Niceville 1930 - 1949

(A section of the NICEVILLE, FLORIDA - Online History Center)

“The past actually happened but history is only what someone wrote down." ~A. Whitney Brown

1930 Niceville Census: Niceville had 202 households and a population of 824 in 1930. The first census for Valparaiso, Florida was in 1930. It had 38 households with a population of 99.

Some Occupations for Niceville, Florida 1930 Census (April 4 - 10)
Public School:
    Teachers - Mallory Barrow, Jonnie Ballard
    School Bus Chauffeur - Sherman Howell
Medical:
    Physician - William F. McGriff
    Trained Hospital Nurse - Ella Allen
Hotel:
    Clerk - Carlton McGriff
Telephone Service:
     Operator at Central Office - Corina Howell
Post Office:
    Bookkeeper - Lula J. Edge
Dry Goods Store:
    Retail Merchants Dry Goods Store - Warren J. Armstrong, Aaron Howell, Mattie Moore
    Dry Goods Store Bookkeeper - W. B. Spence
    Clerk Dry Goods Store - Maudie Keith
Grocery Store:    
    Clerks - Beulah Frazier, Edward Nathey, James Donaldson, Lucy Helms, Rebecca Helms
Food Service:
    Lunch Store Laborer - Fannie Matthews
    Café Managers - Cebelle Meigs, Pasco Livingston
Hair Cuts:
    Barber - Herbert Frazier
Laundry:
    Manager - Leonard Phelps
    Laborer - Mattie Phelps
Public Utility:
    Manager - Clarence Grimsley
    Bookkeeper - Nina Grimsley
Forest Reserve:
    Forest Ranger - S. Johnston
    Forest Guards - Sill Ward, James Brown
    Laborer - William Holmes
Golf Field:
    Manager - Samuel Cook
    Green Tender - Alfred Brown
    Caddies - Harvey Davis, Jessie Nixon
    Country Club Truck Driver - Bill Davis
    Laborers - Charlie Frank, John Nathey, Willis Nathey, James Philips, Alonzo Smith, Joe Rushing, Henry Livingston, Ben Garrett, John Owens, George Armstrong
Light Plant Station:
    Engineer - M. Alford
    Laborers - Lester Early, Henry Nichols, J. Levins 
Real Estate:
    Secretary - Martin Herriott
Automotive: 
    Garage Manager - Garner Anchors
    Garage Operator - John Edwards
    Auto Shop Mechanics - Clyde Crosby, Joe Edge, Thomas Powell
    Auto Shop Laborers - Clarence Bergen, Dan Davis
Pool Room:
    Manager - Lud Givins
    Racker - Frank Reynolds
Boat Operations:
    Boat Carpenters - Martin Hudson, Columbus Thompson, Rudy Burlick, John Parrish
    Boat Operators - James Parrish, Charlie Parrish
Fishing:
    Fish House Retailer- Henry Reddick
    Fish Seller - Claude Meigs
    Fish Plant Laborers - Marlin Davis, Jack Matthews
    Fishermen - Bud Hudson, B. B. Boone, Jack Hudson, James Riggins, Ansley Edge, James Moore, Ernie Howell, O. Moore, Albert Allen, Curtis Thomas, Jake Early, Thomas Nicholson, Grady Early, Levi Griffin, Will Reddicks, Teller Howell, Lee Reeves, George Barrow, Arthur Willingham, Leonard Allen, Lafayette Willingham, Harvey Brown, Alex Atwell, Timothy Boone, Lon Allen, Thomas Scott, Silas Reddick, Jack Richarsdson, Frankie Coon, Phil Coon.
Lumbering:
   Lumber Mill: Operator - Syl S. Spence
    Fireman Station Boiler - Green Adkison
    Sawyer - Bartel Spencer
    Blacksmith - Olive Duncan
    Night Watchman - Lewis Gibson
    Mechanic - John Gary
    Lumber Mill Laborer - Prosper Jacquel, Robert Adkison, Alfred Early, Rudolph Howard, Will Howard, Herman Weekley, Matt Sweeney, Earl Weekley, James Coon, Leroy Allen, Quincy Adams, James Duncan, Jason Cutts, Daniel Howell, Benson Walls, William Gibson, Alcus Agtorn, Alfie Agtorn, Ira McCullough, Connie Weekley, Leamon Wise, Joe Franklin, Ben Whitfield, Hura Saser, Bill Erwin, Jim Barrow, M. R. Ellison, C. L. Hobbs, Hiram Burkit, D. Robinson, Walter Cuchins, Curtis Padgett, William Padgett, Burl Spence, Walter Nelson, Charlie Gainey, Christopher Hudson, Cellestine Ward, Bill Nelson, Allen Powell
    Logging - Malberry Bolton, John Whitfield, Mead Whitfield, Jake Bullock, Miles Gainey, Oscar Griffins, Charlie Lance
Turpentining:
    Turpentine Still Manager - Charles Earnest
    Retail Merchant - Joel Helms
    Woods Riders - Leonard Bush, Jerry Reynolds
    Truck Drivers - Monroe Hurley, Hughie Linton,
    Chippers - George Morrell, George White, Joe Roberts, Jessie Roberts, Mack Carter, Carr Grace, Isler Ammons, Jackson Bates, C. Davis, Bruto Thomas, Mike Smith
    Dippers - Joe Jones, Alex Ball, Charlie Reynolds, Sam Stan, C. Bill,
    Laborers - William Cathan, Herbert Weekley, A. Pippins, Mike Padgett, Matthew Cawley, Darrell Padgett, Floyd Early, Arthur Hattan, Joe Vinson, Will Nelson, William Thomas, John Brown
Carpenters and Painters:
    House Carpenters - Zechariah Smith, Isaac Willingham, Dave Keith, Lonzo Hicks, Jessie Senterfeitt, Wilson Senterfeitt, James Helms, Wilburn Senterfeitt, John Allen, A. L. Helms, O. C. Burden
    House Painters - Joseph Jacquel, John Ballard, W. Frazier, Ben White Bridge
    Carpenter - Alvin Spencer
Highway Construction:
    Contractor - Gunnell Garrett
    Foreman -Daniel C. Cook
    Surveyors - William Burris, William Bandy, Lester Mann
    Tractor Driver - Willis Whitfield
    Truck Drivers - Edward Cuchins, Hiram McKinsey
    Laborers - Stanley Elliott, Jason Cutts, Ben Allen, Joe Allen, Albert Willingham, Melvin Adams, Walter Hall, Dewey Barnes

