Niceville 1911 - 1915
(A section of the NICEVILLE, FLORIDA - Online History Center)
“The men and women who have the right ideals . . . are those who have the courage to strive for the happiness which comes only with labor and effort and self-sacrifice, and those whose joy in life springs in part from power of work and sense of duty." ~Theodore Roosevelt
January 4th Notice of Special Master’s Sale: "Notice is hereby given that under and by virtue of a final decree in foreclosure of mortgage rendered by Honorable J. Emmet Wolfe, Judge of the Circuit Court of Walton county State of Florida in Chancery, in a certain cause therein pending wherein Pensacola Dry Goods Company, a corporation is complainant and Consolidated Land and Lumber Company a corporation and Boggy Mill Company, a corporation, respondents, wherein I was appointed Special Master to sell the property hereinafter described to satisfy the sum of $1406.22, and the costs of the proceedings, as set forth in said final decree, which was dated December 10, 1911, I, A.G. Campbell as said special master will sell before the court house door at DeFuniak Springs, Florida, during the legal hours for sale on Monday the 6th of February 1911, to the highest and best bidder for cash the following described property, to-wit: One Engine and boiler known as the Eaton engine and boiler, together with Shafting, Belting, Pulleys, Saws and all other appurtenances of the Eaton Saw Mill at Boggy, Florida. The said property being at Boggy, Florida, and under order of the court will so remain until after sale, the same being sold however before the court house door as aforesaid. Bills of sale at cost of purchasers. This January 4, 1911. A.G. Campbell, Special Master”.
“B. P. Edge received his commission Friday as Postmaster at Niceville, in the place of Boggy. We are glad the name has been changed.” (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 02/02/1911)
“W. M Sessions of Ozark, Alabama was down looking after his interest in the Boggy Mill Company this week returned Friday.” (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 02/23/1911)
Niceville: "Postmaster B. P. Edge, of Boggy, no we must not say Boggy any more as it is now Niceville, brought his family up Saturday to enjoy the day. He says that the reason for the change in the name was that the place had out grown the old one and one more euphonious was needed."(The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 03/23/1911)
(Note: The local news is written for Niceville instead of Boggy on March 23, 1911.)
The Steamer Belle Goes Down In Choctawhatchee River and Four Lives Are Lost: “River Steamer Bound to Pensacola From Vernon with Naval Stores Sinks as a Result of Severe Gale and Four Members of Crew Drown. While enroute to Pensacola yesterday afternoon the river steamer Belle, of Vernon, Fla., encountered several winds in the Choctawhatchee river, sank to the bottom and four lives were lost. The captain, engineer, and two children who were passengers on the steamer lost their lives, having gone to the bottom with the steamer. The Belle was loaded with naval stores and it is suggested that the load was too heavy for safe navigation in the fifty-mile gale which raged in this section during Wednesday. The dead: Ed Burlison, of Pensacola Captain . Charley Belle, of Vernon, engineer. Two children, names not learned. The cargo valued at five thousand dollars will probably prove a total loss. The sad incident was reported on the arrival of the Swan from Boggy Bayou this afternoon at three o’clock. The Swan brought the body of the dead captain, who was a well known citizen of Pensacola”. (The Pensacola Evening News 04/27/1911)
(Note: A second account of the sinking of the Belle out of Boggy in the New York Times on April 28, 1911.)
Niceville:
"A party consisting of Misses Ella, Lula and Lizzie Edge, I. A. Helms, A. E., and
Tiller Howell, and Master Joel Edge made a flying trip to Rocky cemetery, Sunday
afternoon and report a nice time." (The Breeze
DeFuniak Springs 04/27/1911
Niceville:
"The Woodmen
of the World annual picnic at Niceville, has been postponed from May 20th
until a later date on account of the sad death of Sov. N. E. Burlison." (The
Breeze DeFuniak Springs 05/18/1911)
Niceville:
"Woodmen of the World Monument Unveiled (at Rocky Cemetery at Niceville): Sunday
November 5, Juniper Camp, 241 unveiled the monument of Sov. N. E. Burlison, who
was drowned on the sinking of the steamer Belle in Choctawhatchee Bay on April 27.
There was quite a large crowd attended the ceremonies." (The Breeze
DeFuniak Springs 11/16/1911)
Niceville:
"J. F. Edge killed a catamount (a
mountain lion or cougar)Wednesday
morning which measured four and a half feet in length." (The Breeze
DeFuniak Springs December 11,
1911)
Niceville:
"Foresters Spencer, Brown, Reefrsminder
and Shanker completed the forest telephone line
from East Bay here last week.
