31 North Main Street – WWJB Radio -  Barbara Manuel

A Melody of Impact

Barbara Manuel, a long-time Brooksvillian whose love for music, community, and progress has left a mark as bright as the notes she taught her students. So, let’s dive into the story of this remarkable lady who greets everyone with her familiar “Hey! How are you?”

Barbara Manuel, born around 1945, moved to Brooksville in 1966 and quickly became a cornerstone of the community. As a chorus teacher at Hernando High School, she spent decades shaping young voices and hearts, fostering a love for the arts that echoed far beyond the classroom. Her choir room was more than a place for singing—it was where she mentored generations of Brooksvillians, teaching them leadership skills that carried them into careers from business to the arts. Her passion for music wasn’t just a job; it was a gift she shared, making sure every student felt the joy of hitting that perfect note.

But Barbara’s impact didn’t stop at the schoolhouse door. She poured her heart into Brooksville’s community, supporting nonprofits with a tireless spirit. She helped raise funds for the Live Oak Theatre, turning dreams of a local stage into reality, and pitched in for the Hernando Park Rotary fence, sprucing up a community gem. Every Christmas, Barbara was right there organizing the Christmas on Main Street event, filling downtown with holiday cheer and drawing folks together. As a founding member of the Brooksville Vision Foundation, she helped launch the nonprofit Brooksville Main Street, serving as its first chair of the Promotions Committee. Her work brought new life to downtown, with events and initiatives that made Brooksville’s brick-lined streets buzz with visitors and pride.

Alongside her husband, Steve, Barbara runs WWJB and WXJB radio stations, keeping Hernando County informed and entertained with local news and tunes. Her dedication earned her the 2023 Great Brooksvillian Award, a unanimous choice by the city council, with folks like Vince Vanni of Live Oak Theatre singing her praises. Vanni, who’s known her since 1986, called her “one of the most creative artists and artistic leaders” in the community. Even with all the accolades, Barbara stayed humble, telling the Hernando Sun that the other nominees—Sandra Knox, Roy Link, and Mabel Sims—were just as deserving.

Standing here, you can almost hear the echo of Barbara’s choirs or the chatter of folks at a Main Street festival she helped plan. From teaching kids to leading community efforts, she’s woven music and service into Brooksville’s soul. 

Citations 

Barbara Manuel Named 2023 Great Brooksvillian, Hernando Sun, August 20, 2023, https://www.hernandosun.com. 

Brooksville Main Street, https://www.brooksvillemainstreet.org. 

Live Oak Theatre, https://www.liveoaktheatre.org. 

Barbara Manuel - Owner - WXJB 99.9 FM, LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com. 

20 North Main Street – Supervisor of Elections - Annie D. Williams

A Voice for Fairness

Here at the Courthouse, we’re honoring Annie D. Williams, a lifelong Brooksvillian whose dedication to fair elections and community service made her a quiet hero in Hernando County. 

Annie D. Williams was born and raised right here in Brooksville, graduating from Hernando High School in 1974. With deep roots in the community, she married Andrew Williams Jr., and together they raised two daughters, Andrea and Atavia, building a family that’s been a cornerstone of local life for decades. Annie’s journey in public service began at just 17, when she started working in the Hernando County Supervisor of Elections office while still in high school. After studying at Pasco-Hernando Community College and the University of South Florida, she returned to the elections office in 1978, pouring her heart into ensuring every vote counted. By 1999, with 24 years of experience under her belt, Annie decided to run for Supervisor of Elections when her boss retired. She won in 2000 and was re-elected in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016, serving until her retirement in January 2017 after nearly 38 years of service.

As Supervisor of Elections, Annie was a fierce advocate for fair and accessible voting. She oversaw elections with a steady hand, navigating changes like Florida’s redistricting process, which she openly criticized as unfair in a 2012 Tampa Bay Times column, calling out the state’s gerrymandering for favoring party politics over people. Her office at 20 N Main Street, right by the historic courthouse, was a hub of civic duty, where she made sure Hernando County’s voters had their voices heard. Annie’s work wasn’t just about ballots—she built trust, educating folks on the voting process and keeping elections transparent. Her 2016 re-election against Shirley Anderson, a former employee, was a testament to the community’s faith in her, with voters choosing her experience over change.

