Welcome to the Historical Society of Orange Park
Let's make our community a better place!
Clarke House Tours
The Clarke House, built in 1912 and located in Clarke House Park, 1039 Kingsley Avenue, is open for tours the second Sunday of each month from 2 PM to 4 PM. Sunday afternoons are the perfect time for a leisurely tour of the house, both upstairs and downstairs.
Orange Park Memories
The Historical Society is highlighting Orange Park businesses each month of 2025. We are sharing stories each month that feature one very old and one more familiar business in the town. This month we feature the Florida Driving Club and Orange Park Kennel Club. Both can be seen in the 1953 aerial photo shown below.
The Florida Driving Club, established just after World War Two, welcomed locals to surrey racing, stabling, horseback races, etc. It included a clubhouse and entertainment. It was in operation about a decade.
The Orange Park Kennel Club predates the Driving Club but has the status of still operating. Its first race was in 1926 when it was known as Seminole Kennel Club, but the law stopped them after the race. In December 1931, Florida legalized gambling and the Orange Park Kennel Club opened properly. It was seasonal at first, closed during the war years and then returned to a full schedule. Your memories would be welcome, if you care to share.
Members Only Event
our corporate sponsors
Dairy Queen
610 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park
McDonald's
428 Park Avenue
372 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park
Orange Park History Tours
Orange Park History Tours