J. A. Edge and family have moved from the gristmill to B. P. Edge’s farm on Weekly Bayou.” (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 12/28/1911)
Camp
Walton:
“Mr.
George Bell and wife of Chicago arrived here Sunday in their yacht,
“ The Bells” for a month’s outing.” (The
DeFuniak Herald 01/18/1912)
Niceville:
“Mr.
Butler and Goodwin of Freeport were in our city advertising the
Carnival Sale the first of the week.” (The Breeze
DeFuniak Springs 02/08/1912)
Niceville:
“Rev.
Morrison preached on the east side Sunday.
John Edge and Doc Davis of DeFuniak were here this week.
Mrs. John Allen returned home from Crestview, Monday.
W. J. Harley, E. R. McKee, Ella and Ellen Parish and Miss Ellen Destin attended dance at Freeport, Wednesday night.
J. A. Jordan of Crestview visited this week.
J. E. Allen of Garnier spent Tuesday night with home folks.
Mrs. J. E. Thomas is ill.
I. F. Eldridge and Mr. Peck, of Pensacola, spent a few days at the Rocky ranger station.
John Early is very ill and is being treated in Pensacola." (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 01/25/1912
Niceville:
“Mr.
Butler and Goodwin of Freeport were in our city advertising the
Carnival Sale the first of the week.” (The Breeze
DeFuniak Springs 02/08/1912)
Poll Taxes: a lump sum tax levied by state and local governments on adult males in order to vote. (Note: Before 1920 women were not given the right to vote.) A candidate ran this ad: “I am writing to urge the people to pay their poll taxes. The time is near when the books will be closed, and if they are not paid you will be debarred the privilege of voting for your choice. I want to impress on you that it’s your duty to vote for your choice of those who are asking your support. The corporation man will be in on time so it is your duty to be prepared to vote if you wish to have a say in the government of your state and county. Now, my fellow citizen, I am urged by quite a number of voters in this county to become a candidate to represent the people in this county in the next General Assembly. The gentlemen who are now candidates before you are not representative of the yeomanry of this county. We would be glad to hear from as many as possible and whether or not I become a candidate, by all means have your poll taxes paid by March the 9th. Yours Respectfully, W. A. McCallum” (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 02/29/1912)
Niceville: “Gainer Destin and George Woodward of Destin are visiting here.
Arthur Brown went to Destin on Thursday.
G. A. Wilson of Mississippi was here this week delivering pictures.
Mr. Butler and Goodwin of Freeport were here advertising the Carnival Sale the first of the week.
C. L. Ward was in Freeport on business the first of the week.
B. H. Sutton left Friday for Crestview on his way to Georgia.
Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Boyette and family moved from here to Alabama last Saturday.” (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 03/08/1912)
Niceville:
"Mr. Flournoy
of DeFuniak was here on business Monday.
Rev. Stock filled his regular appointment here Sunday.
Dr. Lewis of Pensacola was here on business Tuesday.
W. J. Harley left for Pensacola on the launch Ruth Thursday.
B. P. Edge, J. J. Smith and Joel Edge caught a good number of fish at Pippin Lake Thursday.
V. L. Stonaker passed through on his way to Garniers.
Mrs. D. P. McKinnon visited relatives in Harris this week." (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 03/14/1912)
Niceville:
"Mr. and Mrs.
G. W. Allen, Mrs. Smith, J. M. Jordan and Joel E. Allen, of Garniers spent
Saturday night and Sunday here.
John A. Early died Monday at 4:30 after a long illness and was buried in Rocky Cemetery Tuesday evening. He leaves a wife, seven children and a host of friends to mourn his death. (Note: John A. Early Woodman of the World marker on right. He was born December 25, 1855 and died March 11, 1912.)
J. E. Allen left Wednesday morning for Panama City where he will stay a while.
Herbert Moller went to Pensacola Saturday, returning Tuesday.
W. J. Hailey left for Wausau Tuesday to accept a position in a store.
H. B. Moller and H. May went to Laurel Hill Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Sutton of Laurel Hill visited relatives here this week.
Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Heath, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Sutton and Joe Allen made a trip to Camp Walton Sunday evening.
B. H. Sutton made a business trip to Crestview Wednesday evening." (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 03/21/1912)
Niceville:
"B. P. Edge and B. H.
