Anna's Stories -- P.W. Smith Dairy 1906-1949 Historic Florida Dairy
Posted 06-06-2009 at 11:00 AM by Brenda Rees
Updated 10-27-2009 at 08:19 AM by Brenda Rees (Note on Home moved to Pt. Washington, Tuff's Poem. PW Smith's 1899 . Mrs. P.W. Smith - elegant dress, sophisticated manners)
Updated 10-27-2009 at 08:19 AM by Brenda Rees (Note on Home moved to Pt. Washington, Tuff's Poem. PW Smith's 1899 . Mrs. P.W. Smith - elegant dress, sophisticated manners)
Anna Smith's son, Ernest L. (Sonny) Hollingsworth, and her sister-in-law, Alline (Tuff's wife) Smith, wrote an account in 1990 of the P.W. Smith Dairy in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County, Florida. They noted it as "The Oldest Continuous Run Dairy in the State of Florida." P.W. Smith was Anna's father and Sonny's grandfather. Anna Smith Hollingsworth Reardon is quoted and referenced in a number of history books as "Anna Reardon."
It was these dairy farmers and entrepreneurs who were among the early visitors and beach home owners in South Walton's Grayton Beach and Camp Walton (once part of Walton County). The Florida Chautauqua was most important in attracting an affluent and educated population. Read Anna's story about P.W. Smith's trip to Grayton Beach in 1899 in "Anna's Stories -- Grayton Beach ... " blog by Brenda Rees -- Shaping Florida.
Here is their story saved among the papers and pictures of Anna Smith Hollingsworth Reardon. Historic pictures as well as a picture of Sonny visiting his former home on Friday, May 5, 2009 will be included in this report. Brenda Rees -- Shaping Florida (c) pictures by Brenda Rees All Rights Reserved
Sonny Hollingsworth kept a dairy bottle lid from his family's dairy farm.
(Sonny and Alline's Story as Written in 1990)(Recently scanned pictures and captions are inserted throughout their text along with several new pictures.)
PW Smith Dairy 1906 – 1949
The Oldest Continuous Run Dairy in the State of Florida
By E L Hollingsworth, Grandson of P W Smith And
Mrs. Kenneth (Alline) Smith, Daughter-In- Law
August 7, 1990
Mr. and Mrs. P W Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Thornber (Parents of Mrs. Smith) came to Walton County first in 1900 after hearing about the advantages of living in a warm climate so different from their home their home in Tyndall, S.D. The Smiths rented a home on what is now 331 South near Sunbright, while the Thornbers lived at the corner of 11th Street and Live Oak Avenue. This arrangement continued for two winters, then in 1903 they decided to live permanently in Walton County.
As Uncle of P W Smith, L. I. Smith, followed the Smiths a few years later and purchased Wiscasset – the home where Mr. and Mrs. John McDonald now live. P W Smith had been reared by his Uncle L. I. Smith due to his parents’ early death.
A new home called The “Shelter” was built for the P W Smiths. (This place was destroyed by fire in 1937.) More land was purchased and a small barn was built behind the new house. Farming was done and in 1906 a decision was made to begin a dairy as there were none in the area. In 1908, after living in rented houses, The Thornbers built North of The “Shelter” and lived in that home until their deaths. They named their place “Bide a Wee” and it is still in existence.
Homes on the Smith Dairy, Wiscasset, The Shelter and Bide A Wee. Picture from Anna Smith - Sonny Hollingsworth collection (c)
P W Smith went to a dairy farm in another state and purchased 5 Jersey milk cows and one Jersey bull. Later Holsteins were added to the herd. By 1910 they had a successful dairy. All milking and feeding was done by hand. Delivery was by horse and wagon. As the herd increased, the large “Red Barn” was begun and enlarged from time to time. Milking stalls were at the floor level and storage was in the upper loft level. Later, as the dairy expanded, a milk house was constructed near the barn. (Now torn down along with the milk processing building.) By now they were separating cream from milk – making butter and delivering by truck. Still every phase of dairying was done by hand. The milking stools were hand made and were in the shape of a T and were a little difficult to balance until you got the hang of it.
In 1918 a Son joined the Army. This caused another Son to drop out of school to help with the chores of the dairy. Later, this Son was sent to Georgia Military Academy in Atlanta to finish his high school courses.
