It is a new year and we will start it off with a Courthouse Tour. This is the 4th one in a unknown series.
Day 1 Jan 12
First day is a ride up to Camp David. The weather is forecast to be beautiful for this trip. Everyday in the 80's. I stopped into to see Jim in Hernando and he rode his motorcycle with me up to Newberry.
We stopped at the Pyper Cub restaurant at the Williston airport for lunch. It is owned by and old salt named, I forgot, sorry. Anyway, he came outside and sat with us and told us his whole life story from escaping from the orphanage when he was fourteen to opening the restaurant. The judge told him he could go back to the orphanage or go into the military. He told the judge the navy would not take him unless he finished high school so the judge arranged a high school degree and off to the navy he went. He spent 20 years in the navy, 18 working for a city in south Florida where he obtained a law degree but never passed the bar, and 16 years running the airport for the city of Williston and five number of years running the restaurant. There were many many more stories but we will save those for the book.
It seems like a lot but he is in his 80's.
We said our goodbyes and continued on. The town of Williston is slowing dying. The high school and country club shut down years ago and the hospital just closed it's doors.
Larry and Kim were at camp David. Well, Larry was out riding his scooter but we were welcomed by Kim and Ginger. Bill came rolling in around 4. A quick hello from Jim and Jim headed back home.
We all went out to dinner for Mexican, but it was closed and ended up at a very busy Italian restaurant with acceptable food.
Day 2
Bill and I rolled out of Camp David around 8. First stop is the Maple Street Biscuit Company. We have one in St. Pete but I have never visited it and when I saw one last night I decided to stop there for breakfast. Bill has been to the original one in Jacksonville where the chain originated. It was recently sold to Cracker Barrel. It is tucked in the corner of a upscale strip mall and when we found it we were not sure it was open. No one could be seen inside and there was a lock box on the door, but the lights were on. I went up and found the door open and so descootered and went in. A very lively and friendly lady waited on us and we learned later she was the owner. After our large biscuit breakfast she presented us with cinnamon biscuits for free for desert. A few more people dribbled in but it gave us time to visit with Edwina the owner. She had been a coach at USF, went in the church business and then she and her husband bought to Maple Street franchises. There other store is in a active mall but this one is off to a slow start, but they are making it. As we were leaving her husband Jason came. They are both great people and we hope to visit them again.
Our first stop in the tour was the Alachua County Courthouse. To get there Bill led me on a tour of his alma mater the University of Florida. The court house is one of those modern things and large so we just took the photo an ran.
This is Bill's neck of the woods so he led us to the next to the Bradford courthouse in Stark. We started at the old courthouse which is not part of the Santa Fe College. A great gentleman by the name of ....... led us around. He had been a school teacher but had been laid off. Unbelievable that they are laying off school teachers, but what the hell, keep them stupid and they will vote for the idiots that want to cut their schools and welfare. Back to the tour. Sadly the old courtroom as been converted to a modern computer lab. The old safe is still there and legend says that someone locked it one time and they had to get a inmate from on of the many person in Bradford county to open it.
We moved over to the modern courthouse, which to be frank, is ugly. It also had a monument of the ten commandments in the courtyard. Also there was monument from the Atheist. On the back of their monument were bible quotes of the punishment for breaking the ten commandments. Each punishment involved death. Bill said he counted at least five commandments our present president has broken. You would think all those Evangelical that are staunch supports of the bible would want to invoke those punishments. But, no, they are just after the money.
OK, enough of the political statements. All great civilizations have fallen and I realize that it is our turn.
From Stark we made our way into Union County and the old courthouse in Lake Butler. We walked right in and up to the courthouse and into a active courtroom with no security check. There were deputies in the courtroom but that was it. The judge was hearing a case of a women who had stolen a gaming system. Think Xbox. She was playing all the "victim " cards. "I didn't mean to...." "I have no money I am on disability" etc. etc. Some of her dialogue made us realize that knowing the buzz words that she had been here before. A plan of $30 a month restitution was decided on. The the judge started asking questions about the "gaming consoles". What where they and are they really worth that much. He exclaimed that he was even hearing burglary cases of people breaking in to steal these things.
