1920 January
|
MR. R. J. ALLEN
PURCHASES PROPERTY AT FLORIDATOWN WILL BUILD PLEASURE
PIER
It will come as a matter of good news to the
pleasure seekers of this locality that Mr. W. J. Allen
of this city has just closed a deal for the former J.
D. C. Newton cottage and block on the bay front at
Floridatown, as well as some adjacent bay front lots,
and expects to develop the same into a modern
up-to-date pleasure resort. According to the statement
given us by the new owners of this property, he will
commence development work on it in the near future,
and will have it ready for the next summer bathing
season.
Mr. Allen says he will terrace the bank with
several cement curbs, down to the sandy beach, which
will be cleaned up and made second to none in the
state in point of attractiveness. He will comb the bay
affronting this property removing all objectionable
objects, thus assuring the bathers a clean hard sandy
bottom bathing place. He will build a cement pier far
enough out into the bay to reach water of sufficient
depth to accommodate bathers desiring deep water,
while the intervening waters will be suitable for the
little folks and those not desiring deep water.
This is a progressive move on the part of Mr. Allen
and will, we are sure, be liberally patronized, not
only by the people of Milton and Pensacola, but by
people from further inland, including South Alabama
and Georgia, to whom this will be the most accessible
resort.
|
1920 February
|
MR. R. J. ALLEN BUILDING LARGE BATHING
PAVILION ON FLORIDATOWN BEACH
What is destined to be the greatest pleasure resort
in this section of Florida is being built at
Floridatown by Milton's progressive automobile dealer,
Mr. R. J. Allen. As noted sometime ago, Mr. Allen has
purchased the old J. D. C. Newton property on the
beach, and is now erecting a large bathing, and
dancing pavilion there. This pavilion will have a
large o[pen area in the center that may be used
for dancing, or possible roller skating, wile on
either side of it will be bathing rooms, one side for
ladies and the other for gentlemen. Extending from
this pavilion will be a cement wharf extending out to
deep water, which will enable bathers to enjoy the
excellent bathing offered at this well known resort.
In addition to the buildings which Mr. Allen is
erecting he is having the bottom of the bay thoroughly
combed, and removing any obstruction which might
interfere with the pleasure of the bathers. When
completed this will be one of the finest resorts in
West Florida, and should add much to the enjoyment of
the hundreds of visitors who daily frequent this
attractive spot.
|
1920 March
|
NOTICE OF CHANGE OF LEAVING POINTS OF
ESCAMBIA FERRY
On and after Wednesday, March 24th, at one o'clock,
the Santa Rosa Escambia Ferry crossing Escambia Bay
between Milton and Pensacola will leave the Santa Rosa
side from Floridatown instead of Mulat and from the
Escambia side from Ferry Pass instead of Escambia. All
travelers should take due notice and govern themselves
accordingly.
H. A. BROSNAHAM, Manager
Mar 23-26
|
1920 April
|
FLA.TOWN DRAWING CROWDS
Larger and larger crowds continue to gather at the
dancing and bathing pavilion being erected at
Floridatown by Mr. R. J. Allen. While the dancing
portion of the pavilion is completed the bathrooms and
the wharf are not yet completed and it will be some
little time before Mr. Allen will have his pleasure
resort ready for a formal opening. When completed,
this will be one of the finest pleasure resorts in
West Florida and will doubtless be patronized by
thousands of people during the year.
|
1920 April
|
DANCE AT FLORIDATOWN
FRI. NIGHT SPECIAL MUSIC
There will be a dance at Florida-
town at Allen's Pavilion Friday night
April 16th. Special music. Welcome!
R. J. ALLEN, Manager
|
1920 April
|
DANCE
at Allen's Pavilion,
Floridatown
TONIGHT
and until further notice there will be
a
dance there every Tuesday and
Friday
nights.
R. J. ALLEN, Proprietor
|
1920 May
|
MR. R. J. ALLEN BUILDING BATHING PIER AND
FERRY LANDING AT FLORIDATOWN
Mr. R. J. Allen, who is building one of the most
commodious pleasure pavilions and bathing places in
West Florida at Floridatown, has the piling down and
is working on a pier for the landing of the
Floridatown-Escambia Ferry. When completed it will
extend to seven feet of water at low tide, and
possibly four at reasonably high tides, then instead
of travelers turning to the right at the Bayview
Hotel, and going out along the Escambia Mill track and
trestle they will turn to the left, and drive right
down to the pavilion, passing it on the right hand
side and driving out along side the bathing pier.
When completed, which Mr. Allen says will be within
the next ten days, this will furnish a much better
approach to the Ferry than the present landing does.