Kenneth Robert "Tuff" Smith, graduate of Georgia Military Academy. His nephew and wife wrote this account of the Smith Dairy. Tuff is well known for his fishing prowess at Grayton Beach. He posed with his flounder catch at Camp Walton in 1913. Anna Smith was his sister and Sonny Hollingsworth was his nephew. P.W. Smith was Anna and Tuff's father. Tuff wrote poetry. I'll add his untitled poem about a dog later. It is written on Smith Dairy paper. Tuff and Alline loved dogs and they loved all of Walton County. There was no difference.
P. W. Smith, because of his ailing health, sold the dairy to a daughter and her husband, Mr. & Mrs. M L Master. They later auctioned the property off and it was purchased by Dr. Edgar Myers who later sold to Mr. Jerry Hodges. In turn, Mr. Hodges sold a small piece of his property, including the Red Barn, to the County for a “Farmers Market”. end --
Additional pictures by Brenda Rees and from the collection of Anna Smith and Sonny Hollingsworth. (Remember to Login to See Pictures.)
Ernest L. (Sonny) Hollingsworth, son of Anna Smith, visits his family home on the historic Smith Dairy on Highway 331 near Interstate 10. My mother, Gloria, and I enjoyed seeing "Wiscasett" with him on Friday, May 5, 2009. Sonny is now 82. His father died in a tragic dairy accident when he was a toddler. Sonny spent many days at Grayton Beach with his Uncle Tuff and Aunt Alline. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Sonny had the upstairs corner room at Wiscasett. He pointed this out on our tour on May 5. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Historic picture of Wiscasett at the Smith Dairy from the Anna Smith - Sonny Hollingsworth collection.
Anna Smith's childhood home, DFS 1911 Anna would later own property at Grayton Beach. Sonny said there were two indian girl graves on the Grayton lot. The lots were sold and traces of the indian girl graves are unknown Back of picture says in pencil at the top "Claudia Smith and daughter at their home near DeFuniak Springs, Florida. (In ink, looks like by Anna) This is the house where I was born. House was built about 1903 -1904 and burned in early 1930s. Billie in front yard - looks to be about two so picture probably made about 1911."
During this time, L.I. Smith owned this house on the historic circle in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Being on "the circle" was a premier location for the Florida Chautauqua which was held each year. The Chautauqua Building was also located on Lake DeFuniak. L.I. Smith was the great uncle of Anna Smith. L.I. raised P.W. Smith, Anna's father. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c) I was with Sonny Hollingsworth, who is married to my mother, the day I took this photograph. We also stopped by his former home, Wiscasett, that day. It is for sale.
View of Lake DeFuniak from Mr. and Mrs. L.I. Smith's home. The grounds of the lake yard have been preserved close to their original development and the spectacular and peaceful view is available for all to enjoy. Visit DeFuniak Springs and take your own walk around the lake, and step back in time as you relax and experience history. The Walton County Heritage Museum, located on the circle, has a video describing the homes. The museum is open Wednesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Dr. Albert A. Dye lived next door to L.I. Smith on Circle Drive in historic DeFuniak Springs. Dr. Dye's first wife, according to Sonny, was Auntie's sister. Anna Smith has many stories and pictures of her Uncle (L.I.) and Auntie (Anna). Read more about them in other blogs by Brenda Rees -- Shaping Florida. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Anna Smith's grandparents, the Thornbers, lived here on 11th and Live Oak in DeFuniak Springs. The Thornbers later built a home at the Smith Dairy. Their home "Bide A Wee" was moved to Pt. Washington, Florida in South Walton. Anna wrote that "Bide A Wee" meant stay awhile. Anna also wrote that the Smiths were not of Scottish desent, just liked the name. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Smith Dairy Letterhead from the Anna Smith - Sonny Hollingsworth collection. I like "Satsumaland." Mother and Sonny have some wonderful Satsuma trees on their property at Lake Stanley. Their property on Lake Stanley, Sonny said, used to be part of the Harbeson Dairy. Car races were held nearby at Harbeson Field in the early 1900s. A painting recently loaned will soon be on display at the Walton County Heritage Museum.