Beyond her official duties, Annie was a pillar of Brooksville’s spirit. Married for over 34 years by 2012, she balanced her career with family life, raising her daughters to be proud Brooksvillians. Her commitment to service earned her respect across the county, and her retirement marked the end of a career that shaped how Hernando County voted. Standing here, you can almost see Annie in her office, organizing voter rolls or greeting folks with that warm smile, making sure democracy worked for everyone. 

Citations 

5 questions with Annie D. Williams, Hernando County supervisor of elections, Tampa Bay Times, August 22, 2012, https://www.tampabay.com.[](https://www.tampabay.com/news/aging/lifetimes/5-questions-with-annie-d-williams-hernando-county-supervisor-of-elections/1245991/)

Was Florida’s redistricting process fair? I think not | Column, Tampa Bay Times, March 25, 2012, https://www.tampabay.com.

11 South Broad Street - Juanita Snow Rogers – The Quality Shop and Rogers Christmas House

A Christmas Dreamer

Juanita Snow Rogers, a visionary whose love for the holidays and knack for bringing folks together turned Brooksville into a festive destination. 

Juanita Snow Rogers, born in 1913, was a lifelong Brooksvillian with deep roots in Hernando County’s pioneer past. A member of the Snow family, tied to the historic Chinsegut Hill Manor House, she grew up steeped in the traditions of a town settled by the Howells, Mays, Hales, and Parsons. Her family’s legacy stretched back to the 1850s, when her ancestors, like Charlotte Ederington and Dr. James Russell Snow, built Snow Hill estate, helping spark Florida’s citrus industry after the Great Freeze of 1895. Juanita carried that spirit of resilience and community into her own life, marrying into the Rogers family and settling into a home at 104 Saxon Avenue, built around 1890, just a hop from Main Street’s hustle and bustle.

Juanita’s claim to fame was her creation of Rogers’ Christmas House Village, a magical holiday haven that opened in 1970 at 103 Saxon Avenue. What started as a single gift shop grew into a year-round Christmas wonderland, with five charming cottages filled with ornaments, decorations, and festive cheer. Located a block from the intersection of U.S. 98/SR 50 and US 41, it drew folks from all over, making Brooksville a destination for holiday spirit. Juanita’s vision was to share the joy of Christmas every day, and her village became a beloved tradition, featured on vintage postcards from the 1970s and 1980s. She ran the business with her family, including her husband, who owned Rogers Department Store on Main Street, and their warmth made every visitor feel like kin. The shop operated until 2007, leaving behind memories of twinkling lights and Southern hospitality.

Beyond her Christmas village, Juanita was a pillar of Brooksville’s community. Her family’s home, where she and her husband Junius M. Rogers lived in the early 1900s, was a gathering place, reflecting the town’s growth from a pioneer outpost to a thriving hub. Her efforts helped put Brooksville on the map, inspiring events like the annual Christmas on Main Street, which still brings snow (yes, snow!) and holiday magic to downtown. Juanita passed away in 2010, but her legacy lives on in the festive spirit she brought to Hernando County. In 2017, Ryan Malloy of Brooksville Main Street praised her for the “true, traditional Southern Christmas” she created, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Standing here, you can almost hear the jingle of sleigh bells and see Juanita arranging ornaments with that spark of joy in her eyes. She was a woman who turned her love for Christmas into a gift for her town, making Brooksville a little brighter. Let’s tip our hats to Juanita Snow Rogers, whose holiday magic still warms hearts today. Ready to keep wandering, y’all?