From Lake Butler we rode up deserted roads to Macclenny and the and the Baker County Courthouse. This was another old one. We parked on the street, got our pictures and wandered inside. The bailiff was a really nice guy and when is partner came back he took us up to the courtroom that was empty and let us look around. It was pretty true to the original construction. We asked if we could take pictures. He started to say yes but then hesitated and said he would check. Back down stairs we went and sat outside the Assistant Clerk of Courts office. After about five minutes he stuck his head out and said they were still working on it. Another five minutes went by when he finally came out and very apologetically said we could not take pictures. Shortly Clerk came out and gave us a eleven page paper on how and why you could get permission to take picture. They were all very nice. We thanked them and headed to lunch.
We chose the Simply Southern because it was across the street from the old courthouse and we had eaten there before. The old courthouse is now used as a library. Lunch was just a sandwich and really really cheap.
From there we headed down some back roads headed to Yulee and the Nassau County Courthouse. That came to a quick stop when we rounded a corner and there was a lovely blonde officer of the law holding up her hand. Beyond her we saw a dump truck turned over in the road. She was directing everyone in a different direction. We asked if we could go around on the shoulder and she was kind enough to walk down and ask her boss. Sadly he said NO and off we went in a different direction.
Bill was amazed at the Nassau county courthouse. It is modern and huge. Inside the bailiff very apologetically told us we would not be allowed to take pictures. He listed a long list of reasons why and we tried to tell him we understood and we had the eleven page request information. Bill and he discussed local issues about courthouse and buildings and then we headed for Ferdinand Beach were the original courthouse is and is still in use. The bailiff there was only interested in closing up and going to her sons soccer game.
After a lovely ride down A!A through the marshes of Amelia Island we crossed the St. Johns river and headed for the Duval county courthouse in downtown Jacksonville. Bill has been complaining about this building since we started this advenutre as he lives in Jacksonville. Evidently it had a very large over run on the budget.
From there we rode to his house and called it a day.
The Alachua County Criminal Courthouse won a "best building" of 2004 award. The four story courthouse, modern in design, has a long promenade leading to the entrance.
Year Built: 2004
Architectural Style: Modern
The historic Bradford County Courthouse was constructed in 1902 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse was built in Romanesque Revival style. It has a tall central tower and contains elaborate roof details. The courthouse currently serves as a campus of Santa Fe Community College.
Year Built: 1902
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
The 1969 Bradford County Courthouse is of colonial design and was constructed of yellow brick. There is a two story original structure with two additions that were built in later years. A lovely oak tree on the courthouse grounds is named the "Darby Oak" in honor of a former Clerk of the Court.
Year Built: 1969
Architectural Style: Yellow Brick, Colonial
The Union County Courthouse was built in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. The original two story red brick building was remodeled in 1996 and two wings were added. A time capsule, to be opened in 2021 at the county's centennial celebration, is located on the courthouse grounds.
Year Built: 1936
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
t is the fourth-poorest county in the United States.[3]
The original union County Courthouse was built in 1922 and was moved from its original location (where the current courthouse is located) to its present site in 1938. It was restored in 1935-1937 as a WPA Project and extensively remodeled in 1969. This historic courthouse is near the banks of Lake Butler and is now a community center. It is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Year Built: 1922
Architectural Style: Classic
The Baker County Courthouse was built as a W.P.A. project between the years of 1941 and 1948. The delay in its construction was due to World War II. It's distinguishing features is a patio with four iron columns and two pilasters with the scales of justice in relief.
Year Built: 1948
Architectural Style: Red Brick
Nassau County
Year Built: 2006
Architectural Style:
The Nassau County Courthouse has presided over historic Centre Street in Fernandina Beach since 1882. The National Register of Historic Places stated that the courthouse, the second oldest in Florida, is "unquestionably the finest in quality of detail and workmanship in the state of Florida." A bell rings on the beautiful courthouse clock to mark the passage of time.
Year Built: 1881
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
Construction on the Duval County Courthouse began in 2009 and was completed in 2012. The courthouse is the fifth courthouse to serve the citizens of Duval County. The seven story courthouse is a monolithic structure that comprises a full two blocks in downtown Jacksonville. Interesting design features include dual pyramid shaped roofs, a large open portico accentuated with columns, and "antique" street lamps inside the lobby. The interior of the courthouse includes an open design with a lovely atrium, marble floors, and a overall bright inviting environment.
Year Built: 2012
Architectural Style: Neo-Gothic
Day 3 Jan 14
Yesterday when we rolled my scooter in Bill's garage we heard a strange noise in the drive train. Investigation led us to believe that it was a bad bearing. Not feeling that it was safe to ride, we loaded into the back of Bill's truck and drove it to St. Pete. It is a true friend that insists to drive 8 hours to help you out. Thank you again Bill.
