Roads and Cars
(A section of the NICEVILLE, FLORIDA - Online History Center)
"I don’t know much about history, and I wouldn’t give a nickel for all the history in the world. History is more or less bunk. It is a tradition. We want to live in the present, and the only history that is worth a tinker’s dam is the history we make today.”~Henry Ford
In 1908 Henry Ford introduced his low-priced, highly efficient Model T. (Note: Its widespread popularity created pressure for the federal government to become more directly involved in road development.)
CRESTVIEW - Sept. 16 - A petition is being circulated urging the county fathers to have the Cox bridge on Shoal River repaired, as it is considered by some to be unsafe, also to have the swamp bridged. This is on the public road leading to the bay country and is vitally important to the businessmen of Crestview. (The Pensacola Journal, September 17, 1908)
McCaskill
Motor Car Company
R. E. L. McCaskill, President K. E. McCaskill Sales Agent
Agents
for Halladay Motor Car of Streator, Illinois
30
to 50 Horsepower 7 different models
$1,125
to $2,750 can make terms DeFuniak Springs, FL Pensacola, FL (The
Breeze Advertisement 10/01/1910)
“Said to be a reliable automobile because it finished a 250 mile endurance race at Atlanta in 1910. It was chosen to be the press car for the 1911 Glidden Tour. About 300 Halladay automobiles were made by The Streator Motor Car Co. from 1905 to 1912”. (american-automobiles.com)
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".
(DeFuniak Herald 06/04/1914)
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)
Federal-Aid road Act of 1916: With rural interests adding to the battle cry of "Get the farmers out of the mud!" Congress passed the Federal-Aid Road Act of 1916. It created the Federal-Aid Highway Program under which funds were made available on a continuous basis to state highway agencies to assist in road improvements. But before the program could get off the ground, the United States entered World War I.
Garniers:
“Capt.
W. R. Blount and Mr. David M. Wittwell, of Pensacola, spent last
Thursday night at the Forest Ranger Station “Camp Pinchot,”
Garniers. They came through by automobiles from Pensacola.”
“R.
J. Henderson and Clyde Webb of Crestview were visitors at Garniers
Friday. They also went to Camp Walton to see the country and get used
to the roads in this part of the county.”
Proceedings
of the County Commissioners:
New
Road Machine Bought—New Voting Precinct Created—Many
Bills Traced Down.
"Mr.
Givens had D. J. Lott appointed as road overseer for the northwestern
portion of his district, and Frank Burke for the southwestern
portion.
A short public road was granted on the east side of the
river in Mr. Givens’s district.
A number of road matters in
the southern part of the county were laid over on account of the
absence of Mr. Edge.
Mr. Rozier was instructed to purchase a
first class road machine for the use of the county.
A
new precinct was granted in the northwestern portion county to be
known as Red Oak. Its number is 18.
Ordered
that all persons operating log teams or lumber wagons over the public
roads in the county were notified to keep the roads in as good
condition as they were when they began operations.
The
Clerk was ordered to purchase all necessary ballot boxes for the
holding of elections in the several precincts of the county."
Florida
Road Tax Upheld: Washington, Feb. 21, 1916—The supreme court
today upheld the constitutionality of the Florida road tax law,
making it a criminal offense to refuse to work on the roads. The case
decided was brought by Jake Butler, convicted in Columbia County.
Butler contended the law imposed involuntary servitude.
To Work Turkey Creek Hill: A letter from Hon. W. H. Spivey at Camp Walton, informs us that a large number of citizens from Camp Walton, Mary Esther, and Wright will meet at the Post Oak Ford on Turkey Creek next Monday morning with teams, plows and scrapes for the purpose of pulling down and hard-surfacing the bad hill at that place. They have requested all citizens at Crestview, who feel interested to meet with them at the proposed working place for the purpose of helping do the work. They say that if the Board of Commissioners do not feel inclined to help them in securing a decent road from Crestview to Camp Walton, that they will, with the help and co-operation of the citizens at Crestview, manage some way to get the road in a passable condition. The editor stands ready to do his full share in helping this project through. What will the balance of Crestview citizens do? We heard the list by subscribing $2.50, and the money is ready at any minute.The citizens of Crestview can, and ought to raise at least $50.00 to help fix this bill. Will they do it?” (Okaloosa News 02/18/1916)
Good
Roads Meet Held At Crestview Enthusiastic Gathering of Citizens Hear
Address by W. M. Herrider of Pensacola: “The
following is taken from Saturday’s Pensacola Journal and tells
of the good roads meeting which was held in The News office at
Crestview, Thursday night of last week. Crestview, Feb. 18, 1916—W.