Class of 1930 Niceville High School Graduation Program

1930 Niceville High School Graduation Class: Left to Right - Ola V. Howell, Walker Spence, Lorraine Anchors, Virginia Barwald, Sherman Howell and Verah Armstrong

The Union Land and Timber Companyy of Mobile, AL sold to the United States of America - 38,012.55 acres for $85,436.80 “but being subject to a deduction for the right of way of the highway from Mossyhead, Florida, to Niceville, Florida, a description of which right of way is as follows, to wit: Being a strip of land thirty three feet wide along said mentioned highway where the same is now located on and across any of the above described lands, said right of way containing 40.65 acres, leaving the land conveyed in this deed containing 37,971.91 acres net after excluding said right of way, be the same more or less, and being a part of Forest Service Tract No. 1, Choctawhatchee National Forest.” (12/24/1930 Warranty Deed)

The Union Land and Timber Company sold to the USA for $4,592; 2,040.98 acres more or less and being a part of the Forest Service Tract No. 1 of the Choctawhatchee National Forest. (02/25/1931 Warranty Deed)

Nice News From Niceville:  "Mr. G. W. Goss, Pensacola, purchased the Bayou Fish Company last Wednesday. Mr. C. M. Harding from Mount Pleasant spent last week here visiting his wife, Mrs. Harding, who is one of the Niceville high school teachers. Gordon Warren with the Misses Marie Williams, Evelyn Freiwald and Fae McGriff spent last Wednesday in DeFuniak. Mrs. Lang of Garniers spent Friday here visiting friends. Mrs. Willie Spence and little daughter are in Pensacola a few days this week. Mr. Phillip Early and Mr. Hughie Holmes were business visitors in Florala last Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Edw. J. Friewald and family spent last Saturday in Pensacola on business. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Benton of Opp, Ala., spent the past week end with their daughter and family Mrs. Joe Edge. Mrs. Benton is remaining for the entire week. Mrs. Lud Givens and Mr. Clarence Johnson were Pensacola visitors Thursday. Mr. Grady Penuel left Saturday for the Naval Air Station Hospital in Pensacola, where he is to undergo an operation very soon. We wish him luck. Mrs. Joe Allen was called to her home in Broxton, Ala., last week, her father being very ill. The Eastern Stars held their regular meeting in the Masonic hall Thursday night. Many of the members were present and a successful evening of work was accomplished. Miss Marie Williams was the charming hostess to a party given at the Frywald Theatre lobby last Friday night in honor of her birthday. It being Friday the 13th you would never believe such a delightful evening could be spent, but it proved to be a lucky day for Miss Williams. After bridge the guests spent the rest of the evening dancing. A delicious salad course was served which consisted of chicken salad, saltines and hot chocolate topped with a fluffy marshmellow. Among the guests present were: Misses Gloria Shiver, Virginia Barwald, Fae McGriff, Carol Freiwalk, Evelyn Freiwald, Mr. and Mrs. Penuel, Mr. and Mrs. Friewald, Bill McGriff, Gordon Warren, Owen Bennet, Frank Bennet, Jerry Reynolds, Tony Maltezo and Lawrence Freiwald." (The Okaloosa News-Journal, Crestview, Florida 11/20/1931)

