide the County of Hernando and make therefrom the Counties of Citrus and Pasco.” [According to Back Home: A History of Citrus County, Florida, the bill was entitled “An act to Divide the County of Hernando, and to Create and Establish the Counties of Pasco and Citrus from portions of Hernando.” According to this source, the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. James F. Latham, and the bill sailed through both houses, with only Rep. McKeen Carleton of Putnam County and Sen. C. W. Stevens of Madison County voting against the bill. Latham later represented Pasco County in the House of Representatives.]

July 18, 1887. The Pasco Board of County Commissioners meets for the first time. Dade City is named the temporary county seat. The following officers of Pasco County were named:

Chairman of the County Commission: Col. Ebenezer G. Liles (1825-1927). Liles served as a commissioner until April 1889 and again from Jan. 1903 to Dec. 1904.
Clerk of the Court: H. H. Henley
Treasurer: G. M. Roberts
Tax Assessor: Nick P. Bishoff. Bishoff served until 1890 and was succeeded by J. A. Cunningham, who served from 1890-1892.
Tax Collector: Robert J. Bradley
Sheriff: J. A. Grady
County Judge: D. O. Thrasher
County Surveyor: W. A. Jones

Aug. 1, 1887. The County Commission divides the county into five districts. [The commissioners for each district were:

Dist. 1, Daniel T. McLeod
Dist. 2, W. R. Lilburn
Dist. 3, Joshua Jackson “Jack” Gillett
Dist. 4, Ebenezer G. Liles
Dist. 5, Joseph Byrd Hudson

The County Commission also voted to accept the proposal of Coleman Ferguson and Co. for a two-story structure on Meridian St. in Dade City for use as a temporary court house free of rent. The company promised it would be finished by Sept. 5. Hendley later recalled that the building was “a long one-story house where the hardware store of Treiber and Otto is now located.” The Commission turned down a similar offer by E. B. Hall for a rent-free location apparently at Fort Dade. Hall unsuccessfully sued the Commission over this decision. At this meeting, the Commission delayed action on the application of Jacob H. Delcher as a student to the East Florida Seminary. A transcription of the minutes of this meeting is here.]

Sept. 1887. County Commission minutes show the election precincts were established as follows:

Precinct 1, Macon
Precinct 2, Dade City
Precinct 3, Richland
Precinct 4, Wesley Chapel
Precinct 5, San Antonio
Precinct 6, Chipco
Precinct 7, St. Thomas
Precinct 8, Loyce
Precinct 9, Hudson
Precinct 10, Bailey

[Precinct 11 was established later, in August 1888, at Earnestville.]

Sept. 15, 1887. The Anclote Keys lighthouse is first lit.

Oct. 17, 1887. The Pasco County Commission adopts a strict quarantine policy requiring persons who entered the county to have yellow-fever immunity cards. The minutes have: “In view of the fact that yellow fever is raging in Tampa and for our own protection, the board assembled to take some steps to establish a quarantine against infected sections.” Telegrams were sent to the mayors of Tampa, Plant City, and Lakeland, stating that Pasco County was quarantined against Tampa and all points south of here. It was voted to appoint two quarantine guards for Flat Ford, Cooper’s Ford, the F. R. & N. R. R. crossing, the Hillsborough River, Burnt Bridge, Anclote, and, if necessary, Trout Creek.

Oct. 31, 1887. The New York Times reports, “The official records, of the Marine Hospital Bureau show the continued existence of yellow fever at Tampa, Fla., but nowhere else in the state. Reports have been received that cases have appeared at different points in Pasco County.”

Dec. 21, 1887. An Iowa newspaper reports, “A special from Dade City, Florida, says Dick Hines (?) and Charley Metz (?), colored, were lynched there Tuesday for assaulting Mrs. Oberry and her daughter, living near Owensboro. When arrested the negroes confessed their crime and begged for mercy, but were speedily lynched. No particulars can be learned more than they were tortured before being strung up, and the ropes were so arranged that they slowly died of strangulation. Their bodies were left hanging and it is reported they were afterward riddled with shot.”

About 1888. The Lakeview Highlands Hotel, located near Pasadena and Chesterfield roads, off Clinton Avenue, is built. [It was a luxury hotel where wealthy visitors from the north vacationed. The freezes of 1894 and 1895 ended the prosperity of the community and the hotel, which burned in 1899. Information from Historic Places.]

1888. Ruby Eugene Clark is born in Port Richey, according to her obituary. This is perhaps the first birth in Port Richey. [On Aug. 26, 1889, Victor Malcolm Clark was born in Port Richey.]

1888. Abbott is surveyed for Simon J. Temple, who owned much of the land.

Feb. 2, 1888. The Abbott post office is established. [The name was changed to Hegman in 1890 and back to Abbott in 1892. In 1910 the post office was either renamed Zephyrhills or discontinued and replaced with the Zephyrhills post office.]

Feb. 9, 1888. An article in the Ohio Democrat, referring to what is now called Orange Lake in New Port Richey, reports:

Another pretty drive is to the famous Blue Sink, one of those marvelous spots where in some past generation the land and all upon it disappeared. It is very beautiful, circular in form and filled with water blue as indigo. The banks slope gently down and all around are giant pines, that stand as grim sentinels and custodians of the secret of the spot. A short distance to the north are the Salt Springs where during the war the confederates manufactured their salt. Relics of those olden days may still be seen.

Mar. 15, 1888. A post office is established at Godwin.

Apr. 21, 1888. A post office is established at Jessamine. [The community developed when Walter N. Pike and William J. Ellsworth came in 1887. They started a seed and plant business called Jessamine Gardens.]

May 22, 1888. A post office is established at Lacoochee.

June 14, 1888. The San Antonio News says that it is published semi-monthly by Jno. J. O'Neill, editor, and P. E. Lyons, assistant editor. It has:

Well this is the long looked for picnic day. ... This picnic is given by the San Antonio Literary society, an enterprising body of young men who about a year and a half ago, formed themselves into a society for their mutual benefit. It was intended to be a literary and dramatic club. Their first appearance before the public was their picnic on the 16th of June last year, a grand success which made a name for the society. It brought together the largest crowd that ever met in Pasco County. Then they started this newspaper which they still own. ...

It is pretty well settled now that we are to have a foundation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in San Antonio. They have bought the Sultenfuss Hotel property and the interior of the building is being remodeled with the expectation of having it ready for school by the first Monday in September. ...

The well which Mr. Wichers is boring is now about 350 feet deep. ... M. J. Dooner bought the first load of watermelons raised on the Isham Howell’s place. ... P. J. Lyons is contractor for the building of the seminary formerly intended for the hotel. ... Mr. William Sultenfuss has moved into his new home on Lake Cecelia. It is the prettiest dwelling house in San Antonio.

The newspaper also reported that the general business manager of the Benedictine Order in this country has been examining the San Antonio colony to determine whether to establish a college here. It reported that the Farmers' Alliance was organized at Clear Lake school house on the second of May. Advertisements appeared by: Jos. G. Kirchner, blacksmith; John S. Flanagan, justice of the peace and notary public, with land for sale; J. W. Fisher, M. D., physician and surgeon, with his office over the Dade City drug store and his residence at the Dade City hotel; Dr. J. W. Gatton of San Antonio; Dr. J. G. Wallace of Dade City; M. J. Dooner, merchant in San Antonio; Coleman, Ferguson & Co. of Dade City; T. Lucas and Co. of St. Thomas, with dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, Queensware, harness and saddlery; J. C. Tremmell, engraver and repairer; Charles M. Gailmard, breeder of land and water fowls; William Sultenfuss, lumber yard proprietor; Brand and Wichers, date grove and nursery.

[Apparently vol. 1, no. 1 of the newspaper was published on Aug. 25, 1887, with William B. Lynch, editor. The newspaper may have ceased publication in 1891.]

July 1888. Because of continuing concerns over yellow fever, the county commission appoints Dr. G. M. Roberts quarantine physician and orders that outsiders cannot stop in Dade City without a health certificate from him.

Aug. 21, 1888. The Semiweekly Age of Coshocton reports, “A. J. Gill of Dade City, Fla., is the owner of an orange tree fifty-three years old, which is two and a half feet in diameter and thirty-five feet high. This tree has yielded 10,000 oranges in a single season, and it is believed, if no mishap intervenes, the product will reach 12,000 the present year. It is one of a group of eighteen, each but little inferior in size.”

1889. A Frenchman in Florida quotes Judge Edmund F. Dunn (in translation):

We have a judge who fulfills the duties of a notary public. His name is John S. Flanagan. Mr. Paul Gailmard, your compatriot, is a photographer. You saw his gallery. In the colony itself, medicine is practiced by Dr. Corrigan; in Ft. Dade, not far from here, there lives a physician-surgeon who can cut off your leg as easy as an alligator can. If you like, when passing through Ft. Dade, ask for Dr. A. S. Alexander—35 years in practice. This year, I have established a here a newspaper, The San Antonio Herald, appearing from time to time, which doesn't really make it less interesting as you can judge for yourself by the collection you see here. The subscription is five francs a year. The editor of the newspaper is G. M. Jordan. He is also the writer. We have two editors and two printers.

Dunne also identified the presence in San Antonio of a civil engineer, a customs inspector, an architect, a glass worker, a superintendent of streets and roads, a carriage maker, an organist, countless carpenters, and a professor of Latin and Greek.

1889. A cemetery is established in what became the town of Vereen. [The cemetery is located on Hudson Avenue, one-half mile east of Hicks Road. The historical marker reads: “...Stephen P. Douglas who died in 1889 is the earliest marked burial. In 1890 Abraham and Susanna Bellamy donated land to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in memory of her parents Joseph and Susanna Vereen. A building completed in 1891, served as the community’s church and for some years, as a public school, until it was destroyed by a forest fire in 1920.” In 1906 a newspaper article mentioned Mrs. J. H. Davidson, of Vereen, Fla., and a 1908 directory listed J. H. Davidson as a railroad superintendent and purchasing agent.]

1889. A Methodist church is erected on College Street by James E. Lee.

Jan. 15, 1889. An election is held to select the city officials of the newly-incorporated Dade City. [According to the Pasco County Democrat, 47 voters, more than two-thirds of the proposed citizens, cast their ballots. City officers elected were: Mayor, John B. Johnston; Clerk, J. C. Calhoun; Councilmen, A. A. Boone, D. T. Clement, J. E. Lee, F. P. McElroy, and J. T. McMichael.]

Apr. 11, 1889. An election to name the county seat is held. According to courthouse records, 765 voters turned out on election day. Dade City won with 432 votes. Gladstone, as San Antonio was listed on the ballot, received 205 votes. Pasadena received 96; Urbana, 20; Fort Dade, 4; Clear Lake, 2; Jefferson, 2; and Owensboro, 1. [A frame court house was erected after the election.]

May 6, 1889. An entirely new board of county commissioners takes over: H. W. Coleman, chairman; Allen Hill, J. H. Pedrick, J. A. Smith, J. W. Jackson.

June 4, 1889. Saint Leo College is granted a charter by the state of Florida.

July 15, 1889. A post office is established at Pasadena.

Aug. 2, 1889. A post office is established at Pasco.

Aug. 8, 1889. School board minutes refer to a “graded and high school” in Dade City. [For information on this school, see the history of education page.]

Sept. 5, 1889. The Bank of Pasco County is granted a charter. [It was the first bank in Pasco County. The bank opened in a two-story, red-brick building completed in 1891 at Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street, the first brick building in Dade City.]

Early 1890s. A Presbyterian church is erected on College Street in Dade City. [The First Presbyterian Church of Dade City was organized on Jan. 13, 1889. The church building still exists.]

1890. The Proceedings of the Florida Medical Association includes a verbal report by Dr. N. A. Williams of Dade City for the Pasco County Medical Society. He said, “We organized in Pasco County something less than a year ago. I think we have about seven members. Our Secretary is Dr. B. L. Rae of Dade City; our President, Dr. G. W. Gatton of San Antonio.”

1890. The U. S. census for Pasco County shows 4249 persons (3872 whites, 376 negroes, and 1 Indian).

1891. John King Cheyney (1858-1939) starts a commercial sponge venture called the Anclote and Rock Island Sponge Company on Bailey’s Bluff. [On Mar. 9, 1894, the Tampa Tribune reported on the Anclote & Rock Island sponge Co., John K. Cheyney, manager. It reported that J. C. Bowyer has 13 vessels, 120 employees, $400,000 annual income. More about Bailey’s Bluff is here.

Jan. 17, 1890. A post office is established at Ehren.

Oct. 18, 1890. A post office is established at Saint Leo.

Feb. 24, 1891. Local residents vote to incorporate Saint Leo. [Dr. Joseph Felix Corrigan (1846-1918), the attending physician of Saint Leo College, was elected the first mayor and his home served as the town hall. Others elected were: city clerk, E. G. Gailmard; marshal, Michael Forster; councilmen, J. S. Slevin, B. M. Wichers, N. P. Bishoff, Wm. Grus, and W. L. Mobley. Saint Leo was incorporated by an act of the legislature on June 2, 1891.]

May 6, 1891. A post office is established at Pedrick. [It was renamed Flatford in 1892.]

Aug. 7, 1891. Residents of San Antonio vote 28-8 in favor of incorporation, and choose these officials: Mayor, G. S. Bowen; Aldermen, F. J. Christ, F. J. O'Neill, J. W. Jackson, Bernard Kissen, Patrick McCabe; Clerk, Paul R. Gailward; Marshal, P. J. Lyons. [Information from a 1991 address by Dr. James J. Horgan published in the Pasco News and incorporation papers provided by Jeff Cannon. However, according to a web page San Antonio was incorporated in 1889. The Florida State Gazetteer and Business Directory for 1886-87 has in the San Antonio listing: “This is an incorporated village.”]

Oct. 20, 1891. A Texas newspaper reports, “The farmer’s alliance meets at Dade City today. Nearly 3000 delegates will attend to discuss the sub-treasury bill and a resolution to support only alliance men at the state election, which means a third party in Florida. The convention will endorse the Ocala platform.”

Oct. 24, 1891. The Bismarck Daily Tribune has: “DADE CITY, Oct. 28.—The State Farmers' Alliance, after discussion lasting five hours, endorsed the platform adopted at Ocala last year. Senator Pasco, who was not barred from the meeting because of being a lawyer, went on record against the sub-treasury plan.”

1892. A Baptist church is erected on College Street in Dade City. [It burned down in 1899.]

1892. A brick jail is constructed at Dade City. [The marker at the Pasco County Jail lists these county commissioners: B. C. Campbell, T. F. Williams, L. S. Bradham, W. H. Haager, J. W. Clark.]

1892. An Episcopal church is constructed at Lake Pasadena. [More information on St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is here.]

July 18, 1892. Benjamin and Virginia Baisden sell an acre of their property near Buddy Lake to the trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for five dollars. [The trustees were Baisden himself, Henry Whitfield, and Alec Branden. Information from Jeff Cannon.]

Aug. 3, 1892. The Indiana Progress reports, “Pasco county, Florida, boasts of having the oldest soldier in the United States. His name is Jonathan Pratt, and he is claimed to be 103 years old.”

Sept. 17, 1892. A post office is established at Elba Heights.

Sept. 19, 1892. A newspaper reports, “Mrs. Sarah W. Kuester, of Lenard, Pasco county, Fla., is a remarkably hale and persevering lady of seventy-four, who has just finished a noteworthy piece of bead-work for the world’s fair. It is a copy of Stuart’s picture of Gen. Washington, and is wrought with fine beads on canvas fifty-two inches long and thirty-nine inches wide. The figure of Washington is thirty-eight inches in height,and Mrs. Kuester has made a very careful study of the coloring of each detail of drapery, clouds, etc. Over five hundred thousand beads have been used, and the effect is that of a fine painting. Who can present a better record of persevering labor than this?”

Dec. 2, 1892. The Mayflower post office is established. [It was closed on July 21, 1898.]

May 6, 1893. A post office is established at Amelia (an area now known as Darby).

May 8, 1893. A post office is established at St. Joseph.

July 4, 1893. The town marshal of Tarpon Springs, William Erastus Whitehurst (1870-1893), attempting to arrest a drunken sponge fisherman named Atwell, was shot and killed by Constantine “Bud” Stevenson and John McNeil at Sapling Woods. [Both men were convicted on May 25, 1894. The jury recommended mercy, saving the defendants from being hanged. The name is spelled Whithurst in a newspaper article.]

July 20, 1893. The Tampa Weekly Tribune mentions a newspaper, The World, in Dade City. [On Oct. 20, 1893, the Tribune reports John Post and family, merchants, Dade City World newspaper, return to Tampa to live.]

July 24, 1893. A post office is established at Myrtle.

1894. The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette has: “A letter received from Dr. George C. Muirhead (?) at Dade City, Florida, states that he has been offered an office for the practice of his profession and will remain there. A host of warm friends here are sorry he does not intend to return, but are rejoiced at the news that he is enjoying excellent health.”

Jan. 5, 1894. The Tampa Weekly Tribune reports on the Commercial Hotel, Lacoochee, Mrs. W. T. Johns, proprietor.

Aug. 8, 1894. A newspaper reports, “Rev. A. E. Drew, of Pasadena, Fla., general manager of the Pasco County nursery and fruit company, who has been stopping with Rev. Mr. Goodall, has engaged A. F. Sanctuary to go as superintendent for the company.”

Aug. 20, 1894. The Trenton Times reports: “Dade City, Fla., Aug. 20—Milton Higgs came home from Floral City, where he works, to see his wife. As he reached home his wife drove up in a cart with another man. Higgs led the woman into the house and blew out her brains. The murderer escaped.”

Sept. 15, 1894. A newspaper reports: “T. W. Miller was assassinated near Lacoochee, Fla., while cutting timber. His body was riddled with bullets, and was found at noon by his wife, who had gone to call him to dinner.

Sept. 18, 1894. The Times Union reports that Abe McGirt, a farmer, was found dead near Lacoochee today. Examination of the corpse showed that McGirt’s neck had been broken and his skull crushed. [On Oct. 12, 1894, the Tampa Tribune reported that Judge Barron Phillips sentenced Lewis Raymond, Will Mitchell, Henry Morris, and Zelina McGirt, all colored, to hang, for killing Abe McGirt, husband of Zelina McGirt, on Sept. 15, 1894. He also sentenced Milton Higgs to hang for killing his wife Susie on Aug. 18, 1894. On Dec. 14, 1894, the newspaper reported the sentences of Zelene McGirt and her two sons and Will Raymond were commuted to life imprisonment.]

Dec. 28, 1894. A light snowfall sweeps through Florida.

