ORANGE PARK, Fla. – It’s a preserved gem of Florida’s agricultural past.
The Clarke House in Orange Park on Kingsley Avenue stands as a timeless window into the area’s rich history.
Built in 1912 by William and Carrie Clarke, this wooden farmhouse remains a testament to the pioneering spirit of its original owners.
The Clarkes operated a successful pecan farm on their 30-acre property and ran a plumbing business.
They were also key players in Orange Park’s early political and social affairs. Today, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a community gathering space within Clarke Park.
Cynthia Cheatwood, president of the Historical Society of Orange Park, said it’s a staple in Orange Park.
“It is the core of Orange Park history, and some really amazing people have worked to preserve it,” Cheatwood said.
The Clarke House is designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, reflecting the ingenuity of its builders. The home features wide porches for ventilation, a dining room vent to keep guests cool in the summer, and a state-of-the-art plumbing system for its time.
Cheatwood explained that the house was constructed 12 years before electricity came to Orange Park.
“It is all created with the idea that you needed light and energy flow,” she said. “The breeze was wonderful.”
Inside, visitors can view Mrs. Clarke’s piano, which has remained in the same spot for more than a century. The piano was central to her community involvement, as she hosted meetings for the Garden Club of Orange Park and the Women’s Club of Orange Park. It also played a role in the creation of the First Baptist Church Sunday School.
“Knowing about her piano is really understanding Mrs. Clarke,” Cheatwood said. “She sponsored missionaries around the world, and she used the piano for meetings, gatherings, and worship services.”
A working farm turned community park
The Clarke property was once a bustling farm with pecan groves, crops, and livestock.
Although the pecan trees are no longer there, signs of the past remain. One of the original cottages that housed farmworkers still stands and is being preserved by the Historical Society with funding from a state grant.
Cheatwood pointed out the practical and innovative design of the cottage, including its structural use of plumber’s pipes.
Mrs. Clarke managed the farm operations while Mr. Clarke focused on his plumbing business. Their contributions extended beyond their property, as Mr. Clarke served as mayor of Orange Park and played a vital role in the town’s development.
“When they moved to the town, there were 200 people living in Orange Park,” Cheatwood said. “It was a community where everybody knew everybody else, and there weren’t a lot of services. Eventually, though, the Clarks became an important part of that community.”
A lasting legacy
The Clarke House and surrounding park have been preserved to honor the legacy of William and Carrie Clarke. The property serves as a bridge between the past and present, offering the community a place to learn, reflect, and gather.
The Clarke House is open to the public for monthly tours and events, while Clarke Park welcomes visitors daily.