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Walter Jones Historical Park
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Photo by Angie Bell
Walter Jones Historical Park, located off Mandarin Road near San Jose Boulevard, contains a wealth of history and lovely river views. The park includes a museum, farmhouse, barn, outbuildings, sawmill, nature trail along a riverfront boardwalk, picnic area and restrooms. The park and farmhouse are handicapped accessible.
The park is on land originally belonging to Major William Webb, a retired US Army officer. His farm produced many products, such as citrus, vegetables and strawberries that were shipped north on steamships that stopped in Mandarin. In the early 1900s, Walter Jones, an immigrant from England, moved his family here. He soon became the postmaster of Mandarin and located the post office inside his general store.
The Mandarin Museum, operated by the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, is open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1:00-4:00, and Saturday from 9:00-4:00. Guided tours of the farmhouse, originally built around 1875, are available during scheduled hours by advanced reservation. The society also sponsors the Florida Heritage Lecture Series, educational programs, special family events and tours for visitors and school groups. School tours usually run from 9:30-12:00 and there is an information packet available. The newest exhibit in the park recreates the log cabin headquarters of the 1890 Losco Winery.
As you walk around the park you may see trees that have been cut at the base. These invasive camphor trees have been cut to kill them, so that native trees such as magnolia, pine and oak can grow. From the boardwalk along the back of the park you can see many Bald Cypress trees standing tall as the St. Johns River flows gently by. A few steps outside the back gate lead you to a dock where you can walk out for a better view of the river.
Open from sunrise to sunset, this family friendly park is a great site for a picnic. There are seven picnic tables and five grills. Camping, swimming, glass containers, alcoholic beverages and profanity are not allowed in the park.
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