Dec. 29, 1894. The temperature drops to 18 degrees in Tampa, damaging the citrus industry. [A second freeze occurred on Feb. 9, 1895. According to the obituary of John M. Baillie of what would become Elfers, “The '95 freeze killed all his citrus nursery.”]

Dec. 27, 1894. The list of Master Mason members of Twin lakes Lodge, No. 141, Twin Lakes, Pasco County, Florida for the year ending December 27th. A. D., 1894:

1. Samuel J. Ansley, Chipco
2. Robert J. Bradley
3. William N. Dowling, Blanton
4. Henry H. Hancock
5. Horace J. Hancock, Twin Lakes
6. George J. Hancock, St. Thomas
7. John J. Howell, Blanton
8. James D. Matthews, Twin Lakes
9. James B. Miller, Blanton
10. Malcolm M. Morrison, Blanton
11. Robert H. Murray
12. William R. Nicks, Twin Lakes
13. Benjamin F. Nicks, Twin Lakes
14. Henry R. Nicks
15. Daniel M. Oberry, Blanton
16. Walter John Scott, Twin Lakes

[Transcribed by Charles Blankenship from Returns of the Lodge to the Grand Lodge of the State of Florida]

1895. An 1895 atlas shows these places in Pasco County, with populations: Abbott; Argo; Big Cypress; Blanton; Chipco 13; Dade City 321; Drexel; Earnestville 72; Ehren; Ellerslie; Godwin; Hegman; Hudson 16; Jessamine; Keystone Park; Lacoochee; Lenard 101; Macon 133; Milliards; Odessa; Owensboro; Pasadena; Pedrick; Port Richey 27; Richland; San Antonio 252; St. Leo; St. Thomas 202; Twin Lakes 76. The atlas also shows Anclote (population 84), although it is in Hillsborough county.

Jan. 24, 1895. A deed conveys property in S22 T23 R21 from Nathan H. Garner and his wife Maggie W. to the trustees of St. John A. M. Church in Macon (now Trilby). [Info from Jeff Cannon]

Feb. 7, 1895. A freeze destroys many citrus groves. [A temperature of 16.8 degrees was recorded at Saint Leo.]

Feb. 11, 1895. The Newark Daily Advocate in an article about the damage to the Florida orange crop, reports: “Anclote, 28, with snow, which is unprecedented....”

Feb. 11, 1895. The Aripeka post office is established in Hernando county.

May 3, 1895. The Galveston County Daily News reports, “Dade City, Fla.—Leslie Wilson, the 15-year-old son of R. M. Wilson, was caught in the belt at Bass' saw mill, two miles north of Dade City on the 27th. Both of his legs were broken and he was otherwise badly injured. His condition is critical.”

June 11, 1896. The Tampa Weekly Tribune reports that Bailey’s Point was the scene of a stabbing.

June 12, 1896. The Tampa Morning Tribune reports that Drayton McKinney and C. J. Raulerson both were killed in a shootout in the woods between Lacoochee and Trilby.

July 23, 1896. The Tampa Weekly Tribune reports that Thomas Green of Richland was killed by George Wilder for abusing Wilder’s wife. The shooting took place on the Polk-Pasco line.

Aug. 10, 1896. A fire in Dade City destroys Coleman & Ferguson’s general store, T. J. Howard’s drug store, J. J. Wilson’s poolroom, Powell’s barber shop, and A. A. Boone’s grocery store. The loss was estimated at $27,000.

Sept. 10, 1896. The Tampa Weekly Tribune mentions Rev. D. A. Cole, Methodist minister in Dade City.

Oct. 8, 1896. The Florida Staats-Zeitung, published in German in San Antonio, is vol. 1, no. 28. [The microfilm of this newspaper apparently begins on Apr. 2, 1896. The July 15, 1897, newspaper reports that it is the only German newspaper in the state. Correspondence should be addressed to Jno. B. Michel, San Antonio.]

1897. The Trilby Methodist Church is organized, according to a historical marker, which reads: “Trilby Methodist Church - organized by the Rev. T. H. Sistrunk in 1897 and built by the 12 charter members a year later, this original frame church and steeple of pioneer design has long been a center of community activities. Moved from near the railroad coalchute to the present site about 1920, it was remodeled in 1978. The pulpit, handmade by John Spinks, is still in use.”

1897. Embry Tobacco Co. is established.

Jan. 5, 1897. The Florida Times-Union reports, “Tarpon Springs, Fla., January 4.—Hon. John B. Walton was in town a few days during the week. He brought some prospective land buyers over from Tampa to show them the advantages offered for investment in lands north of the Pithlachescotee river belonging to the Cootie Land company. The company owns some of the most desirable land on the Gulf Coast, well adapted to vegetable and fruit-growing, dairying, and anything requiring fertile lands to produce. No place offers greater inducements to a colony of thrifty Swedes or Germans, as they are industrious and economical and on such land would build up a prosperous and self-sustaining community of intelligent wealth-producers. Every settler, of a good class, adds permanently to the wealth and development of its varied resources.”

Feb. 5, 1897. The Decatur Daily Republican reports: “Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 5.—Constantine Stevenson, a farmer of this county [sic], was shot and killed yesterday while in his field. The assassins were concealed in a clump of bushes and fired four charges of buckshot into Stevenson, tearing his body to pieces. Stevenson was a member of the Tillet faction which has been engaged in a feud with the Whiddens, and which has now caused the loss of nine lives. In 1895, after four members of the Tillet faction had been killed, three of the Whidden brothers were shot to death while sleeping in hammocks at their lodging camp in this county. Stevenson, it is supposed, took part in this killing. In July of last year J. W. Whitehurst, a member of the Whidden faction, was assassinated while sitting on his front porch. Stevenson was indicted for this murder, and tried, but was acquitted, while the Whidden faction believed him guilty and swore vengeance, and his murder yesterday shows the vow was kept.” [Tillet W. Whidden of Pasco County and Willard Whitehurst subsequently surrendered to Sheriff Spencer in Tampa. Both denied involvement in the murder; Whidden said he preferred the custody of Hillsborough to the jail of Pasco County.]

May 27, 1897. Several newspapers report: “Tampa, Fla., May 27.—William Edwards was assassinated at his home near Trilby. He and his two children were eating supper, when parties concealed in the woods fired through a window, killing Edwards instantly. He was a one armed ex-Federal soldier. This is the seventh man killed in the Whitehurst-Whiddin-Stevenson feud. Bud Stevenson was assassinated in his field two months ago. It was thought Edwards did it, and he was marked by the friends of Stevenson.”

Sept. 15, 1897. A post office is established at Wesley. [It was discontinued in 1902. The location was called Wesley Chapel before and after this post office.]

Sept. 28, 1897. An Ohio newspaper, reprinting a New York Tribune article, reports, “For many years the principal dredging has been in progress at Bailey’s point. Now, however, the crews of the sponging vessels have begun to remove their kraals to Anclote key. Several reasons are given for the change in place of operations, the most important of which is the fact that the water around Bailey’s point was being used too rapidly on account of the large number of sponge men there.”

Oct. 16, 1897. The Newport Mercury reports, “The black crews of the sponging vessels have begun to remove their kraals to Anclote key. Several reasons are given for the removal, but the most important is that the water at Bailey’s Point was being used too rapidly on account of the large number of men there.”

Nov. 4, 1897. The San Antonio Herald has these news items:

Nov. 18, 1897. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Current rumors have it that Mr. J. S. Flanagan intends to embark in the turpentine business and that he has secured all the available timber from here to Carml for this purpose.”

Dec. 9, 1897. The San Antonio Herald reports, “The projected turpentine camp on the northest [sic] corner of the town limits will soon be a reality. Arrangements have been completed for the erection of a number of houses for the working force and as soon as they are built the hands will be brought here and active operations will commence. Mr. T. J. O'Neill has charge of the preparations and will most likely accept a position as overseer.”

Dec. 18, 1897. The Louisiana Planter and Sugar Manufacturer has a report titled “Syrup Making at the Skinner’s Bend Central Factory, Pasco County, Florida.” The article carries the dateline Lake Buddy.

Dec. 23, 1897. The San Antonio Herald reports, “A name has been decided upon for the new turpentine camp and the settlement will henceforth be known as ‘New Klondike’ or Klondike for short. ’Possumtrot avenue is to be the principle thoroughfare.”

Jan. 17, 1898. A post office is established at Shingleton.

Jan. 27, 1898. The San Antonio Herald reports, “In last Saturday’s municipal election the following gentlemen were chosen: P. J. Lyons, Mayor; G. S. Bowen and Wm. Schirmer, Councilmen; F. J. Christ, Clerk and Assessor; J. H. Bishoff, Collector; J. F. Frese, Treasurer; and H. Wegmann, Marshall.”

Feb. 24, 1898. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Our county commissioner, Mr. A. Barthle of St. Joseph, is being complimented for the good judgment displayed in locating the new road to Dade City. It is a vast improvement over the old trails and when altogether finished, it will be one of the best roads in the county.

Mar. 3, 1898. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Our popular Tax Assessor, Mr. J. S. Flanagan, has just completed his annual assessment trip over the county, and he reports that the number of people who promptly made their returns exceeds those of previous years.“

Mar. 7, 1898. Minutes of the Dade City City Council meeting have: “Mr. T. F. Cheek and others appeared before the board asking that the Council take some step to rid the town of the illicit sale of whiskey. After discussion C. W. Furman offered the following resolution which was adopted: 'The Mayor and Marshal are commanded to abate all disorder in this city by enforcing the law in its fullest meaning and effect and arrest all parties who are in any way connected with any house of disorder and arrest the proprietors for keeping such hours.'”

May 2, 1898. James A. Delcher is elected Chairman of the Dade City City Council, replacing J. D. Sumner, who resigned.

May 26, 1898. The San Antonio Herald lists the inspectors and clerk for the upcoming primary election:

June 2, 1898. The San Antonio Herald reports the grand totals of Saturday’s primaries in the thirteen precincts of the county:

For Representative: G. S. Bowen, 181; H. C. McRae, 158; J. I. Spivy, 145; J. B. Johnston, 137; E. Frazier, 52
For Tax Collector: R. A. Brown, 272; J. Sims, 210; A. Boone, 174
For Tax Assessor: J. S. Flanagan, 378; J. C. Sumner, 264
For County Treasurer: J. E. Lee, 241; J. F. Roberts, 239; J. Cunningham, 182
For School Board: F. J. Christ, 349; J. Godwin, 222; Stephen Weeks, 218; J. Oberry, 71; M. L. Gilbert, 68

Oct. 13, 1898. The San Antonio Herald reports, “The Democratic Rally held last Friday at Dade City was fairly well attended, considering the late hour at which it was held. Among the speakers in attendance were Senator Pasco, Gen. J. B. Wall, of Tampa, who took Mr. Sparkman’s place, Hon. W. S. Jennings, of Brooksville, and Hon. G. S. Bowen, the nominee for the Legislature from this county.”

Nov. 24, 1898. The San Antonio Herald reports, “The turpentine still of Crawford & Co. was sold last week to Messrs. Carmichael & Jones, who have already taken possession. The price paid for the property is said to be between six and eight thousand dollars.”

Dec. 9, 1898. A post office is established at Wheeler.

Dec. 18, 1898. Rev. J. M. Mitchell is appointed pastor of the Hudson Methodist Episcopal Church, South, according to a church register. [The register shows that subsequently Rev. M. T. Bell served until Dec. 17, 1900, and Rev. Tom McMullon served until Dec. 1901. Other pastors were Rev. W. F. Fletcher (1902), Rev. R. H. Barnett (1903), Rev. W. H. F. Robarts (1904), Rev. K. M. Albright (1905), Rev. K. D. Jones (1906), Rev. J. M. Dieffenwierth (1907), Revs. Combs, Willis, and Mitchell (sharing, Dec. 1908 to Dec. 1909), Rev. J. D. Frierson (1909-1911).]

Feb. 2, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “A majority of our readers will learn with regret the news of the unexpected demise of our popular tax collector, Mr. R. A. Brown. His death occurred last Sunday evening at his residence in Dade City and the funeral was held Monday and attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends. ... The deceased was in former years a resident of San Antonio and enjoyed the distinction of having been its first postmaster.”

Feb. 2, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “At the municipal election lately held at St. Leo, the following gentlemen carried the day by a goodly majority: E. G. Gailmard, Mayor; R. F. Martin Bunning, F. Ed. Delabar, and J. E. Scott, Aldermen; F. A. Delabar, Clerk; and R. Stuntenbeck, Marshall.”

Feb. 9, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Dr. Williams of Dade City, our county health officer, died Monday at his home from the effects of the Grip.”

Feb. 13, 1899. The temperature at Inverness drops to 14 degrees, according to readings made by W. C. Zimmerman. [On Feb. 16, 1899, the San Antonio Herald reported, “Monday morning our people had a chance to admire the beautiful snow! It was the genuine article and samples of it were still in evidence Tuesday morning. ... Mr. Wm. Sultenfuss returned Tuesday afternoon from a visit to St. Petersburg. While there Monday morning he witnessed the first Florida snowstorm, and according to his report it lasted till the afternoon, or something like four hours longer than in our neighborhood. ... The cold snap of last Monday has damaged the strawberry crop to such an extent that very little shipping will be done inside of [illegible] weeks.”]

Mar. 9, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports that the results of the primary held last Saturday for selecting a board of county commissioners are as follows:

First District: J. A. Delcher, 228; J. G. Wallace, 217.
Second District: W. M. Gilbert, 58; Liburn Kersey, 138; W. R. Lilburn, 119; E. J. Spivey, 142.
Third District: L. S. Bradham, 141; R. Ellis, 26; D. H. Smith, 222; T. C. Whitman, 54.
Fourth District: A. Barthle, 161; J. W. Douglas, 101; W. H. Haager, 110; A. M. McGeachy, 90.
Fifth District: E. J. Carraway, 71; M. N. Hill, 238; M. L. Moseley, 136; J. McNeill, 19.

June 8, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports:

Dade City was visited yesterday by a conflagration, which terminated in the destruction of a handsome church and several dwelling houses, besides damaging a number of adjoining buildings. At 1:30 p.m. sparks from a defective flue set the fire to the top of Mr. Walter Seay’s residence, and although there was plenty of help, nothing could be done to save the building. Meanwhile Dr. Baker’s house was exposed to all the heat and sparks, but an excited crowd saved it, forgetting, however, all about the Baptist church on the west of Baker’s. It was not long before the roof of the church caught and no efforts could save the structure, owing to the scarcity of water. The next building in danger was the one of the Hon. John Raymond. It was on fire several times, but after heroic exertions it was saved. For a time the High School appeared to be doomed also, but the teachers who were present for examination with some other help stationed themselves on the building, each with a supply of water, and the Superintendent and the chairman of the Board were on hand, ready to act, in case of emergency. This building escaped through a change of wind. The next building doomed was Mr. Keith’s villa, a handsome home, which was soon consumed by the flames, the heat of the burning church being too great for any attempt to extinguish the flames. The sparks from the burning buildings set at different times fire to the Presbyterian church and parsonage and the adjoining woods. Other houses in immediate danger were those of Messrs. Brown, Mobley, Ray and Henley. At 4 o'clock the fire was under control and further immediate danger past. A low estimate puts the loss at $11,000 with but little in insurance.

June 29, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Dr. Lowry, a physician of Plant City, has moved to Dade City with his family and will practise his profession.”

July 13, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Mr. Sultenfuss’ saw mill is taken down and ready for shipment to Keystone Park, its destination. Mr. Sultenfuss will go along and superintend the setting of the mill.”

July 27, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “The saw mill of Brown & Wishart has been removed to the Big Cypress, where it will remain for the present. Messrs. F. J. Christ and E. Eisele went down to help in setting up the machinery. But little progress was made on account of the rain that flooded the whole place.”

Aug. 3, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Mr. Tanner, a turpentine operator, with two colored assistants succeeded in arresting a colored fugitive, whom they located in Abbott. The prisoner, who is wanted for murder, was brought to Dade City and turned over to Sheriff Griffin for safekeeping until the sheriff of Hernando county could be notified and send for him.”

Aug. 10, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “The Dade City cigar factory is said to be in a flourishing condition. Over 8000 cigars were shipped last week and sufficient orders are on hand to warrant an increase.”

Aug. 24, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Some of our turpentine men are considering the introduction of an automobile for the heavy hauling, now performed by double teams of mules. The only drawbacks to the scheme are the rough roads, but the operators are willing to go halves with the county in fixing these to permit an easier mode of travel.”

Sept. 7, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “The unusual ringing of bells last Sunday morning at 3 a.m. was due to a revival, which had been in progress in the colored churches of the turpentine camp.”

Oct. 5, 1899. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Tanner’s turpentine still, near Hudson, burned to the ground last Friday. The loss is between $1,000 and $2,000.”

Nov. 9-10, 1899. The Tampa Morning Tribune reports that Giuseppe Licata, an Italian immigrant, was accused of killing a rural farmer in a quarrel over a cow. A group of Pasco County farmers marched on the Tampa jail, demanding that he be released for justice. Licata was later found innocent of the charges. [On Nov. 16, 1899, the San Antonio Herald reported, “E. Studstill, a young married man from the vicinity of Chipco, was fatally shot and instantly killed last Wednesday in Ybor City. The bullet struck Studstill, who was on horseback, in the center of the breast and he fell without uttering a sound. From all appearances he was an innocent man in the affair, the dispute being between an Italian and Grocer C. J. Allen, over the ownership of a cow. Studstill, who was in Tampa to see a relative, had been asked by Allen to accompany him to get a cow and while doing this he received the missile with the above result. His suspected slayer got away and is still at large.”]

1900. The population of Pasco County is 6054.

Feb, 8, 1900. The San Antonio Herald reports, “At the town election held recently in Saint Leo, Mr. R. Batchelor was elected mayor by a majority of six votes. Mr. R. Stuntebeck as marshall was re-elected, as was the Board of Aldermen with one or two exceptions.”

March 1900. The Pavilion Church and Reading Room for Sponge Fishermen is founded at Bailey’s Bluff by Emma M. Stirling (1838-1907), a Scottish woman who wintered in Tampa.

March 8, 1900. The San Antonio Herald reports that Dr. Howard of Dade City has died.