Citations 

Brooksville Historical Trail, https://www.geocities.ws 

Christmas on Main Street offers snow, reindeer and yuletide fun in Brooksville, Tampa Bay Times, November 28, 2017, https://www.tampabay.com 

Rogers’ Christmas House Village Brooksville, Florida FL Original Vintage Postcard, Amazon, https://www.amazon.com 

Chinsegut Hill Manor House, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinsegut_Hill_Manor_House 

11 South Broad Street - Juanita Snow Rogers – The Quality Shop 

In the heart of Brooksville, Florida, a small town steeped in pioneer history, Juanita Snow Rogers and her husband Zeke Rogers left an indelible mark on the community through their entrepreneurial spirit and festive vision. Born in 1913 into the prominent Snow family, Juanita grew up with deep roots in Hernando County, connected to the historic Chinsegut Hill Manor House, originally known as Snow Hill. Her ancestors, including Charlotte Ederington and Dr. James Russell Snow, were instrumental in shaping Brooksville’s early days, contributing to Florida’s citrus industry after the Great Freeze of 1895. This legacy of resilience and community-building flowed through Juanita, who, alongside her husband, became a cornerstone of Brooksville’s economic and cultural life in the early 20th century.

A Hub of Enterprise on Broad Street

In the early 1900s, Juanita and Zeke Rogers embodied the entrepreneurial spirit of Brooksville, each running a business that catered to the town’s daily needs. The couple settled into a charming home at 104 Saxon Avenue, built around 1890, just steps from the bustling Main Street. Here, they established their respective enterprises, transforming a stretch of Broad Street into a lively hub for locals. Zeke operated the General Garage. Picture Zeke tinkering with a Dodge engine, the air filled with the scent of oil and metal, as he serviced cars for Brooksville’s residents. His garage was a place where locals gathered, not just for repairs but for the camaraderie that defined small-town life.

Right across the street, Juanita ran The Quality Shop, a store offering clothing, household goods, and essentials tailored to the women of Brooksville. Imagine Juanita arranging her shop’s displays, chatting with customers about the latest fashions, her warm smile welcoming all who entered. The Quality Shop was more than a retail space; it was a community cornerstone where women could find both practical items and a sense of connection. Together, Zeke’s garage and Juanita’s shop made Broad Street a one-stop destination—get your car fixed and pick up a new dress in a single trip. This husband-and-wife duo’s complementary businesses captured the essence of early 20th-century Brooksville, fostering economic vitality and community spirit.

A Visionary’s Holiday Dream

Juanita’s entrepreneurial journey took a festive turn in 1970 when she opened Rogers’ Christmas House Village at 103 Saxon Avenue, just a block from the intersection of U.S. 98/SR 50 and US 41. What began as a single gift shop blossomed into a year-round Christmas wonderland, featuring five charming cottages filled with ornaments, decorations, and holiday cheer. Juanita, a visionary with a deep love for the holidays, created a magical destination that drew visitors from across Florida and beyond. Her vision was to share the joy of Christmas every day, and the village became a beloved tradition, featured on vintage postcards from the 1970s and 1980s. Run with her family, including her husband Junius M. “Zeke” Rogers, the Christmas House Village radiated Southern hospitality, making every visitor feel like family.

The Rogers’ home at 104 Saxon Avenue, where Juanita and Zeke raised their family, was a gathering place that reflected Brooksville’s growth from a pioneer outpost to a thriving hub. Juanita’s warmth and knack for bringing people together turned her Christmas village into more than a business—it was a celebration of community. The shop operated until 2007, leaving behind memories of twinkling lights, festive displays, and the magic of a Southern Christmas.

A Lasting Legacy

Juanita Snow Rogers passed away in 2010, but her legacy endures in Brooksville’s festive spirit. Her creation of Rogers’ Christmas House Village helped put the town on the map as a holiday destination, inspiring events like the annual Christmas on Main Street, which still brings snow (yes, snow!) and yuletide fun to downtown Brooksville. In 2017, Ryan Malloy of Brooksville Main Street praised Juanita for crafting a “true, traditional Southern Christmas,” crediting her with drawing visitors from far and wide. Her family’s historic ties to Chinsegut Hill and their contributions to Brooksville’s economy—through businesses like The Quality Shop and the Christmas House Village—cemented the Rogers’ place in the town’s history.

Standing on South Main Street today, you can almost see Juanita dressing the windows of her store or hear the jingle of sleigh bells as she arranges ornaments with a spark of joy in her eyes. Across Broad Street, you might imagine Zeke at his garage, tools in hand, ready to help a neighbor. Together, Juanita and Zeke Rogers wove their entrepreneurial dreams into the fabric of Brooksville, creating a legacy of community, resilience, and holiday magic that still warms hearts today.

