Yalaka

Could there be a more intriguing name than Yalaka? Yalaka is steeped in history. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the earliest inhabitants of Lake County. Yalaka marks one of the oldest inhabited spots in Lake County. Native American tribes favored it for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that settlers started making their presence known. Imagine life in Yalaka in 1869. A young couple, Captain W.J. McEaddy and his bride Kizana, decided to build their home here. They constructed a “double pen” log cabin, a design considered both modern and elegant for those pioneer days. McEaddy, a visionary, secured lakefront property and planted sour root stock, eventually budding it with sweet seedlings from Frank Harris’s grove across the lake. The lake, in fact, was named after this very Frank Harris, a pioneer of the citrus industry in the area. Life in Yalaka wasn’t always peaceful. Kizana, known for her bravery, defended their property with a fierce spirit. Once, she saw natives encroaching on their land. She didn’t hesitate. She aimed her shotgun between the chinks of their log home, letting out a yell that sent them scattering. Another time, she even fended off a bear that had the audacity to appear at their back door. Yalaka held a pivotal role in the region’s growth. Before the arrival of the Jacksonville-Tampa railroad in 1884, it was the primary shipping point for thriving towns like Apopka, Clermont, and Lakeland. Goods would traverse Lake Harris, reaching Leesburg before continuing their journey north via steamers or wagons. Yalaka even witnessed the birth of Florida’s first asparagus fern industry. John James and his family, hailing from England, saw the potential of this lakeside town. They planted ferns, marking the beginning of a new era for Yalaka. Yalaka became a magnet for individuals who would leave an indelible mark on Florida’s history. W.A. Hocker, a Virginia lawyer who would later ascend to the Florida Supreme Court, arrived in 1874. H.H. Duncan, a former newspaperman and teacher from Illinois, made Yalaka his home in 1875. Duncan, a man of action and influence, played an instrumental role in the creation of Lake County in 1887. He ensured Tavares became the county seat, boldly rowing across Lake Harris with county records from Bloomfield, a town near Yalaka, and securing their safekeeping in Tavares. Duncan’s legacy is etched in Lake County’s history, as he served as its first Circuit Court Clerk for an impressive 33 years. Yalaka’s story, a blend of pioneering spirit, bravery, and industry, continues to echo through the ages. It’s a reminder of the strong roots that have shaped this unique corner of Florida.