May 3, 1900. The San Antonio Herald reports that the total vote cast in the county last Saturday is divided as follows:

Representative: G. S. Bowen, 123; J. B. Johnston, 233; T. E. Lucas, 89; H. C. McRae, 261; J. I. Spivy, 166.
Clerk Circuit Court: H. H. Henley, 438; M. G. Rowe, 426.
Sheriff: H. C. Griffin, 461; B. D. Sturkie, 402.
Supt. Public Instruction: E. B. O’Berry, 354; D. O. Thrasher, 495.
County Judge: O. L. Dayton, 436; E. Frazier, 251.
Collector: A. A. Boone, 243; T. J. O’Neill, 282; J. D. Sims, 336.
Assessor: J. C. Carter, 362; J. S. Flanagan, 431; J. G. Tanner, 52.
Treasurer: J. A. Cunningham, 464; J. E. Lee, 377.
School Board, Dist. 1: N. A. Carter, 360; M. S. Slaughter, 189; S. Weeks, 189.
School Board, Dist. 2: Jacob Godwin, 222; M. F. O’Neal, 198; D. E. Wallace, 325.
School Board, Dist. 3: F. J. Christ, 360; D. H. McCarthy, 331.

May 10, 1900. The San Antonio Herald reports, “Sheriff H. C. Griffin and County Judge Davis took the train here Monday morning to go to Week’s turpentine camp near Hudson, to investigate the murder of John D. Cleland, who was killed Sunday afternoon by negroes. [On May 17, the newspaper reported, “According to current statements, Sheriff Griffin found the situation quite serious at Weeks’ turpentine camp, when he went there last week to investigate the murder of J. D. Cleland, the woodsman of Johnson’s camp. The negroes implicated defied arrest successfully until he took the kopjes by storm, and captured three out of the six defenders. The camp being outside of this county, he turned the prisoners over to deputies to bring them to the jail in Brooksville.” on May 17, 1900, the Blackshear Times (Georgia) reported, “The shooting and instant killing of Mr. J. Irwin Cleland last week near Hudson, Fla., was a severe shock to his aged father (John Cleland) and relatives in this (Pierce) county. He was shot from ambush by negroes, of whom three has been lynched. Circumstances prevented the body from being brought home for burial and today it sleeps in Florida soil.”]

May 22, 1900. A post office is established at Odessa.

June 22, 1900. A post office is established at Greer.

July 16, 1900. The Security post office is established.

Aug. 13, 1900. A post office is established at Bramlett.

Oct. 18, 1900. The San Antonio Herald reports, “The construction of the Emmaus Church is being rapidly completed. The edifice, when finished, will be a handsome structure and a credit to the congregation.

Jan. 27, 1901. Early the morning, a riot breaks out at a negro dance at Rice & Phelps' turpentine camp near Dade City. Dan Childers, a white man, is killed and J. B. McNeill is fatally wounded. Two black women and one black man were shot and seriously wounded. [On Feb. 5, 1901, a mob lynched two black men, Will Wright and Sam Williams, in the county jail at Dade City. They had been implicated in the killing of Childers and the wounding of McNeill. Sheriff Griffin refused to give up the keys and the mob, said to be 30 to 50 men, broke down the outer door. Unable to break down the steel doors of the cells, they opened fire through the steel bars, shooting both prisoners to death. The Coroner’s jury found that they came to their death at the hands of “parties unknown.” On Feb. 14, 1901, the Tampa Tribune apparently gave the names as Will Wright and Sam Johnson.]

Mar. 11, 1901. American Druggist and Pharmaceutical Record reports: “Dr. C. S. Lowry, of Dade City, Fla., has sold his drug business to J. Clarence Griffin. Dr. Lowry will locate in Lakeland, where he will practice his profession. He has also purchased a drug store in Lakeland.”

Apr. 25, 1901. The Weekly Tallahasseean reports that a bill to incorporate the town of Trilby was introduced by Mr. McRae of Pasco. [However, see also May 1, 1913.]

July 24, 1901. The New York Times has:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 23.—News reaches here from San Antonio, Fla., of a terrific electric storm at that town. Services were in progress at the time in the Catholic Church. This church was struck by lightning and partly wrecked. Father Benedict, who was in the confessional at the time, was knocked unconscious. It was first believed that he was dead. Miss Gerner, who was kneeling near the entrance, and several others, were shocked severely. The building was set on fire, and the entire interior seemed to be in flames at once. There was a panic and a wild rush to get out of the church. Many were bruised during this scramble for safety. Father Benedict was unconscious for several minutes. He recovered and is reported to-day to be well almost. The interior of the church was damaged badly.

1902. Memoirs of Florida (1902) by Francis P. Fleming has:

PASCO COUNTY, organized in 1887, has an area of 800 square miles and contains a population of 6,054, an increase from 1890 of 1,805. It is situated on the Gulf, between Hernando and Hillsboro counties, with a water frontage of many miles, but no important harbors. There is much fertile agricultural land, and large crops of sweet potatoes, rice, hay, millet and egg plant are produced, as well as other field crops. The yield of vegetables reaches enormous proportions and can be easily marketed. Oranges are raised in considerable quantities and the tropical fruits find congenial environment. Phosphate rock is found abundant and the mining interests are extensive. Dade City is the seat of county affairs, the chief city and railroad center, is most conveniently located on the lines of the Seaboard Air Line and Savannah, Florida & Western roads and is a progressive, pushing town of 500 inhabitants. The tobacco crop of Pasco County is of great importance and its yield is the second largest in the State, being exceeded only by that of Gadsden county. Live stock of all kinds do exceedingly well and are raised in great numbers. Poultry of the various sorts are successfully bred and 438,100 dozen eggs were gathered in 1900. Off the rocky coast of Pasco county are famous spongefishing grounds and several hundred boats are busied in this industry.

Jan. 8, 1902. Jno. B. Johnston is selected as Mayor of Dade City.

Mar. 6, 1902. A post office is established at Sagano.

May 17, 1902. A list of Democratic county executive committees for the various counties in the Florida Cracker includes: Pasco. M. J. Dooner, State Executive Committee, San Antonio; J. M. McShane, chairman county Executive Committee, San Antonio; J. M. McShane, San Antonio; R. C. Mickler, Macon; G. W. Dayton, Dade City; S. W. Averett, Lumberton; J. A. Smith, Wesley; J. B. Miller, Jr., Blanton; R. B. McKendree, Pasco; J. B. Gay, Riverland; J. W. Hudson, Hudson; M. N. Hill, Port Richey; W. C. Ray, Dade City; E. B. Liles, Ehren; J. C. Geiger, Abbott; J. W. Gant, Enville.

July 31, 1902. A newspaper reports, “Ocala, Fla., July 30—An unknown negro was lynched at San Antonio, Pasco County, last night, for criminal assault on a white woman.” [A newspaper story datelined Ocala, Fla., July 31, reported, “An unknown negro was lynched at San Antonio, Pasco county for criminal assault on a white woman. After being identified by his victim he was strung up on a tree in sight of the railroad station and his body riddled with bullets.” [According to a web site, on Aug. 1, 1902, Alonzo Williams, a black man, was lynched at San Antonio. Pioneer Days spells the name Alonso Williams, and gives the date 1901. It quotes an unidentified newspaper article as saying that Williams choked into unconsciousness the niece of prominent resident Col. K. G. Liles and that “He was led forth to be dealt with summarily, but justly, and in a few moments the body of the beast was dangling from the Corrigan building and riddled with bullets, a fitting punishment that will always be dealt to such fiends so long as there is a spark of the fires of manhood in our breasts.”]

July 31, 1902. A newspaper reports that John B. Johnston of the Dade City Democrat was elected to the legislature from Pasco County.

Nov. 24, 1902. A post office is established at Kenney.

1903. The Mount Zion A. M. E. Church is constructed in Dade City. [The trustees of the church at the time of the purchase of the property were Rufus Johnson, George Young, and Butler T. Green. The minister at this time may have been Rev. Amos Thompson. The building was demolished in 2007.]

April 1903. The Pasco County Telephone Co. is organized in April 1903 by W. J. Ellsworth of Jessamine.

July 18, 1903. The Tarpon Springs News reports:

HUDSON. The sponge fleet has been kept in by bad weather. H. C. Bush is doing surveying on the Hudson & Brooksville railway. Rev. M. Smith is visiting in Hudson this week. Squally weather with brisk rains prevails here. Our picnic, of 25th inst, is the great topic of conversation hereabouts. A complete programme of amusements is to be in evidence besides the picnic feature. Our hearts are set on making this a success—which our good people certainly deserve. May they enjoy good weather, a big crowd and the time of their lives on that day, of all others!

PORT RICHEY. This week opened with wind and rain. Port Richeyites visiting in Tarpon Monday were: J. W. Clark, G. B. Harshaw, and Robert. McCreary and son. Second growth on orange trees seems thrifty. Services at M. E. church Sunday and meetings during week. A. M. Richey’s pear trees were damaged some by wind. The population of this settlement is 55 all told. D. H. and J. W. Clark caught two fine tarpon Monday, one a six footer. R. R. Premier is building a small boat. The Clearwater wharf contractor is here gathering cabbage palmetto logs. Our bathing has been ruined by much fresh water.

Oct. 15, 1903. The Tampa Tribune reports that convicted cow stealers B. C. Slaughter, Sam Harris, George West, and Thomas O. Slaughter will each receive two years in prison.

Nov. 2, 1903. In a letter to the Waterloo Daily Courier Jacob Schaefer writes, “San Antonio is a small town, 29 residences, 4 general stores, 2 meat markets, having meat only on Saturdays, which is made of native cattle here; one blacksmith shop, one small saw mill, one turpentine distillery, a depot, public school, also a parochial school, also a convent for Sisters, a church, city hall, etc. St. Leo college is one-half mile east of here, laying on a big hill near the lake of Jovita, a fine, clear, sweet water lake one mile square. On this lake you can get a good boat ride and fish. Negroes are not allowed here to settle, the few which are here working in the turpentine stills, and if the still is moved the negroes go with it.”

1904. The sawmill operation begins at Fivay. [More on the town of Fivay is here.]

1904. The Dade City Star is established. [On Dec. 8, 1904, a newspaper reported, “The Dade City Star is one of the latest ventures on the journalistic sea.” According to a 1972 newspaper article, “Basil Orville (“Villie”) Bowden became owner and editor of the Dade City Star which he established in 1904....” On Oct. 15, 1909, B. O. Bowden is shown as editor and owner.]

Jan. 4, 1904. J. K. Ward is elected Mayor of Dade City.

Mar. 18, 1904. The Macon Weekly Telegraph reports:

DADE CITY, Fla., March 17.—Safe blowers dynamited the safes of the Bank of Pasco last night and almost wrecked the building. The charges of dynamite were so heavy that the large brick building was cracked from roof to base and every one of the plate glass windows was blown out.

May 26, 1904. The Tampa Tribune reports the Brooksville-Hudson railroad has opened. [According to WPH, in 1905 a railroad spur track was laid from Fivay to Hudson, with a depot at Hudson for passengers and commodities. This line connected Hudson and the Fivay Lumber Co. with Tampa.]

Sept. 23, 1904. The Fivay post office is established.

Dec. 8, 1904. The Tampa Morning Tribune reports on murder trials in Pasco County: Jones murdered Pyatt; James Tompkins, colored for murder; A. F. Sullivan killed Tom Wilson; George Quinn, colored, killed Will Thompson, acquitted; Henry Packer, colored.

Dec. 18, 1904. The Pasco County Democrat reports that John J. Doyle died on Dec. 7 at his residence near Dade City. He had moved here from Fitchburg, Mass., in October, hoping that his health would improve.

Feb. 6, 1905. D. O. Thrasher is selected as Mayor of Dade City.

Feb. 9, 1905. Dade City Council meets to consider granting a franchise for an electric light and water works plant to Isaac D. Sperry, Drew B. Mills, and Emille Muller for a period of 25 years.

Apr. 20, 1905. The Tampa Tribune has the Pasco County Criminal Court docket: Henry Parker convicted of murder, sentenced to life in prison, Frances Bailey, colored, convicted of murder, life in prison, Robert Coleman, murder, life imprisonment.

May 3, 1905. The Gainesville Daily Sun reports, “W. B. Keith, near Dade City, has harvested the finest crop of ten acres of oats ever raised in Pasco County.”

June 12, 1905. The Ocala Evening Star reports: “Mr. R. S. Hall sold last week 20,000 acres of good pine timber land, located near Ehren, in Pasco County, to Mr. F. E. Miller of Ehren. The land was bought for sawmill purposes, as it has been turpentined. The consideration was about $50,000.”

June 28, 1905. The Tampa Tribune reports that S. B. Keagin was charged with killing Mr. Norman.

Nov. 10, 1905. The St. Lucie County Tribune reports, “Pasco county is among the latest to join the ‘dry’ column in Florida. In an election held last week the ‘drys’ carried the day by overwhelming majority. The county voted dry once before, but the election was set aside in the courts. This time it is claimed that the election was conducted so that the will of the people will be heeded.”

Mar. 1, 1906. The Arcadia Champion reports, “Boon Embry, of Dade City, who owns one of the largest tobacco farms in the state, has just closed a ten-year contract for his crop at 40 cents a pound. He has nearly thirty acres under sheds.”

Mar. 6, 1906. The Gainesville Daily Sun reports: “One of the most important transfers in real estate recorded in Florida in some time was the sale of 18,000 acres of timber land, together with forty ‘crops,’ or 400,000 boxes, and the complete naval stores outfit of W. B. Phifer, located at Abbott, Pasco county, a few days ago. It is understood that the consideration was $90,000. A large acreage of the tract is virgin timber, and said to be among the finest for turpentine purposes in Pasco county.”

Aug. 19, 1906. A turpentine man named Burton kills R. E. Wishart of Ocala, who operated a tie camp at Ehren. The shooting occurred at the office of a dentist named Nichols, located at San Antonio. Wishart was a patron; Burton intended to shoot the dentist but killed the wrong man.

Sept. 11, 1906. Lee W. Hicks, who had been a prominent stock man in Macon, Ga., is shot and killed at or near Brooksville. He was a conductor of the train that ran between Brooksville and Hudson.

Oct. 11, 1906. The Tampa Tribune reports that John D. Sims, former Tax Collector of Pasco County, was convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to two years in prison.

Oct. 18, 1906. The Tampa Tribune reports Clyde Pike was murdered by Lafayette Pike and Maxey Ryals.

1907. Sunnybrook Tobacco Co. buys out the Embry Tobacco Co. [In the early 1920s Sunnybrook became the largest employer in Pasco County. The plant was heavily damaged by fire in 1924 and closed down.]

Jan. 31, 1907. The Tampa Tribune reports E. Wilson was elected Mayor of Dade City.

Apr. 15, 1907. The Ocala Evening Star reports: “The big mill at Fivay, Hernando county, 30 miles west of Brooksville, was destroyed by fire Friday night. Loss $90,000; insurance $37,000. Besides the saw mill the planing mil, and dry kiln went up in smoke.”

May 9, 1907. The Ocala Evening Star reports:

News has reached the city of the cowardly murder of Lee Ellis, a well-known deputy sheriff and merchant of Ehren, Pasco county, which occurred Saturday night. Ellis was at work in his store weighing bacon for a customer, when someone discharged a load of buckshot thro’ the window. Nine buckshot entered Ellis’ body, one penetrating the heart, killing him instantly. No arrests have been made, although friends at once gave the assassin a chase through the woods. The killing, it is stated, is the result of a feud which has existed in that vicinity since the killing, seven years ago, of a man named Stafford, in Ellis’ house, by a brother of Ellis. Ellis was formerly a mail route contractor.—Tampa News.

June 6, 1907. The Tampa Tribune reports Moses Baisden, colored, shot Bessie Saunders, colored, and escaped from Hillsborough County.

July 1907. The Official Railway Guide reports, “Tampa Northern R. R.—This road has been opened for business from Tampa, northward to Brooksville, 48.5 miles, and Port Richey, Fla., 61 miles.”

Nov. 1, 1907. The Bessenger and English Saw Mill near Trilby is destroyed by fire. The loss was $80,000.

1908. Electric power is brought to Dade City by Dade City Ice, Light, and Power Co.

1908. The Touchton Building is erected at the corner of Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue in Dade City.

Jan. 26, 1908. The Gainesville Daily Sun reports, “Pasco County has the tobacco fever. In Dade City it is difficult to find clerks for the stores or landlords for the hotels—all rush out to grow tobacco.”

Feb. 10, 1908. A post office is established at Tucker. [It was renamed Greenfield on July 6, 1923.]

Feb. 13, 1908. The Tampa Weekly Tribune reports colored Masons celebrated at Ehren.

Apr. 23, 1908. The Tampa Tribune reports that Joseph Henry and George Roberts, soldiers who robbed the Fort Dade post office, were detained by officials on desertion charges in hopes they receive a more severe punishment.

May 14, 1908. The Tampa Morning Tribune reports that ex-Sen. Kirk and George W. Dayton addressed an unruly crowd in Dade City.

Sept. 30, 1908. A meeting is held at the office of the Aripeka Saw Mills Co. for the incorporation of the town of Fivay. More information is here.

Nov. 12, 1908. The Tampa Weekly Tribune mentions Dade City Orange Growers, Dade City Vegetable Co., Sunny Brook Tobacco Co., Dade City Star, B. O. Bowden, editor, and the Dade City Drug Co., Boon & Touchton, proprietors.

1909. A report by the Florida Secretary of State lists the county commissioners as: Dist. 1 - A. J. Drew, Dade City; Dist. 2 - H. S. Doormany, Kenney; Dist. 3 - L. M. Strickland, Godwin; Dist. 4 - R. B. McKendree, Pasco; Dist. 5 - J. W. Hudson, Port Richey. It lists these other officials: County Judge - J. G. Wallace; Sheriff - B. D. Sturkie; Clerk Circuit Court - O. L. Dayton; Supt. of Public Instruction - John Barnes; Assessor - Thomas R. Alexander; Tax Collector - W. L. Mobley; Treasurer - James A. Cunningham; Supervisor of Registration - John R. Sumner.

1909. A newspaper is established in Trilby, the Pasco News. [It ceased publication in 1916.]

Feb. 1909. Capt. Howard B. Jeffries, a Civil War veteran from Pennsylvania, searching for a site for a colony for Union Civil War veterans, selects the site of Abbott.

