By BARBARA OEHLBECK
WAUCHULA, FL — A new book is on the scene that chronicles the heritage and people of Hardee County in Central Florida. It was written by Spessard Stone, historian and genealogist who works from his home in Wauchula, the county seat of Hardee County.

Beginning with the Indians, trading posts and forts, Spessard leaves no stone unturned as to the origin of Hardee County, it’s people, how they lived and worked, how they dealt with hardships we today cannot imagine, as well as their joys and sorrows.
The book is highly pictorial and detailed, depicting the life and times of the early settlers including the three Indian Wars, fighting wild animals, heat and cold, diseases and hunger.

The Civil War In The Peace River Valley is probably not taught in schools, but for any who want to learn about this period in our state, this book on Hardee County holds the key.

Following the Civil War, the people were left in a very impoverished condition, morally, religiously and financially, especially the latter. There had been a great spiritual awakening and churches were springing up in every community thus taxing the time and energy of the few resident preachers.

The author writes: Long before DeSoto County appeared upon the map, while this great section belonged to Manatee, we find the faithful pioneer Methodist preacher with his pony, saddle-bags, his Bible, hymn book, and discipline, making footprints on the sands of the Peace River and making history for future generations. So far as can be learned, the first man to preach the gospel in this country was Rev W. P, McEwen, a consecrated local preacher, and from the accounts that have been handed down this faithful man of God did a great work in planting Methodism in this section and in blazing the way for greater things than he ever dreamed of.

The Florida Southern Railway and development is covered as well as the development of the area in the early 1900s including details of the first bank in Wauchula and present-day Hardee County, namely the Carlton and Carlton Bank. Schools, churches, places of business and a newspaper, The Florida Advocate are covered as well as some of the magnificent homes and churches and other structures still standing and being used.

The establishment of Hardee County in 1921 was not easy. You can “read all about it” in Spessard Stone’s Chapter 8 of his new book. Particularly if you live in Hardee County, it will be more than a little worthwhile to read the account of the birth of Hardee County.
The Great Depression took its toll in Hardee County and environs, but the people persevered, for instance in June 1930, after renovations to 19 of the 33 rooms of the Florida Hotel on Main Street, Mrs V. W. Surrency reopened the hotel. And on Oct. 30, 1930 Wauchula’s 160-acre airport officially opened with 22 airplanes and 3,000 people on hand including Governor Doyle E. Carlton as the honored guest
Wauchula was known far and wide as the CUCUMBER CAPITOL OF THE WORLD.

The post war years to 1960 detail the growth and stamina of Hardee County in text and pictures. The medical community of Wauchula was outstanding considering the area. The new $125,000 Doctors’ Center across from the Hardee Memorial Hospital opened with three physicians, Dr. Barbara Carlton, Dr. Faustio Garcia and Dr. James Whitehurst.

Many of Wauchula’s most outstanding citizens are showcased in “Hardee County,” information not included in other books.
Although history seems to be an unpopular subject in most schools, this is to say that surely Spessard Stone’s new history on Hardee County should be a required subject at least within the boundaries of the county itself.

About himself Spessard wrote in the Preface of the book, “I had a diving accident in 1960 in Mary Jane Swimming hole in Paynes Creek in which I incurred a spinal injury (C-5) which left me a quadriplegic. My power chair is my only means of going about Wauchula.” Spessard is a computer guru and an outstanding researcher.

His book is published by Southern Heritage Press/St. Petersburg, 8 1⁄2 x 11, hardback, over 300 pages, several hundred photographs with inside maps on both front and back covers. $44.95 available from the author, which includes postage and handling. Telephone, write or e-mail 863-773-2275, 220 S. 7th Avenue, Wauchula, Fl. 33873, e-mail: spessard44@embarqmail.com

Barbara Oehlbeck can be reached at 863-675-2771, 1388 Grassy Run, LaBelle, Fl. 33935, doco@strato.net