Macclenny in Baker County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Alverdo A. Geitgey

— Heritage Park Village —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 21, 2022

1. Alverdo A. Geitgey Marker

Inscription. When Alvarado A. Geitgey (pronounced Get-gee) moved to Baker County, he became legendary. A self-made prosperous and shrewd business man purchased large tracts of land in the area and began pecan groves, grape orchards, citrus groves and a dairy farm, He was 14 when his father died and using the $127 received from his father’s estate, he purchased a team and small stock of goods to equip a wagon in which he engaged in many various things until he turned his attention to the oil and gas business. His fortune began in Lodi, Ohio, when in 1901 he became the first operator in the gas fields of eastern part of Knox County finally spreading throughout the country. The major portion of his capital was in Florida lands where he eventually owned. 12,700 acres most of which was in Baker County. He and his wite Lucy moved to Glen St. Mary and into what became known as the Geitgey House. Three years before his death, he laid out the Town of Glen St. Mary in blocks and squares certifying he owned most of the township. A document reads in part: "Lucy Geitgey, wife of A .A. Geitgey, joins in all respects with her husband in making this
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certificate that the streets, avenues and alleys shown on the above plat are dedicated for the use and convenience of the public." Tragedy struck the Geitgey family when Alverdo lost his fortune in the stock market crash of 1929. He died from a heart attack and Lucy did not have the money to pay the dollar an acre tax on the land. The Geitgey House was condemned and destroyed in 2001 and Celebration Park now stands in its place, seemingly a fitting tribute to the celebration of life of a very philanthropic man whose brilliant talents and generous contributions to the citizens of Glen St. Mary live on.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.

Location. 30° 16.724′ N, 82° 8.049′ W. Marker is in Macclenny, Florida, in Baker County. It can be reached from South Lowder Street south of West Railroad Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker located within Heritage Park Village. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 S Lowder St, Macclenny

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 21, 2022

2. Alverdo A. Geitgey Marker

FL 32063, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Florida.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Otis and Mattie (Crews) Canady (here, next to this marker); Ida Estelle Corbett Mathews (here, next to this marker); Ida Raulerson Gainey (a few steps from this marker); Olustree Memories (a few steps from this marker); Clyde Sands and Mamie Thrift (a few steps from this marker); Ernest Harvey Jr. (a few steps from this marker); Corbett & Sadie Yarborough (a few steps from this marker); Elisha Greene and Samuel Spearing (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Macclenny.

Also see . . .
1. Alverdo Adair Geitgey. (Submitted on September
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23, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Heritage Park Village. (Submitted on September 23, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 23, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.