1932 Niceville High School - Gene Armstrong Certificate of Promotion to Senior Class April 22, 1932

CCC Camp at Niceville:  "Company 1402 Camp Fla., F-3 Niceville Florida was organized April 30, 1933 with Captain Walter Bigby, 67^th Infantry, U. S. Army, Commanding. This Company has the distinction of being the first Company to finish conditioning at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was the first CCC Camp established in the State of Florida.
     In the thirty-seven months of its existence, (still going strong at the time this is written) Company 1402 has had eleven Company Commanders; Captain Walter Bigsby, Captain B. L. Tew, Captain W. S. Bridges, Captain D. E. Haven, 1^st Lieutenant L. L. Stokes, Captain R. F. Blades, Major Forrest Hill, Captain K. O. Cuttle, 2^nd Lieutenant Ellis L. Forrester, Captain E. D. Dickey, and 1^st Lieutenant H. W. Gourgues.
     The site selected for this camp was at first a blackjack thicket, growing in white sand, devoid of fertility and which would have been most discouraging to any less determined leaders than those with which the company has had the good fortune to draw.
     The camp site has been converted into a veritable oasis under the inspired leadership of the various leaders. Green lawns stretch over the wide expanses and flowers of various hues, both native and domesticated, bloom continuously from early Spring to late Fall. Walk-ways through the lawns are hedged with a native flowering sage, and red rock outline the parks, which extend throughout the length of the Camp, in front of the barracks. Vine-covered retreats for summer lounging were designed and constructed during the past Spring, and have added materially to an already highly satisfactory landscape.
     The accomplishments of the boys “in the woods” is so stupendous that cold figures do not adequately express what has actually been done in the Choctawhatchee National Forest, largest National Forest in the south. Millions of seedlings raised and planted; hundreds of miles of roads and trails constructed and maintained; bridges, both wooden and concrete, built across dozens of crystal clear streams; section after section improved in timber stand by release of pines from worthless growth; millions of feet of lumber marketed and thousands of barrels of turpentine and resin manufactures; fires held down to an incredible minimum acreage of loss; miles of telephone line constructed; buildings and towers erected and countless other things, some small, some large, but all important.
     Educationally the affairs of the company have advanced steadily so that this year there were two high school boys who completed their work for graduation and at least fifteen more who will do so in the near future.
     Company 1402 was the first Company in Florida, it is reported, to adopt the morning hours for classes - attended by the entire Company. Forty-five minutes every morning is devoted to school activities. The men enjoy it, and are getting many times more benefit than from night classes, when they were too tired to attend." (Camp Pinchot by Julie Massoni, Office of History, Armament Division Eglin Air Force Base, FL, 32542. July 1988)
     Niceville with approximately 1100 persons was the largest town near the (Choctawhatchee) Forest. Its residents were chiefly dependent on fishing for a livelihood, as were the inhabitants of the smaller settlements of Garnier’s, Wright, and Holley, Valparaiso, Fort Walton, Mary Esther, and Florisa were resort towns with small resident populations. Milton, Holt, Crestview, and Mossy Head were located along the L&N Railroad several miles north of the forest boundary and served as shipping points. DeFuniak Sprigs, 15 miles northeast of the forest, had a population of 2,500. The only large city was Pensacola, 30 miles west of the Forest with a population of 31,000. (Camp Pinchot by Julie Massoni, Office of History, Armament Division Eglin Air Force Base, FL, 32542. July 1988)
     Some members of the Eglin Forestry Division in the late 1940’s: L. M. Tedder, Manuel Atwell, Noah Corbin, Steve Johnson, Floyd Spence, W. H. Lunsford, William Herndon, O. R. Bailey, Jack Crawford, Clifford Coon, George B. Atwell; Mayo, Monroe Peters, Richard Edward, Decatur Cutts; Thurston Pittman, Willis Nathey, Arthur Howell, William Perminter, Willis Whitfield, Arthur Perminter, Willie B. Parker, Col. Johnson, Tillman Cook, Ralph King. L. J. Nathey, Rueben Gibson, Watson Hodge, Bert Hawkins, Roy Cauley, Cecil Chesser, Malcolm Allen and Walker V. Spence. (Camp Pinchot page 44 by Julie Massoni, Office of History, Armament Division Eglin Air Force Base, FL, 32542. July 1988)

1933 Niceville High School Graduation Commencement Exercises, May 4, 1933

Gadsden Men Help Save Town From Ruin:
    "Gadsden county men at the Civilian Conservation Camp at Niceville played an important part in suppressing the fire and saving the town of Niceville from destruction early Friday morning, according to Velo Skipper, of Greensboro, who is stationed at the Niceville CCC.
    The 200 CCC men formed bucket brigades and in cooperation with the fire crews of the Choctawhatchee national forest did yoemen service in saving buildings and stocks of merchandise, after three grocery stores, a dry goods store, creamery, post office building, hotel, drug store and fish warehouses were destroyed. The loss is estimated at $100,000, with little insurance. There was no running water with which to combat the flames and it appeared for a time that the town would be completely destroyed until the forest fire fighters and CCC workers took charge."  (Gadsden County Times Newspaper 1/25/1934)

Niceville and Finck Are Same: “Business Concentrates Around Pioneer Establishment: The destructive fire which recently almost obliterated the business section of Niceville, had very little effect on the business life of Niceville. The activities of nearly an entire block simply concentrated in Finck’s Restaurant, and business went along. It began on the morning of the fire. While the ruins were still smoldering, space was being made in Finck’s for the post office. During the day the Niceville Fish Company set up offices there. Within a little while a grocery had been added. And now Adolph’s establishment represents the bay country’s first and only complete arcade. In it is found a post office, a wholesale and retail fish house, a grocery, a restaurant, a bakery and the bay country’s only draft beer dispensary, while the Niceville Masonic Lodge occupies the floor above.” (The Valparaiso Star Vol. 12 #41 02/01/1934)

Freezing Ice For the Coast People: (The Valparaiso Star Vol. 12 #41 02/01/1934)  (Note: This ice factory for the Bayou Fish Company of Niceville is the first ice factory in Okaloosa County.)

