MEMBER SPOTLIGHT FEBRUARY 2011

Retired Lt. Tommy Clayton

Tommy Clayton, 75 years old, was raised at the Fisher Corner, Phoenix Ave. area and graduated from Andrew Jackson in 1953. He is married to Vera. Vera worked at the telephone company when they met. The Clayton’s have one son, Tommy Jr. who graduated from Victory Christian School

Nineteen years ago, Tommy and his wife purchased 85 acres in the Kings Ferry area near the Florida Georgia State line and built a new home on the property in 2006 .

Tommy joined the Fire Department in 1960 and replaced Eddie Cowart at Engine 6 on Florida Avenue. Tommy worked with Lt. Tim Ellis, Eng. Harry Beckham and Privates George Fitts and O.B. Walton. Tommy recalls firemen’s pranks. His most memorable pranks were closing the damper over the stove when someone was cooking and throwing firecrackers within the station.

Tommy says his most memorable fires were the Roosevelt Hotel Fire and the Laney Duke Warehouse fire.

Tommy retired from Sta.6 in 1976 and went to work with the Jacksonville Port Authority Aviation Fire Department as a Lieutenant and worked with Capt. Carl Huff and Lt Andy Anders.
Tommy then retired from the Aviation Fire Department.

Tommy went to work as a checker and cargo foreman at the Talleyrand Docks for 12 years. He also worked for the US Customs in 1981 and was with them for 24 years. Tommy has also retired from the Air National Guard.

Tommy is a charter member of the union which started out of Fire Station 6, he is also a member of the Firefighter Shriners Club.

Seventeen years ago, Tommy, Tommy Jr. and Neal Tarkington (deceased) started a cane grinding event that has been held the weekend before Thanksgiving. This event has grown in nature and is still being held. The event is held on their property in Kings Ferry. These three started bottling cane syrup and labeled it “Southern Cross”. They were interested in making sure that the tradition of cane syrup would continue. Tommy Jr. purchased a 300 gallon cast iron kettle from Raiford State Prison. This kettle was used by the prisoners to make syrup for their consumption. Tommy Jr. has purchased and collected over 50 mill grinders. He also grind corn for cornmeal.

The weekend event includes, antique tractors, steam engines and cars. There is also a blacksmith shop setup to educate children on the craftsmanship of shoeing horses. Children enjoy the steam engine whistle. Retired Captain Bobby Hicks has been the leader in a blue grass band that provides music for this event.

The family relishes the fact that they provide a piece of history to the younger generation . The making of cane syrup was a staple in the households in years gone by. Children of today find it so interesting and that in turn gives the Clayton Family joy.

	Rendering fresh squeezed sugar cane juice into old fashioned Cane Syrup.
	This picture is of the steam engine that the children visiting during the can grinding enjoy pulling the string and sounded whistle.
	For the past 6 years Tommy has been completely and totally retired. Tommy says he now has time to enjoy the fruits of his hard labor which includes spending time with Vera, Tommy Jr., grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Standing at the entrance to the Southern Cross farm.