Citations

Brooksville Historical Trail, https://www.geocities.ws

Christmas on Main Street offers snow, reindeer and yuletide fun in Brooksville, Tampa Bay Times, November 28, 2017, https://www.tampabay.com

Rogers’ Christmas House Village Brooksville, Florida FL Original Vintage Postcard, Amazon, https://www.amazon.com

Chinsegut Hill Manor House, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinsegut_Hill_Manor_House

7 Orange Avenue – Hale-McKethan House 

The Enduring Legacy of Dorothy Ederington Hale and Dorothy Celia “Dotte” McKethan 

In the heart of Brooksville, Florida, the grand two-story home at 7 Orange Avenue, known as the McKethan House, stands as a testament to the strength, grace, and community spirit of two remarkable women: Dorothy Ederington Hale and her granddaughter, Dorothy Celia “Dotte” McKethan Mason. As members of Brooksville’s pioneering families, these women shaped the town’s early days and its enduring legacy, weaving their stories into the fabric of Hernando County. So, grab a glass of sweet tea, settle under the shade of a live oak, and let’s stroll through their lives, from the pioneer roots of the 19th century to the vibrant community service of the 20th century, with a friendly Southern grin.

Dorothy Ederington Hale: A Pioneer’s Foundation

Born in the mid-19th century into the storied Ederington family, Dorothy Ederington Hale was a true daughter of Hernando County, her roots planted when Brooksville was still known as Melendez around 1845. Her father, Colonel Francis Higgins Ederington, hailed from South Carolina and purchased the Chinsegut Hill property in 1851, naming it Mount Airy. Between 1852 and 1854, he built the manor house, establishing a plantation that grew cotton, tobacco, and citrus at one of Florida’s highest points, 269 feet above sea level. Dorothy, one of his eight daughters, grew up on this hill, surrounded by the rolling landscape and the challenges of pioneer life. The Ederingtons faced hardship, with Francis and his wife, Precious Ann Nevitt, passing in their forties, leaving Dorothy and her siblings to carry forward their legacy.

Dorothy married John J. Hale, son of Joseph Hale, a founding figure who, alongside John May, donated 15 acres for Hernando County’s courthouse. Their union united two of Brooksville’s most influential families, strengthening the town’s early roots. In 1882, Dorothy and John built the grand McKethan House at 7 Orange Avenue, a symbol of Brooksville’s growing prosperity. Constructing this home was no small feat—bricks were shipped from Massachusetts, transported by train, boat, and wagon, reflecting their determination in an era when local materials were scarce. With its front gable dormers, transoms, and gingerbread railing balusters, the house stood proudly between state highways 41 and 98, a beacon of the town’s ambition.

Beyond her role as a matriarch, Dorothy supported her husband’s contributions to Brooksville’s growth. John introduced tangerines to Hernando County, earning the town its “Home of the Tangerine” title, and helped found the Brooksville Railroad Association, bringing the Florida Southern Railway to town in 1885. Dorothy’s family ties extended to Chinsegut Hill’s Snow Hill estate, where her sister Charlotte married Colonel Russell Snow. After the Great Freeze of 1895 devastated Florida’s citrus industry, trees from Snow Hill provided bud stock to revive it, a legacy Dorothy’s family helped sustain. Though specific details of her personal deeds are scarce, Dorothy’s life as a pioneer’s daughter and partner in a founding family laid the groundwork for Brooksville’s future. You can almost picture her on the porch of 7 Orange Avenue, watching wagons roll by, welcoming neighbors, and nurturing the town’s early spirit.

Dotte McKethan Mason: A Legacy of Service

Decades later, Dorothy Ederington Hale’s legacy found new life through her granddaughter, Dorothy Celia “Dotte” McKethan Mason, born on May 17, 1911, to William McLaurin McKethan and Mary Alice Hale, Dorothy’s daughter. A fourth-generation Hernando Countian, Dotte grew up steeped in the pioneer heritage of the Hale and Ederington families, with the McKethan House at 7 Orange Avenue as her childhood home. Her grandfather, John J. Hale, had built the house, and her brother, Alfred A. McKethan, would later become a legendary banker, citrus grower, and State Road Board chairman. Dotte’s roots ran deep, and her life would reflect the same commitment to community that defined her ancestors.

