P. Marlin 2020
The town of Hawthorne, Florida, is named after James Madison Hawthorn, a veteran of the Second Seminole War, who recieved a land grant on the northwest side of Lake Johnson, and donated some of his property to encourage development of the Peninsular Railroad line that was completed from Waldo to Ocala in 1879. In 1879, the name of the post office established in the area more than twenty years earlier, was changed from Morrison's Mill to Jamestown. In 1880 it was changed to Hawthorn at Jame's Hawthorn's request. Until the 1890's, the southern part of the town was called Wait's Crossing, for the site at which the Florida Southern Railroad, which was completed from Palatka to Gainesville in 1881, crossed the Peninsular Railroad. A diverse economy stimulated the development of Hawthorne. The addition of an "e" to the towns name did not become official until 1946.
The Moore Hotel in Hawthorne was established in 1883 and became recognized as a hunting lodge and hotel. Owned by William and Jennie Moore, the hotel offered the first carbide lights in the area as well as the first bathtubs with running water pumped by a windmill, then heated. William Moore supplied dogs, horses, and wagons, and served as the hunting guide. Jennie took care of the hotel duties, which included cleaning, cooking, and serving meals. Breakfast was served at 4:30am for an early start. Today it is the Hawthorne Apartments.
Florida Memory
P Marlin 2020
The First United Methodist Church in Hawthorne was built in 1895. The building has been altered over the century, however, key architectural features remain. Nearly 130 years later, a congregation still assembles at this church.
UF Digital Collections
P Marlin 2020