M. Herrider, Secretary of the West Florida Highway Association, was
here from Pensacola and made a most interesting talk last night to an
enthusiastic crowd of Crestview progressive citizens on the
importance of good roads.
Mr.
Herrider laid special stress on the importance of completing the “Old
Spanish Trail” through Okaloosa County. He said in part that
Okaloosa, the baby county of the state, was to be congratulated on
the fact that she now has completed and ready for use thirteen miles
of as good hard surfaced roads as are to be found anywhere in West
Florida, there remaining only eleven miles more of road to be built
in this county before the “Old Spanish Trail” highway
will be completed through the county, which is far ahead of any other
county in West Florida, save it be Walton. When Mr. Herrider was
through speaking the editor of the Okaloosa News made a short talk,
wherein he stated “he felt sure that the remaining eleven miles
of unfinished road would be finished by the latter part of the
ensuing summer.” (The Pensacola Journal)
Okaloosa
County Commissioners Meeting March 14, 1916:
“Mr. Baggett offered the following resolution: Whereas we
realize the need of better roads and highways in Okaloosa County,
Fla. and whereas we believe an InterState or Fla. Ala. & Gulf
Highway can be built from Troy, Ala. via Andalusia to state line of
Fla. 6 miles north of Blackman, Fla. By Ala. Commissioners in
Covington County, as it is already completed 11 miles south of
Andalusia - Therefore, be it hereby resolved and ordered:
That we the
Board of County Commissioners for Okaloosa County Fla. begin at State
line of Ala. and Fla. where the present public road from Blackman to
Andalusia crosses said line at center line of Section 26 T6N R24W and
lay out a highway to be known as Fla. Ala. and Gulf Highway via
Blackman, Baker, Milligan and on to Camp Walton over the most direct
and practicable route.
That a Committee of R. A. Rozier, B. P. Edge
and J. H. Givens shall survey and mark out the route at once with as
little expense as possible.
That an Eastern division of same shall be
extended north and east from wherever the junction may be established
via Crestview, Garden City, Laurel Hill and to county line near Svea.
That we ask the County Commissioners of Covington County to make the
necessary extensions and connections to us.
That there shall be a
Southeastern Division leaving the main line south of Shoal River
leading direct to Niceville, Fla.
That we designate from Niceville
via Camp Walton to Garniers and Deerland via Crestview, Milligan,
Galliver to Holt and Milligan via Oak Grove to Newell and Laurel Hill
via Blackman to county line near Otahite as important roads together
with the above outlined highway roads and its divisions.
That each
Commissioner in his District where these roads and highways are shall
instruct his overseers to do as much permanent work on same as
possible, claying, grading, hardening, etc. provided no one shall
spend more money than there is in the road fund at any one time as a
bill against the county but may use private donations for which we
ask the cooperation of all persons.
In the passage of this resolution
a roll call was ordered. Those voting yes were Messrs Givens, Rozier
and Edge. Those voting no were Mr. Davis - Chairman not voting.
Description and Boundaries of voting precincts for Okaloosa County
were read, verified and ordered published according to law.”
Proceedings
of County Commissioners, Regular Routine of Business Transacted, New
Roads Granted, Board met with all members present:
“Quite
a number of bills against the county were examined and ordered paid. The
bonds of Allen J. King as justice of the peace, J. W. Martin as deputy
sheriff and Jas. J. Ellis as notary public were approved.
Public
road was ordered opened from Choctawhatchee Bay west to Santa Rosa
County line just north and parallel with Santa Rosa sound.
Public
road was ordered opened from Coxes’ bridge to Camp Walton to be
known as the Crestview and Camp Walton Road. A
viewing committee was appointed to view and mark out a proposed road
from Baker to Galliver. The
tax collector was instructed to pay all moneys collected for special
road and bridge district No. 1 over to the board of trustees.
