Florida Historical Society to create lasting tribute to the Green Family

According to Ray Green’s Last Will and Testament, dated May 5, 2008, Mr. Green bequeathed to the Florida Historical Society, Inc., “his dwelling and lot located at 13 Bridge Street, Florida, New York, together with the furniture and furnishings therein.”

This was not something we initiated or anticipated. However, with a sense of gratitude, we felt it was an opportunity we could not pass up.

Because the estate was in considerable debt (two years of back taxes, utilities, etc.), we were forced to take out a substantial loan to pay off those debts. This, after consultation with an attorney, would be the only way to keep the house from being sold to another party.

The title of the house and property has now been transferred to The Florida Historical Society. Just prior to that transfer our acquisition of the site became much less complicated because of Ray’s sister Jean Green Griffith and her daughter Karen Griffith de Fur Maxwell. They generously offered to make a loan to help pay off those accumulated debts.

They also wanted to make sure Mr. Green’s wish to keep the property in the hands of the society became a reality.

Further, it is the wish of Jean, Karen and Jean’s son Alan Griffith to become involved in the process of turning the house and property into a museum of local history and a place for educational programs.

That process will be an ongoing venture.

Unfortunately, the financial awards stipulated in the will could not be fulfilled due to the absence of any cash assets, an unfortunate but realistic situation.

The entire transfer of the title was a long, trying process, and now the real work begins.

We will be looking for volunteers to help with cleaning, organizing, renovating, painting, etc.

Our goal is to create a lasting tribute to the memory of Ray and the history of the Green family who were active in bringing electricity, water, telephone, Florida National Bank, Florida Fire Department, etc., to the Village of Florida, ca. 1900.

Within the two weeks’ time that we have been in possession of this gift, we have found a veritable treasure-trove of historic documents and photographs that we are looking forward to sharing with the community.

Gary Randall, president
The Florida Historical Society