THIS WEEK IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY HISTORY: Don Bacon makes gift to Flagler Hospital in 1922

Editor’s note: The St. Augustine Evening Record published this story Dec. 11, 1922.

Through the generosity of Don H. Bacon and the contemplated action of the trustees, Flagler Hospital will soon be further enhanced by a beautiful park space in the front of it.

The new beauty spot will extend from the northern line of what was formerly Keewatin Academy, including all of the property between Marine and Tremerton streets terminating at Hedrick Street, opposite Lewis Park.

On Dec. 7, 1922, Dr. Andrew Anderson, president of the Flagler Hospital Association, received a letter from G.B. Lamar, announcing Mr. Bacon’s gift of the Keewatin property. The letter stated that Mr. Bacon had purchased the mortgage on the property, and it is his intention, when the land should be sold under decree of foreclosure, to obtain a clear title and present it to the Flagler Hospital, to be maintained by the trustees of the institution as a park. 

It is also the intention of Mr. Bacon, according to the letter, to have the present Keewatin Academy building removed as soon as possible. The city commission has already condemned the structure.

It is the intention, the Evening Record has been informed, of the trustees of the Flagler Hospital to also remove the old Lynn House, south of the academy and prepare the entire strip of land for a park, sodding it and creating a spot which may be pointed to with civic pride.

Following the announcement of Mr. Bacon’s highly commendable action, a resolution was adopted by the trustees of the Flagler Hospital, thanking Mr. Bacon for his splendid gift.

The tanks of the citizens of St. Augustine go to Mr. Bacon for not only being instrumental in creating a charming spot but for removing the unsightly buildings, which since the construction of the Flagler Hospital, have greatly obscured a view of the structure.