Leased Post Office space in new Edge Store, March 1, 1934: The appellee's testimony confirmed the admissions made in his bill. The fire, which in 1933 destroyed the Edge store building, also destroyed a fish house near the shore line which is the south boundary of block 18. The appellee had been occupying the fish house as a tenant of the Bayou Fish Company. The evidence indicates that the fish house had been located on lot 2; but its location before the fire is of little or no importance. After the fire the appellee built, in 1934, a new fish house, the length of which along the shore was approximately twice the length of the old building. The appellee testified that the new building "overlapped" the lot on which the Edge store building had been located and that he "made a deal with Mr. Armstrong at the time * * * and I agreed to lease his part." The lease agreement, dated March 1, 1934, was that he should pay the lessors (Joe Edge and Jessie Alma Edge, his wife, Lula Edge, and W. J. Armstrong and Lula Armstrong, his wife) $100 cash, and $100 on March 1st of each year for five years and that, as a part of the consideration, W. J. Armstrong (who was the local postmaster) should be furnished rent free space in the new building for use as a post office. The agreement was effectuated, the rental was paid and the westerly end of the building was used (for some time prior to W. J. Armstrong's death) as a post office. The appellee further testified that he discussed with W. J. Armstrong before his death, and with members of the Edge-Armstrong family after his death, "a trade" (which, however, was not consummated), in which he was to "give them title to three lots over across the road * * * for title to that portion of lot 1 that my building occupied." (Source: SUPREME COURT OF FLORIDA, DIVISION A, July 30, 1954 - PORTER ET AL v. MEIGS)

Gadsden County Boys in Hospital:
Injuries and Illness Have Laid Up Four Youths in CCC Camp
     "Four Gadsden county boys who are members of Company 1402, at Camp Bigby, near Niceville, are laid up in the hospital at Fort Barancas, (Pensacola, FL) according to W. C. Pearce, who was home for the past week end. H. A. Matthews is a victim of a back injury suffered in a fall. C. M. Cox has a scalp wound, sustained when he fell off a pile driver. J. O. Carman, an ambulance driver, and O. G. Ogburn have measles.
     Most of the Gadsden county boys are plannig to reenlist for another term. Those who have served two encampment periods may reenter for a term of three months, and those who have been in camp but one term can enroll for a full period of six months.
     J. B. Poppell is serving as ambulance driver during the illness of Carman.
     J. B. Jones is another Gadsden county youth who is quite active at the camp. He is president of the recreational club, and right now is busy organizing a young men's democratic club. C. B. "Red" Peters is the company baker. Pearce has the rank of senior first aid man. The federal government has just announced its approval of quite a number of camps for the corps (Civilian Conservation Corps). Georgia will have 38; New Jersey, 24; Missouri, 21; Maine, 15; Maryland, 13 and Kansas." 11. (Gadsden County Times Newspaper 3/29/1934)

Gadsden Boys Enjoy Camp Life:
Another Big Dance is Planned by Civilian Conservation Corps at Niceville.
     Gadsden countians who are members of Company 1402, Civilian Conservatin Corps, in camp at Niceville, are enjoying their stay, according to W. C. Pearce, of Quincy, who was home recently visiting relatives. They plan another of their big, pleasurable dances and it will be held at the camp on Saturday evening, May 26. The "Southerners," well known local musical organization, directed by Curtis Davidson, will provide the music for the event and the public is invited.
     C. B. Greene, of Greensboro, a member of the camp, is developing into a first rate baseball pitcher, according to Pearce. He went the whole route sucessfully in a game recently with the boys from the Panama City camp.
     Captain G. R. Bridges, who has been in charge of the camp, is now confined to the hospital at Fort Barancas, and has been succeeded by Captain Dwight E. Haven, of Tampa. Captain Bridges will retire from the work as soon as he is released from the hospital.
     The original commanding officer of the camp, Captain Walter A. Bigby, is now stationed at Fort Benning, near Columbus, Ga., with the Army tank corps. Horace "Dock" Griffin, of Gadsden county, has enlisted in the tank corps and is now at Fort Benning. Charles "Jake" Toole, of Quincy, has indicated that he will enlist under Captain Bigby as soon as he is discharged from Niceville.
     Thirty nine Florida boys have been enrolled for a term at Niceville." (Gadsden County Times Newspaper 5/17/1934)