Mrs. P.W. Smith -- Claudine H. Thornber Smith -- An elegant and sophisticated woman. This is the type of person who came to Walton County in the late 1890s and 1900s. They were attracted by the beauty of the area, business opportunities, good farmland, culture and educational assets. Today, Walton County attracts a similar visitor and resident. Those seeking exceptional beaches, state parks, premier accommodations, educational appreciation and historic authenticity are attracted to Walton County. Anna Smith Hollingsworth Reardon wrote a story about Claudine's dress and used this picture in a story in the DeFuniak Herald in 1982.
Percy Warren (P.W.) Smith This picture was probably taken about the time of P.W.'s 1899 trip to Grayton Beach and just before he and his family moved to Walton County, Florida.
Tuff’s Untitled Dog Poem – Jan 26-30
Oh, Nomad feet that would wander wide at will!
Oh, Nomad restless heart, that never could be still!
Why must this brave pair yield to time and age
Until both lie dead; perhaps grieving
For journeys yet undone?
No longer obedient to the lure of far off woods,
Of golden fields, and unconquered hills.
No other dog neither hound, shepherd or bull
Could be more noble or more beautiful
Than him, who was more courteous than people.
Whose head was higher and whose body would ripple
More silkily than any of his kind.
When he with gentle hope to please
Brought in a bird and with a humorous fare
Dropped it in my hand, I lacked all hateful
thoughts
(signed) Tuff
I'll also post this poem by Kenneth Robert (Tuff) Smith in the Grayton Beach Blog. Tuff loved his dogs and probably always had some with him where he was. Grayton Beach is especially known for being a special place for dogs.
The Smith Dairy Story in the SoWal Blog of Brenda Rees – Shaping Florida May 2009
Story given to Brenda Rees by Sonny Hollingsworth April 2009
Sonny Hollingsworth is Married to My Mother, Gloria Anderson Hollingsworth
Here is just one of the properties Mr. and Mrs. L.I. Smith owned in Camp Walton. To learn more about their beach and resort homes check out my Camp Walton - Mary Esther blog as well as other "Anna's Stories." L.I. Smith was a successful businessman in Northwest Florida and was involved in banking, the dairy business and resorts. My blog on South Walton Real Estate gives some of the border development of Northwest Florida and Walton County. Walton county is one of the oldest counties in Florida, founded December 29, 1824. Mr. and Mrs. L.I. Smith were the aunt and uncle of Anna Smith Hollingsworth Reardon. This picture and others were recently found in the attic of Anna's only son, Sonny Hollingsworth of DeFuniak Springs. He is married to my mother, Gloria.
It was these dairy farmers and entrepreneurs who were among the early visitors and beach home owners in South Walton's Grayton Beach and Camp Walton (once part of Walton County). The Florida Chautauqua was most important in attracting an affluent and educated population. Read Anna's story about P.W. Smith's trip to Grayton Beach in 1899 in "Anna's Stories -- Grayton Beach ... " blog by Brenda Rees -- Shaping Florida.
Here is their story saved among the papers and pictures of Anna Smith Hollingsworth Reardon. Historic pictures as well as a picture of Sonny visiting his former home on Friday, May 5, 2009 will be included in this report. Brenda Rees -- Shaping Florida (c) pictures by Brenda Rees All Rights Reserved
Sonny Hollingsworth kept a dairy bottle lid from his family's dairy farm.
(Sonny and Alline's Story as Written in 1990)(Recently scanned pictures and captions are inserted throughout their text along with several new pictures.)
PW Smith Dairy 1906 – 1949
The Oldest Continuous Run Dairy in the State of Florida
By E L Hollingsworth, Grandson of P W Smith And
Mrs. Kenneth (Alline) Smith, Daughter-In- Law
August 7, 1990
Mr. and Mrs. P W Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Thornber (Parents of Mrs. Smith) came to Walton County first in 1900 after hearing about the advantages of living in a warm climate so different from their home their home in Tyndall, S.D. The Smiths rented a home on what is now 331 South near Sunbright, while the Thornbers lived at the corner of 11th Street and Live Oak Avenue. This arrangement continued for two winters, then in 1903 they decided to live permanently in Walton County.
As Uncle of P W Smith, L. I. Smith, followed the Smiths a few years later and purchased Wiscasset – the home where Mr. and Mrs. John McDonald now live. P W Smith had been reared by his Uncle L. I. Smith due to his parents’ early death.
