 In 1829, the first documented wagon train arrived in the area bringing with it the Hogan, Barber, Drigger and Greene families. During the 1850s a community known as Darbyville, named for Colonel John Darby, was established. John Darby was a prominent merchant and owned a sawmill operation. Over the years, the county lines shifted numerous times but in 1861, Baker County was finally established. Darby's daughter Ada married Carr McClenny, an industrious and enterprising young man.. Eventually Darbyville became known as McClenny. Descendants of this original McClenny family still spell their name in the original spelling. Long ago, a post master changed the spelling to Macclenny, eliminating the Capital C used in the original name. Heritage Park Village uses the original spelling. Since those days and through the decades of the 20th century, McClenny has changed a great deal. But the one thing that has never changed is the tight-knit sense of family. The 20 heritage museums located on the park grounds are testimony to the history, industry and traditions of the people of Baker County. They are designed, not as literal recreations, but to give a broad overview of the development of the community and showcase original items such as photographs, scrapbooks, oral testimonies and other artifacts which help recount our citizen's histories. Heritage Park Village owes its establishment and existence to many community visionaries who believed in the project and contributed generously of time and funding to make it happen. The park's many volunteers who have given unselfishly over the years and continue to play a vital role in its upkeep and management are a treasured resource as well. Add Heritage Park events to your annual line up. Ghosts in the Oaks- Always weekend before Halloween: Family Friendly trick or treating at over 20 doors, vendors, monster mash dance, crafts, goodies to eat, story telling and more. Christmas events- change annually but park is always decorated through December until 10 pm for visitors and families to stroll and enjoy the decorations. The grounds should also be accessible during the day on weekends during the month as well. For more information call the park village office 259-7275 weekdays or call City Hall at 259-6261. |