The
sum of $2,000 was appropriated for each county commissioners’
district to be spent on roads and bridges.
Contract
with Walton Land and Timber for convicts was approved
Committee
was appointed to new proposed road from Holt to the Galliver Howell
road near bridge on Yellow River.
Col.
W.W. Flournoy of DeFuniak, appeared before the board and made a very
interesting talk on the subject of bonding Okaloosa County for
sufficient money to build a court house and jail and a net of good
roads throughout the county. However, the Board deferred taking any
action on the matter at this time.” (Okaloosa News 04/21/1916)
Auto Line From Crestview to the Bay Country Will Make Round Trip Each Day From Crestview to Camp Walton. Fare $4.00 Round Trip:
The contract between the two parties specifies that all passengers routed to Camp Walton over the L&N road are to be given immediate passage at a reasonable fare on good cars to be run on a regular schedule time.
The car or cars, as necessity may make it, will leave Crestview at 9 o’clock a.m. sharp, and will return at 7 p.m. the same day. The fare will be $4.00.
This arrangement will make it possible for everybody wanting to visit any point in the Bay Country—let it be Camp Walton, Mary Esther, Harris or Niceville, to go and come with but very little inconvenience, for after they have once reached Camp Walton, they can take boats and go where they please up and down the Gulf front but with little expense.
It is estimated by the L & N people that there will be at least two thousand people to pass over this route this summer, and of course this will mean a great deal for Crestview and our Gulf Coast section of Okaloosa County.” (Okaloosa News 05/05/1916)
Louisville
& Nashville Railroad Company Puts Crestview On Map - Crestview
Recognized as Tourist Town is Given Regular Tourist Rates From All
Points East of Selma, South of Montgomery, West of River Junction:
"Half
fare - plus 25 cents - to Take Effect May 25th. “News
was received here by wire this week from Mr. Pusey of the Passenger
Department of the Louisville & Nashville railroad that Crestview
has been given a special tourist rate from all points. The
special rate is one fare plus .25 cents for the round trip to and
from Crestview. This places Crestview in the same class as Pensacola,
Panama City and other coast towns as to low rates for summer tourist.
From
Crestview the passengers can be hurried by fast automobiles to
Niceville, Garniers, Camp Walton, Mary Esther and Harris, or any
other point along the beautiful Gulf front south of this place.
The
special low rate will go into effect May the 25th, which
will be in time to establish hundreds of more people to attend the
big barbecue and auctioneering of lots at this place on May the 27th,
and will be a great impetus for travel from all points via of
Crestview to the several summer and winter resorts in the southern
part of Okaloosa County.
The
granting of this special low rate by the L&N Railroad Company to
Crestview was brought about largely through the special interest
taken in the matter by Mr. W. J. Rice, manager of the Crestview Land
Company. He has been for some time past urging upon the railroad
people the necessity of such a rate in order that the southern
sections of Okaloosa may be easily visited by tourist from other
parts of the country. It
is expected that the new rate will be the cause of several thousand
people coming here during the summer. Once they are landed here they
will be taken to any point desired by fast automobile lines which are
being established here by competitive people.
Already
the daily line to and from Crestview from Camp Walton is doing a good
business. Other lines and other cars will be put on as fast as the
travel will justify.
Watch
Crestview grow! Watch Okaloosa resorts forge to the front! Then watch
fertile lands in the Northern half of the county be converted into
good farms. We welcome them all.” (Okaloosa News 05/19/1916)
The
Road to Niceville Being Improved: “It
was through the kindness of Hon. T. J. Finn, representative of Santa
Rosa county, that the editor passed over the road from Crestview to
Niceville last Wednesday and found much needed improvements made on
that road by Hon. B. P. Edge, Commissioner from that district.
Besides
straightening the road in many places, Mr. Edge has had the bad hill
coming out of Niceville clayed part of the way and strawed the
balance of the way. Then he has clayed the Juniper Creek hill all the
way up it. This was one of the worst sand hills in Okaloosa county.
