Blast from the Past: Driving Around

Ever heard of the Alachua County Library District's Heritage Collection? No?! The Heritage Collection consists of over 1,100 historical photographs from all aspects of daily life in the Alachua County area. Treat yourself to a journey of amazing historical detail and profound human interest through this annotated photographic exposé of the Alachua region spanning the 1870s through the 1970s. Experience and understand local history in a different way, through the faces and places of the past that still influence the present.

As summer vacation comes to a close, take a look back at how people used to get from Point A to Point B. Can you imagine taking a road trip in one of these automobiles? Some of these classics might be fun to drive in a parade or cruise down the coast with the wind in your hair. Others were practical solutions to the old horse and buggy or mule and plow. It made delivering goods, farming, and travel easier and faster. Have you taken a ride in one of these vehicles?

Hitting the Road

Mr. and Mrs. Chester in High Springs in car in 1910s or 1920s — Mamie and Ralph Chester riding around High Springs.

Welcome to Waldo postcard of cars, people, and buildings in 1910 — Downtown Waldo around 1910.

Rolf's family leaning on car Christmas 1917 — UF Professor P.H. Rolf's family and friends in Christmas 1917.

African-American couple in High Springs — Unidentified couple in High Springs.

men gathered around car with flat tire on the road to Bronson — A man gets a flat tire on his way to Bronson, and everyone wants to help.

the Bell family picnicking in front of their car in the 1920s — Nathalie Bell Anchors' car named, "Whoa, Emma" and four people enjoying watermelon slices on a picnic.

Mr. Witherspoon of High Springs and his car nicknamed 'The Monster' — John Witherspoon of High Springs and his car nicknamed, "The Monster."

group of men around a Model T car — Men and a Model T. Ready for a night on the town?

auto wreck in Gainesville in 1923 — An auto wreck at the corner of University Ave. and 6th Street. Car accidents still draw a crowd.

women in swimwear leaning against car at the beach 1920s or 1930s — Women ready for some swimming. Girls road trip to the coast?

Shriners in a Gainesville parade 1940s or 1950s — Gainesville Shrine Club officers riding in a parade at the corner of University Ave. and Main St.

teens joyriding in a jalopy 1940s or 1950s — Gainesville teenagers looking for some fun.

Shriners in minicar during a Gainesville parade — Gainesville Shrine Club members in miniature cars during a parade down University Ave.

Gainesville Shrine Club members in convertible during parade in 1970 — Charles Palmour gives a wave as Shrine Club officers parade in a convertible in 1970.

Making Cars Work for You

people standing in front of an old car and the Coca Cola plant in Hawthorne — Gathering at the Hawthorne Coca-Cola Bottling Plant.

trucks in front of grocery store and bakery 1915 — Delivery trucks in front of grocery and bakery stores, at the corner of University Ave. and 6th St. about 1915.

Man on a Bull tractor — The Bull Gas Tractor - The Bull with the Pull - was an early gasoline-powered tractor manufactured during WWI.

Gainesville Laundry truck and 2 other cars — Gainesville Laundry making a delivery in 1926.

Men surrounding car at Collins Service Station in High Springs — The Rimes brothers (far left and in the car) bringing their automobile to Collins Service Station (Mr. Collins, far right) in High Springs.

man sitting in Eatmor Bakery truck — An Eatmor Baking Company delivery truck. The Eatmor Butter Nut Bread was a favorite.

cars and men lined up in front of Ogletree Motor Co. Garage — Mr. O. Brannen Ogletree was one of the first automobile dealers in Gainesville. The dealership operated from 1919-1952, mostly at this store on NW 1st Ave. between 1st and 2nd streets.

man in car reading a newspaper and smoking a pipe — Working hard, means you get to take a break. Reading is a great way to relax!

man in front of Modern Cleaners truck — Marcus Hunt next to his Modern Cleaners delivery truck in High Springs. Hunt started working at the cleaners as a teenager and then bought the business in the 1940s.

car with no tires advertising need for scrap metal for WWII — Someone donated a whole car for a scrap metal and rubber drive during WWII on Courthouse Square in downtown Gainesville.

Blast from the Past: Driving Around

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