Dr. James P. DePass Citrus Grove
2011
Located next to the Rogers Building and Ruth's Rose Garden, the Dr. James P. DePass Grove was specially created so that it reflects the layout of modern commercial groves. For students majoring in Citrus and Horticultural Studies, this grove provides the opportunity to practice skills such as pest and disease management, grove management, and post-harvest practices. In addition, the grove contains both modern and historical citrus varieties for students to learn about.
The grove was donated by Lamar Louise Curry (class of 1927) and named in honor of her grandfather Dr. James Perryman DePass. DePass was a Methodist Minister, and the head of the University of Florida Agricultural Experiment Station in Lake City from 1890 to 1893. He was a graduate doctor from Camden, South Carolina, who received his M.D. from the medical school at The Citadel. He served as a doctor-chaplain in the Confederate Army. DePass had planned to travel south to marry his wife, who lived in Florida, before taking her back to South Carolina. However, a death in the family postponed the wedding, causing him to stay in Florida for three months. During his time there he fell in love with the state, and decided to sell his South Carolina properties. DePass began writing articles about the potential of Florida under the name James Perryman, leading to state-wide recognition for his work and the start of his citrus agriculture journey.
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