Please support KeystoneHeights.info sponsors. Click on their ad to visit their website. Have your ad included by clicking here.
Possibly, and hopefully, an indepth history of Keystone Heights will be undertaken soon. Perhaps this publication will serve as a beginning point.
A sincere thank you is extended to all the kind people who have furnished material and shared memories.
On behalf of the mayor, the Blue Ribbon Committee, and all those involved in producing this publication, we hope you enjoy looking at some photos and reading about Keystone's 50 Great Years, 1925-1975.
A.E. (Bud) Anthony, Chairman 50th Anniversary
View content of brochure
The early years of the Florida land boom saw the development of a town originally called Brooklyn. But in 1921, J.J. Lawrence, of Pittsburgh, Pa., settled there and was responsible for the adoption of the present name in honor of his home state, which is called the "Keystone State". Keystone Heights was incorporated in 1925.
The Keystone Inn, which was located across the Keystone Beach on South Lawrence Boulevard was built in the early 20's as were roads and several of Keystone's first homes. The Keystone Inn celebrated its grand opening on January 1, 1924. In the early days well up into the late 40's and early 50's, it was the focal point of many social activities within the community.
The following is a reproduction of a publication dated July 4, 1975 published by the City of Keystone Heights in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Keystone Heights.
This publication was requested by the mayor of Keystone Heights, Raymond Starnes, and the mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee. The committee was selected by the mayor to help plan and coordinate the city's 50th Anniversary with the annual Our Country Day celebration on July 4th.
In the very short time available to gather information from old timers, research records, obtain/select photos, verify facts and edit material, it was quickly realized the publication could serve only as an historical outline. Likewise, it could not be errorless. With these realizations, the task of "putting it all together" got underway.
As mentioned previously, the early years of the Florida land boom saw the development of a town originally called Brooklyn. But in 1921, J.J. Lawrence, of Pittsburgh, Pa., settled there and was responsible for the adoption of the present name in honor of his home state, which is called the "Keystone State". Keystone Heights was incorporated in 1925.
The Lawrence Co. was instrumental in the development of our city, as the brochure featured below demonstrates.
Additionally, the Keystone Inn, which was located across the Keystone Beach on South Lawrence Boulevard was built in the early 20's as were roads and several of Keystone's first homes. The Keystone Inn celebrated its grand opening on January 1, 1924. In the early days well up into the late 40's and early 50's, it was the focal point of many social activities within the community.
Below are some photos from the Lawrence Development Company brochure and a link to the complete brochure.
Thanks to the City Of Keystone Heights for providing texts and photos. View content of brochure
The Keystone Inn, which was located across the Keystone Beach on South Lawrence Boulevard was built in the early 20's as were roads and several of Keystone's first homes. The Keystone Inn celebrated its grand opening on January 1, 1924. In the early days well up into the late 40's and early 50's, it was the focal point of many social activities within the community.
A fire raged through its upper floors in 1954. From that time, the property was left vacant and no repair or improvements were made to bring it back to its original state. The city of Keystone Heights through a grant from the State of Florida purchased the property in early 2000. Unfortunately, they had to demolish it due to the neglected state of the building. The property was then converted into a walking park for the residents.
The pictures below include floor plans and elevations of the Keystone Inn.
This site is not the official site of the City of Keystone Heights, FL. It is provided to enable residents, visitors and those considering relocating to Keystone Heights, FL to have access to information pertaining to our Lake Area. Anyone possessing information that could be valuable and that is in keeping with the purpose of this site can submit their request by emailing the webmaster through the link provided to that effect. For information on Keystone Heights businesses, you may visit the website http://www.KeysoneHeights.biz. The owner of this website reserves the right to refuse to publish any and all information that is deemed to be unrelated to its purpose, or which contains offensive or inappropriate content for the benefit of the community. For information on the Starke area click here.
