Island Grove

The community was established in 1882, by N. P. Moore, in the center of an area of north-central Florida filled with swamps, rivers, and lakes. The reasonably dry and habitable area that became known as Island Grove was for a time accessible only by rail, hence its name. Moore created the first Post Office February 17, 1884, and Moore became the first postmaster. The area was a large fruit shipping point from the local groves owned by G.R Fairbanks, J. Adger, and Clark and Joe Blake. The name came from the fact that the area is almost like an island in that lakes, ponds, and creeks literally surround the area. Originally the Florida Railway & Navigation Co. and the Peninsular Railroad were the only ways in and out. The town grew to over 400 residents, and who made a living mainly through farming and fishing. In its heyday, There also was a freshwater fishing industry with H. Boyles, D.O. Howard and W.P Howard. Island Grove boasted two churches, a school, a grocery, a post office, a Masonic Lodge, and a packing plant. Additional resident names were T.J Johnson, the railroad express and telephone agent. postmaster W.J Evans in 1925, B.L. Clayton; grocery owner. Mrs. N.P Moore sold soft drinks, and William Evans sold stationery. Real Estate was sold by Charles Slater and Charles H. Slater sold meat. Other residence were H.M. Baker, J.A. Brice, H.V. Cassels, and S.D. Prince. The Justice of the Peace was W.J. Crosby.  Island Grove can be found near the southeastern terminus of County Road 325 and US 301. Island Grove can be found near the southeastern terminus of County Road 325 and US 301.

The Methodist Church of Island Grove

1980