Dummett's Dugout




Pictured above is a Cypress sailboat whose ribs are made of natural crook live oak and all metal work is solid copper. When Cpt. Douglas Dummett held position of U.S. Customs officer at New Smyrna, he used this boat to travel between Cape Canaveral  and St. Augustine on business. Later in 19th c., it was used by Andrew Jackson, slave for Dummett, to haul oranges from the coast out to ocean-going cargo vessels. Called the Carolina at that time it could carry up to 50 crates of oranges in 1 load. Both oars & sails were used for power. Now in the collection of the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee.

BTW, I am having some formatting issues with this post but decided to post it anyway so that I don't get behind on my Thursday postings!

 

 

 

Throw Back Thursdays

The wonderful library staff that is managing the Brevard County Libraries Google+ page have asked me to provide them with an interesting historical photo to feature once a week on what they want to call "Throw Back Thursdays." Since the Central Brevard Library is also home to the Brevard County Historical Commission's collection we hope to draw upon this resource, and others, to provide you with some interesting images relating to the history of our area. I will also post those photos here on my blog so that you all can enjoy them too.

Please consider following Brevard County Libraries on Google+. We can use your support!!!!



Above is a photo taken from the Cocoa Water tower around 1957 looking towards the Indian River. The site of the Central Brevard Library, which occupies the former Florida Today newspaper building, is near the top of the photo, just about in the middle. Forrest Ave. is the road pictured running north and south, and this view also shows the early path of the railroad tracks that have since been removed.