I’m taking a day out touring and decide to learn more about the Nichols Cemetery, a frequent stop on SLBC rides. My route takes me west on Hwy 475 over the I75 bridge shortly after which I see the sign for Nichols Cemetery and follow CR 246 to the gate.
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Nichols Cemetery
Stanton
On one of my favorite rides along Sunset Harbor Road I turn left at the Stanton Baptist Church onto SE 140th Avenue. Just before SE 155th Street on my left I see the stone ballast, all that remains of the railroad that ran beside Lake Weir. This is where in 1881, Stanton Perrin founded the town that bore his name. He built a lumber mill on Lake Weir and a steam boat to raft wood across. By 1885 a population of 300 was cutting 30,000 board feet of lumber a day, growing oranges, manufacturing shingles and bricks, and had two general stores. All of this was short lived as the town rapidly declined after the great freezes of 1894/5 destroyed the citrus and overharvesting ended the lumber industry.
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Leesburg to Wildwood by Train
Leesburg Station – since repurposed as a fitness center by Beacon College
Starting at Leesburg station I follow the rail trail through Montclair where the train would have made its first stop. As I continue the trail unfortunately ends at the Leesburg city limit a half mile before Whitney where the train would have stopped at packing houses to deliver supplies and pick up produce.