So all in all, this road is now an average good country road, and the
automobile can pass over it with but very little trouble and no
pushing at all.” (The Okaloosa News 06/23/1916)
(October 2, 1916 The Okaloosa News W. H. Mapoles, The Editor and Owner)
Niceville:
“G. B. Anchors and W. Howell have received a new model Ford this making
six cars here. Hurrah for our City and the fast running Fords.”
(Okaloosa News 11/03/1916)
Niceville:
"Rev.
Brown of Freeport, came up from Niceville, on the daily car Monday
evening, on his way back to Freeport, where he filled his regular
appointment at that place. While here he stated that Niceville was
soon to erect a new Methodist Church, hurrah! for the smart and
industrious people of that place.
Mr. E. V. Terry of Holt, spent Sunday here with friends. Miss Lena White of White Pine, Tenn., is visiting her niece here, Mrs. Geo. Allen. Mr. and Mrs. White motored here Sunday and spent the day with Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Fred McGriff made a business trip to Mariana this week.” (Okaloosa News 11/10/1916)
Petition for Public Road: "Board met pursuant to adjournments with all members present - Ordered that petition for Public Road from Hard road near Cox Bridge by Niceville, Garniers Bayou to Camp Walton be allowed and the following committee be appointed to map out route - to wit:- W.A. Douglas - William Cox and M.E. Savage." (Board of Commissioners Meeting at Crestview 12/08/1916)
Bridge
Over Shoal River - Work Begun and Bridge to be Completed June 30,
1917: J. A. Stewart Has the Contract:
“Secretary Houston, of the United States Department of
Agriculture, has signed an agreement with the board of commissioners
of Okaloosa county, to cooperate with them in the construction of a
bridge across Shoal river at Cox’s Crossing, four miles south
of Crestview in the Florida National Forest. The United States Forest
Service has agreed to contribute $2,700 in cash and approximately
$960 worth of timber towards the construction of the bridge. M. E.
Savage, of Crestview, will contribute about 630 cypress piles and the
board of commissioners has appropriated $1,600 as its part of the
cost. The contract for the construction of the bridge has been
awarded to J. A. Stewart, a bridge contractor of considerable
experience. The contractor has already started the work and the
construction is progressing rapidly.
When completed the bridge
will be about one-half mile long, built entirely of timber, with a
clear width of ten feet. It was designed by the engineering
department of the forest service, and was approved by the highway
engineers of the United States office of road and rural engineering.
In the design are embodied the latest approved ideas of highway
bridge construction, and when completed will probably be the best
bridge of its kind in the state. The work will be done under the
supervision of County Commissioner Davis. The contract provides for
frequent inspection by government officers. The work will be
completed on or before June 30, 1917. The bridge will connect for
year around travel Camp Walton, Garniers, and Niceville with
Crestview and other points along the “Spanish Trail” and
to the northward.
The Choctawhatchee Bay and Santa Rosa sound
resorts have grown so in popularity during the last few years,
particularly among automobile tourists, that the need of good highway
communication has become most urgent. Since most of the road is
through the Florida National Forest, the government has been able to
offer cooperation in its construction, and realizing the importance
of it, has concentrated its road operations on the one project. In
addition to the construction of the bridge across Shoal river, local
forest officers have recommended the expenditure of about $10,500 of
government funds for the improvement of the Camp Walton-Crestview
highway. The commissioners of Okaloosa county, as well as a number of
private individuals, will contribute liberally to the funds, and it
is expected that this road will be made one of the most popular of
the laterals from the Spanish Trail.”
Niceville: "B. P. Edge and George Nathey, motored to Milligan Monday, where Mr. Edge attended the commissioner's court."
Niceville: "B. P. Edge purchased an Overland car this week from Mr. McCaskill." (Okaloosa News 09/21/1917)
Niceville:
"Robert
Parrish and L. L. Shaw made a business trip to DeFuniak Friday. W.
H. Parrish of Crestview was here a few days last week repairing cars.
Mr. and Mrs. Ottis Gunter, and Robert Parrish motored to Andalusia Saturday where Mrs. Gunter is on a visit to friends and relatives." (Okaloosa News Journal 11/30/1917)
Niceville:
"B.
