BY BARBARA BOOTH
The Stone County Historical Genealogical Society and Museum will take you on a trip back in time to Abesville Community and then onto Ponce.
In 1988 Abesville was located in a quiet little valley with all-weather springs on three sides, all flowing into Goff Creek to be emptied into the James River. Homesteading began in the latter half of the 1800s, and soon other settlers came and bought land from the homesteaders and from the railroad companies. During the early 1900s, tomato canning factories were built and supplied extra cash for the farmers. During the early 1900s, drought struck the Abesville vicinity just as it did in other parts of the country.
Ponce
In 1881, the town of Ponce was known as "The Fountain of Youth Town," according to historical accounts of the Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon. In 1882 the "New Town Booming" bath house was built. People came from all over America to be miraculously cured of their illnesses. Permanent buildings and tents covered the valley. By 1887 there were more than 2,000 residents. Soon a complete settlement was formed. With the building of the hotel, sawmill, cannery, post office, bank, school, grocery and mercantile, Ponce became a thriving community.
By 1900 the drought took its toll on the community of Ponce. The cannery was relocated closer to where shipping was closer to the train and railroad. According to documenting history, the arrival of electricity took place in 1938.
For more in-depth history, visit the Stone County Historical Museum at Crane – located on the left side, lower end of Main Street. Volunteers open the Museum for tours and research Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy events in Crane on Saturday, June 8
On Saturday, June 8, at 2 p.m. in the Historic Event Hall at 117 Main Street, Crane, the "Original Stone County Calendar Hillbillies" will give a special program on their life growing up and entertaining at Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theater. The public is invited.
On Saturday, June 8, at 4 p.m., Discover Crane will hold an ice cream social on Main Street in Crane.
Mark your calendar and spend an enjoyable Saturday afternoon in downtown Crane.
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