Mr. Allen's pleasure resort is already drawing large
crowds and when completed, and when the season more
fully opens up, it will be one of the most popular
resorts in West Florida.
|
1920 June
|
CHANGES IN SCHEDULE OF FLORIDATOWN FERRY
OF INTEREST TO PUBLIC
As will be seen by the advertisement appearing in
this issue of The Gazette, the Floridatown Ferry has
again made a change in its schedule.
One feature of the change is that the ferry will
run on Sunday the same as during the week, leaving
Floridatown at 6:00, 9:00, 1:00 and 5:00, on this
side; and leaving Ferry Pass on the other side at
7:00, 10:00, 2:00 and 6:00.
On Friday nights they will go it one better and
make an extra trip leaving Floridatown at 7 o'clock
and Ferry Pass at 8 o'clock.
Now, these are all good changes and if they will
just reduce the rate for transportation across on the
big ferry, we'll be willing for them to live a while
longer.
|
1920 June
|
|
1920 June
|
THE FLORIDATOWN RALLY
In spite of the fact that a heavy rain fell during
the greater part of the day Friday, the political
rally held on that date at Floridatown was large
attended and enjoyed by many. The attendance is
estimated to have been from four to six hundred
people. The local candidates were all present, with
the exception of Mr. J. W. Baggett, who was absent on
account of an important meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners of Okaloosa County, of which Board he is
the chairman.
The meeting was held in the Allen Pavilion, through
the courtesy of Mr. Allen, the owner. The refreshments
consisted of basket dinners, fish fry and fish
chowder, all of which were enjoyed by the crowd.
The speakers were in good form, and evidently
feeling well, as less discord and more harmony is
reported to have been evidenced here than any previous
meeting in this campaign, all of which speaks well for
the political safety of this county.
|
1920 July
|
MR. C. C. HAYNES LEASES ALLEN PLEASURE
PAVILION
Mr. C. C. Haynes, formerly of Milton, but recently
of Mobile, has leased the Allen pleasure pavilion at
Floridatown and will operate the same in the future.
It is understood that the resort will continue to be
operated along the high moral plane that Mr. Allen has
been operating it.
Mr. Haynes is well known to most of the people of
this section and his taking over this work is an
assurance that it wow continue to be one of the
attractive pleasure resorts of West Florida.
|
1921 July
|
STEAMER CITY OF TAMPA COMPLETELY DESTROYED
BY FIRE WEDNESDAY MORNING
The Steamer, City of Tampa, which had, until a
short time ago been operated as a freight and
passenger carrier between Milton and Pensacola for
nearly twenty-five years, was completely destroyed by
fire about two o'clock Wednesday morning.
Mr. Cleve Harvell, one of the owners, or possibly
the sole owner of the boat at this time, had taken it
down to the Bay Point ship yard Tuesday, and with
workmen were cutting a hole through the top of the
housing of the boat, preparatory to having the boiler
lifted out at one of the Pensacola Ship Building
plants for repairs. They had worked on the vessel the
greater part of the day Tuesday, and had but about an
hour's more work to do Wednesday morning, in order to
complete what they had undertaken, after which they
expected to take the vessel on down to Pensacola
Wednesday.
Mr. W. M. Broxson, who had been assisting in the
work, remained on the boat Tuesday night, sleeping on
the aft part of the boat which was swinging at anchor
a short distance from the shore. About twelve o'clock,
Mr. Broxson says he was awakened by being enveloped in
a dense cloud of smoke. Not being able to see any fire
from his location on the upper deck he descended to
the lower deck and found the fire making its way from
the forepart of the boat toward the rear, being driven
by a strong breeze. The fire had made such headway
that the fire extinguishers usually carried on the
boat made but little effect upon it, and Mr. Broxson
had to leap over board to save himself. Securing a
small skiff which he had tied to the rear of the boat,
he made the shore and summoned help, as quickly as
possible, meanwhile the fire had burned the hawser
with which it was anchored in two, and drifted out
into the bay, striking on a sand-bar between Bay Point
and the upper mouth of Yellow river, north east of the
light, where it sank with the exception of some of the
upper parts.
The Tampa was built in Mason City, West Virginia in
1887, and was operated at Tampa, Florida for a number
of years. In 1899 Capts. Mason and Barry brought the
steamer here and began operating it between Milton and
Pensacola.