Final Niceville High School Exercises Are Held:  “Hurt and Wilson Deliver Addresses To Class of Seven: Final Commencement Exercises for the 1933-34 session of Niceville High School were observed with the presentation of Diplomas to the graduating Class by County Superintendent Mallory B. Barrow, on Tuesday night. The Commencement Address was effectively delivered by Dean W. H. Wilson of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida. The distinguished guest speaker was heard by a packed audience who had assembled in the high school auditorium in honor of the occasion.
    On Sunday a Matin Service was conducted by J. Lewis Hurt, High School Principal, at the Valparaiso Community Church. His sermon “Living the good Life,” was splendidly worded and well received. Appropriate music by Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Freiwald and Mrs. Cebelle Meigs contributed largely to the effectiveness of the programs.
    Members of the 1934 graduating class are Carole Louise Freiwald, class president, and holder of the highest scholastic average, Fannie Belle Smith, vice-president, Stephen Joe Johnston, secretary and treasurer, William Clarence Menzell, who has second honors, Mary Odessa Brown, Clayton Cline White, and Mrs. Henridee Edwards Hammac. Mrs. Hammac is also a teacher in the Niceville School system.” (The Valparaiso Star 05/31/1934)

Niceville is Pointing With Pride to First College Graduate: "Among those in the Niceville High School Auditorium at Tuesday night's impressive graduation exercises was one former graduate who listened with particular interest to the words of the guest speaker, Dr. W. H. Wilson, a close personal friend of his. This man was G. B. Anchors, Jr., who will on Monday June 4th take part in yet another graduating exercise, this time as the first student from Niceville High School to obtain a college degree.
    Mr. Anchors, who is well known locally, is a member of the graduating class of the University of Florida. He has achieved distinction throughout the state by his interest in Boy Scout activities, an interest first awakened in the Bay Country. At present he holds a high official position in scout circles, carrying on his work in addition to his scholastic endeavors." (The Valparaiso Star 05/31/1934)

1935 Florida State Census: (Note: In 1935, Niceville was the most populated town in the southern region of Okaloosa County as enumeration in the Florida State Census that lists individuals separately. Randall Wise, Distinguished Mayor of Niceville, is listed at #595 as being four years old. Even though Valparaiso was incorporated in 1921, fourteen years later when the 1935 Florida State Census was enumerated, it had significantly fewer residents than Niceville.)
Niceville - 1172
Fort Walton - 221
Destin - 190
Wright - 181
Valparaiso - 166
Garniers - 158
Mary Esther - 71

Niceville:
“Mr. and Mrs. Gill of Pensacola are spending a few days at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Parish. Mr. and Mrs. Gill are making a cruise in their yacht.

Miss Geraldine Parish is home for the holidays from the Pensacola High School.

Mrs. Paul Rogers, Mrs. Bud Armstrong and Gene Armstrong were visitors to Pensacola on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Anderson were guests of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Harris of Crestview for Christmas dinner.

Mr. and Mrs. Zed Carter and little daughter, Betty Jane, are spending the holidays with relatives at Fairbanks.

Mr. L. B. Andrews is home from Hosford, Ala. to spend Christmas with his family.

Mrs. W. W. Oaks and Mrs. V. B. Commander are visiting relatives at Tallahassee.

Walter Nelson who has been receiving treatments at Florala hospital for several weeks came home Sunday.

Mrs. Jake Benton of Opp is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Joe Edge.

L. C. Smith, who is in the CCC at Gordon, Ala. Spent the weekend here with his mother.

Mr. and Mrs. Tatum are spending the holidays in Jacksonville.

Miss Otto Lee Gunter, who is in training at the New Orleans Charity Hospital is here for a few days visiting with the Misses Genevieve and Geraldine Parish.” (The Valpariso News Friday, 12/25/1936)

County of Okaloosa Deed No. 5: Chapter 28317 State of Florida through the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund of the State of Florida, Grantor to: J. J. Nathey of the City of Niceville, County of Okaloosa, State of Florida Grantee Witnesseth: WHEREAS, in pursuance of provisions of Section 9 of Chapter 18296, Laws of Florida, Acts of 1937, title to the lands hereinafter described vested in the State of Florida and the said State by said Section of said Chapter is authorized and empowered to sell said lands through the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund of the State of Florida; and further to dispose of land under Chapter 28317; Therefore, Know All Men By These Presents: That the State of Florida, through the Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund of the State of Florida, under authority of Section 9 of Chapter 18296, Laws of Florida, Acts of 1937, and under authority of Chapter 28317 Acts of 1953, for and in consideration of the amount of Eighty dollars, to them in hand paid, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, have granted, bargained and sold, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and convey all of the right, title and interest to the State of Florida to-wit: Lot 47, LESS that portion used for Highways, Nathey Estate Adjustment Subdivision, Okaloosa County, Florida. (Official Record Deed 07/02/1934) The Nathey homestead house was located near North Light Yacht Club and this was the first time it was moved for the purpose of widening a portion of West Main Street, known today as John Sims Freeway. It was moved a second time for the same purpose. During the 1960’s it was known as a local landmark. It was torn down in the early 1970’s.

