The city of Hawthorne evolved from a tiny settlement established around 1840. Daniel Morrison built his Grist Mill here attracting settlers and the roots of a community were firmly in place.
The city of Hawthorne evolved from a tiny settlement established around 1840. Daniel Morrison built his Grist Mill here attracting settlers and the roots of a community were firmly in place.
In 1880, the town of "Hawthorn" was named in honor of James W. Hawthorn. He encouraged the growth of the town by giving the railroad land to run its line west of Johnson Lake, and right past the site of a future dental office. The town was incorporated in 1881 and shortly after, W.S. Moore opened a hotel to house and entertain hunters who came from all over the country to enjoy the abundant hunting and fishing in the area. Others set up stores that diversified the economy and allowed the area to thrive. Hawthorne was not dependent upon the citrus culture like so many of it’s small town neighbors on the northern fringe of the citrus belt. Cold winters during the last decade of the 19th century had a chilling effect on much of North Central Florida’s economy, and the citrus belt moved south.
Turpentine and agricultural interests dominated the Hawthorne area landscape in the early years of the 20th century. The pulpwood industry began acquiring interests. By the 1980’s the Southern Pine available here were able to support and supply a source for manufacturing. Georgia-Pacific opened a plywood plant in 1982. This "state of the art" plant is extremely environmentally friendly and is one of the jewels of GP. Not only is it a success in the community, but it is also a showcase in profitability and efficiency. This adds manufacturing to the natural beauty of the area. Lakes abound (some say 400 lakes and ponds are within ten miles of Hawthorne), offering water sports of many types. Fishing and water skiing are popular.
Dr. James Matthews was a gifted former mayor of Hawthorne. One of Hawthorne’s own, he had received his dental Education in Atlanta. Practicing in Gainesville for a while, he missed the quaint small town environment which allowed for such pleasant and professionally gratifying rewards one can only attain from serving those you know so well. He returned home to practice in Hawthorne in the early 1960’s and contributed so much to the community he treated and loved. Life was taken prematurely from him at too young an age. This happened over years allowing him to care for his friends and to search for a dentist to continue his deeds.
Dr. Garlitz (of Gator Dental Associates, PA) was finishing up his dental education in Gainesville in the first few years of the 1980’s. He located in Hawthorne after graduation, assuming the reins from Dr. Matthews. In 1988 he built a dental office building right on old US 301, adjacent to the old Moore Hotel which sits adjacent to the railroad tracks that now bring freight and passengers to and from Florida. In 1995 he formed Gator Dental Associates, PA. This modern dental practice maintains it’s small town heritage and offers quality clinical care in a relaxed setting.
We hope you will visit us and stop by and say hello.