P. Edge is remodeling and lengthening the bridge at the head of the
bayou. This work has been needing attention for quite awhile." (The Okaloosa News
12/21/1917)
Niceville:
"Dr. Huggins, Mr. Stubbs and Misses Erma and Clyde Miller all motored to
Niceville from Freeport and spent Sunday.
Dr. Haseman, John Conley, Ray Balenfield and Lattungdam all from the Dye plant motored up here on their new Ford Sunday evening.
W. J. Armstrong, Loyd Early and Joe Edge motored up to Crestview last Wednesday." (Okaloosa News Journal 06/21/1918).
Right of way through Nathey homestead (Niceville) for Crestview to Camp Walton road given on October 16, 1918 by Mary Jane Nathey, widow of William John Nathey:
Catching Fish in Gulf Off Okaloosa Coast: “Mackerel are being brought by the boatload into Niceville. The weather has been rough and fishing has not reached its crest, but fish of all kinds are being caught plentifully. Mackerel are especially fine, and many people motor to Niceville and buy fish “right out of the water.” (Okaloosa News Journal 04/16/1920)
Good Automobile Road Crestview to Niceville: A visit to Florida National Forest should be made a part of a trip to the South. There is a good automobile road across the pine lands from Crestview to Niceville on Boggy Bayou, and from that point Camp Pinchot Ranger Station. There is no ride like this in all of Uncle Sam’s vast forest domain - among the live oaks, the cypresses and the long-leaf pines, which rise 40-60 feet before spreading out their dense foliage. Along the road one seems to be riding through the arches of a cathedral. Turpentine camps and turpentine stills are numerous, and there is ample opportunity to study the simple yet novel methods of gathering and distilling the fruit of the pine trees.(Seeing the Sunny South John T. Faris, 1921 Published by Philadelphia; J. P. Lippincott Co. Chapter XX)
Construct 1000 Foot Bridge Over The Rocky Bayou: “A bridge one thousand feet in length will be constructed over Rocky Bayou connecting Okaloosa County public road with the Florida National Forest Reserve, according to the announcement made by A. E. Lodge, district engineer, and bids are now being asked for the work, said contract to be performed within not more than one hundred working days where the weather will not interfere. There will be required about five hundred feet of sand fill, and on these two projects bids are being asked. The forestry department will have this structure built, it is announced. Another bridge which will be erected soon in Okaloosa county in which the Forestry takes a hand will be that spanning what is known as Tom’s Bayou, and this work will be advertised within the next few days. There was some opposition to this bridge at first, and it was so persistent that the district engineer went to Valparaiso for the purpose of conducting a hearing and to receive any protest if anyone who cared to protest. At the hearing but one protest is said to have been filed, this coming from a lady who is said to have protested because the construction of the needed bridge would obstruct her view to some extent. This was not considered a legal objection and was not so held.” (Okaloosa News Journal 01/21/1921)
Rocky Bayou Bridge Let to Ed Pettus: “As advertised in the News-Journal for the past several weeks, bids for the construction of the one thousand foot bridge across Rocky Bayou were opened and considered in Montgomery, Ala., on the 3rd instant. There were nine bids on the proposition, the lowest one being $8,250 by Ed Pettus of Montgomery. This low price will enable the building of a very fine bridge well within the funds available, which is $11,500. One half of the cost of this bridge is to be paid for by Okaloosa county, the other by the National Forest Service at Washington, DC. It is expected that the contractor will be on the ground and begin the work of construction within the next thirty days. In addition to this improvement of bridges and roads, there is now being published in this issue of The News-Journal a call of an election for the purpose of floating a thirty-five thousand dollar bond issue for the erection of seventeen miles more of good roads in the Bay Country district. When secured this money will be used in the building of roads from the Walton county line into Valparaiso - seven miles - from Gap Creek bridge to Mary Esther, a distance of four miles, and the building of four miles from old Niceville to Rocky Bayou. When this lay out of roads and bridges are completed, they will connect all sections of the Bay Country with good roads and direct outlets - either by way of Crestview or Mossy Head to DeFuniak.” (The Okaloosa News Journal 02/11/1921)
Niceville Makes Plans For Incorporation As County Municipality: Niceville, Fla. - (Special) - “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)