April 1909. The AME Church Review (unseen) reports on editor Hightower T. Kealing’s tour of AME churches, as follows: Kealing arrived in Croom on Feb. 27, 1908, and met with Rev. S. H. Bell and spent the night with Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Williams. He described conditions at the train station: “As usual, little or no attention is given to the waiting room for colored people in these villages. Not a heater at Croom, not even a light. Mr. Williams and Reverend Berrian had to furnish a lamp, and on this cold morning, Friday Feb. 28th, made a bonfire, and before the fire the representative of the Review waited for the train.” In Trilby Mr. and Mrs. Burt Foster welcomed him into in their comfortable home. He described Mrs. Burt as a genuine entertainer who took special delight in making it pleasant for those stopping over in Trilby. “On Friday night, February 28, I addressed a most excellent audience in St. John A. M. E. Church. Rev. E. D. Dempsey was the pastor. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Witherspoon assisted in making my stay pleasant.” On March 1, he spoke to the Mount Zion AME Church in Dade City, describing the church as beautiful and writing that he was pleased they were building a parsonage. [Information from a newspaper article by Imani Asukile]

May 8, 1909. Sheldon S. Nicks is shot to death at Fivay by a man that he was apparently trying to arrest. [Nicks is identified in Tampa Morning Tribune articles as a Hernando County sheriff’s deputy but is later identified as a Pasco County sheriff’s deputy in another newspaper.]

May 11, 1909. The Tampa Morning Tribune reports that the Mutual Construction Co. of Louisville, Ky., was awarded the contract for erecting Pasco County’s new court house at $34,860. It reported the company was allowed 250 working days to complete the contract. [According to one source, Circuit Court Clerk Archie J. Burnside accepted the completed building on July 5, 1909, and made the first payment of $6,360 on that date. However, the Atlanta Constitution of Sept. 20, 1909, carried a classified ad: “WANTED - Ten good carpenters to go to Dade City, Fla., work on courthouse, 30c per hour, 10-hour day. Call upon A H Haggard, 16 W. North avenue Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 12 m.” According to Eddie Herrmann, County Commission records reflect that acceptance was refused on Dec. 16, 1909, “on grounds, not fully completed,” and was subsequently accepted on Jan. 3, 1910.]

May 14, 1909. A post office is established at Needmore.

May 21, 1909. The Fort Pierce News reports: “On the same day that the courthouse contract was let the county commissioners of Pasco ordered the construction of 35 miles of hard road, connecting Dade City and Hudson. The value of this improvement cannot be estimated. Practically speaking, it will be even more valuable than the new courthouse and yet there are some people who prefer the sand.”

July 19, 1909. The Ocala Evening Star reprorts: “Miss Emma Washburn, a graduate nurse from the Marion County Hospital, left this afternoon to take charge of a new hospital established by the Fivay Lumber Co., at Fivay, Fla. Dr. A. C. Coogler is physician in charge.”

Aug. 29, 1909. The Tampa Tribune (unseen) reports that five members of the Tucker family, all living near Richland, have been arrested on charges of cattle stealing. The men were Elliott, Fulton, Velpo, Elmore, and Austin. Theft of cattle had been occurring for several years in Polk, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

Oct. 15, 1909. The Dade City Star states that it “has the largest circulation of any paper ever published in Pasco County.” The newspaper reports on a four-day murder trial that resulted in a hung jury. State Attorney Herbert Phillips prosecuted the case and defense counsel included Col. E. F. Green, Capt. John B. Johnson, and Col. Robert W. Davis. School board minutes show that board members are L. J. Sellers, W. S. Larkin, and D. E. Wallace, and M. L. Gilbert is superintendent. In an advertisement, J. D. Sumner invites everybody to make his store headquarters during court or any other time when in town. S. Daiger advertises groceries, feed, fertilizer, crockery, clothing, oil stoves. O. N. Williams & Son advertise that they are the original Racket Store and have added a grocery department and a millinery and dress making department supervised by Mrs. Jennie Knapp. O. N. Williams is an agent for the Standard Fertilizer Co. Coleman and Ferguson advertise. W. L. Baker states that he is successor to R. C. Davis and advertises fresh fish each day, fresh pork, sausage, beef, and mutton. R. T. Thrasher is a dealer in general merchandise. Brown’s Livery has good teams and careful drivers. E. M. Staley is a contractor and builder.

Oct. 30, 1909. The Gainesville Daily Sun reports, “E. B. Embry of Dade City, who is manager of the Sunnybrook Tobacco Company, says that Florida wrapper tobacco is bringing two dollars a pound. The Dade City plantation is one of the largest in the State.”

Dec. 14, 1909. The Elfers post office is established.

Dec. 17, 1909. The DeLand News reports, “A deal has been consummated whereby Powell Brothers, of DeLand, have come into possession of the ownership of fifteen thousand acres of timber lands in Pasco county. While the tract has been put through the process of turpentining, the timber is yet intact. The tract is conveniently located near two railroads, and is one of the finest in the state. The consideration is understood to have been $75,000, the sale having been made by J. R. Sloan and associates, of Jacksonville.”

Dec. 19, 1909. A newspaper reports, “E. M. Harvey, of Dade City, in the south of Florida, has sold the Dade City Hotel plot of ground to S. H. Gerowe, of Atlanta, Ga., who will give that city its crying need, a new hotel, which he intends to manage himself.

Dec. 30, 1909. The Tampa Times reports that the temperature at Dade City dropped to 19°.

About 1910. The first burial takes place at Indian Pond Cemetery in Dade City [Historic Places of Pasco County].

Feb. 11, 1910. The Atlanta Constitution reports: “Tampa, Fla., February 10—Meager details were received here tonight of the killing of Joseph and M___ Hale of Abbott, a small community a short distance from Dade City, by Will Stafford, one of the most prominent farmers in that county. The two brothers had been charged, it is alleged, with stealing hogs from Mr. Stafford and a quarrel ensued. Yesterday afternoon the three met at Abbott. Just how the difficulty which led up to the dual killing started cannot be learned. Stafford secured a double barreled gun, however, and killed both of the young men. The bodies were carried to Dade City, where an inquest will be held tomorrow morning.”

May 20, 1910. The Fort Pierce News reports, “At Fort Dade, the first organization of Spanish war veterans in Florida have just been organized, with a membership of about fifty. Capt. A. G. Clark, of Fort Dade, is organizer.”

May 31, 1910. The name of the Abbott post office is changed to Zephyrhills. [A newspaper from November 10, 1909, listing towns, shows Zephyrhills colony.]

1911. The Port Richey Co. purchases part of the land of the Aripeka Saw Mills. [The Port Richey Co. consisted of P. L. Weeks, a turpentine operator from Brooksville, his brother J. S. Weeks Jr., and W. E. Guilford, formerly with the Gillette Safety Razor Co.

Apr. 4, 1911. The Atlanta Constitution reports: “Dade City, Fla., April 3.—While personally directing the completion of a hotel he has built here, S. H. Gerowe fell 30 feet today and was instantly killed. He was standing on a window ledge on the second story, pulling a nail. The nail came out suddenly and Mr. Gerowe lost his balance. He was formerly a traveling salesman for Harry Schlesinger, of Atlanta.”

Aug. 16, 1911. A map labeled “Port Richey Company, Plan for Town of Port Richey” is recorded in public records. [The plan was drawn up by W. E. Guilford. It apparently had many of the streets and avenues surveyed, but not named.]

Oct. 1, 1911. A 1911 Port Richey Co. publication has: “The Port Richey Northern Railway at this writing (October 1, 1911) has been completed to within two miles of Port Richey. It will require but a short while longer to complete the road to the town of Port Richey. Work on the railroad bridge is already under way, and will be completed by December 1st.”

Oct. 4, 1911. A post office is established at Crystal Springs.

Oct. 5, 1911. A newspaper is founded in Zephyrhills, the Zephyrhills Colonist. [The Oct. 12, 1911, newspaper shows George H. Gibson as editor, publisher, and proprietor, and Floyd A. Gibson as foreman. Maxie Smith is shown as the publisher in the Apr. 29, 1921, newspaper. The newspaper became the Zephyrhills News in the 1925. On Apr. 2, 1926, S. D. Lovett is shown as editor and publisher.]

Nov. 16, 1911. The Zephyrhills Colonist mentions vol. I, no. 1, of the Dade City Record.

Nov. 26, 1911. The Miami Herald Record reports:

Dade City has a new newspaper and it is called the Pasco County Record. The first number was sent out last Friday and Editor A. G.Waldron, who is also the proprietor, declares in his introductory that he intends to “publish the news of all the county just as it happens and from an unbiased and unprejudiced viewpoint.”

1912. The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Station is erected in Dade City.

1912. The Grand Army of the Republic Hall is constructed in Zephyrhills.

1912. A Guide to Florida for Tourists, Sportsmen, and Settlers lists three hotels in Dade City: Woods' Tavern, I. A. Woods, capacity 25; Embry House, W. E. Embry, capacity, 25; Osceola, Mrs. M. D. Cochran, capacity, 20.

Jan. 20, 1912. The Tampa Daily Times reports, “The new hotel being erected by the Port Richey company is nearly completed and will be ready for guests about February 1. It is a well constructed frame building with wide verandas, large office and dining room and ten or twelve bed rooms.” [The hotel became the Sass Hotel, operated by Fred and Ollie Sass. In 1920 the Enchantment Inn Co. bought the hotel and renamed it The Inn. The largest stockholder of the Enchantment Inn Co. was George R. Sims. Other stockholders were Clyde F. Burns, Elroy M. Avery, H. S. Rothera, George L. Wanner, W. A. Casey, Mead Wood, C. L. Fox, J. S. Jackson, S. D. Copeland, and D. J. Clark. On June 23, 1921, an ad appears in the New Port Richey Press for The Inn, H. S. Rothera, manager. On Apr. 13, 1922, the New Port Richey Press reported that the Enchantment Inn Co. sold the hotel to Miss H. A. Turnbolt of Lincoln, Ill. On Jan. 5, 1923, the New Port Richey Press reported that Miss Turnbolt had returned to St. Louis because of ill health and that the hotel was being leased to Mr. and Mrs. Sass. On June 15, 1923, the New Port Richey Press reported that Fred L. Walsh of Somerville, Mass., had purchased the Inn from the Enchantment Co. A Jan. 2, 1925, newspaper ad shows the Enchantment Inn, F. L. Walsh, proprietor. The 1926 newspaper article reporting on the burning of the hotel has: “The present ownership of the hotel took possession in April 1925. It comprises Thomas W. Swope of Independence, Mo., and L. A. Moseley of Jacksonville.”]

Jan. 20, 1912. The Tampa Daily Times reports, “Mr. McNatt is erecting a new store building and will soon have it filled with a good stock of goods. The Port Richey colony lands have been open to settlement only a short time, yet a number of ten and twenty acre tracts have been purchased by homeseekers, many of whom have already moved on their lands and are beginning to make improvements.”

Feb. 3, 1912. The Tampa Daily Times reports, “A force of workmen are engaged in erecting a well designed hotel. work has also been commenced on a new store which will be opened and occupied by Mr. W. R. McNatt, and a passenger station and freight warehouse is to go up at once. Several residences and storehouses are in prospect. To insure the rapid upbuilding of Port Richey the Port Richey company is giving absolutely free to each purchaser of a ten-acre farm tract a lot in the town. The majority of purchasers will build on their free town lots and thus the rapid growth of Port Richey is assured.”

Aug. 1, 1912. The First State Bank of Zephyrhills begins operations, having bought out the McCormick, Stapleton, & Co., bankers, of Zephyrhills. [On July 16, 1915, the Dade City Banner reported that the banks in Zephyrhills have consolidated, with the American State Bank of Zephyrhills purchasing the assets of the First State Bank of Zephyrhills.]

Aug. 8, 1912. The Atlanta Constitution has: “Zephyr Hills, Fla. August 7.—Richard A. Burke, vice president and general manager of the Homestead Land company of Crystal Springs, near here, jumped in front of a fast moving passenger train today and was instantly killed. ... Burke came here two years ago from Milwaukee, Wis., and was one of the foremost citizens in this section. No reason is known for the rash act.”

Aug. 16, 1912. Railway Age Gazette reports, “TAMPA & GULF COAST.—A new branch has been opened for freight service only from Tarpon Springs, Fla., to Port Richey, eight miles. C. H. Lutz, secretary, treasurer and general manager, Odessa, Fla.” [According to an article by J. H. Moran in Avery, the depot in Port Richey (later New Port Richey) was built in November 1912. The building of the bridge across the Cotee River delayed the arrival of trains until the summer of 1913, when semi-weekly train service was established.]

Aug. 25, 1912. The Atlanta Constitution reports: “Tampa, Fla., August 24—Lonnie Rewis, a young married man, was shot and killed at Fivay Junction by unknown parties late last night. It developed at the corner’s inquest that Rewis had alleged illicit relations with a young woman named Pearce. Bad blood has existed between the two families for some time because of Rewis’ infatuation for the girl.” [According to Jeff Cannon, Rewis (1884-1912), shot on Aug. 23, was allegedly having a relationship with Grace Pearce, a girl under age 17; members of her family were immediately suspected in the killing.]

Dec. 21, 1912. Ehren Pine Co. is incorporated, with officers E. L. Mueller, president; Louis Mueller, vice president; Curt Holzer, secretary; J. A. Barthle, treasurer.

1913. The first of two legal executions occurs in Pasco County as Tom Bush is hanged by Sheriff Sturkie for murdering his wife.

1913. Railroad service to Elfers is established by the Tampa and Gulf Coast Railroad to accommodate shipment of citrus. (The track was extended to New Port Richey during World War I. According to Ash, operation of the railroad was assumed in 1927 by the Seaboard Air Line Railroad which closed the New Port Richey depot on April 25, 1943.)

1913. Father Felix Ullrich, Benedictine priest from the St. Leo Abbey, celebrates the first Mass offered in western Pasco County in the home of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Casey on Washington St. at Virginia Avenue, according to a Queen of Peace Church history. [Ullrich founded Queen of Peace Catholic Church in 1919 and became its first resident priest in 1922.]

1913. The Dade City Banner is established. [On Aug. 27, 1913, the St. Petersburg Daily Times reprinted the following from the Gainesville Sun: “Dade City is a rather small town to support two newspapers, but she is going to try it. Larger towns than Dade City have failed in this attempt but the Banner has the Sun’s best wishes for her success.” In 1914 the Dade City Banner was published every Friday by editor W. M. Hetherington. This newspaper later became the Pasco News and the Pasco County News, which ceased publication on Nov. 30, 2006, although the company continued to publish the Pasco Shopper, a free advertising flyer.

April 30, 1913. Voters approve a $100,000 bond issue to build a hard road from Tarpon Springs to Port Richey to Aripeka.

May 1, 1913. Trilby is incorporated. [The incorporation papers show that Dr. W. G. DeVane was selected Mayor.]

May 4, 1913. The new St. Rita Church is blessed by Benedictine Fr. Augustine Feller, O. S. B., the pastor. [It was dedicated on Jan. 4, 1914. More information about this church is here.]

May 9, 1913. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports that R. E. Filcher and George R. Sims purchased the Port Richey Co. and its lands including the town site of Port Richey on April 1. [Filcher died July 21, 1929, in Los Angeles.]

May 9, 1913. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports: “A large plot has been donated by the Company adjacent to the lake in the town of Port Richey for the immediate erection of a Methodist Church building. ... The church building will be constructed of cement brick.” [On Aug. 12, 1913, the Port Richey Company deeded lots 29, 30, 31, and 32 in Block 51 to J. A. Kyle, W. E. Frank, and J. H. Moran, as trustees of the Port Richey Methodist Episcopal Church South. This property was at the northwest corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and Jefferson Street. According to Hendley, “In 1913 the Methodist church was organized, the first minister was Rev. H. Logan. J. M. Mitchell was the first superintendent of the Sunday School; later on the Methodists built a substantial church.” According to J. H. Moran in Avery, “The first religious service was held in the park in the summer of 1913, the Reverend Holmes Logan of Tarpon Springs preaching the sermon. In the fall the service was held in the McNatt building and there continued until the Methodist church was ready for occupancy. After Mr. Logan came Pastors Tompkins, Collier, (during whose ministry the church was built) Windham, Stevens, Partridge, and J. E. Jones.” Construction of the Methodist-Episcopal Church at the northwest corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and Jefferson St. began on Feb. 1, 1915, and was completed in 1918.]

May 9, 1913. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports: “Poles have been laid along the Tarpon Springs-Port Richey road, via Elfers, and within the next week or two wires will be strung and Port Richey will be in telephone communication with the outside world.”

Nov. 1913. On the day after Thanksgiving, Gerben DeVries first visits Port Richey. He wrote later, “Port Richey then consisted of a store and a postoffice in charge of David Clark who had always lived here. There was a small school building, a few houses near the mouth of the river, and that was about all. New Port Richey was not yet on the map. Where this town now stands, I found a hotel in charge of two very congenial people—Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sass. There was also a 'freight and passenger depot' at the end of two rusty 30-pound rails, an unoccupied store building which is now the Idlewile apartment house, Mr. Malmstrom’s home on the Circle nearing completion, a beautiful river bank covered with a grove of the finest palm and oak trees I had ever seen, a lot of pretty white stakes marking the location of town lots for sale, and a sand trail as crooked as they make them running from here to Tarpon Springs.”

1914. The Hotel Newport is constructed on North Boulevard in what would become New Port Richey by A. J. Pauels and Mike Broersma.

1914. Port Richey Hardware and Supply is established. [A 1924 advertisement makes this claim and says the business is “the oldest established business in town.”]

Feb. 1914. Rollo Draft arrives in what would become New Port Richey, which has a population of less than 20, according to his recollection in an article in the New Port Richey Press of Oct. 31, 1957.

May 1, 1914. The Miami Herald Record reports that Richard H. Pitts, the former postmaster of Trilby, was indicted on a charge of embezzling a $1,900 money order of funds from the Trilby post office.

June 12, 1914. The Dade City Star reports on the primary election, saying, “The count shows that something like eight hundred votes were cast, in fact nearly every one qualified to cast a vote, did so.” O. N. Williams was elected to the legislature. A. A. Boone was elected tax collector. Wendell Gilbert was elected tax assessor. County Commissioners elected by district were R. L. Bryant (1), Allen Bird (2), John H. Harper (3), D. H. McCarthy (4), J. M. Baillie (5). E. M. Craig was elected to the school board from District One and Z. T. Roberts was elected from District Two. An obituary of Dr. T. C. Whitman says he died at his home south of Ehren and tells of his experience in the Civil War. Rev. T. S. Hubert was pastor of the Baptist church.

Sept. 25, 1914. The Dade City Banner reports that J. T. Futch is about to build a packing house south of the depot, that A. J. Reed has leased the old mill site between Church and Meridian streets, which he will convert into a wood yard and mill, that concrete sidewalks are soon to be constructed on College Street, and that J. T. Teston will operate a laundry.

