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Marked Safekeeping Receipt for Jake Brown
Collection
The Safekeeping Receipt Collection
Format
Paper receipt
Date
1934-01-13
People
Jake Brown Sr.; Jake Brown
Michael Gladden Jr.; Michael Gladden
Location
Apopka, Florida, United States of America.
Historical Background
A M. Gladden Staple and Fancy Groceries store receipt specifically marked for monetary safekeeping, addressed to Apopka resident, Jake Brown Sr. The receipt records a deposit of $10.00 made on January 13th, 1934.
As of 1931, there is strong evidence to suggest that Michael Gladden Jr.'s storefront operated as a bank for Apopka's Black community during the height of the Great Depression (1929 to 1939) in Central Florida. On his store receipts meant to represent a monetary deposit or withdraw Michael Gladden Jr. marked them for "safekeeping" as a bank teller would. Jake Brown's receipt is a prime example of Michael Gladden Jr.'s safekeeping, showing that Mr. Brown deposited $10.00 (equivalent to approximately $241.88 in 2026) into his existing account already holding $5.00 ($120.94 in 2026).
Jake Brown Sr. was born in 1880 and died in 1956. He was married to Mamie Brown (1901 - 1955). Jake Brown notably worked in Apopka's orange groves and was a known gambler and strong presence in the city's moonshiner scene. Jake Brown instilled his love for gambling in his grandson, Eddie Brown, who later became a centimillionaire on Wall Street.
Transcript
IN ACCOUNT WITHM. GLADDENSTAPLE AND FANCY GROCERIESThe Friend-Making StoreWhere Quality CountsApopka, Florida 1-13-1934 192_M Jake BrownNo. Safekeeping OutReg No. _ Clerk _ ACCOUNT FORWARDEDCash in hand 5.00Deposited 10.00Cash in hand 15.00Paid in full1-15-3420Your account stated to date. If error is found return at once.
