Friends of South Dixie Highway get marker approval

Historic City News reader, Sheila Bacon Greenleaf, shared the news that Friends of South Dixie Highway have won approval from the City of St Augustine for the text of a marker to be erected beside the 100-year-old Albert Lewis Trough; located at 92 South Dixie Highway — the former site of the San Juan Trailer Park.

The marker will recognize Albert Lewis; a winter resident from Pennsylvania, who decided to call St Augustine his second home. The “Friends of South Dixie Highway” is comprised of businesses, residents, and former residents of the area; as well as others who share a love for the South Dixie Highway corridor.

The Town of Hastings provided much needed fresh produce for St Augustine hotels which were in full swing in 1904. Moultrie was bustling with timber and citrus groves. The city’s seasonal guests depended on St Johns County’s farmers and cattlemen for supplies.

Lewis built this trough to service horses and mules needing refreshment as they traveled in and out of the city. This trough and the Pell trough of similar appearance, located on the south sidewalk of Government House, are believed to be the only two remaining horse troughs from the Flagler Era.

Lewis will be remembered as a supporter of the Good Roads League. The members built and beautified roads at their own expense.

Lewis Point Road led to a palmetto covered pavilion that Lewis built for picnickers who wanted to overlook the bluffs. Lewis owned 500 acres in St Augustine South, including Lewis Point — now known as Moultrie Point.

Lewis Speedway, Lewis Boulevard, and a ball field, Lewis Park (no longer in existence) at the south end of Marine Street, are all part of Lewis’ holdings and legacy.

A dedication ceremony for the marker is planned for late summer to commemorate this historic horse trough and its benefactor.

Photo credits: © 2013 Historic City News contributed photograph by Sheila Greenleaf