Sutton attended Chautauqua at DeFuniak Saturday.
Mrs. L. Brown returned home Tuesday from Key West where she has been visiting her daughter since January.
Dr. Lewis of Pensacola was here on business Wednesday.
Mrs. B. M. Archibold returned home from two months at Clayroy.
D. P. McKenzie, B. H. Sutton, Doc Davis, J. J. Smith, B. P. Edge and Joel made a fine catch at Pippen Lake Tuesday.
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Allen moved from Garniers to the west side of Niceville Thursday.
Miss Ella Fair Edge and brother Vinson left for DeFuniak to attend Chautauqua Saturday." (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 03/28/1912)
Niceville:
"Mrs. J. E. Jeraulds of Pensacola is visiting her parents
Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Parish this week.
Rev. Each of Destin, preached on the East side Sunday and will speak two Sundays each month.
Edith, little baby girl of Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Lancaster died Monday night and was laid to rest in Rocky Cemetery, Tuesday night.
B. H. Sutton and B. C. Davis were on business in DeFuniak Wednesday." (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 06/06/1912)
Niceville:
"Mr. and Mrs. B. H.
Sutton, Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Davis, Miss Lula Edge, S. S. Spence and Mr. Ross
visited in Camp Walton Saturday.
J. R. Redding left Sunday to spend a few weeks with relatives in Opp, Ala.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Benton and children and Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey of Opp, Ala. visited here and went on a fox hunt.
B. H. Archibald spent a few days in Pensacola this week.
Mrs. J. E. Jerauld, returned to her home in Pensacola Saturday after visiting here.
Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Sutton, B. P. Edge, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Davis, M. Ross, Miss Lula Edge, Walter Miller and Joel Edge spent Tuesday fishing at Pippen Lake.
B. H. Sutton took his wife and little girl Berlas to Pensacola to the doctor.
J. H. Tyson left for Savannah, Ga., Saturday to visit relatives, had been here for a year.
Miss Rosa Browne, of Laurel Hill is visiting Miss Lula Edge.
I. A. Helms of Holt is spending a few days with relatives and friends.
W. F. Hill of Garniers is spending this week with E. R. McKee at the Rocky Ranger Station." (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 06/13/1912)
Henry William Reddick's birthday was June 16th and celebrated each year at his home at Santa Rosa. His son remembered the occasion in 1912, as follows: "On the morning of June 16th, there were anchored in front of our home 35 or more boats, and skiff-load after skiff-load landed the crowd. Some from DeFuniak Springs, Freeport, Niceville, Whitfield, Destin, and some from Pensacola. - - - Some that brought their bathing suits would enjoy bathing in the clear-bottom Bay. There were always two or three fiddlers in the crowd to furnish music for the dancing. Dancing would begin after the noon meal and would continue until daylight the next morning when the party would break up, and all would gather around my father and wish him many more happy birthdays. The party was over until the next year when we would go through the same thing." (This is My Life Beginning in 1889 Through 1976 by Walter H. Reddick, Sr.)
Niceville:
"B. H. Sutton
left Friday for Crestview and Laurel Hill
Dr. Strong of Freeport was here to see Mrs. Edge, Thursday night.
Mrs. B. P. Edge has been ill for the past few days but is improving.
Mrs. G. W. Allen is visiting her cousin J. M. Jordan at Garniers this week.
W. F. Hill of Garniers spent a few days at the Rocky Ranger Station.
Mrs. J. L. Heath has been very ill for the past few days but is improving.
Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Nathey has daughter born Sunday June 16.
