Markham

Markham. . , (Side 1) , The pine flat woods that dominated the landscape provided economic activity of the residents of the Markham area. The land was purchased by William Markham in 1875 and a vibrant African-American community developed the lumber, turpentine and agricultural activities here in the 1880’s and early 1900’s after construction of the Sanford and Lake Eustis Railway., Lumber activities operating in the Markham area over the years included the Overstreet Turpentine Company, the Spencer Sawmill, the Zachary Lumber Company, and Wilson Cypress Company., The planks and timbers used to build the first bridge over the Wekiva River were milled at Markham, while the Wekiva’s basswood trees were cut to make cigar boxes in the 1920’s and 1930’s. (Continued on other side). (Side 2) (Continued from other side). The Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church was the center of this African-American community and the hub of religious, educational, political and community activities. The church provided a safe place to assemble freely to worship, discuss, learn and socialize. The church was also for the school where members educated their children with ideals and values., The Pinnie Ridge (Grove) Cemetery, commonly called the “Piney Woods Cemetery,” was next to the church. The wooden grave markers have disappeared., The Markham people built railroads, produced lumber and turpentine, grew citrus and worked the land. Markham people built railroads, produced lumber and turpentine, grew citrus and worked the land. Markham and its surrounding area attracted not only a labor pool, but also permanent settlers who bought their own land, built homes and farmed. They worked hard, educated their children, and survived many hardships with dignity.