The Archer Historical Society Presents The Annual Yulee Railroad Day's Celebration.
This event celebrates Archer's most renowned resident, The father of Florida statehood, and Florida's first U.S. Senator, David Levy Yulee.
For 2005, the event will be held June 2nd, 3rd & 4th, - 9:00 AM to 3 PM
Yulee Day vendors can set-up to be open FRIDAY 5PM-10PM--June 2.
Entertainment at the Depot FRIDAY 5-10 PM--June 3.
All day festival on Saturday June 3--arts, crafts, entertainment, cannon, reenactor and walk though time etc. The museum will be open.
Sunday June 4, early AM there will be a Reflective Reading and Coffee at the depot.
In 1853 the Florida Railroad Company recieved it's charter from the state legislature under the Florida Internal Improvement Act. David Levy Yulee was the first president of the company. Over the next 8 years it was constructed by enslaved and freemen accross the state. We hope to recognize the visionary Yulee, as well as the laborers of this, the most important developement in our state's early history.
The Archer Historical Society's newly developed plan for the Yulee Railroad Day's Celebration, is to coordinate concurrent linear events in all of the towns along the original Florida Railroad's right-of-way, connected by runs, relays, parades etc. Initially it is planned to extend accross all of Alachua County celebrating the 150th anniversary of Yulee's visionary railroad which was chartered in 1853 and crossed Florida in the next 6 years. The event is expected to grow each year, with new events and locations being added until the event extends accross the state, coast to coast, from Fernandina Beach to Cedar Key Florida. We will be having a 150 year anniversary every year for the next 8 years until we mark the date 150 years after it was completed at Cedar Key.
9:30 a.m. Period Parade - Featuring Horses and Period Dress! Starts at the Archer Recreation Park and ends at the Archer Historical Society's Railroad Depot on Main Street with the Opening Ceremony. Bring your horse, dress up, and join the fun!
Historic Walking Tours - Pony & Buggy Rides - Old Time Traders - Historic Arts and Crafts - Entertainment - Food
There is something for everyone to enjoy and learn! Bring your family and friends and make a day of it! There is plenty of free parking space in the area near the events.
Our Museum will also be open for tours and a glimpse of our past. A modest admission charge has been set, in order to help continue the maintenance and operation of the historic railroad depot structure and the museum exhibits.
Sponsored by the Archer Historical Society, Inc. A 501C3 Corporation.
For further information, please call Phil Denton at (352) 495-1044