Dotte’s intellect shone early, as she graduated as valedictorian of Hernando High School’s class of 1929. She pursued higher education at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta before transferring to Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University), earning a BA in history in 1933. As president of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, she honed her leadership skills, a trait that would define her lifelong service to Brooksville. Returning home, Dotte taught history at Hernando High School, sharing her passion for the past with students. In 1942, she married Joseph Madison Mason, later becoming a substitute teacher to balance family life with her love for education.

Dotte’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. In the mid-1930s, she founded the Junior Service League of Brooksville, a group that energized community projects and set the stage for decades of local service. A lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church at 109 S Broad Street, she taught Sunday school, served on the administrative board, chaired the finance committee, and led the United Methodist Women, shaping the church’s mission for over 60 years. Her faith was a guiding light, matched by her involvement in the Brooksville Women’s Club and Music Club, where she fostered community through shared passions. Dotte also served on the founding board of Evergreen Woods, helping create a thriving space for seniors.

As the owner of the McKethan House, Dotte preserved its historical significance, keeping it in the family as a living piece of Brooksville’s past. An avid Gator fan—despite her FSU degree—she cheered at the Swamp until 2010, embodying her love for Florida’s spirit. Dotte lived at 7 Orange Avenue until her passing on July 19, 2011, at the remarkable age of 100, having spent her entire life in the town she cherished. Standing here, you can almost see Dotte welcoming friends to her home, planning a church event, or inspiring students with tales of Brooksville’s history.

A Shared Legacy at 7 Orange Avenue

The McKethan House at 7 Orange Avenue ties Dorothy Ederington Hale and Dotte McKethan Mason across generations, a symbol of their shared commitment to Brooksville. Dorothy built the house in 1882, laying a foundation for her family’s contributions to the town’s early growth, from citrus innovation to railway development. Dotte, born in that same house, carried forward its legacy, preserving its history while serving her community through education, faith, and civic leadership. Together, their stories reflect the resilience of Brooksville’s pioneer roots and the warmth of its modern spirit.

Standing on Orange Avenue today, you can feel the echoes of Dorothy and Dotte—two women whose quiet strength, grace, and dedication helped shape Brooksville into the welcoming town it remains. Let’s tip our hats to Dorothy Ederington Hale and Dotte McKethan Mason, whose legacies at 7 Orange Avenue continue to inspire. 

Citations

Chinsegut Hill Manor House, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinsegut_Hill_Manor_House

7 North Orange Avenue, Tour BVL, https://www.tourbvl.com

Who Were the McKethans?, Hernando Sun, January 5, 2021, https://www.hernandosun.com

Chinsegut Hill: Where History Meets Hospitality, Florida Backroads Travel, https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com

Obituary for Dorothy Celia “Dotte” (McKethan) Mason, Merritt Funeral Home, https://www.merrittfuneral.com

7 N Orange Ave, Brooksville, FL, Parcel Lookup, https://www.parcellookup.com

Hernando County: Our Story by Alfred A. McKethan, 1989, Hernando Historical Museum Association, https://www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com

1 East Jefferson Street - Mary Alice Hale McKethan – Hernando State Bank

Mary Alice McKethan (née Hale), born around 1885 and passing in 1965, was a pivotal figure in Brooksville, Florida, whose contributions to the Hernando State Bank marked her as a trailblazer for women in finance. As a member of the prominent Hale and Ederington families, her legacy is deeply intertwined with Brooksville’s pioneer history and the growth of its economic institutions. Her role on the bank’s board of directors, alongside her family’s influence in banking, citrus, and community leadership, cemented the McKethans’ enduring impact on Hernando County.

