Saturday, April 18, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Historic Mandarin Store & Post Office
12471 Mandarin Rd.
Agnes Grace Jones, “Miss Aggie” as she was affectionately known, was the daughter of Edith and Walter Jones. She was a resident of Mandarin from 1898 until her death in 1992 at the age of 94. Miss Aggie was an independent, strong-willed, confident woman who possessed a deep sense of community and a charitable heart. Part entrepreneur, part community activist and part social worker, she had the business acumen to run a successful grocery, the organizational skills to become Mandarin’s Postmistress, and a reputation for helping her fellow man in time of need. She was the last of her family to live in the Webb-Jones farmhouse which is located in the Walter Jones Historical Park.
“Miss Aggie” Day is celebrated and an award is given annually to a resident who has contributed to the Mandarin community in the areas of business, civic, educational or charitable accomplishment. The candidate’s contributions may be specific deeds or an accumulation of actions over a period of time. Recipients need not be “experts” in any particular area but might be known or recognized for their sense of community, their caring attitude or individual accomplishments.
2026 HONOREE: Janet Blackmer
Janet Blackmer served as acting post mistress in Mandarin immediately following Miss Aggie’s retirement. Appointed and approved by the Post Office Department in September 1963, Janet earned $5,365 annually. She had served as a mail clerk in Altamonte Springs during the 1950s before moving to Mandarin with her husband, Gordon, in 1959.
By the time Janet was appointed, she was overseeing operations at Mandarin Post Office’s new home on State Road 13. In August 1965, Janet handed the keys over to Gerald Ward, who served as post master until April 1968.
Originally from Easton, Pennsylvania, Janet grew up in Maiden, Massachusetts. She and Gordon had four children. Throughout the 1980s, Janet was an active member of the Baptist Auxiliary and volunteered in the Baptist Downtown gift shop.
Join us on Miss Aggie Day as we celebrate and honor the memory of Janet Blackmer.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Historic Mandarin Store & Post Office
12471 Mandarin Road
Attendees will enjoy ice cold RC Cola and moon pies (once staples at Miss Aggie’s store) and live music. Remarks will begin at 11:45.
Thank you to all who attended Miss Aggie Day 2024. And a special thank you to Keith Bartholomew of KBArt Photography for capturing this special day!