Niceville’s neighboring community on the West side of Boggy Bayou changed the spelling of its name from Valparaiso, Florida to Valpariso, Florida, effective: February 3, 1937. This was done by Mrs. Mary L. Woodmansee, Postmaster from 03/18/1930 - 1/31/47. (Post Office Records)

July 4th Boating Accident Takes Lives of Niceville Family (Okaloosa News Journal, 07/09/1937)

Work on Niceville’s School to be Resumed In The Next Few Days: “Arrangements were worked out at this week’s meeting of the county school board whereby work will be resumed within the next dew days on the Niceville school building. Mr. C. D. Tomlinson, and other WPA officials were present when details were completed.
    Present arrangements are expected to carry work on the building to completion. Some of the units first called for will be eliminated because of the scarcity of funds. These include the auditorium, the heating plant, and the wiring. They can be added when money is available.
    The Niceville school is one of the county’s most badly needed projects. The structure being build by the WPA is a splendid, modern school building which will provide for the needs of the community for a long while. Much credit is due Miss Lula Edge and other county school officials for their efforts in this matter.” (Okaloosa News Journal Friday, 02/11/1938)

Lula J. Edge Is Candidate For Re-Election: “Miss Lula J. Edge announces her candidacy this week for re-election to the county school board. Miss Edge has given faithful and creditable service to her district and county although faced with many difficulties. Her outstanding contribution has been the work of replacing the destroyed Niceville high school building. Her district was without funds, bonded to the limit, and no insurance was forthcoming from the old building. By diligent efforts, and the cooperation of other officials, there is now being constructed at Niceville one of the county’s finest school buildings.” (Okaloosa News Journal 03/11/1938)

James Plew Obituary, April 16, 1938:

Niceville Makes Plans For Incorporation As County Municipality: Niceville, Fla. - (Special) - “After several unsuccessful get-to-gether meetings of the citizens to bring about action for the incorporation of this old and established fishing town, a petition has recently been circulated to bring about such action.The movement is sponsored by some of the leading business men of Niceville and enough signatures have been secured to incorporate. According to the petition a meeting will be held at the FryWald Theatre on July 7^th for the purpose of forming a municipal corporation selecting a name therefore, adopting a seal and designate by definite metes and bounds the territorial limits; and also to choose by vote a mayor and not more than nine nor less than five aldermen to form a council who shall perform the duties of the newly formed government.
    According to the boundaries as listed in the original petition Niceville will have a voting strength of nearly one thousand. For the past several years this incorporation has been advocated for the purpose of making living conditions better, promote and advocate necessary improvements, furnish an adequate water supply for the entire citizenry.
    Niceville is on the direct thoroughfare of the upper part of the Gulf Coastal highway, the DeFuniak Springs to Fort Walton highway and the Crestview-Fort Walton highway and all points north.” (Okaloosa News Journal 06/24/1938) (Note: House Bill No. 1302 "to establish a municipality of the City of Niceville" was introduced to the Senate on May 18, 1939 and passed on May 25, 1939.)

Niceville Ballots On Incorporation: “With sentiment apparently running favorably, Niceville voters went to the polls yesterday to ballot on the question of incorporating the town. Returns had not been announced at the time the News-Journal went to press. Several meetings, well attended by townspeople, were held for discussions of pros and cons before the matter was submitted to the voters. Advantages of incorporation for a growing town, particularly with regard to water and sewer systems, law enforcement, and street improvement were stressed. It was also pointed out that a badly needed cold storage plant would be more readily available to an incorporated town through federal aid. Niceville is one of the largest voting precincts in Okaloosa county. Its population is at present about 1,000. Under the terms of the proposed incorporation, Niceville’s limits would be extended to include about double this number.” (Okaloosa News Journal 07/08/1938)

Petition "At Mass Meeting to Determine Whether or not to Incorporate Niceville, Florida At Friewald's Theatre" signed by registered voters on July 7, 1938 for incorporation: "And we designated by definite metes and bounds for the territorial limits of said municipaltiy to be, to-wit:"

 Niceville boundaries as designated by definite metes and bounds above shown on 1936 map:

Crestview Band has Picnic and Concert At Shalimar: “Members of the Crestview band enjoyed a picnic at Little Bayou Recreation Park Thursday afternoon, and gave a concert there under the direction of Bandmaster Romulus Thompson. Last week the band proved popular at Niceville, being invited to play there on the afternoon of the town election.

J. M. Reynolds (a turpentine foreman from Louisiana) Is First Mayor As Council Meets:

No longer the fishing village of other days, Niceville, with a population of 1500 people within its corporate limits, is now numbered among Northwest Florida’s enterprising towns. An election held last week showed overwhelming sentiment for a proposal to incorporate. The vote was 329 to 4.

Chosen at the same time was a complete slate of town officials. J. M. Reynolds was named the first mayor of Niceville. On the town council were placed Claude Meigs, Wallace Spence, G. B. Anchors, Herman Anderson and Thomas Powell. J. W. Windham was named clerk and Hughie Holmes was selected as marshal.