Early Life and Family Heritage

Mary Alice Hale was born into Brooksville’s founding families, the daughter of Dorothy Ederington Hale and John J. Hale. Her parents built the grand McKethan House at 7 Orange Avenue in 1882, a symbol of the town’s prosperity, using bricks shipped from Massachusetts. Her father, John, introduced tangerines to Hernando County, earning Brooksville its “Home of the Tangerine” title, and helped establish the Brooksville Railroad Association in 1885, bringing the Florida Southern Railway to town. Her mother’s family, the Ederingtons, were tied to Chinsegut Hill (originally Mount Airy), purchased in 1851 by Colonel Francis Higgins Ederington. After the Great Freeze of 1895, trees from Chinsegut’s Snow Hill estate, linked to Mary Alice’s aunt Charlotte Ederington Snow, provided bud stock to revive Florida’s citrus industry. Growing up in the McKethan House, Mary Alice was steeped in this legacy of resilience and community-building.

Role at Hernando State Bank

Mary Alice married William McLaurin McKethan, who joined the Hernando State Bank in 1907 and served as its president from 1924 until his death in 1936. Established in 1905 by prominent residents, including former Florida Governor William Sherman Jennings, the bank was Hernando County’s first, with initial assets of $300,000, largely from citrus growers. Located at 1 E Jefferson Street, it was a cornerstone of Brooksville’s commercial hub. After William’s passing, Mary Alice served on the bank’s board of directors for many years, becoming one of the first women in Hernando County to hold such a position. Her leadership helped guide the bank through a period of growth, reflecting her capability in a male-dominated field and her commitment to her husband’s legacy.

Family and Continued Influence

Mary Alice and William had three children: Alfred A. McKethan, John “Hale” McKethan, and Dorothy Celia “Dotte” McKethan Mason, who carried forward the family’s prominence. Alfred, born in 1908, began working at the Hernando State Bank in 1923 as a high school student and became its president in 1943 at the age of 35, the youngest president of the Florida Bankers Association. In 1984, he sold the bank to SunBank, and it later became part of SunTrust (now Truist). Alfred’s influence extended to citrus, road development, and philanthropy, with landmarks like Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park named in his honor.

Dotte, born in 1911 at the McKethan House, was a community leader who founded the Junior Service League of Brooksville in the 1930s and served the First United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She preserved the McKethan House until her death in 2011 at age 100. John “Hale” McKethan, known as “Bud,” co-founded Brooksville Rock Company (later Florida Mining & Materials) and served on the SunTrust board for over 40 years. His daughter, Sarah Alice McKethan Bronson (1936–2000), married Thomas Bronson, who worked under Bud at Brooksville Rock Company, further linking the family to local business networks.

Legacy and Context

Mary Alice McKethan’s role at the Hernando State Bank was groundbreaking, highlighting her as a pioneer for women in finance. Her service on the board, following William’s death, ensured the bank’s stability and growth, supporting Brooksville’s citrus-driven economy. The bank’s original building, remodeled in 1951 with marble walls and expanded in the 1970s, stood as a testament to the family’s influence. Her descendants, particularly Alfred and Dotte, continued to shape the town through banking, philanthropy, and civic engagement, leaving a lasting legacy.

Standing at 1 East Jefferson Street today, you can almost envision Mary Alice, a steadfast matriarch, balancing family and leadership at the bank, her quiet strength echoing the pioneer spirit of her Ederington and Hale ancestors. Her contributions helped make Brooksville the thriving community it remains.

Citations

Who Were the McKethans?, Hernando Sun, January 5, 2021, https://www.hernandosun.com[](https://www.hernandosun.com/2021/01/05/who-were-mckethans/)

Alfred McKethan, Tour BVL, https://www.tourbvl.com[](https://www.tourbvl.com/alfred-mckethan)

Hernando leader Alfred A. McKethan dies, Tampa Bay Times, September 2, 2005, https://www.tampabay.com[](https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2002/04/02/hernando-leader-alfred-a-mckethan-dies/)

Sarah Alice McKethan Bronson (1936–2000), Find a Grave Memorial, https://www.findagrave.com[](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/170017279/sarah-alice-bronson)

115 North Main Street - Olivia and Ava Weeks – Weeks Hardware and Olive Leaf Boutique

Olivia and Ava Weeks are two sisters whose grit, business savvy, and love for their community helped shape Brooksville’s early days. 

