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 Carnes House
The Carnes House
The Carnes House
The Jesse V. Carnes House, located at 1506 River Blvd., was constructed about 1912 on land which was once owned by Benjamin F. Stiles of New York. Stiles was one of the most prominent citrus growers and real estate developers in the Orange Park area during the post-Civil War Period.
The 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath Colonial Revival home was co
The Jesse V. Carnes House, located at 1506 River Blvd., was constructed about 1912 on land which was once owned by Benjamin F. Stiles of New York. Stiles was one of the most prominent citrus growers and real estate developers in the Orange Park area during the post-Civil War Period.
The 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath Colonial Revival home was constructed for Jesse V. Carnes and his wife, Mary Grace Carnes. Carnes came to Florida from Steubenville, Ohio in 1893. He initially settled at Jacksonville, where he opened a fish processing plant under the name J.V. Carnes Company. He moved to Orange Park in 1904 and there continued operation of his business.
Carnes was a leading political figure in Orange Park during the early twentieth century. He served as town mayor for many years and as a town commissioner.
The Carnes House
The Carnes House
His first fishing business site in Orange Park was a two-story building on the town pier at the end of Kingsley Ave. In 1914 the plant was moved to what we now call Nelson Point, on Doctors Lake. With room to expand, J.V. Carnes Co. became the hub for a rapidly growing commercial fishing industry in the area. On early mornings the cat
His first fishing business site in Orange Park was a two-story building on the town pier at the end of Kingsley Ave. In 1914 the plant was moved to what we now call Nelson Point, on Doctors Lake. With room to expand, J.V. Carnes Co. became the hub for a rapidly growing commercial fishing industry in the area. On early mornings the catch gathered the night before was unloaded, headed, gutted, weighed and a price negotiated on the spot. Waste was piled up on the beach and the rest packed in boxes with ice and moss and loaded into waiting trucks which lit out for Jacksonville and points unknown.
The Carnes House
In 1922 the Carnes sold their home and it went through several other owners. In 1935 it was sold to the Southern District Home for Aged British, a group that provided, within the State of Florida, a home for aged men and women of British birth or British ancestry not exceeding two generations from British residency.
The home retains its o
In 1922 the Carnes sold their home and it went through several other owners. In 1935 it was sold to the Southern District Home for Aged British, a group that provided, within the State of Florida, a home for aged men and women of British birth or British ancestry not exceeding two generations from British residency.
The home retains its original charm in many ways. Hardwood floors throughout most of home. and a huge walk-in pantry reflect the early 1900s. There are features such as the eat-in-kitchen, dining room, family room with fireplace and seating area at top of stairs that add charm to the home. Shingle siding and shingle roof makes the house stand out among the historic homes on River Road.
Scholarship Award
The Historical Society of Orange Park Awards College Scholarship
While the Historical Society participates in many community events throughout the year, the Board recognized an opportunity to give back in a more lasting way—by offering an educational scholarship to a local high school senior preparing for college. A set of criteria and a formal application process were developed and distributed to area high schools.
In our inaugural year, five outstanding students applied for the scholarship. After carefully reviewing each applicant’s academic record, school and community involvement, and personal essay, the selection committee was proud to award the scholarship to Rebecca Chapman.
Ms. Chapman is a truly remarkable student. She serves as president of two organizations, holds the title of Miss Orange Park High School 2026, has completed over 2,000 volunteer hours, and is highly respected and admired by her teachers. The Historical Society of Orange Park is immensely honored to recognize Rebecca Chapman as the very first recipient of this award.
The veterans memorial at magnolia cemetery
Honor a Veteran - Leave a Lasting Legacy
Now is a wonderful time to order a legacy paver in honor of a veteran who has touched your life. Each engraved paver will become a permanent part of the Veterans Memorial at Magnolia Cemetery, preserving their service and sacrifice for generations to come. Consider placing a tribute that tells their story and ensures their legacy is remembered. Order forms are available at the Veterans memorial or via our Veterans Memorial Page. Please note that all engraved pavers ordered by July 31 will be installed prior to this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony.
Clarke House and Cemetery Tours
Private Guided Tours of Historic Clarke House and Magnolia Cemetery Available
Homeschool, civic and social groups are welcome to schedule a free guided tour of the 1913 historic Clarke House and/or Magnolia Cemetery. For more information, contact the Historical Society of Orange Park at info@ophistory.org. Groups will be scheduled based on the availability of guides.
Got Pics?
Help Document the History of Orange Park
The Society is looking for photographs to add to our resources. If you have long-time-ago images of people and/or places in Orange Park, please share them. In this increasingly visual world, there is a lot to learn from these glimpses of our past. You can share them through email at info@ophistory.org or through mail at P. O. Box 08, Orange Park, 32067. Originals will be returned after the Society makes a scan.
Orange Park Historic Driving Tour
Looking for somewhere to explore or something to do in Clay County? Visit the Explore Clay website, Explore Clay County - Small Towns, Big Passions, for plenty of suggestions.
One of the activities is a tour of historic buildings in Orange Park. This driving tour takes you to 23 historical structures that hold positions of prominence in Orange Park’s history and continue to serve today. Please remember most locations are private residences and should be viewed from the street.
To access the tour visit, download the Explore Clay mobile app from the Explore Clay website or by clicking: Clay County - Mobile App. Once you have the app downloaded, search for the tour then dive into the rich history of Orange Park.
our corporate sponsors
McDonald's
428 Park Avenue and 372 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32073
New Way Hearing Aids
1494 Park Avenue
Orange Park, FL 32073
Jacksonville Memory Gardens
Jacksonville Memory Gardens
111 Blanding Blvd.
Orange Park, FL 32073
Carpet Man Flooring, Inc.
Carpet Man Flooring, Inc.
Jacksonville Memory Gardens
1988 Wells Road
Orange Park, FL 32073
Keith Bartholomew
Carpet Man Flooring, Inc.
Keith Bartholomew
904-955-5544