Nov. 13, 1914. The Dade City Banner reports:

Mrs. Raymond Hitchcock, wife of the noted actor, and her brother arrived in the city Tuesday, and are making their headquarters at the Edwinola for the present. Mrs. Hitchcock bought the old Blanton tract, consisting of 300 acres, last year from Mr. Stewart, manager of the Hippodrome, of New York, who was here last winter, and expects to spend the winter here in improving her property, setting out a large orange grove on it in the near future. The Blanton estate is about six miles from town, and Mrs. Hitchcock and brother, should they decide to stay here, will probably buy property and build a winter home in the city, managing their grove from this place.

Nov. 17, 1914. The vote to incorporate Zephyrhills is held at the G. A. R. Hall. [It passed 65 to 12. W. C. Boggs was elected Mayor, and the five aldermen elected were N. L. Wright, S. J. Lyons, A. D. Penry, S. G. Allen, and W. J. McLaughlin. Peter O. Bobb was chosen marshal and P. T. Williams was chosen city clerk.]

Nov. 20, 1914. The Dade City Banner reports that Mr. C. Beech resigned as city marshal and that Mayor A. F. Price appointed W. F. “Bill” Flemming to fill the unexpired term. [Beech had been beaten up in the negro quarters earlier in the month.]

Nov. 27, 1914. An advertisement in the Dade City Banner announces that Dr. F. C. Wirt, osteopath, will be at Dade City Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at the Edwinola Hotel, and at San Antonio on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning, beginning Nov. 16.

Dec. 4, 1914. In an article about Zephyrhills, the Dade City Banner reports:

Zephyrhills is to have a new depot. The Seaboard people are unloading brick and other material just north of their old depot. We are very glad to see this move taken by the Seaboard. The present depot has been very inadequate to serve the people of Zephyrhills. It is one of the best paying depots between Tampa and Jacksonville, and we feel we are entitled to some consideration from the Seaboard people, as they have treated us pretty well. The Methodists have commenced on their new $5,000 building, contract for which has been let to Clark & Fuller. It is located on the corner of Fifth avenue and Tenth street; it is to be a fine building and the Methodists can justly feel proud of their endeavors.

1915. A new Methodist church is constructed in New Port Richey two blocks east of Rev. J. M. Mitchell’s home. He preached there for many years (Ash).

1915. New Port Richey has 100 residents, according to a local history.

Feb. 12, 1915. The Dade City Banner reports that the Pasco County Medical Society held its regular monthly meeting and banquet at the Hotel Edwinola. Those present were Drs. Devane and Byrd of Trilby, Dr. C. H. Scoville of Dixie, Dr. J. T. Bradshaw and Dr. J. W. Gatton of San Antonio, Dr. J. F. Corrigan of St. Leo, Dr. Wilhoit of Lacoochee, Drs. Wade and Sistrunk of Dade City, and Dr. J. H. Brownfield, visiting physician.

Feb. 20, 1915. The application for a New Port Richey Post Office is dated Feb. 20, 1915. [The name New Port Richey appears in the minutes of the Pasco County school board on May 3-4, 1915. For information on why New Port Richey became a separate place from Port Richey and how it was named, see the Origins of Place Names page.]

Feb. 27, 1915. The cornerstone of the First Methodist Church in New Port Richey is laid.

May 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Luikart arrive in what would become New Port Richey from West Virginia. In an interview by Julie Obenreder, Mrs. Luikart recalled that at the time there were only six houses in the town. There were no roads, only sand trails running through dense woodlands.

June 18, 1915. An issue of The Pasco County Weekly News of Trilby with this date indicates it is volume I, No. 11. The masthead includes the slogan “Trilby has railroads running in every direction, and 14 passenger trains daily” and the slogan “Trilby is located in the famous Pasco highlands trucking and citrus belt.” John Tippen is shown as editor and publisher. C. D. Bradshaw is shown as business manager. The newspaper has “W. E. Wilson has been appointed deputy sheriff for this district” and “It is stated that the postoffice department has rescinded the appointment of D. G. Allen as postmaster, and E. W. Gideons is to remain in that position.” In a section of Lacoochee news items, the newspaper has “J. T. Neal has been appointed deputy sheriff here.” A letter from the Mayor of Lacoochee expresses support for a proposed merger of Trilby and Lacoochee. [The Pioneer Florida Museum has page 1 of this newspaper.]

Aug. 6, 1915. Will Leak, a black man, is lynched at Trilby after being accused of attempted rape. He was taken from the county jail and hanged on an oak tree in front of Hilliard’s barber shop in the center of town. An Associated Press article datelined Trilby, Fla., Aug. 6, 1915, reported: “A mob attacked the jail at Dade City late last night, overpowering the jailer, secured Will Leach a negro and brought him here and hanged him in front of the railway station.”

Aug. 6, 1915. The Dade City Banner reports: “About 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon Tom Scott and Elmore Tucker, of Richland, were fired on from ambush as they were crossing the Withlacoochee river at Cow’s Ford, about four miles east of Richland. Scott was killed and Tucker was wounded in the chin and arm. The horse was unhurt.” [On Aug. 15, the Atlanta Constitution reported: “Tampa, Fla., Aug. 14 — Taft, Ivey and Preston Overstreet, brothers, white men, accused of ambuscading and killing Tom Scott and Elmore Tucker, near Dade City, early in the week, are in jail here for safekeeping. Officers at Dade City feared for the safety of the men and rushed them to the local jail. Scott and Tucker were driving in a wagon when they were fired upon from ambush. Scott died immediately and Tucker fled through the woods.”]

Aug. 24, 1915. Lewis Charles Draft, age 5, dies. His funeral is the first held in New Port Richey.

Aug. 30, 1915. The New Port Richey post office is established.

Oct. 9, 1915. The Dade City Banner and the Dade City Star are consolidated.

Nov. 12, 1915. The Dade City Banner reports that John O'Berry, who lived about a mile from Trilby, was shot and killed Saturday night at Trilby by an unknown assassin.

Dec. 31, 1915. James E. Grey (GHS '34) is born, the first boy born in New Port Richey. He was the son of Frank I. Grey and Mary Casey.

1915-1916. A board of trade is established to promote New Port Richey during the winter of 1915-1916, according to an article by Gerben DeVries.

1915 or 1916. The H. H. Havens Building is constructed on East Main Street. [It later became the Chasco Inn Building. Information about the building is here.

1916. The Cotee River Community Club is built by George R. Sims. [He deeded it to the City of New Port Richey in November 1924.]

1916. A brick, two-story city hall is constructed on Meridian Ave. in Dade City.

1916. Pine Hill Cemetery is established by the women of the Civic Club on two acres donated by George R. Sims, according to the historical marker at the cemetery. [According to the marker, the first interment was that of Clifford E. Freels in 1917; another source has C. E. Freel. On Nov. 2, 1917, a notice in the Dade City Banner indicates that the Pine Hill Community Cemetery Association had been formed by Nettie F. Sheldon, Lonnie L. Clark, Jennie Leach, Emma M. Rowan, Minnie Broersma, and Alice C. Davis. On Feb. 16, 1920, the Port Richey Press reported, “The new cemetery will be known as the Pine Hill Cemetery.” The cemetery was deeded to the city in May 1926, or, according to a recent newspaper article, in 1941.]

Jan. 1916. The first newspaper, the New Port Richey Post, is published. The following is from an article by Ralph Bellwood in the New Port Richey Press of Jan. 2, 1969:

From the information we have been able to glean from the past, less than two hundred copies were printed and only four issues came out during the first year. Practically no advertisement was found in the first two issues; however, the Post of December, 1916, had nearly a full page of advertisements.
[The New Port Richey Post subsequently ceased publication. Only the Jan. 1916 issue has been seen; it does not show the name of a publisher. In 1948 the New Port Richey Press said that the Post was “apparently produced by the Port Richey Company.”]

Jan. 1916. The New Port Richey Post reports, “Dr. J. Martin Posey, of Hudson, has rented the pretty bungalow owned by W. F. Bragg on Orange Circle and moved his family here. Dr. Posey is much impressed with the prospects of a fine little city and enthused over the possibilities of this part of Florida. He has opened an office over the Port Richey Drug Store and will be one of our substantial citizens hereafter.”

Jan. 1916. The New Port Richey Post reports, “One of the recent business blocks erected here is that of B. H. Hermanson, who, as proprietor, has opened the New Port Richey drug store and soda fountain. ... The postoffice is located in the Drug Store quarters, and in other sections of the building are located the dry goods store of W. H. Valentine, the meat market of J. W. Clark, and on second floor may be found W. A. Casey’s barber shop, Dr. Posey’s office and other items of interest.”

Feb. 1916. An article in the Dade City Banner lists the county commissioners: D. H. McCarthy (chairman), J. H. Harper, R. L. Bryant, J. M. Baillie, Allen Bird.

Mar. 31, 1916. The Dade City Banner reports that Tom Pearce, a son of Pasco County Surveyor Allen Pearce, was shot and killed by an unknown assailant as he left his home two miles west of San Antonio on Saturday night. [Pearce had been suggested as the person who might have killed Adolphus Lewis at Fivay some time earlier.] The newspaper also reports that coming attractions at the Motio next week include the five-reel feature Hazel Kirke, starring Pearl White and Creighton Hale.

June 29, 1916. The Bank of Dade City opens.

Nov. 24, 1916. The Dade City Banner has: “The undersigned agree to close their respective places of business for Thanksgiving on November 30, 1916. Coleman and Ferguson, T. L. Shofner, J. A. Peek, Cash Grocery Store, Hubert Jewelry Store, S. F. Huckabay, H. C. Griffin, O. N. Williams and Son, W. M. Redding.”

1917. The business people of New Port Richey purchase a Model T Ford heavy duty fire truck which has a water tank but no pumper, according to a history of the NPRVFD. [For the history of fire departments in western Pasco County, see this page.]

1917. LeRoy and Mary Jane Bailey of Jackson, Michigan, purchase the Clark homestead from J. Henry Sheldon and rename it the Bay Lea Inn. [Sheldon had purchased the home after Mrs. Clark died in 1915, according to F. C. Mallett. The Dec. 2, 1920, New Port Richey Press carries an ad for the Bay Lea Hotel, Mrs. M. A. Bailey, proprietor. A 1947 ad for the Baylea Inn invites people to Thanksgiving dinner.]

1917. At this time the Dowling Lumber Mill in Odessa is producing 100,000 board feet daily.

Jan. 1917. The Tarpon Springs Progressive (unseen) reports that a bill has been prepared for introduction into the legislature to create a new county consisting of northern Pinellas and western Pasco counties. The new county would be named Wilson County, for President Wilson.

Jan. 19, 1917. The banner headline in the Dade City Banner reads: “Everything in Readiness for Pasco County’s First Fair, Opening Wednesday, January 24th.” [According to the web site of the Pasco County Fair, “On April 7, 1947, the Pasco County Fair Association Inc. was chartered with the purpose of hosting an annual fair to promote youth and other county resources. The first documented county fair was Jan. 20 through 24, 1948.”]

Mar. 13, 1917. Samuel Pasco dies, in Tampa.

May 1917. In a letter published in the Tarpon Springs Leader and Dade City Banner, G. M. DeVries reports that the citizens of western Pasco County desire to secede and join Pinellas County because of the condition of the schools and the roads.

Dec. 17, 1917. The Tarpon Springs Leader laments the fact that in his very popular book Over the Top, published earlier this year, Arthur Guy Empey has used the word cooties for body lice; Cootie or Cootee is a popular shortened form for Pithlachascotee.

Dec. 28, 1917. The second and final public hanging takes place at the Dade City jail. Edgar London, a black man convicted of murdering his wife at Ehren in 1917, is executed by Sheriff I. W. Hudson.

1918. The Mount Zion AME Church on 7th Street in Dade City is constructed, the first Protestant church in Pasco County to be built of masonry [Historic Places of Pasco County].

1918. The State Bank of Trilby is constructed.

1918.. The 1918-1919 Florida State Gazetteer and Business Directory shows E. C. Rush as the postmaster of Ehren, which it reports has a population of 200. It also lists Ehren Pine Co., F. E. Muller pres., R. B. Haddon sec and treas; and W. F. Evans and Co., turpentine.

The entry for Loyce lists: Amy L. Brown, general store and saw mill and postmaster; Weeks Bros., naval stores; P. L. Weeks Co., naval stores. The entry for Pasco shows a population of 100. It lists Mrs. L. M. Brantley, grocer; and Emma Wooddell, postmaster.

The entry for Sagano describes it as a discontinued post office. It lists J. S. Weeks & Sons, turpentine and general stre.

The entry for St. Leo gives a population of 100 and lists: Charles H. Moore, pres. St. Leo College and postmaster; Abbey Printing Co.; J. F. Corrigan, physician; A. Delabar, express agent; Jesse Dunne, mayor; Hill Crest Grove Co., citrus fruit growers; P. Jerome, railroad agent; Charles H. More, pres. St. Leo College; Jack Osborn, truck grower; Benedict Roth, notary public; St. Leo College, Charles H. More, president; St. Leo College Orchestra and Band, M. Hartinger, director.

The entry for Tucker shows a population of 100 and lists: M. W. Thompson, postmaster; Horne Naval Stores Co., general store; C. P. Peck railroad and express agent; Mrs. A. O. Pierce, grocer; Thompson & Co., general store; Weeks Bros. & Co., general store and turpentine.

Mar. 22, 1918. The Dade City Banner reports: “Zephyrhills was completely terrorized Tuesday morning shortly after one o'clock when a band of bank robbers blew the safe of the American State Bank and attempted to rob the bank of about $5,000. In the melee following the first explosion in the bank, in which twenty or more shots are said to have been exchanged between the robbers and citizens, Mr. A. B. Storms, a baker and prominent citizen of Zephyrhills, was killed by one of the bandits. Failing to gain entrance into the inner door of the safe, the bandits escaped in an automobile, which they had stationed in the edge of town, after cutting the telegraph and telephone wires, to prevent the alarm being given.”

May 17, 1918. The bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Isom Stewart are found in their home east of Dade City in Lake County. They were murdered with an axe. [They are shown as living in the Pasadena election precinct in the 1910 census. A son and two grandsons were arrested. The Dade City Banner reported, “It looks particularly bad for Josh [Josh Browning, grandson] as he bought a Ford car and was spending money freely shortly after the murder and could not give a satisfactory explanation as to where his sudden wealth came from.”]

Oct. 11, 1918. The Dade City Banner reports that the county board of education decided on Tuesday to close all Pasco County schools for five weeks until Nov. 11 because of the outbreak of influenza.

Oct. 24, 1918. The Zephyrhills Colonist reports in the Ellerslie news column: “Dan Richardson, colored, who has done a good deal of work for the people in this community, died at his home near Lumberton of influenza. Dan was the most reliable of his race we have had to do with.”

Oct. 25, 1918. A headline in the Dade City Banner reads “Joe Parker Victim of Spanish Influenza” and a subheadline reads “No Other Death Here and the Epidemic Giving Way.”

Nov. 21, 1918. The Port Richey Press begins publication. [The publisher was Charles L. Fox and son. The name was changed to the New Port Richey Press on Nov. 4, 1920.]

Dec. 6, 1918. The Dade City Banner reports that Orville L. Dayton will be the next Mayor of Dade City.

Dec. 26, 1918. The earliest Port Richey Press which has been seen (vol. 1, no. 6) reports “Christmas Day in New Port Richey was well and royally spent. Both hotels provided Christmas dinners with seasonable fare.” It reported, “The entertainment held at New Port Richey school, last Saturday night may be said to have ushered in the busy festive season which the Twin Ports have this week witnessed. The occasion was the pupils Christmas concert, and the schoolhouse was packed with an audience both interested and appreciative.” It mentioned that Miss Leach was the principal and that Mr. Havens gave a violin selection. The newspaper reported that pupils of Elfers High School presented a Christmas program on Monday night. “At the close of the program, Mr. Pinholster, the principal, was presented by pupils with a handsome military set, and he in turn made presents to the scholars.” An advertisement for Elfers Junior High School stated that G. D. Pinholster was Principal. There are advertisements for three hotels, the Sass Hotel, the Hotel Newport, and the Sheldon House in Old Port Richey. The Port Richey postmaster is J. H. Sheldon.

Jan. 30, 1919. The Port Richey Press reports: “A meeting was held in the Clubhouse Thursday night to consider the progress which is being made on State Aid Road No. 5, which is the official title of the important highway running through Pasco County, and connecting New Port Richey with Tarpon Springs on the south and Port Richey, Hudson, Dade City, etc., to the north.”

Spring 1919. According to Avery, “The first brick building in the town [New Port Richey] was completed by Mr. Sims in the spring of 1919, and has since been used by him for his central offices. In the fall of 1921, the beautiful and substantial building for the First State Bank of New Port Richey was completed. A few months later, Ralph Werner’s two-story brick mercantile building on Main street opened its doors, and was quickly followed by James W. Clark, jr.’s two story brick building extending along the boulevard from Main street to the railway at Nebraska street.”

Mar. 5, 1919. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports that the Anclote River is blocked by the reconstruction of what is known as Bailey’s bridge, which is now two feet or more lower, preventing boats with awnings on them from passing.

Mar. 9, 1919. The Church of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, the first Roman Catholic church in western Pasco, is dedicated. At the time there were only seven Catholic families in town. [The church building was moved to Sims Park on June 5, 2001, where it was to be restored and used as a meeting place.]

June 1919. Dr. Elroy McKendree Avery arrives in New Port Richey.

Aug. 28, 1919. The Port Richey Press reports: “We are more than pleased to be in a position to announce that arrangements for the immediate installation of an electric light and ice manufacturing plant in New Port Richey are now compete, and may be expected to be in practical operation within sixty days; probably light and power earlier than this. The plant secured is in every way efficient and up-to-date, and will be capable of turning out ice equal to the best in Florida. Work of erecting buildings for the housing of the plant will be commenced at once, and it may be surmized that the poles and lines will go up simultaneously.”

Sept. 4, 1919. The Port Richey Press reports that on last Monday the County Commission granted Clyde Fenimore Burns the franchise to erect poles and lay lines and supply electric current to New Port Richey. [On Nov. 23, 1917, the Tarpon Springs Leader reported that Clyde Burns had arrived in New Port Richey from Chicago “for the purpose of installing an electric plant for lighting New Port Richey.” According to Ash, electricity first appeared in western Pasco County around New Port Richey and Elfers in 1918.]

Dec. 25, 1919. The Port Richey Press has: “The telephone number of the Port Richey Press is 120-O. One long and two short rings will call us up on the local line.”

Early 1920s. According to Ash, in the early 1920s B. H. Hermanson developed Booker T. Washington as an exclusive subdivision for blacks. The subdivision was added to Port Richey on Nov. 19, 1925.