Olivia and Ava Weeks were born into the Weeks family, one of Hernando County’s pioneer clans, who settled in Brooksville around the 1840s when it was still a rugged outpost called Melendez. Their family, alongside the Howells, Mays, Hales, and Parsons, helped turn this frontier town into the thriving hub we know today, incorporated in 1880. The Weeks sisters stood out in a time when women rarely took the reins in business, taking charge of Weeks Hardware, a cornerstone of Brooksville’s early economy. Located in the heart of downtown, their store was a lifeline for farmers, builders, and townsfolk, supplying everything from nails to tools in an era when Brooksville was known as the “Home of the Tangerine” for its citrus boom.

Running a hardware store in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was no small feat, especially for women in a Southern town. Olivia and Ava managed the business with a sharp eye and a steady hand, navigating the challenges of a growing community that relied on agriculture and trade. Their store, tied to the Weeks family’s broader ventures in turpentine, mining, and naval stores, was a hub of activity, and the sisters’ leadership earned them respect across Hernando County. In the 1920s, when the Great Depression struck and cash was scarce, Weeks Hardware became legendary for accepting chickens and sides of bacon as payment, demonstrating the sisters’ compassion for their neighbors in tough times. Their business savvy helped keep the store afloat, supporting the community when times were lean.

Beyond their role as shopkeepers, Olivia and Ava were woven into Brooksville’s social fabric. Their work supported the town’s growth, from the arrival of the Florida Southern Railway in 1885 to the construction of historic homes along brick-lined streets. Recognized by the Brooksville Main Street Program’s Women Leading the Way initiative in 2016, the sisters are celebrated for their trailblazing spirit in a male-dominated field. Their legacy lives on in the stories of downtown Brooksville, where their hardware store once stood as a testament to their resilience and community spirit.

Standing here, you can almost hear the clatter of tools in Weeks Hardware and see Olivia and Ava behind the counter, helping a farmer or trading stories with a neighbor. These sisters were more than businesswomen—they were pillars of a town that grew through their hard work and heart. 

Citations 

Believing in Brooksville with Women Leading the Way, NatureCoaster.com, October 22, 2020, https://naturecoaster.com[](https://naturecoaster.com/believing-in-brooksville-2/)

Hernando County: Our Story by Alfred A. McKethan, 1989, Hernando Historical Museum Association, https://www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com

The Trailblazing Legacy of Olivia, Ava, and Otella Weeks in Brooksville

In the heart of Brooksville, Florida, where Spanish moss drapes over ancient oaks and brick-lined streets tell tales of a bygone era, the Weeks family carved out a legacy that helped shape this charming town. Among them, sisters Olivia and Ava Weeks, and later Otella Weeks, stood as trailblazing women whose grit, business savvy, and love for their community left an indelible mark on Hernando County. From running Weeks Hardware to establishing the Olive Leaf Boutique upstairs, these women transformed downtown Brooksville into a hub of commerce and connection. 

Olivia and Ava Weeks: Pioneers of Weeks Hardware

Born in the mid-19th century into the Weeks family, one of Hernando County’s pioneer clans, Olivia and Ava Weeks grew up in a rugged outpost called Melendez, which would become Brooksville, incorporated in 1880. Alongside founding families like the Howells, Mays, Hales, and Parsons, the Weeks helped transform this frontier into a thriving hub, known as the “Home of the Tangerine” during its citrus boom. In an era when women rarely took the reins in business, Olivia and Ava broke barriers by running Weeks Hardware, a cornerstone of Brooksville’s early economy located at 115 North Main Street. Initially called Miro Hardware—a name blending their cousins Rosie and Mammie Weeks—the store opened in 1913 in a two-story brick building, becoming a lifeline for farmers, builders, and townsfolk needing everything from nails to tools.