Day 1 Jan 12
First day is a ride up to Camp David. The weather is forecast to be beautiful for this trip. Everyday in the 80's. I stopped into to see Jim in Hernando and he rode his motorcycle with me up to Newberry.
We stopped at the Pyper Cub restaurant at the Williston airport for lunch. It is owned by and old salt named, I forgot, sorry. Anyway, he came outside and sat with us and told us his whole life story from escaping from the orphanage when he was fourteen to opening the restaurant. The judge told him he could go back to the orphanage or go into the military. He told the judge the navy would not take him unless he finished high school so the judge arranged a high school degree and off to the navy he went. He spent 20 years in the navy, 18 working for a city in south Florida where he obtained a law degree but never passed the bar, and 16 years running the airport for the city of Williston and five number of years running the restaurant. There were many many more stories but we will save those for the book.
It seems like a lot but he is in his 80's.
We said our goodbyes and continued on. The town of Williston is slowing dying. The high school and country club shut down years ago and the hospital just closed it's doors.
Larry and Kim were at camp David. Well, Larry was out riding his scooter but we were welcomed by Kim and Ginger. Bill came rolling in around 4. A quick hello from Jim and Jim headed back home.
We all went out to dinner for Mexican, but it was closed and ended up at a very busy Italian restaurant with acceptable food.
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| quite traffic on Sunday |
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| Jim leading the way on his motorcycle |
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| Jim and him |
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| There is elephant farm near Archer |
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| Kim and Ginger |
Day 2
Bill and I rolled out of Camp David around 8. First stop is the Maple Street Biscuit Company. We have one in St. Pete but I have never visited it and when I saw one last night I decided to stop there for breakfast. Bill has been to the original one in Jacksonville where the chain originated. It was recently sold to Cracker Barrel. It is tucked in the corner of a upscale strip mall and when we found it we were not sure it was open. No one could be seen inside and there was a lock box on the door, but the lights were on. I went up and found the door open and so descootered and went in. A very lively and friendly lady waited on us and we learned later she was the owner. After our large biscuit breakfast she presented us with cinnamon biscuits for free for desert. A few more people dribbled in but it gave us time to visit with Edwina the owner. She had been a coach at USF, went in the church business and then she and her husband bought to Maple Street franchises. There other store is in a active mall but this one is off to a slow start, but they are making it. As we were leaving her husband Jason came. They are both great people and we hope to visit them again.
Our first stop in the tour was the Alachua County Courthouse. To get there Bill led me on a tour of his alma mater the University of Florida. The court house is one of those modern things and large so we just took the photo an ran.
This is Bill's neck of the woods so he led us to the next to the Bradford courthouse in Stark. We started at the old courthouse which is not part of the Santa Fe College. A great gentleman by the name of ....... led us around. He had been a school teacher but had been laid off. Unbelievable that they are laying off school teachers, but what the hell, keep them stupid and they will vote for the idiots that want to cut their schools and welfare. Back to the tour. Sadly the old courtroom as been converted to a modern computer lab. The old safe is still there and legend says that someone locked it one time and they had to get a inmate from on of the many person in Bradford county to open it.
We moved over to the modern courthouse, which to be frank, is ugly. It also had a monument of the ten commandments in the courtyard. Also there was monument from the Atheist. On the back of their monument were bible quotes of the punishment for breaking the ten commandments. Each punishment involved death. Bill said he counted at least five commandments our present president has broken. You would think all those Evangelical that are staunch supports of the bible would want to invoke those punishments. But, no, they are just after the money.
OK, enough of the political statements. All great civilizations have fallen and I realize that it is our turn.
From Stark we made our way into Union County and the old courthouse in Lake Butler. We walked right in and up to the courthouse and into a active courtroom with no security check. There were deputies in the courtroom but that was it. The judge was hearing a case of a women who had stolen a gaming system. Think Xbox. She was playing all the "victim " cards. "I didn't mean to...." "I have no money I am on disability" etc. etc. Some of her dialogue made us realize that knowing the buzz words that she had been here before. A plan of $30 a month restitution was decided on. The the judge started asking questions about the "gaming consoles". What where they and are they really worth that much. He exclaimed that he was even hearing burglary cases of people breaking in to steal these things.
