The Online Catalog allows searching and browsing of information about the Florida State Archives’ holdings of over 48,000 cubic feet of state and local government records and historical manuscripts. The catalog provides descriptions of over 3,400 collections and lists the contents of containers and folders in many of those collections. For assistance with accessing and using State Archives collections, call our Reference Staff at 850.245.6719 or email us at archives@dos.myflorida.com.
Hubbard L. Hart arrived in Florida in 1855 and worked as a mail carrier from Ocala to Tampa. In the 1860s, he established the Hart Line of freight and passenger steamers on the Ocklawaha River; was a pioneer orange grower and shipper; built and operated the Putnam House Hotel; and was involved in railroad and canal projects. He was instrumental in creating a tourist attraction out of Silver Springs.
For sixty years, the Hart Line that he founded successfully operated a steamship business and ferry services for people and goods throughout much of central Florida. During that time, the company had several corporate names, including Hart's Daily Line, the Oklawaha Navigation Co., the Oklawaha & St. John's Navigation Co. and the Ocklawaha Steamboat Co.; however, it was popularly known as the Hart Line. After Hart's death in 1895, his wife's family took over the business until 1919, when competition from railroads, faster river boats and World War I brought an end to the Hart Line.
Summary:
The collection contains the papers of Hubbard L. Hart and his business associates. It documents his various business activities in central Florida. The records include correspondence, account books, deeds, indentures, receipts, agreements, wills, telegrams, tickets and passenger lists.
Finding Aids:
Folder listing available. 0
Additional Physical Form:
Reproduction Note:
Location of Originals/Duplicates:
Associated Materials:
For more materials related to Hubbard L. Hart's business activities, see Collection M86-4, Hubbard L. Hart Papers, 1833, 1855-1899 (1 microfilm reel) and Collection N2022-23, Hubbard L. Hart Papers, 1850-1919 (1 cubic foot).
Language Notes:
Ownership/Custodial History:
Obtained from the Hart family homestead at Hart Point, East Palatka.
Publication Note:
General Note:
Electronic Records Access:
Subject Access Fields:
Hart, Hubbard L., 1827-1895
Hart Line (Firm) Ocklawaha Navigation Co.
Citrus fruit industry Florida Railroads Florida Steamboats Florida
Business records. aat
Marion County (Fla.) Palatka (Fla.) Putnam County (Fla.) Silver Springs (Fla.)
for detailed listing.