The Shipbuilder’s Daughter: Helen Joanna Merrill
Twice widowed, shipbuilder’s daughter Helen Joanna Merrill Slappey was noted as a humanitarian among Jacksonville’s medical community, organizing occupational therapy programs and campaigning for the Duval Medical Center’s occupational therapy building.
Like Father, Like Son
In addition to the 82 Liberty Ships built during World War II by the St. Johns River Shipbuilding Company, operated under contract by Merrill-Stevens Dry Dock & Repair, the Jacksonville-based firm also repaired or converted more than 1,000 ships for the government.
Women’s clothing styles at the turn of the 20th century
Women’s fashion in the early 1900s were often an expression of her place in society. Museum House Docent Nancy Gandy shares a look at clothing that could have been worn by the Merrill family women.
Helen’s Room: A look at Victorian dolls
Helen Merrill’s bedroom stops children in their tracks when touring the Merrill House Museum. Can you guess why?
Celebrating the Merrill House Historic Landmark Status
May is National Historic Preservation Month and the Jacksonville Historical Society is pleased to manage four historic properties, three of which are landmarks.
Victorian Era Hygiene
The James E. Merrill House Museum is full of interesting — and sometimes strange — items common to households in the Victorian era. Each month, Merrill House Museum Coordinator Nancy Gandy takes us on a tour of the two-story house, pointing out some of the oddities.
Postcards from Christmas Past
For a long time, postcards were the most popular way for the people of Jacksonville to not only send their season’s greetings to those they cared about, but for them to receive letters of holiday joy in return.
A Victorian Christmas in the Merrill House
The James E. Merrill House Museum was decked out in holiday glory, thanks to Merrill House Museum Coordinator Nancy Gandy and volunteer docents Georgia Pribanic and Duncan Sawyer. Take a peek…
From Ice Harvesting to Icebox
Jacksonville Historical Society Docent Nancy Gandy shares the backstory about items in the Merrill House Museum. Here she talks about the icebox, which can be found in the Merrill House kitchen.
Merrill House Museum gets a little facelift
The Jacksonville Historical Society will soon be opening the Merrill House Museum for tours. Read more for details on this fascinating slice of Victorian era history!