A new home called The “Shelter” was built for the P W Smiths. (This place was destroyed by fire in 1937.) More land was purchased and a small barn was built behind the new house. Farming was done and in 1906 a decision was made to begin a dairy as there were none in the area. In 1908, after living in rented houses, The Thornbers built North of The “Shelter” and lived in that home until their deaths. They named their place “Bide a Wee” and it is still in existence.
Homes on the Smith Dairy, Wiscasset, The Shelter and Bide A Wee. Picture from Anna Smith - Sonny Hollingsworth collection (c)
P W Smith went to a dairy farm in another state and purchased 5 Jersey milk cows and one Jersey bull. Later Holsteins were added to the herd. By 1910 they had a successful dairy. All milking and feeding was done by hand. Delivery was by horse and wagon. As the herd increased, the large “Red Barn” was begun and enlarged from time to time. Milking stalls were at the floor level and storage was in the upper loft level. Later, as the dairy expanded, a milk house was constructed near the barn. (Now torn down along with the milk processing building.) By now they were separating cream from milk – making butter and delivering by truck. Still every phase of dairying was done by hand. The milking stools were hand made and were in the shape of a T and were a little difficult to balance until you got the hang of it.
In 1918 a Son joined the Army. This caused another Son to drop out of school to help with the chores of the dairy. Later, this Son was sent to Georgia Military Academy in Atlanta to finish his high school courses.
Kenneth Robert "Tuff" Smith, graduate of Georgia Military Academy. His nephew and wife wrote this account of the Smith Dairy. Tuff is well known for his fishing prowess at Grayton Beach. He posed with his flounder catch at Camp Walton in 1913. Anna Smith was his sister and Sonny Hollingsworth was his nephew. P.W. Smith was Anna and Tuff's father. Tuff wrote poetry. I'll add his untitled poem about a dog later. It is written on Smith Dairy paper. Tuff and Alline loved dogs and they loved all of Walton County. There was no difference.
P. W. Smith, because of his ailing health, sold the dairy to a daughter and her husband, Mr. & Mrs. M L Master. They later auctioned the property off and it was purchased by Dr. Edgar Myers who later sold to Mr. Jerry Hodges. In turn, Mr. Hodges sold a small piece of his property, including the Red Barn, to the County for a “Farmers Market”. end --
Additional pictures by Brenda Rees and from the collection of Anna Smith and Sonny Hollingsworth. (Remember to Login to See Pictures.)
Ernest L. (Sonny) Hollingsworth, son of Anna Smith, visits his family home on the historic Smith Dairy on Highway 331 near Interstate 10. My mother, Gloria, and I enjoyed seeing "Wiscasett" with him on Friday, May 5, 2009. Sonny is now 82. His father died in a tragic dairy accident when he was a toddler. Sonny spent many days at Grayton Beach with his Uncle Tuff and Aunt Alline. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Sonny had the upstairs corner room at Wiscasett. He pointed this out on our tour on May 5. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Historic picture of Wiscasett at the Smith Dairy from the Anna Smith - Sonny Hollingsworth collection.
Anna Smith's childhood home, DFS 1911 Anna would later own property at Grayton Beach. Sonny said there were two indian girl graves on the Grayton lot. The lots were sold and traces of the indian girl graves are unknown Back of picture says in pencil at the top "Claudia Smith and daughter at their home near DeFuniak Springs, Florida. (In ink, looks like by Anna) This is the house where I was born. House was built about 1903 -1904 and burned in early 1930s. Billie in front yard - looks to be about two so picture probably made about 1911."
During this time, L.I. Smith owned this house on the historic circle in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Being on "the circle" was a premier location for the Florida Chautauqua which was held each year. The Chautauqua Building was also located on Lake DeFuniak. L.I. Smith was the great uncle of Anna Smith. L.I. raised P.W. Smith, Anna's father. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c) I was with Sonny Hollingsworth, who is married to my mother, the day I took this photograph. We also stopped by his former home, Wiscasett, that day. It is for sale.
