100 years and growing

Looking back at 100 years of Gilchrist County History.

1935

Ten years after Gilchrist County became a county the Gilchrist County Journal was well established as the county newspaper. Like a lot of other businesses at that time the newspaper was struggling to stay in business during the Great Depression. The Gilchrist County Journal ran a ad in the paper stating, “Pay your newspaper subscription  with new cane syrup or with any farm produce.” Subscriptions were $1 per year or 55 cents per six months.

In March local farm families were anticipating an increase in ticks and screw worms in their cattle. Warm weather increased the number of tick and screw worms.

1976

County Extension Agent Bill Brown presented the Outstanding Farm Family award to the Henry Moore family of Bell. The award was given to the Moore family at the annual Gilchrist County Farm Bureau meeting which was held at Hart Springs. The Moore family grew tobacco, peanuts and corn on their farm.

Jackie Bass, Steve Beach, George Stapleton, and Buddy Schofield of Trenton High School all made the All-Area Football Team. At Bell High School John Shepherd made the All-Area Football Team.

1999

The new Post Office in Trenton opened on SR 26 moving from their old location downtown. It was reported there was a lot of traffic congestion at the new location and it was a problem.

Bell High School had many female athletes sign college scholarships that year. Brandy Blum signed to play softball at Daytona Beach Community College, Jennifer Joiner signed to play softball at Auburn University, Cristin Chason signed to play volleyball at South Florida Community College and Melanie Bryant signed to play softball at Lake Sumter Community College.