Old Newspapers published in High Springs gives gossip columns
There are two old newspapers that I have copies of that gives some brief local happenings. The original papers belonged to Juanita “Skeet” Easterlin and she let me have them to make copies. The papers contain mostly news from other parts of the world however the local news gives us an insight on who lived in or near High Springs.
The oldest newspaper was “The High Springs News”, August 19, 1895. The section of the paper that I have does not have local news. “The Weekly Star”, Friday, December 16, 1910, has several columns of local news. It is as follows: Mr. G. W. Bennett of La Crosse was in town Monday on business. Mr. J. L Lovejoy has been quite sick all the week and is still confined to his bed. Mr. and Mrs. Draper Underwood were in town Thursday transacting real estate business. Mr. W. H. Humphrey leaves Monday for a two weeks visit to relatives and friends in New York. Mrs. J. E. Harrison of Gainesville came to town Thursday to see her uncle, Mr. G. W. Easterlin. Miss Alma Reeves, who is teaching in the Wade school, spent last Saturday night and Sunday in High Springs, the guest of Maude Cox. (It is most interesting to read about the ones that lived in High Springs and surrounding areas. We are able to know those that lived here by reading the local news). The house that Mrs. Lamb has had moved to the lot; where the Methodist parsonage was burned, will soon be ready for occupancy by Mr. Lamb and family. Mr. Johnnie Rimes and wife returned Wednesday from Ashville, N. C., where they have been for the past three months. The many friends of Mr. Rimes will be glad to know that his health has greatly improved.
“Another Good Man Gone”, is the title of an article on the front page of “The Weekly Star”, Friday, December 16, 1910.
The entire town was grieved when it was known that Mr. George W. Easterlin had passed away. Mr. Easterlin was stricken suddenly with paralysis, Wednesday afternoon about 1:10 as he was sitting in Mrs. Easterlin’s Millinery Store reading. He was able to speak a few words at intervals and appeared conscious to the last.
Everything was done for him that love and medical aid could do, but it was God’s will to call him home, and surrounded by friends and loved ones he quietly passed away about 4 o’clock this P.M.
The deceased was 60 years of age and leaves a wife and two children, Mrs. E. B. Godwin and an infant daughter 5 months old, besides numerous other relatives and friends who greatly mourn his loss.
In the death of Mr. Easterlin, High Springs has lost one of her most progressive and enterprising citizens. His remains will be laid to rest in Old Newnansville Sunday.
The Star extends sympathy to the bereaved. May the spirit of the Comforter be with them in their sad hour and enable them to say, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