J. H. Tyson returned Tuesday on the launch Viola from visit to home folks in Savannah.
D. P. McKenzie, B. P. Edge, J. S. McKinney went to DeFuniak on business Sunday. Mr. Edge returned on Monday." (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 06/27/1912)
The Boggy Mill Company (located Lot 5 of Sec 7, Tp. 1 South, Range 22 West) sold 07/05/1912 to Rawls: The Boggy Mill Company was sold at public auction to J. P. Rawls for $7,000 as highest bidder to include all the saw mill logs now owned by the said Boggy Mill Company located in Walton County Florida or wherever said logs may be located: All of the household and kitchen furniture; all crops of every description raised or caused to be raised during the years 1909, 1910, and 1911; all farming tools and implements, all livestock and other property of the Boggy Mill Company. All rents or advances to become due to the Boggy Mill Company as landlord from any tenant in said County of Walton; One Houston S.G. Boiler; One Wheeland Boiler, One Nagel boiler, One 12 x 13 Wheeland engine, 1 - 10 x 12 Wheeland Engine, One N. 856 continental engine; Two feed water pumps with all pipes and valves and fixtures to engines, boilers and pumps; One saw mill husk, carriage and belts, one twin engine and feed. One edger and fixtures and cut off saws and mandrels and fixtures. All pulleys, belting, shafting, boxes, one slab conveyor and fixtures, one log hauler and fixtures: One shingle mill, including all belting, pulleys, shafting, boxes, conveyors, mandrels and saws; One stave machine and fixtures, half interest in the schooner "Evelyn", also forty acres of land, more or less, upon which the mill and quarters of said Boggy Mill Company are built, bounded on the North by H.. Edwards and F.. Thomas land, On the east by Hyer land and on the South by G. W. Parish and Boggy Bayou and on the West by Boggy Bayou; also all logging tools, carts, chains, ropes, dogs and everything connected therewith; also all blacksmith shop and tools, including forge, drills and stock of iron, also filing room, tools, including gummers, wages, hammer, anvil and all other tools connected and used and now owned by the Boggy Mill Company; also all the circular saws now owned by the Boggy Mill Company. All of the lumber of the said Boggy Mill Company cut by it prior to January 1st 1911; All staves, heading and shingles: 67,500 shingles, 1.000 feet 3x8 and up cypress, 7,000 feet refuse cypress, 13,300 feet 2x4 and up, 5,800 feet German Prime, 4,500 feet Crown, 8,200 feet heart face, 8,083 feet Prime, 7,456 feet Genoa, 1,848 feet Rio, 65,127 feet South American and all lumber of any kind cut from time to time and stacked or unstacked by the Boggy Mill Company prior to January 1, 1911. All the lumber of the said Boggy Mill Company, including all staves, heading and shingles cut by said Boggy Mill Company and stacked or unstacked on its yards prior to January 1st 1912. (Warranty Deeds 07/05/1912) With (page 552) J. P. Rawls has 1/3 interest in land and sawmill equipment. With (page 555) J. P. Rawls acquires it all - 1/3 at a time for 1,000 each $3,000 for 6,000 acres. (Note: After the last Warranty Deed (558) had been successfully transacted, J. P. Rawls had acquired all property and all interest in the Boggy Mill Company and paid the indebtedness.)
Boggy Mill 40 acre complex location
(Lot 5 of Sec 7, Tp. 1 South, Range 22 West) as found on the 1908 Walton Co. Farm Map:
(Note: the Boggy Mill Co. owned 6000
acres with parcels throughout the county when sold in 1912. It is bordered 'on
the South by G.W. Parish and Boggy Bayou and on
the West by Boggy Bayou".
George W. Parrish received
his homestead on January 13, 1908, the SW quarter of the SW quarter of Section
8, the West half of the NW quarter of Section 17, and Lot 1 in Section 18 in
T1S R22W containing 147.31 acres along the water on the east side of Boggy
Bayou.)
Niceville:
“Quite
a lot of fish wagons are here from Alabama and the northern part of
our state awaiting fish. Catchers say the fish have simply struck on
them.” (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 09/26/1912)
The Boggy Mill Company was sold by J. P. Rawls to The Mutual Land and Lumber Company owned by R. E. L. McCaskill. (Walton County Warranty Deed 10/07/1912)
D. P. and Louise McKenzie sold to the Mutual Land and Lumber Company of Boggy, Florida (owned by R. E. L. McCaskill) Lots numbered 5 and 6 in Section One T1S R23W (located on the west side of toward the head of Boggy Bayou). D. P. McKenzie will not for a period of twenty years from the date hereof engage in the saw mill business in either Walton or Santa Rosa County within any territory within a distance of fifteen miles from Boggy, Florida. (Walton County Warranty Deed 11/12/1912)
The Boggy Turpentine Company: E.
P. Rose and S. W. Balentine partners in The Boggy Turpentine Company,
leased from D. P. and Louise McKenzie for $1,620 the following land
for turpentine purposes:
SW 1/4 of SE 1/4 Section 8 T1S R22W (At Niceville's Palm Plaza)
N1/2 of SE 1/4 and Lot 1 Section 17 T1S R22W (In
Niceville between Boggy Bayou and Rocky Bayou)
Lots 1 and 2 Section 20 T1S R22W (At Shirk Point on
Choctawhatchee Bay between Boggy Bayou and Rocky Bayou)
Lots 1 and 2 Section 21 T1S R22W (On Rocky Bayou at
Choctawhatchee Bay)
Lot 3 Section 7 T1S R22W
(The location of Old Town Niceville - near the Front Porch
restaurant location.)
