Eric Musgrove

Suwannee County’s history, like the rest of the world, has its moments of prejudice. Ideas and attitudes now seen as archaic or racist were the norm for many years, even when advertising otherwise normal business transactions. Today is one such case.

The Oakhurst Addition to Live Oak was a subdivision platted in 1906, dividing up part of the old White (presumably John F. White) Estate south of downtown Live Oak. In preparation for the opening sale of lots on Thursday, October 18, 1906, several articles were run in the Suwannee Democrat to garner attention. The following is an excerpt from one of them:

“OAKHURST is a real estate proposition that merits the consideration of the home seeker and the investor. It is just five minutes’ walk from the business heart of Live Oak. It stretches immediately up against the choicest residential section of the city. It has a frontage of nearly a quarter of a mile on Ohio Avenue, the Euclid of this thriving metropolis (this was when Live Oak was the first largest city in the state, EM). The handsomest homes in Live Oak lead up to its very border. Its environs are strictly white. Its restrictions will preserve this feature. It is high up and commands a charming view of the city. Its natural advantages are being supplemented by extensive improvements. Live Oak is now built solidly to Oakhurst and must spread out over this new home section as she moves forward along the path of progress. Owing to these things Oakhurst is a proposition that can never be paralleled in Live Oak. It is a rare opportunity for the homeseeker to secure a site upon which to begin a home of his own. Its splendid situation and advantages taken in conjunction with the present remarkable growth of Live Oak and the steady advance of her reality value make it a proposition that the investor should grasp.

“The easy terms offered bring Oakhurst property within the reach of every ambitious man.

“The prices will be such that you cannot fail to make money by buying Oakhurst lots.”

The article continues by saying:

“Oakhurst represents a busy scene. The property is being cleared and leveled, streets are being laid out and graded, entrance pillars erected, a tile walk installed along Ohio Avenue, the entire length of the property and other improvements under way, which will make Oakhurst, one of the choicest Residence properties in Florida.”

Potential buyers were offered 20 percent down and 5 percent per month with an interest rate of 6 percent on deferred payments. The West Virginia Land Company, operating out of the First National Bank Building (now Hal Airth’s Office), was especially proud to add in large letters below the article, that “No lots to be sold or transferred to Colored people.” Such were the attitudes of the time, found in many cities across the United States.

Many citizens purchased property in the new subdivision once the sale of lots commenced on October 18, 1906. Today, without race restrictions, the Oakhurst Subdivision continues with a variety of home and business owners.

More history next week!

Eric Musgrove can be reached at ericm@suwgov.org or 386-362-0564.