History of the area

[eqgumby]

Are there any online resources to check out the history of the area? I'm in Blue Mt. Beach, and was interested in the local history, as far back as I can go.

[kurt]

I don't know of anything online except http://www.graytonbeach.com/history.html

[Here4Good]

Don't know of any online resources, but there are two good books on the subject, I think called "The way we were" or something like that - you can get them at Sundog in Seaside.

[Smiling JOe]

Don't know of any online resources, but there are two good books on the subject, I think called "The way we were" or something like that - you can get them at Sundog in Seaside.I think there are actually four of those books. One other of the four is titled, "Of Days Gone By - Reflections of South Walton County, Florida." However, some Freeport history is also included. The book is comprised of short stories told by locals and others who have spent time here back in the goodle days. "The Other Florida," by Gloria Jahoda, is more regional than the other two listed above. It includes most of Northwest Florida. The reading is a bit slow, but the goodle days were a bit slow, too. I forget the title of the other book.

[John]

May I recommend "Green Empire; The St. Joe Company and the Remaking of Florida's Panhandle"? Our library has multiple copies. Any history of this area is incomplete without the history of Alfred I. duPont, Ed Ball, and the St. Joe Company.

[30A Skunkape]

Maybe somebody needs to run down some old-timers and get an oral history of what things used to be like before development:idontno:

[ShallowsNole]

Finding a history resource that covers all of SoWal is next to impossible. While we all seem to be one big happy community now, that wasn't always the case. Rewind to about 1940...Point Washington and Santa Rosa were worlds apart (and Santa Rosa got bigtime pissed when Point Washington got Bay Elementary, while the old school in Hogtown got closed). It was easier to get to Panama City from Point Washington than it was to go to Seagrove Beach, or worse yet, Grayton Beach, as going to either involved a two-rut sand road. So, what you are going to find is recollections of old Santa Rosa ("This is my Life" by a Mr. Reddick, now long deceased), recollections of old Point Washington ("Sandpiper Journal" by my late aunt, Peggy Saltsman Bailer), and the "The Way We Were" books. Then, of course, you have the history of the old St. Joe paper company...but twenty years ago, they were still planting pine trees.

It is very fortunate that the interviews and stories in "The Way We Were" were compiled when they were, as probably half, if not more, of the folks featured in the first edition have since passed away. We used to have a very active Coastal Heritage Foundation, but it has been absorbed by the Cultural Arts Association as most of the founding members of the Coastal Heritage have now become history themselves. :(

[redrocket]

you guys need to look in your own backyard. talk to me next time we see each other. i direct an annual production of oral folk life history of walton county. it's really amazing the history that exists here. i would love shooting the **** about what i know anytime.

[Starfish]

I have a book entitled "History of Walton County" by John L. McKinnon. The publisher (in 1911) was The Byrd Printing Co. - Atlanta, GA (price $3.00!) It was my father's book. He was born out in the country near DeFuniak Springs in 1903. It is written in a folksy, journal style and is quite interesting with alot of information about the Indian influence in the area, as well as geneaology concerning settlers in the county. I am not sure if it's still available, but kind of doubt it.

[Franny]

you guys need to look in your own backyard. talk to me next time we see each other. i direct an annual production of oral folk life history of walton county. it's really amazing the history that exists here. i would love shooting the **** about what i know anytime.

There are still several wonderful sowallers around that have been here for decades that would love to tell their stories. I approached one dear friend and he said"bring your tape recorder". Need to do this so soon.:wub: It would be great to have these historics in your production!:clap_1: Just to be part of this I would die happy.

[supermom26.2]

Red Rocket - Hey! I was just about to jump in with What about GRIT & GRACE, when I realized who you are! I haven't seen you perform outside of G&G! Nothing compares to the likes of the Preacher in JESUS SAVES! We'll be there at the Red Bar to see you play!

[eqgumby]

Thanksfor all the interesting ideas.Myspecific interest is the Blue Mountain beach area. I'll investigate some of the resources you guys mentioned.

[bsmart]

In my opinion, the best resource is the book Of Days Gone By: Reflections of South Walton County, Florida. The book is published by the South Walton Three Arts Alliance, Inc., and it is available at various hot spots around the area, such as Sundog's at Seaside.

[bsmart]

I think there are actually four of those books. One other of the four is titled, "Of Days Gone By - Reflections of South Walton County, Florida." However, some Freeport history is also included. The book is comprised of short stories told by locals and others who have spent time here back in the goodle days. "The Other Florida," by Gloria Jahoda, is more regional than the other two listed above. It includes most of Northwest Florida. The reading is a bit slow, but the goodle days were a bit slow, too. I forget the title of the other book.

Oops I guess it pays to read all posts before posting something. Redundant information does serve a purpose as important evidence though.

[ShallowsNole]

I have a book entitled "History of Walton County" by John L. McKinnon. The publisher (in 1911) was The Byrd Printing Co. - Atlanta, GA (price $3.00!) It was my father's book. He was born out in the country near DeFuniak Springs in 1903. It is written in a folksy, journal style and is quite interesting with alot of information about the Indian influence in the area, as well as geneaology concerning settlers in the county. I am not sure if it's still available, but kind of doubt it.

That would be an awesome book! Many records were lost when the original courthouse in DFS burned. I used to know what year that was, but :confused:

It wouldn't cover SoWal though, as Washington County didn't give us to Walton County until after 1911 (I think).

[drunkkenartist]

Someone get hold of Brenda Reese. She has all of what you are looking for and more. Last I talked to her, she was tracing the history back to the days of dinosaurs. Now THAT is some serious history. If you see her, tell her I said hey!

k

[TreeFrog]

I have a book entitled "History of Walton County" by John L. McKinnon. The publisher (in 1911) was The Byrd Printing Co. - Atlanta, GA (price $3.00!) It was my father's book. He was born out in the country near DeFuniak Springs in 1903. It is written in a folksy, journal style and is quite interesting with alot of information about the Indian influence in the area, as well as geneaology concerning settlers in the county. I am not sure if it's still available, but kind of doubt it.

Does anyone know about copyright law? Seems to me this one could have expired. A scan and reprint would sell well at Sundog or through some online source listed here on SoWal.

ABE Books shows that there was a reprint edition in 1968 by Palmetto Books in Gainesville. There's a dealer in Gainesville offering a copy for $350, that's the only one they list.

Maybe someone could buy it and donate it to the library...

[Bdarg]

Does anyone know about copyright law? Seems to me this one could have expired. A scan and reprint would sell well at Sundog or through some online source listed here on SoWal.

ABE Books shows that there was a reprint edition in 1968 by Palmetto Books in Gainesville. There's a dealer in Gainesville offering a copy for $350, that's the only one they list.

Maybe someone could buy it and donate it to the library...


From Project Gutenberg web site:


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BTW The Project Gutenberg web site is a great place to pickup classic and rare books. Had it been around during my college days, I would have save a fortune on my English books. They are also always looking for volunteer proofreaders. http://www.gutenberg.org

[florida girl]

I live in a museum, I think. I have a copy of the History of Walton County, among other things, it's a 1975 printing. I think we need our own museum.