From Lake Butler we rode up deserted roads to Macclenny and the and the Baker County Courthouse. This was another old one. We parked on the street, got our pictures and wandered inside. The bailiff was a really nice guy and when is partner came back he took us up to the courtroom that was empty and let us look around. It was pretty true to the original construction. We asked if we could take pictures. He started to say yes but then hesitated and said he would check. Back down stairs we went and sat outside the Assistant Clerk of Courts office. After about five minutes he stuck his head out and said they were still working on it. Another five minutes went by when he finally came out and very apologetically said we could not take pictures. Shortly Clerk came out and gave us a eleven page paper on how and why you could get permission to take picture. They were all very nice. We thanked them and headed to lunch.
We chose the Simply Southern because it was across the street from the old courthouse and we had eaten there before. The old courthouse is now used as a library. Lunch was just a sandwich and really really cheap.
From there we headed down some back roads headed to Yulee and the Nassau County Courthouse. That came to a quick stop when we rounded a corner and there was a lovely blonde officer of the law holding up her hand. Beyond her we saw a dump truck turned over in the road. She was directing everyone in a different direction. We asked if we could go around on the shoulder and she was kind enough to walk down and ask her boss. Sadly he said NO and off we went in a different direction.
Bill was amazed at the Nassau county courthouse. It is modern and huge. Inside the bailiff very apologetically told us we would not be allowed to take pictures. He listed a long list of reasons why and we tried to tell him we understood and we had the eleven page request information. Bill and he discussed local issues about courthouse and buildings and then we headed for Ferdinand Beach were the original courthouse is and is still in use. The bailiff there was only interested in closing up and going to her sons soccer game.
From there we rode to his house and called it a day.
 |
| Bud was not exactly sure why he was setting in the circle. He just knew someone was paying to be there. |
The Alachua County Criminal Courthouse won a "best building" of 2004 award. The four story courthouse, modern in design, has a long promenade leading to the entrance.
Year Built: 2004
Architectural Style: Modern
The historic Bradford County Courthouse was constructed in 1902 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse was built in Romanesque Revival style. It has a tall central tower and contains elaborate roof details. The courthouse currently serves as a campus of Santa Fe Community College.
Year Built: 1902
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
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| Our tour guides Jason and Melisa at the door of the old vault. |
The 1969 Bradford County Courthouse is of colonial design and was constructed of yellow brick. There is a two story original structure with two additions that were built in later years. A lovely oak tree on the courthouse grounds is named the "Darby Oak" in honor of a former Clerk of the Court.
Year Built: 1969
Architectural Style: Yellow Brick, Colonial
 |
| The ten commandments |
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| Bill and the athetist monument |
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| the punishments for the breaking the 10 commandments on the atheist monument |
The Union County Courthouse was built in 1936 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. The original two story red brick building was remodeled in 1996 and two wings were added. A time capsule, to be opened in 2021 at the county's centennial celebration, is located on the courthouse grounds.
Year Built: 1936
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
t is the fourth-poorest county in the United States.[3]
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| I'm innocent your honor |
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| unattended security |
Year Built: 1922
Architectural Style: Classic
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| The original Union County courthouse now a women's club |
Year Built: 1948
Architectural Style: Red Brick
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| the original courthouse |
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| here she comes with the NO answer |
Year Built: 2006
Architectural Style:
The Nassau County Courthouse has presided over historic Centre Street in Fernandina Beach since 1882. The National Register of Historic Places stated that the courthouse, the second oldest in Florida, is "unquestionably the finest in quality of detail and workmanship in the state of Florida." A bell rings on the beautiful courthouse clock to mark the passage of time.
Year Built: 1881
Architectural Style: Classical Revival
Construction on the Duval County Courthouse began in 2009 and was completed in 2012. The courthouse is the fifth courthouse to serve the citizens of Duval County. The seven story courthouse is a monolithic structure that comprises a full two blocks in downtown Jacksonville. Interesting design features include dual pyramid shaped roofs, a large open portico accentuated with columns, and "antique" street lamps inside the lobby. The interior of the courthouse includes an open design with a lovely atrium, marble floors, and a overall bright inviting environment.
Year Built: 2012
Architectural Style: Neo-Gothic
Day 3 Jan 14
Yesterday when we rolled my scooter in Bill's garage we heard a strange noise in the drive train. Investigation led us to believe that it was a bad bearing. Not feeling that it was safe to ride, we loaded into the back of Bill's truck and drove it to St. Pete. It is a true friend that insists to drive 8 hours to help you out. Thank you again Bill.