View of Lake DeFuniak from Mr. and Mrs. L.I. Smith's home. The grounds of the lake yard have been preserved close to their original development and the spectacular and peaceful view is available for all to enjoy. Visit DeFuniak Springs and take your own walk around the lake, and step back in time as you relax and experience history. The Walton County Heritage Museum, located on the circle, has a video describing the homes. The museum is open Wednesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Dr. Albert A. Dye lived next door to L.I. Smith on Circle Drive in historic DeFuniak Springs. Dr. Dye's first wife, according to Sonny, was Auntie's sister. Anna Smith has many stories and pictures of her Uncle (L.I.) and Auntie (Anna). Read more about them in other blogs by Brenda Rees -- Shaping Florida. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Anna Smith's grandparents, the Thornbers, lived here on 11th and Live Oak in DeFuniak Springs. The Thornbers later built a home at the Smith Dairy. Their home "Bide A Wee" was moved to Pt. Washington, Florida in South Walton. Anna wrote that "Bide A Wee" meant stay awhile. Anna also wrote that the Smiths were not of Scottish desent, just liked the name. Photograph by Brenda Rees (c)
Smith Dairy Letterhead from the Anna Smith - Sonny Hollingsworth collection. I like "Satsumaland." Mother and Sonny have some wonderful Satsuma trees on their property at Lake Stanley. Their property on Lake Stanley, Sonny said, used to be part of the Harbeson Dairy. Car races were held nearby at Harbeson Field in the early 1900s. A painting recently loaned will soon be on display at the Walton County Heritage Museum.
Mrs. P.W. Smith -- Claudine H. Thornber Smith -- An elegant and sophisticated woman. This is the type of person who came to Walton County in the late 1890s and 1900s. They were attracted by the beauty of the area, business opportunities, good farmland, culture and educational assets. Today, Walton County attracts a similar visitor and resident. Those seeking exceptional beaches, state parks, premier accommodations, educational appreciation and historic authenticity are attracted to Walton County. Anna Smith Hollingsworth Reardon wrote a story about Claudine's dress and used this picture in a story in the DeFuniak Herald in 1982.
Percy Warren (P.W.) Smith This picture was probably taken about the time of P.W.'s 1899 trip to Grayton Beach and just before he and his family moved to Walton County, Florida.
Tuff’s Untitled Dog Poem – Jan 26-30
Oh, Nomad feet that would wander wide at will!
Oh, Nomad restless heart, that never could be still!
Why must this brave pair yield to time and age
Until both lie dead; perhaps grieving
For journeys yet undone?
No longer obedient to the lure of far off woods,
Of golden fields, and unconquered hills.
No other dog neither hound, shepherd or bull
Could be more noble or more beautiful
Than him, who was more courteous than people.
Whose head was higher and whose body would ripple
More silkily than any of his kind.
When he with gentle hope to please
Brought in a bird and with a humorous fare
Dropped it in my hand, I lacked all hateful
thoughts
(signed) Tuff
I'll also post this poem by Kenneth Robert (Tuff) Smith in the Grayton Beach Blog. Tuff loved his dogs and probably always had some with him where he was. Grayton Beach is especially known for being a special place for dogs.
The Smith Dairy Story in the SoWal Blog of Brenda Rees – Shaping Florida May 2009
Story given to Brenda Rees by Sonny Hollingsworth April 2009
Sonny Hollingsworth is Married to My Mother, Gloria Anderson Hollingsworth
Here is just one of the properties Mr. and Mrs. L.I. Smith owned in Camp Walton. To learn more about their beach and resort homes check out my Camp Walton - Mary Esther blog as well as other "Anna's Stories." L.I. Smith was a successful businessman in Northwest Florida and was involved in banking, the dairy business and resorts. My blog on South Walton Real Estate gives some of the border development of Northwest Florida and Walton County. Walton county is one of the oldest counties in Florida, founded December 29, 1824. Mr. and Mrs. L.I. Smith were the aunt and uncle of Anna Smith Hollingsworth Reardon. This picture and others were recently found in the attic of Anna's only son, Sonny Hollingsworth of DeFuniak Springs. He is married to my mother, Gloria.
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Comments
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Wonderful pictures and stories Brenda. Thank you for adding even more great historical facts, to our ever-growing knowledge of our great Walton County history!
KAREPosted 06-07-2009 at 04:27 PM by KARE
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fascinating! I love the stories about how it evolved.Posted 06-09-2009 at 05:11 PM by T.Cline
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