The Greatest Photos - Year by Year - Part 3 (1918 - 1931)

We continue our series entitled Our Greatest Photos - Year by Year. This special series continues with Part 3 - (1918-1931) featuring the best photos in chronological order for each year listed.

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1918

One of the most remarkable photos ever (1918) was the burning of the Varnada Hotel. At the corner of Brooksville Avenue and Jefferson Street since 1906, it was at the time one of Florida's grandest hotels. The fire occurred on a Sunday morning, April 28, 1918.

1919

On the first anniversary of the end of World War I, Brooksville veterans pose in front of the courthouse.

Front row: Clarence Russell, Charles Gallaway, C. James Law, J.C. Rogers, Captain Jay Hennig, George Maillis

2nd row: Allan Hawkins, Rainey Martin, Jesse Allen, Ross Clark, Manning Hayman

3rd row: Charlie Sims, Victor Lawrence, Dennis Cason, Bryant Graham, Claude Lee, Milton Lee

1920

Hernando County Courthouse watermelon party, 1920. All from one 40 pound melon

Top Row: W. Tucker, R. Hennes, J. Kimbrough, W.E. Barnett, R.T. Hancock, Tax Assessor F. Saxon, Sheriff W. Cobb, Deputy Sheriff Robins, Janitor

Bottom row: Judge J. Ramsey, School Superintendent L. Hathaway, Anne Hathaway, Secretary, Lorena Grimsley, Linda Jennings, Deputy Clerks, Tax Collector C. Kirk

1921

It's hard to believe Brooksville did not have a hospital before 1921, but this was the first. It was located on Summit Road (now MLK Blvd.) across from the Dairy service. Run by Mrs. Boggess, nurse, and Drs. Hancock, Coogler and Creekmore.

1922

By 1922, livery stables and blacksmiths were becoming a thing of the past. This livery stable in Brooksville very like goes back to the 1870s or 1880s and was located on S. Main Street past Lulu Street.

1922 - Tie

City worker (1922) in front of the courthouse on Main Street.

1923

On July 3, 1923, The Amstutz/Hancock Ford dealer gave away a brand new Ford at a raffle held that day at their new location at Brooksville Avenue & Jefferson Street. The crowd was estimated at over a thousand for the big day.

1924

This 1924 photo shows a bird's eye view of downtown Brooksville. The courthouse is to the right. To the left is Main Street. Stores from left to right are: a grocer and candy store, the new Victory Theatre and a dry goods store. The three-story building is the Tamiami Cafe with a doctor and business offices above. The top floor would burn down in 1928. The building is now the Main Street Eatery.

1925

The new Hernando High School opened in October 1925 on Bell Avenue. By 1925, the old high school on Howell Avenue, built in 1919, was already overcrowded as a result of the Florida land boom of the 1920s. The old building was intended for 350 students, but by 1925 had grown to 500 students, forcing the construction of this new building.

1926

"Just around the bend, there's gold in them thar hills!"

Railroad track leading to Florida Rock Industries. By 1926, Florida Rock Industries had become so successful in this area that Tampa moved its main headquarters to Brooksville.

1927

One of the finest old photos of the Hernando County Courthouse downtown is this one from 1927 showing a pristine, balanced and clean look. The touring car is nice too.

1927 - Tie

The new City Garage (1927) was an Oldsmobile dealer. Notice the ad signs. The dealership was located just over the bridge on W. Broad Street. Founded by Carl Rogers, it would evolve into Register Chevrolet/Olds during the early 1960s.

1928

Rogers' Department Store was the most popular clothing, fashion accessory and appliance store in Brooksville as far back as 1912 and for many years thereafter.

1929

This outstanding panorama shot from 1929 shows the side building on Ft. Dade Avenue looking from the corner of where City Hall is today, looking south on Main Street. The gentleman walking down the street is A. G. Fridy, a prominent Brooksville jeweler during the first half of the 20th century.

1930

There's a big wheel in town!

The world's largest tire visited Brooksville on February 22, 1930, as a promotion for Simpson Chevrolet. This is the side of the Browning building which is across the street from the dealership on Main Street. Owner, Mr. Simpson, is in front.

1931

The Tangerine Hotel 1931

Brooksville's most famous murder occurred here in 1931 in front of The Tangerine Hotel on Howell Avenue. Herbert Smithson, city attorney, was also a prohibition informant and was killed after dinner, about where the car is. Three suspects were ultimately tried but failed to be convicted due to a lack of cooperation from key witnesses.