1920. The Pasco County population is 8802.

April 10, 1920. The Avery Library and Historical Society formally opens with dedication ceremonies (Janet Lewis in WPH). [Dr. Elroy McKendree Avery had donated his personal book collection as the nucleus of a public library. The library was originally located in the Snell Building on Main St. between Boulevard and Adams (Ash). The Port Richey Press of Nov. 20, 1919, carried a notice that an application to form a non-profit corporation known as the Avery Library and Historical Society would be filed on Dec. 22, 1919.]

Apr. 2, 1920. The Dade City Banner reports: “The plant of the Ehren Pine Company at Ehren was entirely destroyed by fire last Sunday, entailing a loss estimated at $125,000. The fire was started by a high wind carrying brands from a burning trash pile to the mill which was ablaze in several places in a few minutes. A large boarding house and two residences were burned with the mills. The mill of the Ehren Pine Company has been destroyed by fire once or twice before. The president of the company and principal owner, is F. E. Mueller, and the secretary is A. E. Medard (?). With the sawmill gone there is little left of Ehren, and its future will depend largely upon whether Mr. Muller and his associates rebuild or not.”

July 22, 1920. The Port Richey Press says “our population is at least 550.” It reports the population figures for the largest towns in Pasco, presumably from the 1920 census: Dade City, 1296; Zephyrhills, 577; Odessa 700; San Antonio, just under 700.

Dec. 17, 1920. The Dade City Banner reports that F. D. Cosner was elected Mayor and that, because of reports of rabies among dogs in town, city council voted to require dogs to be muzzled year- round or be shot by Marshal Sparkman. [Frederick D. Cosner, b. 1872, served two terms as mayor.]

Jan. 2, 1921. The first Baptist service in New Port Richey is conducted in a rented hall in the Snell Building. Rev. A. E. Gammage, pastor of Elfers Baptist Church, preached the sermon (WPH). [According to a 1927 article in the New Port Richey Press, “The First Baptist church ... was established about ten years ago through the influence of Dr. Joseph Billhimer and the first meetings were held at his house.” The first service in the new building on Circle Boulevard was held on July 4, 1926, with the sermon delivered by Dr. Charles Mercer Brittain, Executive Secretary of the Florida State Board of Missions.]

Jan. 7, 1921. The Dade City Banner reports: “The saw mill of the Greer Lumber Co. at Greer, five miles south of Dade City, was destroyed by fire last night.”

Jan. 27, 1921. In an article in the New Port Richey Press, postmaster Gerben DeVries writes, “A reliable authority estimates our present population [New Port Richey] about 1500. I can confirm that figure.”

Mar. 4, 1921. The Dade City Banner reports: “J. M. O'Berry, the pioneer of Blanton, has deeded to Sanford Blocker and Fred O'Berry as trustees, to hold in perpetuity as a public park, the triangular piece of land in the village of Blanton between the station, the postoffice and the street.”

June 8, 1921. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports that a new theater, the Picturedrome, is under construction in New Port Richey for Pretorius and Jackson.

June 14, 1921. Community Congregational Church holds its first service at Snell Hall at Adams and Main Street. Rev. Milton H. Babcock was the organizing pastor. [During the summer, a church building was started on two lots donated by George R. Sims, located on the north side of Orange Lake. Before the building was finished, it was badly damaged by the Oct. 1921 hurricane but the fledgling congregation repaired the damage and completed the building. Rev. Babcock resigned in April 1922 and was succeeded by Rev. Charles Drake (until Feb. 1923), Rev. Ray Busler (to Oct. 1923), Rev. Oscar Denny (to Nov. 1929), Rev Ralph Krout (to April 1932), and Rev. Frank J. Brown (to April 1935). Lay ministers served briefly, followed by Rev. James Parker (from Sept. 1936 to April 1941) and Rev. Floyd H. Andrus (to July 1963). The church was replaced by a new building at the same site in 1966.]

July 8, 1921. The Dade City Banner reports that W. R. Townsend, a woodsman in the employ of the Dowling Lumber Co. at Odessa killed Alex Roberts, a black man, in self-defense.

Aug. 12, 1921. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports, “The First State Bank of New Port Richey has been organized, and this institution is now erecting its fine stone building right in the heart of the city. Contractor W. C. Newcomb, of Largo, is making headway on the work and is planning to finish and turn the structure over to the officers by the first of September. The vault in the bank is being made as near burglar proof as possible and all necessary precautions are being taken in the structure throughout to make it as safe and secure as modern engineering can devise. C. Werner is putting up a two-story business building which will accommodate a number of stores and in addition will house many people upstairs in well arranged apartments. A drug store will occupy one of the rooms on the first floor. Meade Wood has the job of erecting a big building for the Congregational church. The plans call for a main room that will accommodate several hundred people and will likely be equal to all the needs of the church for many years to come.”

Aug. 26, 1921. The Zephyrhills Colonist reports that William H. Mountain was brutally murdered, and that Eugene Blakely was arrested but denied involvement.

Aug. 27, 1921. Reuben (Rube) T. Jones (1873-1921) and Herbert E. Scott, residents of Port Richey, are shot to death near Weeki Wachee Springs. [They had been camping in the area, with Jones' wife and James W. Clark and his wife. The others in the group discovered the bodies. The murder was unsolved. Jones was formerly the Marshal of Tarpon Springs but had recently moved to Port Richey.]

Aug. 27, 1921. The Palms Theater opens. It was built by Rufus and Margaret Jackson. According to Ash, “Saturday night became a community event in New Port Richey as parents, accompanying their young ones, and youths converged on the Palm. After leaving their children, the parents would take the opportunity to visit friends until the movies ended. ... the votes for the first Chasco queen were counted in the theater in 1922, and Mrs. George R. Sims won the honor.” [Newspapers in 1922 indicate that an entertainment feature was shown on Saturday nights and an educational feature was shown on Wednesday nights. A 1924 advertisement indicated that “moving pictures” were being shown on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and showed John S. Jackson as proprietor. After the theater was closed, about 1926, it was used as a feed store and later as a recreation hall for children. On Apr. 12, 1929, the New Port Richey Press reported that J. S. Jackson, “until last week manager of the Meighan Theatre here” would be remodeling the old Palms theater and that he would “show the same high grade pictures at the Palms as were shown at the Meighan.” The New Port Richey Press reported on Feb. 28, 1930, would reopen on Saturday night. An article of in the Lincoln Star on June 4, 1933, reported, “Ed Wynn owns a theater at New Port Richey, Fla.” According to several articles, the theater was the Palms Theater, which Wynn intended to replace with a more modern theater. The Palms Theater burned to the ground on Jan. 30, 1938.]

Sept. 9, 1921. The Zephyrhills Colonist reports that Fritz Boyett of the Wesley Chapel neighborhood was appointed to the county commission by the Governor, replacing W. H. Mayo, who resigned to move to Tampa.

Oct. 15, 1921. First State Bank opens for business at Main and Boulevard, the first bank in New Port Richey.

Oct. 25, 1921. A hurricane, later estimated as category 3, makes landfall around Tarpon Springs. Maximum winds recorded at Tarpon Springs were 100 miles per hour. [Peter Joseph (“Joe”) Baillie later recalled that damage in New Port Richey was extensive, boats that had been moored along the river were floating in the streets and many homes were without roofs. The New Port Richey Press (unseen) reported, “A heavy storm struck New Port Richey and vicinity on Nov. 1, causing considerable damage, but no loss of life.” The Tarpon Springs Leader reported on Oct. 28, 1921, “Elfers and New Port Richey, where citrus culture is among the principal industries, suffered heavily on account of the storm.” In a 1972 newspaper interview, Leland Poole recalled, “I remember it like yesterday. It happened Oct. 27, 1921. Elfers was just about solid citrus then. It stripped the trees. No oranges or grapefruit that year. It hit New Port Richey too. They were just building the Community Congregational Church. Blew the whole back out. Knocked down wires all over.” In 1976 Maxine Gause recalled attending the Elfers school. “Only perhaps 10 kids came that day to school, out of about 75 usually. But my mother was a substitute teacher that day, so we attended. When our upstairs classroom door blew in, my mother tried to tie it shut, but couldn't. So we had to take turns standing against it, a few at a time, until the storm finally eased up. We were frightened!” In 1976 Pauline Stevenson Ash also recalled attending the Elfers school. “During that hurricane, most of the windows blew out, and we took turns sweeping out the water, for almost seven hours!” According to a church history, the hurricane lifted Our Lady Queen of Peace Church from its foundation, leaving it facing west; it had originally faced south.]

Nov. 18, 1921. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports that the first annual Water Carnival will be held Thanksgiving afternoon in New Port Richey.

Nov. 21, 1921. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports that construction has begun on the new Clark Building, a two-story brick building being erected at the corner of Boulevard and Main.

1922. The Cummer Sons Cypress Company sawmill is constructed at Lacoochee. [The last timber was milled on June 5, 1959.]

1922. According to WPH, “Fred C. Frierson moved from Brooksville and opened the first prescription pharmacy in West Pasco in New Port Richey in 1922, but the residents still had to rely mainly on the doctors from Tarpon Springs, until 1926 when Dr. C. A. Gavin, M. D., and A. P. English, M. D., both began a practice in New Port Richey.”

Feb. 2, 1922. The Elfers West Pasco Record begins publication.

Feb. 9, 1922. The Elfers West Pasco Record reports that the new Clark building in New Port Richey is expected to be ready for occupancy in about two weeks. It reports, “E. S. McDuffy, who has been conducting a barber shop in the rear of the Edenfield & Wiggin store [in Elfers], is now occupying a building removed from the rear of the old place, and located at the cross roads.”

Feb. 23, 1922. The New Port Richey Press reports that Nikko Nook, owned by Walter K. Jahn, was destroyed by fire on Thursday at noon. The fire began when a gas stove exploded.

March 3-5, 1922. The first Chasco Fiesta is held in Enchantment Park. Gerben DeVries, the first postmaster of New Port Richey, had created the legend of the Chasco Fiesta.

Aug. 3, 1922. The New Port Richey Press reports that Dr. L. Martin, a dentist and ophthalmologist, will be at The Inn every Thursday beginning Aug. 10 for the treatment of patients.

Sept. 18, 1922. Gulf High School opens, the first high school in western Pasco County.

Oct. 4, 1922. Deputy Arthur Fleece Crenshaw, 31, of Trilby, and federal prohibition agent John Van Waters, 46, of Dade City are ambushed as they returned from an investigation northeast of Dade City. [These were the first documented deaths of law enforcement officers killed on duty since Pasco County was formed.]

Oct. 5, 1922. A newspaper ad appears for the Magnolia Tavern, “a family hotel at Port Richey within one block of the Cotee River near the Gulf. Fine fishing and hunting. Boats furnished. All home cooking—everything new and clean. M. Broersma, Prop.” [On Feb. 29, 1924, the New Port Richey Press reported that the “new Hotel York made its bow to the public” on Thursday evening. The Tarpon Springs Leader of Nov. 11, 1924, refers to the Hotel York, which it says was formerly the Magnolia Tavern and which it says York purchased “last winter.” On Aug. 21, 1925, the New Port Richey Press reported that York had sold the York Hotel, which he built two years ago, to O. B. Murphy and associates.]

Oct. 19, 1922. The New Port Richey Press reports that the lumber plant and stored materials of the Dowling Brothers Lumber Co. at Odessa were destroyed by fire.

Dec. 1, 1922. The New Port Richey Press quotes George R. Sims as saying that the population of New Port Richey is now nearing 1500 and that New Port Richey is now the second largest town in the county.

June 18, 1923. The Janesville Daily Gazette reports that three masked bandits in an automobile held up Elwood Wilson, manager of the Cummer Cypress Company at Lacoochee and escaped with $11,700, the company’s payroll.

Oct. 1923. At a meeting of the Hudson-Aripeka Board of Trade, J. C. Mitcham and J. B. Kolb reported on attempts to have telephone lines extended from Hudson to Aripeka.

Oct. 31, 1923. New Port Richey begins getting its electricity from the Southern Utilities Co. in Tarpon Springs.

May 1924. William Jennings Bryan visits New Port Richey, campaigning for election as a delegate-at-large to the Democratic National Convention.

Aug. 1, 1924. The New Port Richey Press reports: “The possession of too large a proportion of their assets in the form of paper not easily convertible into money, combined with a heavy demand for cash caused by the presentation of a large number of Atlantic Coast Line railroad pay checks by employes living in Trilby and others are understood to have been the cause of the failure of the Trilby State Bank, which closed its doors shortly after noon last Saturday.” [On Aug. 22, 1924, the New Port Richey Press reported, “C. M. Price of Brooksville assumed the duties of receiver of the Trilby State Bank Thursday of last week. The bank closed its doors Saturday, July 19.”]

Sept. 1924. The Genesis of New Port Richey lists these churches: Community Church, Rev. O. H. Denny; Church of Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Father Felix, O. S. B.; Baptist Church, Rev. B. M. Pack, services in Snell Hall; Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Rev. W. R. Howell.

Oct. 17, 1924. The New Port Richey Press publishes a letter saying that the black residents of Port Richey wish to thank the white people for their donations towards the building of the Little Home Baptist Church. It reported, “We are having day school here now, and again we wish to thank the kind white ladies who have furnished the school room with books for the education of our children.”

Oct. 27, 1924. Residents vote 201-4 in favor of incorporating New Port Richey and choose Elroy M. Avery the first mayor. He was sworn in on Oct. 29. Other officials of the new town were C. W. Barnett, clerk; L. H. Meeth, marshal; and councilmen W. H. Critchley, Oscar William Herms, J. Henry Sheldon, W. A. Lockard, J. H. Casey, F. A. Shaw and Rollo Draft.

Nov. 18, 1924. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports, “The home of Dr. and Mrs. I. N. Vickers on the boulevard, which has been remodelled into a hotel known as the 'Kentucky Inn,' was completed last week, and is now open for business.” [Isaac N. Vickers and his wife Goldie were born in Kentucky. The building, at Missouri and Boulevard, was used as a hotel until 1955, and was torn down in 1962, according to a contemporary newspaper account.]

Dec. 5, 1924. The New Port Richey Press reports that the New Port Richey Town Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 1, which applied to the acceptance by the town of certain land and tenements from the Port Richey Company. [The property included Enchantment Park, which was renamed Sims Park on Dec. 16.]

Dec. 16, 1924. Enchantment Park is renamed Sims Park to honor George R. Sims.

1925. The 1925 census shows these populations: Dade City 1776, New Port Richey 862, Zephyrhills 861, San Antonio 326, St. Leo 128.

1925. An advertising brochure depicts the York Hotel in Port Richey, named for Chauncey Freeland York. [It was later called the Manor Inn. A 1928 newspaper article refers to the Manor Inn. A 1930 newspaper indicates it was renamed the Sass Hotel and was being operated by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sass. A 1939 newspaper article reported, “The old Manor Inn property in Port Richey, sold by Harry Sperry two years ago to Mrs. Yolande Davis, is undergoing repairs.” According to F. C. Mallett, it was later sold to Bob Stuart and Mr. Ritter and dismantled to build cottages and homes.]

1925. The Morey-Bowman Building is constructed at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Missouri in New Port Richey.

January 1925. The paving of Main Street in New Port Richey is begun.

Feb. 17, 1925. William G. McAdoo (1863-1941), who served as secretary of the treasury in President Woodrow Wilson’s Cabinet from 1913 to 1918, and John Skelton Williams, who was Comptroller of the Currency, visit the New Port Richey area, looking at land as a possible investment.

April 10, 1925. The New Port Richey Press reports that population figures made public on April 6 showed that Pasco County has a population of 11,322.

May 8, 1925. The New Port Richey Press reports: “A mass meeting held in Palms Theatre Monday night for the purpose of considering the incorporation of New Port Richey and Elfers under one government, resulted in a decisive vote of those present to reject the consolidation under the proposed plan.”

May 15, 1925. The New Port Richey Press reports: “Fire totally destroyed the lumber mill of the Lyon Pine Company at Odessa last Saturday night.”

May 27, 1925. The New Port Richey Press reports that city council let a contract Tuesday night for the paving of Montana Avenue.

June 5, 1925. The New Port Richey Press reports: “Fifteen buildings composing the entire business district of Trilby, seven miles north of Dade City, were destroyed by fire last Thursday afternoon with a loss of approximately $50,000 with only about $5,000 covered by insurance. Requests for help were sent out to Dade City, Plant City and Lakeland. The Dade City fire department responded, but was unable to render any assistance as Trilby has no water works and the fire engine was not equipped to pump water from a nearby lake. A locomotive being run alongside the Atlantic Coast Line station by the direction of Former Chief of the Tampa fire department, W. H. Mathews, prevented that building from being destroyed. There were no casualties.”

June 9, 1925. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports, “An act incorporating Elfers as city passed both houses of the legislature last week, and today only awaits the signature of Governor Martin to become law.”

June 1925. During June and July of 1925, more than 50 parcels of land and houses as well as other real estate are withdrawn from the market through official notices published in the New Port Richey Press because of the expectation of an impending boom in real estate. Some of the properties were later re-listed at several times their previous price.

June 19, 1925. The New Port Richey Press reports: “The City of Port Richey which was incorporated by a special act of the legislature just closed, will soon be organized with a full set of officials. The new officers, named in the charter, are Charles F. Hoffman, mayor; Clyde Daso, marshal; J. H. Sheldon, clerk, assessor, and collector; M. L. Bailey, W. E. Randall, H. C. Remling, Stephen J. Ross, and Victor Malcolm Clark, councilmen. An informal meeting of these officials was held last Saturday night, at which time it was agreed to hold an organization meeting on Saturday night, June 27th, when the new officers will take office and details of the organization will be perfected.”

June 19, 1925. Rep. Edwin S. Dew writes in the New Port Richey Press: “Application was made for charter for Lacoochee but upon investigation it appeared that there was not sufficient sentiment in favor of incorporation and consequently the bill was not introduced.”

July 25, 1925. A new high record is reached when Walter K. Jahn is reported to have paid $1,250 per front foot for the Hermanson-Draft property at Main Street and Boulevard. [The property had a frontage of 40 feet on the Boulevard and ran through to Florida Avenue, thus fronting on three streets. Jahn’s plan was to erect a four-story brick building but the plans were dropped when the crash occurred. This information was taken from a 1961 column by John W. Parkes.]

Sept. 1925. The Richey Amusement Co. forms a corporation with a capital stock of $50,000 on hand for the building of what would become the Meighan Theatre at Nebraska and Boulevard South. [According to a contemporary newspaper account, the corporation was composed of W. K. Jahn, James W. Clark, Charles W. Barnett, F. I. Grey, and F. E. Dingus. The building contractor was L. C. Luppens.]

