Embedded in Clay

Clay sits quietly on the west bank of the St. Johns River.
Compared with neighbors Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Clay
attracts relatively little attention, and its stories often go untold.
In 2013, members of Clay County Writers were
challenged to collaborate on an anthology. More than a dozen
local writers set out to explore people, communities, and events
that shaped the character of this area. Drawing on historical
documents, interviews, and other materials, each writer unearthed
a fresh point of view. Residents responded generously, sharing
memories, contacts, and other resources.
Organized in roughly chronological order, these stories
span the early 1800s to the present. They offer glimpses of the
challenges, conflicts, and commitments of a diverse group of
people--people who made a difference in Clay and in the world.
Though the stories belong to the individual writers, in all
ways, this anthology has been a community effort.

"These stories about Clay inhabitants captivate and lure
one in. I wanted to see, feel, taste, and touch through these local
heroes. The authors imbued the work with dialect, empathy,
history, and humor. Not living in Florida, I enjoyed looking up
each locale on a map to further dip into the legacy of Clay."
Shonnie Brown, M.A., writer, editor, visual artist, Healdsburg, California
"Ever heard of the 'Water Dogs' of Black Creek? Martha
Chalker of Middleburg? Or Augusta Fells Savage of Green Cove
Springs? How about Bokar of the Monkey Farm? Or Frank
Towers in Camp Blanding? These and other unique characters
leap from the pages of Embedded in Clay to hint at horizons of
history in northeast Florida. Some remained in Clay County their
entire lives; some traveled worldwide. All are worthy of our
glances into the past. As you read, you see the creek, soak in its
darkness, or revel in its neighbors' triumphs. Find a deeper
appreciation of this place as you learn more about its individuals.
The stories bring delight and joy to readers."
Bobbi McDermott, engineer and former Orange Park
High School physics and chemistry teacher
"As a Clay County resident for over three decades, I'd
grown immune to its natural beauty, quirky characters, and
unique history. Embedded in Clay transported me to the dark
waters of Black Creek. I marveled at the history of artist Augusta
Savage and the beauty of her works, and I enjoyed the story of
the chimpanzees at the Monkey Farm."
Ron Word, retired wire service correspondent
"When brought face to face with [the train], Frank
Towers seized the moment in history and became a messenger of
providence and sustenance to the desperately sick Jews. Long
after the war, he continued to reunite veterans and Holocaust
survivors around the world to tell their stories. As American
Jews, we felt touched by his compassion and regret we didn't
meet him."
Gary and Penina Weltman, Jacksonville, Florida
"These stories taught me a great deal about where I grew
up, yet knew little about. Born and raised in Jacksonville, my dad
and I went fishing on Black Creek, one of his favorite places. I
loved the story and could see that dark water and feel the cool
mud on my feet. What strong pictures it paints of life long ago."
Linda M. Ashley, LMSW, Winthrop University,
Social Work Department, retired
"The story about Martha Chalker was lyrical and
informative. Paula Hilton's story about Augusta Fells Savage was
inspirational! I knew Savage was an artist of the Harlem
Renaissance, but had no idea about her rough family life or her
interesting academic background. Learning she grew up in Green
Cove Springs makes me proud to call Clay County home. Tim
Gilmore's article about the monkey farm in Orange Park was so
intriguing! I will never pass by The Granary without thinking
about the Humanzee."
Beverly Kay Suits, English teacher