Moncrief Springs

Moncrief Springs, originally known as Moncrief's springs or Moncrief Spring, is a natural spring near Jacksonville, Florida in Duval County, Florida. Mythology about its history, a park, and resort area developed around it.

Legend

According to legend, it is named for Eugene Moncrief, a pawnbroker who immigrated to Florida and settled in the area. An 1876 report touted a visit to the springs and its reported health benefits.[1]

Park

Plans to establish a pleasure park at the springs connected by electric tram to the city were announced in 1903.[2] An ice cream company named for the springs incorporated in 1921.[3]

Moncrief Spring Park is named for the spring. A five-mile race between a Cadillac and one of the first biplanes to visit the area was held.[4]

During Peter Jones' tenure as mayor of Jacksonville a hotel and resort was developed by the spring. A horse track and bowling alley were among amusements.[5] The resort lasted decades and the site was later used as a segregated public swimming facility for African Americans.[5]

Moncrief Park is now a neighborhood of Jacksonville. The neighborhood came after what was a short-lived horse racing track of the same name.[6] The American Derby was held at Moncrief Park.[6]:2

The Moncrief Park neighborhood has seen economic ups and downs with public housing and road construction. The site of the springs is no longer known and the boxes of loot are missing.[5]

Mission

The Clara White Mission had a farm in the area.[7]

References
  1. Lanier, Sidney (February 15, 1876). "Florida: Its Scenery, Climate, and History. With an Account of Charleston, Savannah, Augusta, and Aiken; a Chapter for Consumptives; Various Papers on Fruit-culture; and a Complete Hand-book and Guide". J. B. Lippincott & Company. p. 84 – via Google Books.
  2. "The Street Railway Journal". Street Railway Publishing Company. February 15, 1903 – via Google Books.
  3. "Refrigerating World". Ice Trade Journal Company. February 15, 1921. p. 40.
  4. Cowart, John W. (February 15, 2005). "Crackers & Carpetbaggers: Moments in the History of Jacksonville, Florida : from Indians to Airplanes ...and Ships in Between". Bluefish Books. p. 32 – via Google Books.
  5. "Moncrief Springs: Crown Jewels of Jacksonville". Metrojacksonville.com. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
  6. "The Lost Story of Jacksonville's Moncrief Park". Metro Jacksonville. December 30, 2015.
  7. Meyer, John M.; Kersten, Jens (September 5, 2016). "The Greening of Everyday Life: Challenging Practices, Imagining Possibilities". Oxford University Press. p. 131 – via Google Books.

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