Methodist Church (arl8b.jpg)
Methodist Church (arl8b.jpg)
About 1873 a church colony was established
at what was called Arlington Bluff. but it was a sectarian resort for only
one denomination with the promoters in New Jersey and due to its exclusiveness
it ended as such organizations usually do.
A little later another church colony was started at Egleston, it also
failed probably from similar causes together with its extreme civic restrictions.
About the same time a settlement was begun at Floral Bluff and all were
welcome regardless of creed or wealth and as the motor boat begun to be
considered a feasable and reliable means of communication that community
grew and is now a prosperous village though considered in the same community
as Arlington.
The principal impetus that caused Arlington
to grow to the prosperous conditon which we residents are pleased to think
it enjoys now, was the organization of the Alderman Realty Company, their
purchase of the Richard Mill Grant and sub-division of it into building
sites and inducing home builders to live thereon. The Company was organized
in 1913 when not a house existed on the area of their purchase of 1,100
acres but up to date there has been many score built and equal progress
has been made on adjacent sub-divisions, all of which, however, we consider
as belonging to the same community.
Among the activities of the Alderman Realty
company was the establishment of a ferry with Jacksonville which affords
a sure and convenient fifteen minute service across the river.
Bridge near Gilmore (arl9.jpg)
There never has been an "Arlington Boom" nor
has it ever been advertised except to a slight extent when the site was
first surveyed. Whoever lives here now or ever lived here has done so from
unbiased choice, the only appeal being the physical advantages of accessibility
and healthful location. Dissatisfied or discontented people are not desired
for they do not make good citizens and the owners of vacant property have
refused to sell to such.
The most advance :n the upbuilding of this locality has taken place
within the last five years, all by steady and unsolicited growth The comparatively
rapid advance has been caused primarily by the ferry passing out of the
hands of the original company into the control of an indidual, at present.
The Arlington Ferry and Land Company: of which A. C. Macy is General Manager.
The facilities consists of ferry landin,..zs
at the foot of Beaver Street in Jacksonville and St. Johns Street in Arlington.
Two ferry boats capable of loading eight automobiles at a time. each, and
making fifteen minute schedule. The river crossing is one and one fourth
miles, and during the pleasant summer evenings affords a delightful recreation
trip.
Several good hard surfaced roads have been constructeel.'Rl~he connecting the ferry landing with the noted Atlantic Beach Highwa3
Looking East from near ferry. (arl7a.jpg)
continued on Arlington page 4 ...............
< rodbigelow@netzero.net
> 