Immediately following the election, a meeting of the town officials was called and the machinery of government set in operation. A further council meeting will be held immediately upon receipt of the town charter, expected within the next two or three days.

Starting from scratch, with an enterprising group of officials which would do credit to any of the towns in Northwest Florida, Niceville expects to build up to municipal status as rapidly as possible. A town water system and a cold storage plant for the benefit of the town’s all important fishing industry, are slated for first consideration.

With the action of Niceville, Okaloosa has three incorporated towns. Crestview and Valpariso are the other two. Fort Walton defeated by referendum a movement to re-incorporate last summer.

With the rapid growth of Crestview in the past three years it is estimated that there are now 2500 people within a radius of one mile of the court house. Town councils of both Crestview and Niceville expect to take an early census.” (Okaloosa News-Journal 07/15/1938)

State Archives Church Inventory, 08/04/1938 -  Assembly of God of Niceville:

State Archives Church Inventory, 08/05/1938 - Damascus Baptist Church Niceville:

State Archives Church Inventory, 1938 - Niceville Methodist Episcopal Church:

Fast Forging Ahead, City Council of Niceville is Seeking Large Development: “Not content with emerging into the city class, the citizens of Niceville through the recently elected city officials have set in motion a program of development that will mean much for the prosperity of that enterprising community.

We learn that application has already been made to secure a PWA loan and grant for the purpose of erecting a cold storage and ice plant. According to R. G. Patterson, consulting engineer of the Niceville City Council, this plant when completed will have cold storage facilities for 300,000 pounds of fish and be prepared to manufacture 25 tons of ice daily. The estimated cost of the cold storage and ice plant is $70,000.

The building of this plant is a necessity in the retaining of the little city’s principal industry; Commercial fishing; in addition to lessening cost to the fisherman, who now must ship excess product to other points for storage.

The next movement originated by the Niceville Council, which it is estimated will cost approximately $35,000 and for which PWA funds are also asked, is the proposed erection of a municipally owned water system. The water works service when completed would serve more than 100 families and in addition adequately supply all commercial houses and industries, as well as the U. S. Forest Ranger Station, the CCC Camp, the new Niceville School, and the Valpariso Golf Course.

The streets and sanitary conditions of the City will also come in for attention. It is proposed to ask the WPA for aid in this direction, so that main streets of this city can be surfaced properly and adequate sewerage disposal installed.

The men “behind the Gun” are J. M. Reynolds, Mayor; Claude Meigs, President of the council; H. G. Anderson; Wallace Spence; G. B. Anchors; and Thos. J. Powell, Councilmen. Russell G. Patterson is consulting engineer; J. J. Windham, City Clerk and Lloyd C. Powell, City Attorney.” (The Valpariso News and West Florida Review 08/15/1938)

Photo of Niceville High School Construction.

Niceville School Building Must Have Sanitary and Heating Equipment: “Joint meeting of Valpariso commissioners, Niceville City Council and Niceville School District Members, Friday August 10, 1938 to Devise Ways and Means: When the new Niceville School is opened for the next school term Niceville, Valpariso and the entire school district will have, for the first time in several years, a school building that will provide modern and comfortable quarters for pupils.
    In its class room arrangement and adequate rest room and wide hallway provision, the building leaves nothing to be desired. The only uncompleted portion of the building is the Auditorium which lack of necessary funds prevented its building.  
Likewise every necessary Sanitary, Plumbing and Heating equipment needs to be installed. This is also dependent upon the securing of necessary funds from some source, so that these much needed facilities can be installed before the school term begins.
    Last Friday, a general Meeting was held in Valpariso to discuss ways and means of securing the funds necessary to have these very much needed facilities installed, as well as completing the Auditorium. At this meeting there were present Mayor C. W. Ruckel and the City Commissioners of Valpariso. Mayor J. M. Reynolds and members of the city Council of Niceville and members of the Niceville School Board Trustees. At this meeting Mayor Ruckel and Mayor Reynolds were delegated to take up the question of securing the necessary funds for the installation of sanitary and heating equipment and the completing of the Auditorium from such sources, Federal, State or County that could provide such necessary funds.
    At the present writing the committee which has made several trips to Crestview and Pensacola, have not yet arrived at a definite allocation of funds, but it is hoped that their efforts will be successful.
Citizens of the Niceville School District should lend those who are working out details every possible support.” (The Valpariso News and West Florida Review 08/15/1938)

Niceville District School Faculties: “Faculties for several of the Okaloosa county schools have been named by the county school board. An announcement from the office of School Superintendent Walding lists the following selections; The others will be announced later. County schools begin Monday, Sept. 5. Fort Walton opens its school a month later. Niceville, District N. 6; Robert E. Allison, principal; Miss Garia Shivar, Miss Flora Hoston, Miss Florence Shofner, Mrs. Beulah Frazier, Mrs. Jerry Reynolds, Mrs. Vernon Lewis, Mrs. Odessa Garrison, Mr. Elmer Brewton, Miss Elizabeth Scott, Mrs. Perry, (Commercial open, Miss Myrtle Bouldin, Miss Marion Schofield.” (The Valpariso News and West Florida Review 08/15/1938)

Niceville:
“Mrs. Margaret Sowell and son, Jack who have been spending the summer at the Niceville Hotel, will leave for their home in Mobile, Saturday.

