2016-7
Stephen Foster Museum, (back side) |
White Springs, Florida
Vidalia Georgia
Camper Doug and his Indian friend |
Campground: Stephen Foster Cultural
park, White Springs Florida. Senior Fl discount: $14 includes
reservation fees and taxes. 30 amp electrical/water. Electric
service a bit iffy. Nice Stephen Foster museum showcasing many of his
truly Americana songs. “Old Folks at Home” is the officialFlorida State song since 1935, written by Stephen Foster in 1851.
Good 4G Verizon signal, no over the air TV.
The Stephen Foster St pk also has one
of the largest carillon towers in the country and normally plays many
of Stephen Foster's music. Unfortunately they are having electrical
trouble in the tower and it's been silent the entire time I've been
staying here. Only hearing the sounds of birds throughout the park.
Today, on my way into Lake City, I
stopped at a small radio station called Lake City's Greatest Hits,
106.5 WCJX. It sits along US 41 near the I-10 exit. The owner was
kind enough to give me a mini tour the the operation. Telling me
that is was a great temporary job while going to college before
starting a real career. Many years later, he continues to operate the
small station and owns it. So many of these smaller stations have
been purchased by large media companies and then are set to play the
top twenty hits in country, pop or rock and roll. I even got a
T-shirt and bumper sticker. The owner said I was the first person
he'd seen in about a week. Even though he is the announcer and talks
between song and commercials, it appears it can be a lonely job at
times.
from an unassuming building, Lake City's Greatest Hits, 106.5 WCJX |
I was able to see how a small radio station works |
It's pretty much a one man operation |
I sure do appreciate seeing the
equipment and learning a bit about how it all works. Much of it now
relies on access to the internet and computers.
The little town of White Springs is
continuing on a downward slope. Only one restaurant is open in town
called Fat Belly's, serving up some fine barbecue and burgers. The
only grand hotel and restaurant remaining, closed about a year ago
and the third restaurant had a kitchen fire and is currently closed.
I was talking to a local and he told me that Columbia County is the
poorest county in the state. I've seen a few others that could
probably take that title as well, but definitely, this town is one of
the poorer towns I've visited. Still, with the Stephen Foster park
the town has a rural lay-back atmosphere that many enjoy, including
me.
many of the town bldgs. are currently closed |
old Florida Cracker style homes |
there's probably potential inside this square bldg |
really neat store, open Thur/Fri/Sat |
church on main street |
nice row of well maintained homes |
love this view of the gingerbread house |
talked to the owner, sitting on the porch purchased 3 yrs ago and renovated... |
last of the grand hotels, currently closed inside still in fair condition. anyone want to buy it? |
last shot of the street with all the well maintained homes |
And now for a few shots inside Adams Country Store. What a great piece of history, glad it's back open, even if only for a few days each week.
inside the large old country store |
a highway painting, from itinerant artists in Florida, back about 50 years ago.... this painting is in poor condition, asking $900 |
an idea for you crafty people |
an idea for you crafty people maybe a piece of garden art? |
what a fun store to browse around |
RV tip:
Dealing with waste disposal
can be a real mess. Especially when liquid backs up in the drain
line. Removing the cover can often release a gush of waste water
before one has a chance to connect the sewer hose. The “twist on waste valve” by Valterra is the solution to those surprises. It
easily connects to the end of the sewer drain line, blocking any
unwanted waster water. Connect your sewer hose, open the “twist on
waste valve” and your line is now open and functioning without any
mess. And it saves lots of money instead of installing one in the
line permanently.
Distance traveled: 151 miles
Vidalia Georgia, to be continued
Vidalia Georgia, to be continued
Stephen Foster Cultural State Park
Adams Country Store, White Springs Fl
White Springs Florida
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