Managing a hardware store in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was no small feat, especially for women in a Southern town. Olivia and Ava handled the business with sharp eyes and steady hands, navigating the challenges of a community reliant on agriculture and trade. The Weeks family’s broader ventures in turpentine, mining, and naval stores bolstered the store’s significance, making it a hub of activity. When the Great Depression hit in the 1920s, and cash was scarce, Weeks Hardware became legendary for accepting chickens and sides of bacon as payment, a testament to the sisters’ compassion for their neighbors in tough times. Their business acumen kept the store afloat, supporting Brooksville’s economy when resources were lean. The arrival of the Florida Southern Railway in 1885, championed by families like the Hales, further fueled the town’s growth, and Weeks Hardware stood at the heart of it all.

Beyond their roles as shopkeepers, Olivia and Ava were woven into Brooksville’s social fabric. Their leadership earned respect across Hernando County, and their store supported the construction of historic homes along brick-lined streets, like those on Olive Street. Recognized by the Brooksville Main Street Program’s Women Leading the Way initiative in 2016, the sisters are celebrated for their trailblazing spirit in a male-dominated field. Their legacy laid the foundation for future generations of the Weeks family to continue shaping downtown Brooksville.

Otella Weeks and the Olive Leaf Boutique

The Weeks family’s influence continued into the 20th century with Otella Weeks, the wife of Joe Weeks, the grandson of the store’s founder and its sole owner for 33 years. By 1916, after Miro Hardware faltered, Joe’s father, John, and uncle, James, had reestablished the business as Weeks Hardware, and Joe took over after his naval service and graduation from the University of Florida. Otella, a savvy businesswoman in her own right, ran the Olive Leaf Elegant Fashions, a dress shop located on the second floor of the Weeks Hardware building. This boutique, known for its high-end fashion, offered a curated selection of clothing that catered to Brooksville’s women, adding a touch of elegance to the hardware store’s utilitarian roots. When not at her boutique, Otella often kept Joe company downstairs, contributing to the store’s warm, family-oriented atmosphere.

The Olive Leaf Boutique complemented Weeks Hardware’s role as a community hub. While farmers and builders browsed screws and stovepipes below, women upstairs explored Otella’s carefully selected dresses, creating a unique blend of practicality and style under one roof. The boutique’s presence reflected Otella’s entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to cater to the evolving needs of Brooksville’s residents. The hardware store itself retained its historic charm, with a hand-powered freight elevator, a high tin ceiling, and a plywood case for bolts and screws built by A.R. Brown in 1901, as noted in a 2003 St. Petersburg Times article. Otella’s boutique added a layer of sophistication, making the building at 115 North Main a destination for diverse shoppers. By 2016, Otella, then 89, was still a vibrant presence at Weeks Hardware, which celebrated its 100th anniversary as Hernando County’s oldest retail business, according to historian Bob Martinez.

A Lasting Legacy in Downtown Brooksville

The Weeks sisters—Olivia and Ava—and Otella Weeks left a legacy that resonates in Brooksville’s historic downtown. Olivia and Ava’s leadership at Weeks Hardware during its early years helped sustain the town through economic hardships, from the citrus boom to the Great Depression. Their compassion, seen in bartering goods for tools, and their business savvy ensured the store’s longevity as a community anchor. Otella’s Olive Leaf Boutique brought a new dimension to the family’s enterprise, blending fashion with the hardware store’s practicality and reinforcing the Weeks’ commitment to meeting the community’s needs.

Standing at 115 North Main today, you can almost hear the clatter of tools, the rustle of dresses, and the chatter of neighbors in Weeks Hardware and the Olive Leaf Boutique. Olivia, Ava, and Otella were more than businesswomen—they were pillars of Brooksville, their resilience and heart shaping a town that grew through their hard work. Their stories, celebrated by the Brooksville Main Street Program and etched into the brick-lined streets, continue to inspire, reminding us of the women who built this community with grit and grace.

Citations

Believing in Brooksville with Women Leading the Way, NatureCoaster.com, October 22, 2020, https://naturecoaster.com

Hernando County: Our Story by Alfred A. McKethan, 1989, Hernando Historical Museum Association, https://www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com

Owners know nuts and bolts of city’s oldest business, Tampa Bay Times, September 2, 2005, https://www.tampabay.com

Hernando’s oldest retail business, Weeks Hardware, celebrates 100 years, Tampa Bay Times, August 2, 2016, https://www.tampabay.com