Misses Sadie Claire Pryor and Sarah Reddoch of Luverne, Ala. are at the Niceville Hotel for a weeks vacation.

Miss Louise DeBarde of Savannah, Ga. is visiting in Niceville.

Billy Meigs will leave Monday for Gainesville, Florida to resume his studies at the University of Florida.” (The Valpariso News and West Florida Review 08/15/1938).

Charles and Florence Postl sold to Florence A. McCaskill: Part of Sections 19 and 30, T1S R22W what is known as the Postl Place, containing approximately 112 acres, surrounded on the Westerly side by Magnolia or Weekly Bayou; on the Northerly and Easterly sides by Valparaiso Bay (Boggy Bayou), and on the Southerly side by a fence; also all boats, water craft, furniture household equipment and personal property of every character and kind whatsoever now located on the property. (October 1938 Warranty Deed)

Bayou Fish Company conveyed land to Mildred Plew Meigs, May 16, 1939: By a deed dated May 16, 1939, the Bayou Fish Company (which had been dissolved), through its surviving directors and trustees, conveyed to Mildred Plew Meigs "the west fifty feet of lot 3, block 18, of Niceville as shown and designated on plat 5 of the City, of Valparaiso, said plat being on file in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of Okaloosa County, Florida, the said westerly 50 feet of said lot being all that parcel of land lying south of Main Street and between the property of the Gulf Power Company and the property of W. J. Armstrong." The plat referred to is the same plat mentioned in the prior deed; the street referred to is the hard road mentioned in the prior deed; and the property referred to as that of W. J. Armstrong is the same property as that on which "Edge's new store building" had been located at the time of the execution and delivery of the prior deed. (Source: SUPREME COURT OF FLORIDA, DIVISION A, July 30, 1954 - PORTER ET AL v. MEIGS)

House Bill No. 1302 to "establish a municipality of the City of Niceville" introduced in Senate, May 18, 1939 (Journal of the Senate, May 18, 1939, page 485):

House Bill No. 1302 to "establish a municipality of the City of Niceville" passed Senate, May 25, 1939, (Journal of the Senate, May 25, 1939, page 687):

Warren Armstrong, member of the National Association of Postmasters, September 9, 1939

Niceville, Florida: "Directly across the bay from Valpariso is the thriving little community of Niceville. It bears the distinction of being one of the earliest settlements in Okaloosa County and has for many years been the center of the commercial fishing industry of the Choctawhatchee Bay region. In fact the industry is the basis of the community's prosperity and many thousands of dollars are annually paid to fishermen and plant employees. The Niceville Fish Co., operated by Mr. Claude Meigs, and the Spence Bros. Fish Co. are the leading commercial fishing industries and maintain pretentious fish warehouses and fleets of fishing boats. Niceville has a substantial business background, practically all lines of retail business being represented. Here also is located the High School of the southern section of Okaloosa County. The CCC maintains a large encampment just outside of the limits of the city. There is much historic background also in and around Niceville one being that of the story of an old mill built prior to the Civil War and which is still located on the Golf Course of the Valpariso Country Club, which is adjacent to Niceville." (Source: The Valpariso News and West Florida Review December 20, 1939)

Lula Edge Appointed Acting Postmaster, January 8, 1940

Warren Armstrong Civil Service Annuity Claim, January 22, 1940

Warren Armstrong Retirement as Niceville Postmaster after 21 years, February 1, 1940 Letter

1940 Niceville Federal Census, Election District 14, U. S. Army Air Port (Eglin Field). (Note: Below is a portion of Enumeration District 46-18 that lists the Army personnel at Niceville. The census was enumerated by James S. Faircloth, Clerk on June 24, 1940). The 'R' under City represents a community with a population of less than 2500.)

Niceville: (Source: The Valpariso News and West Florida Review, February 22, 1941)

1941 Niceville High School Beta Club Officers

1943 Letter from J.B. Porter Jr. (Bug) to his parents in Niceville - no house number necessary.

Nine Month School Term. (Note: Children of Eglin Field military families attended the Niceville school.) (Okaloosa News-Journal 03/18/1943)

Public Health Service in Valpariso 1943:

Source: The Public Health Service Newsletter, Crestviews, Vol. 2, #4 May 1943 - archived by Peace Education, Mennonite Central Committee.

Source: The Public Health Service Newsletter, Crestviews, Vol. 2, #5 June 1943 - archived by Peace Education, Mennonite Central Committee.

Niceville High School Class of 1949: (L to R) Randall Wise, Hugh Marshall, Bill Powell, Max Evans, Pete Howell, Jack Nichols, Doug Earley, Billy Brock, Herman Wright, Emmett Phillips (two unidentified). Not in photo: Henry Preacher, Betty Ruth Scott, Lucy Evans, Ruth Atwell, Vera Mae Wolf and Naomi Jamieson.