Lot 2 Section 18 T1S R22W (spans Boggy Bayou Lewis
Middle School is on the Valparaiso side.)
Lots 5 & 6 Section 1 T1S R23W
(the Bayou Plaza at the West side at the head of Boggy
Bayou)
N 1/2 of N 1/2 Section 3 T1S R23W (about 2 miles west
of the head of Boggy Bayou on Eglin)
S
1/2 of NW 1/4 and N 1/4 of SW 1/4 Section 4 T1S
R23W (on Eglin)
W
1/2 of NW 1/4 and SE 1/4 of NW 1/4 and Lots 1, 2, 3 & 5 Section 12 T1S R23W (The Valparaiso City Hall and Library)
N
1/2 of SW 1/4 and NW 1/4 of SE 1/4 Section 25 T1S R23W (at
Eglin South of Valparaiso)
SE
1/4 of Section 27 T1S R23W (Eglin's Commissary is located on this
property)
For
the term of three years from the first day of December 1912 and the
following described property to wit:
N 1/2 of N 1/2 Section 6 T1S R23W (on Eglin just North
of Peel Field)
All Section 31 T1N R23W (on Eglin one mile North of
Peel Field)
NW 1/4 Section 32 T1N R23W (on Eglin)
For
the term of four years from the first day of December 1912, together
with the right to cup, back-cup, chip, scrape, dip and otherwise use
the pine trees upon said land for the purpose of extracting and
harvesting the crude turpentine, there from, together with the right
of ingress and egress to, from and over the said land for turpentine
purpose for and during the respective terms upon the said tracts of
land respectively. (Walton County Warranty Deed 12/01/1912)
(Note: The turpentining process began by cutting a
series of streaks chipped one above the other and 1/4" to 5/8" of the wood
removed up the tree. Then a bucket was placed below the streaks to catch the
resin. This process was done from March - November. During the other months the
tree would be dormant.)
Niceville:
“Edge
and Spence are now occupying the new building down at the water edge
and their stock looks much better in the new quarters.
D. P. McKenzie will relocate to Carrabelle.” (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 12/12/1912)
The Mutual Land and Lumber Company (R. E. L. McCaskill) sold to D. P. McKenzie, Lot 1 Section 12 in T1S of R23W known as the Eaton Land except that part thereof that is owned by S. S. Spence. As part of the consideration of this conveyance, it is understood that the said D.P. McKenzie for himself, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns with the said Mutual Land and Lumber Company, its successors and assigns, that he will not use the above described land, nor any part thereof, for a period of twenty years from the date hereof, for saw mill purposes. (Walton County Warranty Deed 12/16/1912)
John F. and Sarah Allen sold to S. W. Balentine for $175.25 : Lot 1 of Section 13 T1S R23W, containing 138.75 acres. (Note: It was originally the Elizabeth Edge Homestead that spans Tom’s Bayou on the west side of Boggy Bayou. Sunset Cemetery (formerly known as Boggy Cemetery) in Valparaiso is also located on this property.) (Walton County Warranty Deed 02/08/1913)
T.C. Brooks letter to S.S. Spence June 6, 1913: (Note: By 1913 plans for a new county were being made as evidenced by this letter. It had been suggested that the county be named Wilson.) The following letter reads: "Dear Sir and Bro. I am thinking of making the race for Sheriff's office of the new county of Wilson should the State Senate confirm the creation of the lower house in creating the new county, and if I enter the contest I want to ask your support, and ask you to do all you can for my election. If I am elected I promise to handle the office to the very best of my ability. I would be glad to hear from you just as soon as possible regarding the situation. With Kindest Regards I am your Friend, T. C. Brooks". (Source: The City of Niceville Archives)
(Note: When Okaloosa County was established in 1915, B. H. Sutton of Niceville was its first Sheriff.)
