History of Alpine Groves Park

History of Alpine Groves Park. . , This site was an orange grove homestead during the booming 19th Century citrus industry. There are three historic structures, including the Bennett House, a citrus sorting shed, and the horse stables, all of which are the last remaining physical structures in this area from the 1800s. These buildings provide a unique window into the rich local history and 1900s economic development of northwest St. Johns County that includes Fruit Cove, Orangedale, and Switzerland. The property is significant because the house, along with the outbuildings that supported the running of the farm and groves, are intact and have remained relatively preserved. The structure is an "I-house" design, which was a popular style of vernacular architecture in northern Florida during the late 1800s. The orange packing barn is one of very few remaining in St. Johns County and has retained original equipment including orange washers, grove heaters, and packing items.