Oct. 23, 1925. The New Port Richey Press reports “Work Starts Next Week on New Theatre,” referring to what would become the Meighan Theatre. [The groundbreaking took place on Nov. 3.]

Dec. 11, 1925. The New Port Richey Press reports that this week Sen. J. M. Mitchell was elected the first Mayor of Elfers and Victor Malcolm Clark (1889-1951) was elected the first (elected) Mayor of Port Richey. Both were elected to one-year terms. The article stated that the city council for Port Richey would consist of Warner H. Randall, H. H. Stubblefield, Walter Smith, B. W. Davis, and Mrs. Susie Clark.

Jan. 1, 1926. The New Port Richey Press carries the headline “FAMOUS MILLIONAIRES OF BROADWAY BUY IN NEW PORT RICHEY” and the sub-headline “Thomas Meighan and Paul Whiteman, Irving Berlin, Sam H. Harris among Celebrities Who Have Purchased Here.” More on the New Port Richey-Hollywood connection is here.

Jan. 1, 1926. The New Port Richey Press reports that Deputy Sheriff Henry O'Berry, until recently employed in a store in Elfers, was shot and killed near Dade City by Charles Davis, whom he was attempting to arrest. [Davis was later seriously wounded and captured near Ocala. A Dade City Banner article of Apr 30, 1926, reported that Davis was believed to have been lynched when he was being transferred from the Ocala jail to Brooksville for trial.]

Jan. 5, 1926. Publisher and real estate developer Edgar A. Wright is elected mayor of New Port Richey. Wright was editor of Florida Grower and later published Florida Fruit World, according to a newspaper article by John W. Parkes, publisher of the New Port Richey Press.

Jan. 22, 1926. The New Port Richey Press reports that the Chasco Fiesta, held four years ago, will be repeated Feb. 23 and 24, 1926.

Jan. 22, 1926. The New Port Richey Press reports that playwright and screenwriter Edgar A. Selwyn had purchased a homesite in Bayshore Estates, and that actor Arthur Deagon intended to erect a home here.

Jan. 29, 1926. The New Port Richey Press reports the city councils of Elfers and New Port Richey have appointed committees to study a possible merger of the two cities. The newspaper reported that “some months ago” an earlier plan to unite the two cities was rejected at a public meeting of New Port Richey residents.

Feb. 19, 1926. The Zephyrhills News reports, “Bandits entered The American State Bank Wednesday during the lunch hour, when it was closed, choked, bound and drugged the bookkeeper and escaped with approximately $11,000.00 in cash.”

March 19, 1926. The Western Union Telegraph Co. establishes an office in the area. Mr. and Mrs. George R. Sims sent the first telegram, an invitation to Gov. and Mrs. John W. Martin to visit them.

Apr. 16, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports that the Crescent Theatre opened Thursday night with the presentation of A Japanese Girl by local talent.

Apr. 30, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports that the historic Palmer House, on Eighth St. and the Seaboard Air Line railway tracks, was badly damaged by fire early on Friday. The article reported that the building is one of the oldest residences in Dade City and that it was formerly a well-known hotel opposite the old Seaboard station at Pasadena.

May 1, 1926. The newly-opened Pasco Building holds an “open house” for the public to tour the facility.

May 25-26, 1926. The Enchantment Inn is destroyed by a fire, at midnight. About 500 residents watched firefighters attempt to put out the flames.

May 28, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports, “Workmen will start early next week clearing the property at Fourth street and East Meridian avenue, preparatory to the breaking of ground and the construction of Dade City’s new Community Hotel, according to the announcement of M. Williams, president of the corporation, which has been formed to carry out this structure.” [The hotel was never completed but the building became a city hall.]

June 4, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports, “After an existence of many years the town of San Antonio passed peacefully away on Wednesday, to be succeeded by the municipality of Lake Jovita, the citizens of the place approving the change in a special election by a vote of 65 to 26.” [On Oct. 19, 1926, the Dade City Banner reported: “The last vestige of San Antonio, so far as Florida is concerned at least, will disappear on November 1, when the name of the postoffice of that thriving little village will be changed to Lake Jovita, to correspond with the new name authorized by an election held there last June.”]

July 2, 1926. The New Port Richey Press reports “New Port Richey’s splendid new motion picture theatre opened last night to a capacity audience with Thomas Meighan, after whom the theatre was named, appearing in the starring role of 'The New Klondike,' a comedy picture of Florida.” Congratulatory telegrams were read from notables, including Meighan and Ed Wynn.

July 13, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports: “The Bank of Dade City failed to open its doors this morning and a notice posted on the door stated that the directors had decided to close the institution, as the cash reserves were below the legal requirements. The bank was considered solvent, and it was thought that the depositors would suffer no loss. The action was taken by the directors at a monthly meeting Monday night following a run during the day participated in largely by out of town depositors, among whom rumors that the bank was not sound became circulated over Sunday.” [The bank reopened in September 1926.]

Oct. 22, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports: “Dade City now has a 12-bed hospital, the equal in equipment to any to be found in South Florida, with the moving this week of the little emergency hospital operated for the past few years by Dr. T. F. Jackson on the second floor of the Touchton building to the former residence of the Rev. H. N. Abraham on Church street. First class equipment for the care of medical and surgical patients has been installed, and a corps of trained nurses have been engaged. While the hospital is a private one, in the sense that it is owned entirely by Dr. Jackson, its facilities will be at the disposal of all practicing physicians of Pasco county, and it has the moral support of the Pasco-Hernando Medical Association.”

Oct. 29, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports, “Frank Simpson, colored fireman on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, was instantly killed and six other employees of the road were injured, one of them probably fatally, when extra freight train No. 815 collided with Work Train No. 273 on a curve one mile north of Blanton, six miles from Dade City, about 11 o'clock Thursday morning.”

Nov. 12. 1926. The New Port Richey Press reports that J. M. Mitchell, Pasco County’s senator-elect, and Arthur L. Auvil, Pasco County’s representative-elect to the state legislature, have declared their opposition to the movement to create a separate county out of western Pasco County.

Dec. 17, 1926. The Dade City Banner reports that William Friedman was elected Mayor of Dade City on Tuesday.

Jan. 7, 1927. The Dade City Banner reports that on Jan. 4 residents of New Port Richey voted 120-80 to allow Sunday theaters, 81- 80 to allow Sunday baseball, but 35-144 against Sunday dancing. It also reported that Mayor Edgar A. Wright was re-elected Mayor. The total vote was 219.

Jan 14, 1927. The Dade City Banner reports that work is progressing rapidly on the remodeling of the Gulf Springs Lodge in Hudson and that Dr. C. J. Edgar, the new owner, has announced that it will be opened Feb. 1 as a fisherman’s and hunters' lodge. [On April 26, the Banner reported that the lodge had been leased for the summer by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Keene. On Apr. 26, 1929, the New Port Richey Press reported that Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long recently stayed at Gulf Springs Lodge. On Jan. 31, 1930, the New Port Richey Press reported that S. A. Glass was manager of the Lodge. On Apr. 27, 1934, the New Port Richey Press reported that J. M. Glass was manager of the Lodge. The lodge was destroyed by fire on January 23, 1943.]

Feb. 4, 1927. The New Port Richey Press reports that in an interview with Thomas Meighan the actor stated that his next picture, We're All Gamblers, would be filmed in New Port Richey. [The film was released in 1927; however, according to an Internet web page, Meighan stayed at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles during the filming of the picture.]

Feb. 5, 1927. The informal opening of the Hacienda Hotel takes place. [On Feb. 8, the Dade City Banner reported that the Hacienda Hotel “was informally opened on Saturday, Feb. 5, when the first guests were welcomed, dinner served, and the hotel thrown open for inspection.” On Feb. 11, the New Port Richey Press reported that 800 persons thronged the hotel for the public inspection on Feb. 5, the largest outpouring of citizens since New Port Richey was founded.]

Feb. 17, 1927. The formal opening of the Hacienda Hotel is held. More than 120 persons attended the event sponsored by the City Club of New Port Richey. Charles F. Hoffman, President of the City Club, was the toastmaster, and the speakers were New Port Richey Mayor Edgar A. Wright, Charles E. DeWoody, Dr. W. W. Hunt (or Hurt?), and C. W. Lyons of Tampa. [More on the history of the Hacienda Hotel is on another page of this website here.]

April 1, 1927. Father Felix Ullrich begins a campaign to raise funds for the erection of a new Catholic church on Washington Street, just north of the original 1919 building.

April 19, 1927. The New Port Richey Press reports: “The actual construction of the Jasmin Point Golf Club began Monday, when a crew of surveyors, engineers and land-clearers, under the direction of the Gulf Engineering Company, swung into the task of readying 180-acres of land for the reception of fairways, the building of bunkers and hazards, and the completion by next January first of at least nine- holes for play.”

May 6, 1927. The New Port Richey Press reports, “Work on the new arcade post office building started yesterday.” [On Aug. 5, 1927, the newspaper reported that construction was completed. On Sept. 9, 1927, the newspaper reported that the New Port Richey Post Office was moved from the Swafford Building to the Burnette Arcade on Saturday. A 1928 newspaper article calls it the Burnett Arcade Building, and reports the Avery Library has moved into the building.]

May 17, 1927. The Dade City Banner reports figures from a special census conducted of Pasco and Pinellas county to determine whether a second judge should be authorized for the sixth circuit. It reports the four largest towns are Dade City, 2701; Zephyrhills, 1397; Lacoochee, 1396; and New Port Richey, 1275. It also reported that Elfers had a population within the corporate limits of 303, “all of whom are white,” and that “the Elfers voting precinct, which includes outlying territory, shows a population of 554 persons, of whom 21 are colored.”

Aug. 2, 1927. The Dade City Banner reports, “The opening of the Hugh S. Embry Memorial Free Library Saturday afternoon marks the starting of something long needed in Dade City ....”

Aug. 15, 1927. Members of the City Club vote at a special meeting to go on record as favoring the secession of the western side of Pasco County, either making it a separate county or else joining the “more progressive” Pinellas county.

Aug. 26, 1927. The New Port Richey Press reports that golfer Gene Sarazen has purchased “a residential plot at Jasmin Point opposite the property recently purchased by Thomas Meighan.”

Sept. 17, 1927. A concrete bridge crossing the Pithlachascotee River just west of the Hacienda Hotel (sometimes called the “Humpback Bridge”) is completed at a cost of $30,000 to the county. The contractor was Henry Quist. Approaches were paid for by the city of New Port Richey. [The dedication took place on Oct. 6 with a bottle of champagne broken by Thomas Meighan. Over 500 area residents turned out. Meighan invited residents of the city to the groundbreaking for his new home on Monday.]

Oct. 14, 1927. The New Port Richey Press reports, “Ground was broken Monday for the foundation of Thomas Meighan’s beautiful residence to be erected on his waterfront property at Jasmin Point Estates and material is being shipped in at a rapid rate.”

Jan. 13, 1928. The New Port Richey Press reports that August Hecksher and Irwin Yarnell plan to drill for oil two miles north of the city on or before March 1, believing the prospects for finding oil are excellent.

Feb. 3, 1928. The New Port Richey Press reports that users of the telephone are now required to give the operator the telephone number of the person being called instead of just giving her the person’s name. It reported that, although Mrs. Clyde Lapham had an excellent memory, she could no longer remember the numbers of everyone and hoped that callers would keep their telephone catalogs handy.

Feb. 5, 1929. The Jasmin Point Golf Course opens in New Port Richey.

Feb. 21, 1929. The Pasco County News masthead shows that it is published every Thursday by the Highlands Printing Co., Dade City. Harley S. Bazzell is editor and general manager.

May 17, 1929. The New Port Richey Press reports: “A syndicate organized by E. A. Haley, owner of the Fort Harrison hotel ..., has purchased 5,000 acres of land in Pasco county which will be used to establish one of the largest fish and game preservers in the county. Associated with Mr. Haley in the project are Fred W. Warner, sr., and Fred W. Warner, jr., of Dunedin Isles; C. G. Adian, of St. Petersburg, and James Clark of New Port Richey, and others. A fish and game club is to be organized and a clubhouse modern in all respects is to be built.”

July 18, 1929. The Washington Post reports that fifteen banks in Florida failed in one day. One of them was the Bank of Pasco County in Dade City.

Mar 7, 1930. The New Port Richey Press reports that the first sound movie will be shown at the Meighan Theatre on March 9. [According to a 1963 article by John W. Parkes, Thomas Meighan was present to push the button. On May 2, 1930, the New Port Richey Press reported that the theater would temporarily abandon the showing of sound pictures and return to silent films for the summer because improvements in the sound needed to be made; prices would be reduced to 10 cents and 20 cents.]

June 27, 1930. The New Port Richey Press reports that U. S. Highway 19, which currently runs from Erie, Pa., to Tallahassee, is expected to be extended to St. Petersburg and run through New Port Richey. [The extension occurred in 1932, according to a history of U. S. highways. A road map dated March 15, 1932, shows U. S. 19 extending from Erie to St. Petersburg. The route originally multiplexed with U. S. 41 to Brooksville, then went west on Route 50 to Aripeka, and then south on its current alignment.]

August 1930. New Port Richey City Council announces that property that had been foreclosed on because of unpaid assessments will be offered free to anyone who will immediately erect a residence costing not less than $2500, occupy the residence for at least three months out of each year for five years, and pay the annual taxes during those five years.

June 13, 1931. The First State Bank of New Port Richey suspends operations, a victim of the depression.

Aug. 1931. The Junior Women’s Club sponsors a Chasco Carnival at the Bay Lea Inn in Port Richey.

Aug. 14, 1931. The St. Petersburg Times reports:

NEW PORT RICHEY, Aug. 13.—Due to the limited finances of the town at this time, the city council voted at a meeting Monday night in the city hall to cut out all white way lights until further notice in an effort to conserve the already depleted treasury. The only lights remaining after Wednesday will be those at strategic points for general protection, and this will enable the city to reduce its expenditures several hundred dollars a month. Salaries of the city clerk, superintendent of public works, and water works superintendent were cut approximately one-third each, it being pointed out that tax collections are poor and little prospects of their improving before the fall taxes become due and payable. President Marx Goodman made a stirring address, urging the cooperation of the citizens in reducing the town’s running expenses, and the payment of delinquent taxes, pointing out that the water works is at the present time the only visible means of support at the command of the city government. Following the reading of a communication from Mayor Charles W. Barnett, it was voted to permit the night police force to resume its nightly patrols of the outlying districts, which to a great extent will have to be in darkness, now that practically all lights are to be eliminated.

Sept. 1931. The Avery Public Library closes because of reduced tax collections by the city and because of the failure of the First State Bank. [The library shortly thereafter resumed operation two days per week.]

March 23, 1933. Cartoonist Billy DeBeck, creator of Barney Google and Snuffy Smith, arrives with his wife for a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Meighan. DeBeck played golf in a foursome with Meighan, Gene Sarazen, and George R. Sims.

Aug. 4, 1933. The Tarpon Springs Leader reports that the Moon Lake lodge was formally opened last Friday night. D. B. McKay, former mayor of Tampa, acted as toastmaster. [According to the article, “There is still much work to be done in beautifying the grounds and completing the remaining cabins. Although there are now about seven cabins complete and in the course of construction Haley plans to have 50 two- and three-room cabins in the development.”]

Aug. 3, 1934. The Dade City Banner reports that Pasco County took over management of Jackson Memorial Hospital on Aug. 1.

Sept. 28, 1934. The New Port Richey Press reports that the city, aided by Federal Emergency Relief Act labor, will start work of rehabilitating the 18-hole golf course around Orange Lake on Monday. The newspaper stated that the “famous little golf course ... was very popular in years past and drew crowds from all over.”

Nov. 6, 1934. In an election, Pasco County votes 1130 to 670 in favor of becoming “wet.” Pasco was the 42nd of 67 counties to resume the selling of alcoholic beverages stronger than beer.

1935. The incorporation of Trilby is repealed, according to Scott Black.

Sept. 3-4, 1935. The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 causes extensive damage from flooding and high winds in western Pasco County. The roofs of the Elfers Citrus Growers Exchange and Gulf High School as well as many smaller buildings were heavily damaged. Winds were estimated at 60 to 70 miles per hour. Electricity was knocked out and schools throughout the area were closed for several days.

Nov. 1935. Port Richey Mayor John Nelson writes a letter to Florida Governor David Sholtz describing the city’s state of affairs. The letter is here.

Dec. 1, 1935. Dr. Elroy McKendree Avery dies in New Port Richey, at age 91.

Dec. 3, 1935. By a margin of 131-29, New Port Richey voters decide to obliterate the municipal golf course that had circled Orange Lake.

1936. Pasco Packing Association (Lykes-Pasco) is organized.

July 6, 1936. Moore’s Academy, a black school in Dade City, is destroyed by fire of undetermined origin.

Dec. 18, 1936. The New Port Richey Press reports that the Hotel Newport, built in 1914, has been demolished.

1937. The Moon Lake Gardens and Dude Ranch begins operation. [The description of the facility in the WPA Writer’s Project is: “A private game preserve of 7,000 acres enclosed with a wire fence. The tract has been stocked with wild turkeys, deer, otter, beaver, and numerous game birds. Trails wind through the woods and along the shores of Moon Lake; the gardens are planted with azaleas and roses. Various buildings and cottages have been erected for the accommodation of visitors.”]

1938. Coleman and Ferguson, the oldest mercantile business in Dade City, closes its hardware, dry goods, and grocery store.

1938. During the 1938 season, Pearl Buck leased the home belonging to Mrs. E. Stephens on Central Avenue. She remarked that the winding Cotee River only needed monkeys swinging from their tails to make an authentic African wilderness.

Jan. 1938. The New Port Richey Theatre opens in the former Meighan Theatre building. [The theater had been closed about four years.]

July 23, 1938. Members of the Florida House of Representatives hold an informal caucus at the new Moon Lake Gardens for the purpose of choosing a speaker for the 1939 session.

Aug. 19, 1938. The New Port Richey Press reports: “Local sponge boats operating out of Port Richey are reporting good catches. Last week Captain Kenneth Hope and his crew came in with 1,100 fine sponge, as also did Capt. Earl Bates with 1,500. The Gay Bros. of Hudson, now operating out of Tarpon Springs brought to auction $7,500 worth of sponge in about three trips, it is reported recently. American operated boats are now more in evidence than has been the case in recent years, the Greek divers from Tarpon Springs having nearly a monopoly in the trade.”

March 18, 1939. A gasoline tank truck which weighed about 17 tons crushes the weakened boulevard bridge across the Pithlachascotee River. [The truck was not extricated for two days and drew a continuous stream of onlookers. On March 25, after four days of day and night work by the state road department, Mayor Fred Howard and state road officials broke the ribbon on the repaired bridge.]