Niceville Methodist Episcopal Church South, Constituted October 8, 1913 - Charter Members: Among the charter members of the Niceville Methodist Church: Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Nathey, Mrs. R. A. Burlison, Mrs. G. B. Anchors, Addie Willingham, Mary Richardson, Della Rushing, Lucia Early, Sarah Howell, Mary Allen, Lucy Grantham, Mary Spence, Ida Ervin, Nettie Owens, Lola Erwin, Winford Spence, Mr. and Mrs. John Dashinger, Lou Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hudson, Quinnie Nathey, Alice Allen, D. S. Davis, J. S. Allen, Carrie Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Fisher, Amanda Thomas and S. J. Ervin. They were baptized in Juniper Creek (Note: Juniper Creek is also called Turkey Creek and located on the Nathey Homestead.) (Source: History of Niceville United Methodist Church)
Niceville Methodist Episcopal Church: (Source: State Archives Church Inventory, 1938)
Photos of some Niceville Methodist Church 1913 Charter Members: Photo on left below of William John Nathey and his wife Mary Jane (Bolton) Nathey. Photo upper right is the Bolton sisters, Rebecca Ann (Mrs. Simeon Burlison) and Mary Jane (Mrs. William John Nathey). Photo lower left is of Quinnie Nathey, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Nathey, (with her nephew Austin Nathey). Photo center below is of Pearl (Burlison) Anchors, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Burlison (with her husband G.B. Anchors).
The Choctawhatchee Lumber Co. (R. E. L. McCaskill, President) sold to Charles E. Cessna of Chicago, Illinois 960 acres. (Warranty Deed 02/09/1914)
B. P. and Amy C. Edge sold for $350 to the Board of Public Instructions of Walton County Florida the following described parcel of land: Beginning Eleven chains West of the SE corner of Lot 2 in Section 7 T1S R22W running North three chains thence West 1 ½ chains thence South 4 ½ chains thence East 1 ½ chains thence North 1 ½ chains to point of beginning containing one acre more or less. (Note: This is the location of the old Boggy Post Office on the east side of Boggy Bayou.) (Walton County Warranty Deed 05/05/1914)
Boggy:
"The
Woodmen of the World (W.O.W.) Picnic. Big Dinner, Some Speaking and
Dancing. We “Give You” the boggy Road.
The
annual picnic of the Woodmen of the World was held at Boggy,
(Niceville) last Saturday, and the little town was filled to the
muzzle with people from every section of the county, making the trip
in every conveyance from log carts to automobiles, launches and
steamboats. The
people amused themselves in fishing, bathing, boating and talking
politics until 1 o’clock P.M., when the finest dinner we ever
saw, and the most of it, was spread on some long tables under the
magnificent oak trees in front of Mr. Edge’s store and
everybody urged to come up and fill up.
The
crowd needed precious little persuasion, for everybody was hungry,
and the way grub disappeared from those tables was something amazing.
Notwithstanding the hearty appetites that were everywhere in
evidence, there was plenty of good old fodder left to have fed two
more crowds the size of the one that was present. The good ladies of
Niceville surely know how to build a dinner fit for the gods.
After
dinner, there being quite a number of candidates present, all who
desired to do so were given an opportunity to address the people.
After about an hour of this sort of thing the platform was cleared,
the fiddlers got busy and the young people spent the remainder of the
afternoon in dancing.
It
was a jolly fine picnic and it was with a feeling of genuine
reluctance that the crowd commenced to disperse late in the afternoon
and some of them to start for their homes in distant parts of the
county.
Messrs.
J. D. Sellars, Ben Infinger, Rev. S. J. Catts and the HERALD man made
the trip in Mr. Sellars’ automobile and succeeded in
negotiating the road from DeFuniak to Niceville in fine style, but
the devil owed us a debt and paid us off in luck coming back. We had
scarcely made half a mile on the return trip when the splendid little
Ford car commenced to show signs of distress. Her breath came in
quick, short gasps, she quivered from stem to stern and seemed to be
suffering acutely in the region between the vox populi (public
opinion) and the geranium. After coming over the first bad hill the
little car got rapidly worse; her pulse became quick and feverish;
her parallax became twisted around her equator; her radiator was
found to be impinging on her doxology; she made a few unsteady
plunges forward, gasped, shivered, and finally came to a dead stop on
the side of a hill where the sand was 85 feet deep and as dry as
ashes.
