Resident recalls predominately Black, south Marion community of Santos
Santos in the 1920s was a close community of predominantly African American families, many related, who farmed and had jobs in the area. The town, which straddles U.S. 441 about seven miles south of Ocala, was dotted with stores and a post office. The community hosted baseball games that attracted both Black and white fans, according to historical accounts. Irene Damon Donar, 89, was born in Santos in 1931, about four years before President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the start of Cross Florida Barge Canal project. Ill-fated canal project would cut through community In "The Way It Was,"...
Source: ocala.com