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Tara S. Gree, Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Clay County, FL
Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Clay County, FL Clerk of Court and Comptroller of Clay County, FL
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Cattle

Cattle ranching was and is an important industry in Clay County. Cattle ranching peaked in 1920 at 15,948 head, dropping suddenly during the Great Depression to 6,757. (see Statistics of Florida Agriculture, Jax Main Lib 338.109759 R595s 1934).

In 2012, however, livestock sales in Clay county were worth $3,439,000.  (AgCensus.usda.gov)  In 2013, Florida’s cattle and calf output was valued at $867,792,000. (FreshFromFlorida.com)

Cattle Brands– two large, bound volumes dating from 1858 to 1965 describe the brands and the owners of Clay County cattle.  Your brand could be registered at the courthouse, thereby helping eliminate any confusion about ownership in the days when there were no fences and open grazing was the rule. These volumes are available at the Archives for your perusal.

Dairy Farms

Cattle photographed by Florida Forest Service in 1932

Cattle photographed by Florida Forest Service in 1932

Clay County was home to several large dairies the most important of those being the Gustafson’s Dairy.   Gustafson’s Dairy, based in Green Cove Springs, sold its 3,267-acre dairy and processing plant to Belleview, Florida-based Southeast Milk after putting it up for sale in 2013. Then Southeast Milk closed the plant in Green Cove Springs. See news article at Jacksonville.com.

The Bordenville Dairy Farm (owned originally by the Borden family of condensed milk fame) was located near the Camphor Farm (Camp Blanding) (Parade of Memories, pg 211).

The last dairy in Clay County, Sandridge Dairy LLP, owned by Sue and Jerry Campbell, is shutting down in 2017. At its peak, the dairy owned 700 cows.  See related news article at www.ClayTodayOnline.com.  

Swimming Pen Creek, the water way near Whitey’s Fish Camp, was named Swimming Pen Creek because this is where cattle were driven across the creek on the way to market.

The Village Improvement Association (oldest women’s club in Florida) diligently worked to rid Green Cove Springs’ streets of cattle. Apparently, livestock wandered freely in town and caused a health hazard.  See the VIA’s records at the Archives.

During the Civil War, Lewis Forrester’s cattle were taken by the Union Army at Magnolia Springs. See his reparations claim at the Archives.

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Public Notice - Main Courthouse

If you visit the Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs over the weeks and months ahead, you will notice renovation projects happening here  – but all services remain available.

  • Construction/renovation began this week on the 2nd Floor (new side) – expect noise related to that work for several months (up to a year).
  • Contractors/vendors will enter/exit the courthouse regularly throughout the day, so parking in the area may be challenging – arrive early for any appointments.
  • Our Orange Park Branch and online options are available, as are other service options.
  • During September, renovation projects in Administration, Civil, and Clerk’s Finance (1st Floor) areas may temporarily alter those office/staff locations in the building, so pay special attention to security staff directions and signage.

Thank you for your patience during this time of improvement. Please keep an eye out for updates throughout the months ahead.