By dint of coaxing, threats and prayer the car was brought to
a point about five miles this side of Boggy, where we roosted in the
woods until John Adams and Thad Bell, who had been doing all they
could to help us, could make the run with their car to DeFuniak
-forty miles away- and get back to us. Think of it! There we were, in
what is probably the most desolate region in Florida, without any
water, either for ourselves or the car, and there we were going to
have to stay for goodness only knew how long! Finally, away in the
night, Brother Catts declared that he could hear frogs somewhere to
the west of us. Ben Infinger and the HERALD man then took the water
jugs and marched off through the scrub oaks and rattlesnakes looking
for the frogs - and water. Near Pensacola we found a small branch,
filled ourselves and the jug and pulled back to the car. Bro. Catts
and Mr. Sellars killed about half the water in the jug, poured the
remainder into the radiator and the little machine made another mile
and there we stuck till 3 o’clock Sunday morning.
About might
night a car passed us headed south and one of the occupants called
out to know if we were broke down. Nothing but the presence of a
minister saved that man from an instant and terrible death. Just as
if anything but a breakdown would cause four able-bodies men to be
roosting in such a place at that hour of the night. Bro. Catts, who
conscience was probably easier than that of any of the others,
managed to sleep a little, but the rest of us toughed it out till
three o’clock Sunday morning, when a car from DeFuniak,
containing John Adams, Thad Bell, Henry Stubbs and Lewis Fralick
rolled up, bringing to us poor marooned outcasts a box of sandwiches
and a big can of ice water. Gee,
but that water was good!
And
those fellows in the car struck us as being the best looking men we
had ever seen. Even John Adams, who had always looked to us more like
a circus tent than anything else, appeared to us just at that time as
being the most beautiful man that ever happened. Well,
we had a reunion. We ate, drank and made merry and then we drank some
more of that good cold water. Then we laughed, slapped each other on
the back, forgave every man that we owed money to and felt as happy
as a bunch of two year-olds in a clover field. John then towed our
car to Mossy Head where Mr. Smith, the turpentine man, took us in his
car and brought us home, arriving in DeFuniak Sunday morning at eight
o’clock.
Yes,
Niceville is all right and we enjoyed the picnic hugely. We expect to
go again next year, but - We “give you” the Boggy road”.
(The DeFuniak Herald 06/04/1914)
The Steamer Charles E. Cessna: A 1915 photo of The Steamer Charles E. Cessna is shown at dock loading mail and supplies. It ran between Pensacola and Freeport. Its Captain was John E. Rogers. (Source: State Library and Archives of Florida)
A New Hotel at Freeport: “The R. E. L. McCaskill residence has been completely fitted up and guests are given every attention. Mrs. Gore, Manager” (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 03/18/1915)
Land was donated by the Howell’s and the Nathey’s to improve Niceville roads: We, Aaron A. and Sara Howell husband and wife do grant and convey unto Walton County, Florida, forever, for use as a public road a right of way thirty-three feet wide through and in such location the County Commissioners may determine, the following described land, to-wit: Lots 2 and 3 in the NW¼ of Section 12 T1S Range 23W along the line surveyed by C. D. Meigs copy of which is on file with the Clerk of said County and State, being in said County and State. And do authorize said County to use such sand and clay from any adjacent lands which we may own or control that may be necessary, or convenient, for use in constructing and maintaining the road. We, William J. and Mary Jane Nathey, husband and wife, do grant, and convey unto Walton County, Florida, forever, for use as a public road a right of way Thirty-three feet wide through and in such location as the County Commissioners may determine, the following described land, to-wit: SW¼ of the NE¼ Section 1 T1S R23W along the line surveyed by C. D. Meigs a copy of which is on file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of said County and State being in said County and State, and do authorize said County to use such sand and clay from any adjacent lands which we may own or control that may be necessary, or convenient, for use in constructing and maintaining the road. (Walton County Deed 04/13/1915)
Marketing
the Choctawhatchee Bay Area: “The
R. E. L. McCaskill Co. Real Estate. We Have Sold, Own and Control
More Land Than Any Firm in This Section. Real Estate is the Basis of
Wealth. DeFuniak Springs Offers to the Investor and Speculator
Greater Opportunities than any City in West Florida. Large Mill Near
Completion. Its Population at this date is 2500. It is Growing and
will Continue to Grow Until Becomes one of the Leading Cities of this
Section. We are 250 Feet above Sea Level - Healthy and is Dry. See us
for Home or Business Locations. Farm and Raw Lands on Easy Terms.
Write us for Information.
We Buy and Sell Farm and Timber Lands.
