Ethel Carrington Spires – Hernando’s Ace Reporter By: Ken Marotte, Citrus County Historical Society Forget about drones, cameras and phone taps. Who needs the CIA? For over 40 years, Ethel Carrington Spires (aka “Mrs. R.M. Spires”) kept a watchful eye on everyday...
The Legacy of Dixon Pencil Manufacturing in Crystal River BY: Ken Marotte, Citrus County Historical Society If you go into a cold sweat remembering Dixon Ticonderoga Number 2 pencils used for standardized school tests, you can thank the people of Crystal River for...
Citrus County’s Historic Restaurants By: Ken Marotte, Citrus County Historical Society We all have our favorite local restaurants. There are some interesting stories behind three establishments that were once part of everyday life, but have passed into memory of...
Beverly Hills – That’s Where They Want To Be By: Ken Marotte, Citrus County Historical Society Beverly Hills is a testament to a man who was not interested in just building houses and hurrying away to the next big deal. This is the story of Samuel J. Kellner, a...
Duck and Cover – Civil Defense in Citrus County By: Ken Marotte, Citrus County Historical Society On the morning of Friday October 26, 1962, most of my classmates were intently watching the Southern skies during recess. Some of the older students had told us that...
Ghosts of Elections Past in Citrus County By: Ken Marotte, Citrus County Historical Society Citrus County has had more than it’s share of controversial elections over the years. Relatives campaigned against relatives. Election officials were arrested and sent to...