June 9, 1939. The New Port Richey Press reports that the two city fire trucks were placed in the new fire hall last weekend. [The new fire station, city clerk’s office, and public library were located in the same new building on Main Street.]

1940. City Hall is completed in Dade City.

Mar. 15, 1940. The Dade City Banner reports: “A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the former Hennington building and three adjacent structures, completely wiping out one of the business blocks of Zephyrhills last Saturday morning about one-thirty o'clock, during a period of high wind which quickly swept the buildings and caused a complete loss. The Dade City fire department responded to a call for assistance. However it and the Zephyrhills fire truck were unable to quench the flames, but by their efforts nearby buildings were saved.”

Aug. 1, 1941. The New Port Richey Press reports that an estimated 800 or more workers at the Cummer Sons Cypress Co. plant at Lacoochee were made idle starting yesterday when the mill closed on account of a strike by the workers.

April 16, 1944. The Florida Times Union reports: “A Unit of 250 German prisoners arrived on a special train this week from a camp in Augusta, Ga. and have been moved into the camp on the eastern edge of Dade City. Buildings to house the prisoners and the force of sixty military police have been built under the direction of Army engineers. The military personnel of the camp are permitted to live off the reservation when not on duty and many of them have been joined here by their families and have taken apartments in Dade City. The prisoners were brought here to work at the plant of the Pasco Packing association and the mill at Lacoochee, operated by Cummer Sons Cypress Co. Most of the prisoners are young and groups of them in the camp last evening were singing. An officer remarked that they would no doubt soon be singing ‘God Bless America,’ as they seem rather content to be here.”

1945. College Street in Dade City is renamed Church Street, according to Historic Places of Pasco County. [Another source gives 1944.]

Aug. 14, 1945. New Port Richey residents celebrate the 7 p.m. announcement of the Japanese surrender, ending World War II. The New Port Richey Press reported on Aug. 17: “The siren blew following the President’s pronouncement; folks gathered along the main streets and with their neighbors; many wended their way to churches to pray and give thanks to God. About 8:30 an impromptu parade of several score automobiles preceded by the fire department drove over most of the city and Port Richey, blowing horns and calling gladly to friends as the car drivers and occupants passed the homes of this locality from which over 100 fighting men and the women of the armed forces had left to serve their country and all democracy. There was no attempt at mass exuberance or wild celebration such as reports attribute to many of the larger centers. There was just a feeling of—'Thank God, it’s over now.' Liquor stores closed here promptly with the blowing of the siren, and they remained closed for the 24-hour period, including Wednesday, when almost every type of business activity ceased.”

Aug. 24, 1945. The Dade City Banner reports, “A disastrous fire of undetermined origin broke out about 10 o'clock Wednesday night in the parts room on the second floor of the two-story brick garage building of the Pasco Packing Association causing damage which will run into thousands of dollars.”

Jan. 24, 1947. The Dade City Banner reports: “Following a meeting of New Port Richey citizens and others of the West Coast area with attorneys and county commissioners of Pinellas county in New Port Richey Friday night, a meeting was held here Tuesday afternoon relative to a proposal that Pasco county’s coastal sector be annexed to Pinellas county. George C. Dayton, representative, and Senator J. C. Getzen both expressed disapproval of the plan in no uncertain terms and said they would fight in the Legislature any attempt of western Pasco to secede.”

Feb. 14, 1947. The Chasco Fiesta pageant is revived and presented by the Chasco Junior Women’s Club. [Newspaper accounts at the time called it the first Chasco Fiesta since 1922.]

Oct. 3, 1947. The New Port Richey Press reports that electricity has been brought to Aripeka as an REA project, but that residents still await telephone service.

Jan. 16, 1948. The New Port Richey Press reports that dial telephone service will begin in New Port Richey on Jan. 21.

Dec. 21, 1948. The Pasco Theatre opens in Dade City.

Feb. 19, 1949. The bridge across the Anclote River at Seven Springs collapses under the weight of a tank truck loaded with 30,000 pounds of citrus syrup. [On Apr. 27, 1951, the New Port Richey Press reported, “The Seven Springs bridge, near Elfers, victim two years ago of an over-loaded truck, is being rebuilt. Work began this week on a 150-foot $50,000 steel and concrete span over the Anclote River on State Route 54. In addition, the river channel for a quarter mile will be widened to reduce the danger of backing water in times of flood. The Cobb Construction Co., a Tampa firm doing the job, expects to complete it sometime in August. Present makeshift low-level by-pass bridge will continue in use until then.”]

June 22, 1949. A dedication ceremony is held for the new drawbridge across the Pithlachascotee River on U. S. Highway 19.

Aug. 27, 1949. A hurricane which made landfall around West Palm Beach travels across the state and causes flooding in Pasco County.

Mar. 9, 1950. The Joy-Lan Drive-In Theatre opens in Dade City.

Sept. 1, 1950. The Ehren post office is renamed Land O’ Lakes.

July 15, 1952. Gulf State Bank in New Port Richey opens. The New Port Richey Press reported on July 18, “The convenience of having a bank here is immeasurable.” [The bank opened in the same building which housed the earlier First State Bank. During much of the period after First State Bank had failed, Rollo Draft operated a check cashing service at the site. The bank moved to a new larger building in 1956.]

Dec. 1954. WDCF radio station in Dade City begins broadcasting.

Oct. 11, 1956. The New Port Richey Press reports that Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield will dedicate the new Dade City post office on Oct. 19.

Nov. 15, 1956. The New Port Richey Press reports that Port Richey City Council on Tuesday read a petition signed by 289 residents asking that Port Richey take “no action, nor encourage” any merger plans of New Port Richey and Port Richey. City council dropped the idea.

Mar. 2, 1957. The new Boulevard Bridge across the Pithlachascotee River is dedicated in a ceremony which opened the Chasco Fiesta. Bands from Gulf High School and Crystal River High School played. The New Port Richey Press reported, “The $200,000 structure replaces a narrow, obsolete span which bottlenecked traffic for 30 years.” One of the speakers, Al Rogero of the State Road Department in Clearwater, promised that a four-lane highway would connect New Port Richey and St. Petersburg within 18 months.

Aug. 8, 1957. The New Port Richey Press reports that Al Roger of the State Road Department in Clearwater announced that the widening to four lanes of U. S. 19 from Clearwater to Tarpon Springs would begin within 60 days, and the widening from Tarpon Springs to the Pithlachascotee River bridge would begin within four months.

Jan. 9, 1958. A measurable snowfall occurs in Pasco County.

Apr. 2, 1959. A tornado causes property damage of one million dollars in Dade City. It destroyed several structures on Lock Street and damaged Lykes Pasco.

Sept. 12, 1959. The new New Port Richey post office is dedicated.

Jan. 21, 1960. The New Port Richey Press reports that Flor-A-Mar officially opened to the public on Sunday. [The development dated back to 1958 when Howard A. Burkland purchased more than 2,000 acres between the Gulf and U. S. 19. The name was changed to Gulf Harbors. According to Glen Dill, in fiscal year 1964, 7 sales were made; 22 were made in 1965, and 66 in 1966. In 1964, Empire Properties took over the development.]

Oct. 23, 1960. A public auction is held to sell the furnishings of the estate of Thomas Meighan by owner V. M. Clark. [Most of the Meighan home was subsequently demolished.]

June 4, 1961. Seven-digit telephone numbers go into effect in New Port Richey.

Dec. 19, 1961. A new $75,000 county government building on Sunset Road opens. [Some offices did not open until Jan. 2, 1962.]

Jan. 4, 1962. The New Port Richey Press reports that a seven-acre site at the southeast corner of U. S. 19 and Main Street has been acquired for the construction of Pasco Plaza, a new shopping center to include a Food Fair supermarket and Neisner’s Junior Department Store.

Dec. 31, 1962. Gulf State Bank in New Port Richey becomes First National Bank.

Oct. 31, 1963. The first radio station in western Pasco county, WGUL, begins broadcasting on 1500-AM in New Port Richey.

March 1964. Sky Haven Airport, two miles north of Hudson, opens.

Sept. 1, 1965. West Pasco Hospital opens. [It is apparently the first hospital in western Pasco County except for a hospital which operated briefly at Fivay.]

Dec. 2, 1965. Southgate Shopping Center opens in New Port Richey.

June 8-9, 1966. Hurricane Alma brushes the Tampa Bay area, causing widespread damage in some areas.

1967. Richey Manor Nursing Home opens, with 60 beds.

Mid-November 1967. A new Main Street bridge in New Port Richey opens to traffic.

Oct. 18-19, 1968. Hurricane Gladys causes extensive damage in western Pasco County. Two Hudson men died of heart attacks probably related to the storm. The hurricane destroyed or damaged the stilt houses in the Gulf near the mouth of the Pithlachascotee River.

Dec. 17, 1968. The Anclote River bridge collapses around 4:45 p.m., killing one person and injuring five others. The collapse was believed to have been caused by a large sinkhole. The person killed was Jane Tompkins Stinson of Tarpon Springs. [A video showing the collapsed bridge is on YouTube here.]

June 2, 1969. The New Port Richey Press reports that construction has begun on a McDonald’s Restaurant on U. S. 19 in New Port Richey.

Oct. 1970. Four persons are murdered during a robbery inside Dorn’s Hideaway at 8127 Little Road, and a fifth person was murdered by the same killer on the same day at another location in New Port Richey. [In January 1977, when it was the Shangri-La lounge, a topless nightclub, three members of the Outlaw Motorcycle Club followed a man out of the bar and killed him on Moon Lake Road. The bar was later known as Arches, Model T’s, and the Gold N' Spur. In 1989 the Gold N' Spur was damaged by a fire set by an arsonist.]

June 25, 1971. An Associated Press story appearing in newspapers on this date reported, “The House agreed Wednesday to give east and west Pasco Countians a chance to fight their ‘civil war’ at the ballot box. A bill by Pasco’s Rep. Tommy Stevens, D-Dade City, calling for a November straw vote on splitting the divided county passed 54-31.”

Aug. 2, 1971. Community Hospital begins admitting patients (WPH).

Nov. 11. 1971. The New Port Richey Press reports, “New Port Richey mayor William F. Grey, who has announced he will not run for re-election Dec. 7, is heading an investigation into the possibility of moving the seat of Pasco County government from Dade City to New Port Richey.”

Mar. 14, 1972. Gov. George Wallace wins the Democratic presidential primary, receiving about 44% of the Pasco County vote in an 11-man field of candidates. Richard Nixon won the Republican primary.

Feb. 13, 1973. The county commission gives preliminary approval for a $2-million county judicial building to be built at Gower’s Corner. County commission chairman Walter Voorhees described the vote as a step in the direction of changing the county seat.

Feb. 20, 1973. The county commission chooses George Knoblock, a former New Port Richey city manager, as the first county administrator.

August 1975. The West Pasco Chronicle discontinues publication, merging with the Suncoast Shopper to form the new Suncoast Shopper and News.

Feb. 26, 1976. Ronald Reagan, campaigning for President, speaks at Southgate Shopping Center in New Port Richey.

Mar. 8, 1976. The New Port Richey Press reports that Jimmy Carter, candidate for President, made his second visit to New Port Richey on Thursday, greeting supporters at Southgate Shopping Center.

1977. Pasco County voters approve a proposal to spend $40 million to buy local utility systems. [In 1979, the county commission decided to purchase the Pasco Water Authority.]

Jan. 18-21, 1977. A severe cold snap covers all of Florida. [On Jan. 19, western Pasco County received a rare light accumulation of snow. Dade City had three inches of snow.]

June 15, 1978. The New Port Richey Press reports, “The Port Richey City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday evening to abolish its police department and to request that the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office provide temporary police protection. In one single motion, the council dissolved the department with Mayor Cox and Councilmen Spissak and Loser voting for the motion, and Councilmen Kelly and Raimond voting against it.” [A year later, the city police department was resurrected, according to a 2002 article in the Tampa Tribune.]

Dec. 12, 1978. Port Richey residents reject a proposal to abolish the city by a vote of 514-162.

1979. The West Pasco Government Center is constructed in New Port Richey and a new identical building is constructed as a court house in Dade City.

1980. Gulf View Square Mall opens in Port Richey.

Jan. 13, 1981. The temperature in Dade City drops to 16 degrees, with a rural area nearby reporting 8 degrees.

March 1981. Bayonet Point-Hudson Medical Center opens.

March 22, 1982. John Gallagher becomes County Administrator. [He apparently held the position longer than any county administrator in Florida history.]

Sept. 1, 1982. A grand jury indicts former County Commission Chairman Barry Doyle on bribery charges and issues an accompanying report criticizing Pasco County government. [Doyle was removed from office by Gov. Bob Graham on Sept. 7.]

Aug. 24, 1984. Sheriff John Short is indicted on three corruption charges and is removed from office by the Governor. [Short, who called the charges political, was acquitted. The indictment followed a series of articles in the St. Petersburg Times for which two reporters won a Pulitzer Prize.]

June 14, 1985. The Madison Street bridge in New Port Richey is dedicated.

1986. Voters approve a measure to fund new parks and libraries. [The Hudson Regional Library opened on April 22, 1990; it was followed by Regency Park on October 26, 1990, Centennial Park on May 1, 1991, Hugh Embry on September 8, 1991, New River on November 15, 1991, Land O’ Lakes on December 12, 1991 and South Holiday on March 24, 1992.]

1990. The 1990 census shows these population figures: Pasco county, 281,131; New Port Richey, 14,044; Port Richey, 2523.

1992. Vice President Dan Quayle, seeking re-election, campaigns in New Port Richey, speaking at Sims Park.

Mar. 13, 1993. A tropical storm causes extensive damage to coastal areas of western Pasco County. The storm later became known as the “No Name Storm.” Water at least 9 feet deep flooded homes and businesses. In Pasco County, 237 homes were destroyed and over 5,000 homes were heavily damaged.

1995. All Children’s Hospital opens a clinic in the former Gulf State Bank building in New Port Richey. [Officials planned to move to a larger facility on Little Road in early 2002.]

Sept. 22, 1996. The lodge at the Moon Lake Gardens and Dude Ranch, which had been empty in recent years, is destroyed by an early-morning fire set by an arsonist.

Apr. 9, 1997. Port Richey voters reject a proposal to merge the city with New Port Richey, by 673-216.

May 19, 1998. Florida Highway Patrol Trooper James "Brad" Crooks and Tampa police detectives Randy Bell and Ricky Childers are murdered by Hank Earl Carr on the State Road 54 exit ramp off of I-75.

2000. The 2000 population of Pasco County is 344,765, a 23% increase over 1990. According to Marvin Rose, author of the Rose Residential Reports, the growth in the 1970s was the result of working- class Northerners buying land for retirement homes, but the growth in the 1990s was largely suburban expansion from the south. The census shows the population of New Port Richey is 16,117, and the population of Port Richey is 3,021.

Oct. 7, 2000. Presidential candidate George W. Bush campaigns in Pasco County, speaking at Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey.

Nov. 2000. The American Indian Movement of Florida calls for a tourist boycott of Pasco County and announces it will begin encouraging major sponsors of the Chasco Fiesta to withdraw their support of the festival, which it calls a “racist, degrading, stereotypical depiction of Native people.” [In Nov. 2002, Chasco Fiesta officials announced they would not hold the Children’s Pageant in 2003.]

Feb. 4, 2001. The Suncoast Parkway opens from State Road 50 south to the Veterans Expressway, relieving some traffic congestion on U. S. Highways 19 and 41 in Pasco County.

Mar. 16, 2001. Salt Spring is dedicated as Florida’s newest state park and named Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park.

Mar. 4, 2002. Port Richey city government moves into a new building at 6333 Ridge Road, at the corner of Formel Avenue. [City headquarters had been located at a temporary headquarters in the Ridge Road Center since the old city hall at the former Towne Center site was razed about two years earlier.]

March 2002. The New Port Richey police department moves from its Grand Boulevard location to a new building at 6739 Adams St.

June 14, 2002. The state approves requests by both hospitals in New Port Richey—Community and North Bay—to move southeast of the city.

June 1, 2003. Lieutenant Charles “Bo” Harrison is shot and killed while sitting in his patrol car in Lacoochee. [Harrison was a 31- year veteran of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the highest ranking black deputy in the history of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Alfredie Steele Jr. was convicted of the murder on April 26, 2007.]

July 1, 2003. The Pasco County Commission approves a $2.1 million plan to dredge the Hudson Channel. [The work was done in 2005.]

Aug. 18, 2003. Governor Jeb Bush attends the dedication of Bishop McLaughlin High School, the first Catholic high school in Pasco County in modern times. It had opened for classes on Aug. 11.

March 9, 2004. Pasco County voters narrowly approve a one-cent increase in the sales tax to begin in January 2005. The proceeds will go to the school district and county and city governments.

Sept. 5-6, 2004. Hurricane Frances causes flooding, some damage, and massive power outages in western Pasco County. [Public schools were closed for two days beyond the planned three-day Labor Day weekend. Residents of the Sea Castle condominiums were forced to evacuate because of water leakage until repairs could be completed.]

Sept. 26, 2004. Hurricane Jeanne causes more damage in western Pasco County than Hurricane Frances earlier the same month. [Public schools were closed for two days following a two-day weekend because about 20 schools had no electric power on Sept. 27.]

Oct. 19, 2004. President Bush, campaigning for re-election, speaks in Sims Park in New Port Richey.

April 8, 2005. Groundbreaking is held for the Main Street Landing project in downtown New Port Richey.

Sept. 2005. The city of New Port Richey purchases the First Baptist Church property on Orange Lake for $3.1 million.

Dec. 14, 2006. Gov.-elect Charlie Crist announces the selection of Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Kurt Browning as the new Florida Secretary of State. [On Jan. 18, 2007, Gov. Crist named Brian Corley to serve as supervisor of elections for the remaining two years of Browning’s term.]

Dec. 25, 2006. A tornado damages nearly 100 homes, mostly in the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club at San Antonio.

April 10, 2007. Voters in Port Richey rejected, by 454-375, a proposal to study the dissolution of the city. They also elected as the new mayor Richard J. Rober, who favored the continuation of the city.

Oct. 27, 2008. Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate for Vice President, speaks at Sims Park. [Five days later, on Nov. 1, Sarah Palin, the Republican candidate for Vice President, spoke at the same location.]

Early January 2010. A week-long cold spell affects Pasco County. [Sleet and freezing rain fell on Jan. 9. The low temperature in New Port Richey on the morning of Jan. 11 was 26°.]

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