Choice Colonization Tracts in all parts of West Florida and South
Alabama, Bal(d)win County. High class Bonds and Stocks. Manufacturing
Sites. Mortgages on City and Farm Property Netting Investors 7 and 8
per cent, Interest Payable Semi-Annually. Commercial Paper
Negotiated. House Built and Sold on Small Monthly Payments. If you
have Money to Loan or Invest Kindly Advise. We can get you 8 per cent
and Securities.
To
Mr. Careful Buyer and Anxious Seller. Dear
Sir: Recent developments have made it possible for us to resume our
real estate business and we want to advise you, and you to advise
your friends, that we are prepared to buy, sell and exchange any and
all kinds of residential property, town or country, Improved farms
and raw lands.
We
are well equipped to look after business of that nature in most
satisfactory and prompt manner. If you want to buy anything, or have
anything to sell, we will appreciate a visit from you. We have a
large amount of property which we want to close out on easy terms.
If
you are interested in any vacant lots in DeFuniak Springs, of
dwelling houses, be sure and see us before you buy.
In
case of the writers absence from the office at any time, Mr. W. I.
Stinson will give your matters his person attention. Yours truly
R.E.L. McCaskill, President The R.E.L. McCaskill Co. DeFuniak
Springs, Florida.” (The Breeze Advertisement
DeFuniak Springs 05/08/1915)
(Note: In 1915 Okaloosa County was created from portions of Santa Rosa County and Walton County.)
Are
You Looking For a Real Investment?? “We
are offering 174 acres facing on Choctawhatchee Bay, with a half mile
of water front, just twelve miles east of Camp Walton. This land is
ideal for Summer Homes, Gun Clubs, Game Reserves, Grape Fruit or
Orange Raising and General Farming. As a Summer Residence, Or Winter
Home or Both Or subdivision for bungalows, cut up in 10 acre lots.
Being located as it is, this acreage is the ideal place for a small
colony. There is a half mile of water front with high beach where
bathing and fishing are excellent. The entire acreage abound in game
of all kinds. The water is fine, and taken as a whole, is one of the
most healthful places in the world. Pippin Lake is only one mile
west. Twenty acres of this land is already in cultivation and has at
present a nice cottage on it.
As
Farming: The soil is rich loam, largely composed of decomposed
shells, which makes the soil very rich in line. This land is splendid
for trucking or fruit growing. It lies just south of the Forest
Reserve and is fenced with galvanized wire, which makes it very
desirable for cattle and hogs. There is a luxurious growth of oak,
hickory, poplar, sweet gum, magnolia, etc.
Exact Location: This acreage lies one mile west of Stake Point
(at Okaloosa/Walton County line).
Twelve miles east of Camp Walton, and is the highest point on Choctawhatchee
Bay.
Legal
Description: South half lots 5 and 6, section Thirty-one, One South,
Twenty-one West. All fractional Section Thirty-one. One South,
twenty-one West, 174 acres. Walton County, Florida. If you like the
Bay country, this is a fine piece of property for development. Yours
truly, The R.E.L. McCaskill Company. DeFuniak Springs, Florida.”
(DeFuniak Herald Advertisement 08/26/1915
List
of Licenses, Walton County, Florida:
October
2, 1914: G. W. Pippin, Niceville, Fla., Merchant
with capital of less than $1,000.
October 19, 1914 Bayou Mill Company, Niceville, Fla., Saw mill with capacity less than 10,000 ft.
November 18, 1914 B. P. Edge, Niceville, Florida, Merchant with capital of less than $1,000.
January 2, 1915 Boggy Turpentine Company Niceville, Fla., 16 barrel turpentine still
January 2, 1915 Boggy Turpentine Company Niceville, Fla. Merchant with capital of less than $1,000
January 11, 1915 B. H. Munn Bolton, Fla., Merchant with capital of less than $1,000.
January 11, 1915 Deerland Turpentine Company Niceville, Fla., 16 barrel turpentine still
January 11, 1915 Deerland Turpentine Company Niceville, Fla., Merchant with capital of less than $1,000
January 11, 1915 B. H. Munn Bolton, Florida, Merchant with capital of less than $1,000 (The Breeze DeFuniak Springs 10/28/1915)
Niceville:
“A
stork visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Laird Monday leaving
them a fine baby girl.
B. P. Edge will start grinding cane at the Rocky Plantation Monday.
H. I. Edwards and family have moved back from Bagdad. People very often leave Niceville but they soon come back.” (The Okaloosa News Journal 11/19/1915) (Note: Henry Edwards is buried at Early Cemetery in Niceville. His grave is marked with a Woodmen of the World marker.)