A Tale of Three Houses... and One "Lot"
Circa, 1963 to Present
House One
In the summer of 1963, a young couple arrived in Jacksonville to begin careers, home and family. They selected and purchased a lot on the railroad side of Water Oak Lane, south of Stockton Elementary school, where her uncle's general contracting firm completed construction of their first home in November 1963. The purchase of the lot was negotiated with Admiral Stockton, with his famous "restrictions."
The move-in on Saturday, November 23rd was particularly nostalgic. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on Friday, November 22. During the funeral ceremonies on Monday, November 25th, the men working in the yard were invited inside to watch the funeral procession, services at Arlington National Cemetery and the lighting of the Eternal Flame together.
The young couple lived in this home for 13 years. The street was finally paved partially to Yacht Club Road and then to the Long Bow crossing. Needless to say, when it rained, it could get messy! One son was born during this time and life was good. The family was surrounded by Admirals, Captains, Commanders, executives, attorneys, and even the special agent in charge of the FBI... but that is another story!
Within a few years, careers going smoothly, dreams of a larger home were considered. Once again, the family bought property on Morven Lake/Canal on Longbow Road from the Admiral. After house plans were drawn, it did not seem conducive for the location or size of the lot, so it was sold and another lot purchased on Ortega Forest Drive.
House Two
Construction began on House Two in November, 1973. Planning and building a home is not an easy task. The couple, then in their early 30s, experienced many frustrations, particularly concerning the topsy effect in the growth of the size, the suitability of the architecture for the area, the cost of construction, and maintaining the quality within the budget! The master brick mason and his helper laid about 100,000 brick; he would profess that the "crookedist" brick (a Georgia red clay hand pack
ed brick) was used. They would have their daily bread each day by the river and bless the food. It was speculated that they also prayed for no "rip outs" during that day.
Construction took almost two years and move-in was the day after Thanksgiving, 1975. During the time of construction the family had begun experiencing some fractures, breaking apart 5 years later. One stayed; the other moved to House Three with their son.
House Three
House Three on Verona Avenue, the window into the world of Ortega Forest, was a "little red brick" originally built in the late 50s. It was like the Energizer Bunny, it just kept going and going to the back of the lot with several additions and renovations, including a huge pecky cypress den with a cathedral ceiling, built-in bookcases, beautiful floor to ceiling fireplace. Mother and son, then 11-years-old, enjoyed being surrounded by this very warm inviting house and the fantastic neighbors all around.
The deck was a major contribution to the house. A project undertaken as a 
"single woman" that turned out wonderfully. Much fun was had on that deck during the 21 years this "non traditional family" lived in the house. Mother's intention was to live in this house for the long haul, even converting things to maintain an elderly lifestyle. As fate would have it, best laid plans, and huge shock...the terrorist attack in NYC, 9/11/2001.
Dad, still in House Two, was hospitalized and diagnosed with a fatal illness, passing away three weeks later. Now WHAT? House long neglected, boat house collapsed in the river and the pool black. Renovations began in February 2002. Mother sells house on Verona and moves back into Ortega Forest Drive in June, 2002. This "non traditional" family has come full-circle. Soon Son, hopefully, will take residence and Mother can retreat to a smaller place.
Again, life has been good; Ortega Forest is a true, peaceful, tranquil haven tucked in near downtown Jacksonville. A precious place to call your home for 35 years.