In conferring with parties familiar with the
vessel, it was stated by them that the vessel was in
the neighborhood of an hundred ton boar, and that it
would cost approximately $25,000.00 to build and equip
a boat like it today. At the time the boat was burned,
we understand she carried but $3,500.00 insurance.
|
1921 July
|
FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1921
YOUTH AND BEAUTY FROM TWO COUNTIES GATHER
AT FLORIDATOWN PAVILION
The youth and beauty of Santa Rosa and Escambia
counties to the number of several hundred gathered at
the Floridatown Pavilion, at West Florida's most
popular resort, Thursday evening, where they enjoyed
dancing, bathing, and social chat until well we don't
know how late, all under the chaperoning of Mr. and
Mrs. R. J. Allen, who have resumed control of the
Floridatown Pavilion. While an enumeration of those
present would have been out of the question, it is
safe to assert that this was the largest crowd ever
gathered there for an evening's frolic. Cars to the
number of over an hundred were parked in the beautiful
grove adjacent to the pavilion, while a large pleasure
boat brought its quota of pleasure seekers from
Pensacola.
Special music furnished by a Pensacola orchestra
kept the feet of the dancers moving in unison, while
the gentle breaking of the waves on the beach sang
their songs of love and romance to those who enjoyed a
dip in the water or lounged along the beach and
bathing pier.
This resort is coming to be one of the most popular
in West Florida, and is drawing its quota of pleasure
seekers from an ever widening circle of territory.
|
1921 July
|
WORK ON THE MILTON-FLORIDATOWN ROAD IS
MAKING GOOD PROGRESS
Good start is being made this week on the
Milton-Floridatown road, the contract for construction
which, was let to Messrs. Collins and Gillis. These
gentlemen are commencing work on the further end of
the road, and already have several miles of right of
way cleared, stumps taken out, trees cut down and
fences moved. In fact several groups of workers are
busily engaged in this new work and have got as far up
the line as the Simpson's property, and possibly
further.
In addition to the actual work of clearing the
right of way the engineers are locating suitable clay
deposits and getting contracts for the same so that
there will be no delay in securing clay at a
reasonable distance from the sections of road where
the same is to be used. Fortunately, in spite of the
fact that many people imagined the section traversed
by this road to be largely a sandy loam deposit, there
appears to be an abundance of clay quite near the
right of way, in fact it may be that a mile or more of
surfacing may be done from clay that will be taken
from the roadway, itself, where a cut is to be
made.
Work on the building of the two bridges on this
roadway, the small one across Till branch, and the
larger one across Pond Creek, is taking shape. Messrs.
Allen and Winston, local gentlemen who have the
sub-contract for this work are getting the sand to be
used in the concrete, on the ground and have their
cement and tool house at the Pond Creek bridge already
erected. With a continuance of good weather there is
every reason to expect rapid progress will be made in
the development of the work on this road
throughout.
|
April 1922
|
R. J. ALLEN BUYS, AND WILL OPERATE DILGER
HOTEL, AT FLORIDATOWN
A deal of interest to many of our readers was
consummated last week when Mr. R. J. Allen of this
city, bought the Dilger Hotel of Floridatown. This
property is delightfully located on the bay, and is,
withal one of the best pieces of real estate in
Floridatown.
Mr. Allen states that he expects to have the whole
building thoroughly remodeled and repainted inside an
out, as soon as the same can be done. He and Mrs.
Allen expect to move to Floridatown this coming week,
and will operate the hotel, both as a summer and
winter resort, catering to home parties, as well as to
tourist trade.
With his large amusement pavilions, boating and
fishing wharf, boats, etc. which Mr. Allen already
owns at Floridatown, along with his well known push
and energy, there is no reason why that delightful
resort should not be placed prominently on the map of
West Florida in a short time.
Mr. and Mrs. Clint Bynum will occupy Mr. and Mrs.
Allen's handsome brick residence here in Milton during
their stay in Floridatown, or for the present at
least.
|
1922 TUESDAY, AND FRIDAY, JULY 5th AND
8th
|
R. J. ALLEN TAKES OVER MANAGEMENT OF
FLORIDATOWN PAVILION THIS WEEK
Mr. R. J. Allen, builder and owner of the
Floridatown pavilion, which has been leased to Mr. C.
C. Haynes for the past year, has resumed control of
that popular resort, closing the deal for the
remainder of Mr. Haynes lease Wednesday morning.
Mr. Allen says he will have a force of men at work
remodeling the pavilion and will be ready in the near
futures to furnish as good entertainment there as is
to be found anywhere along the coast. To those who are
acquainted with Floridatown, and with Mr. Allen, this
is no idle boast, as Floridatown, with its beautiful
expanse of water baked by the splendid live oaks that
have required centuries to develop, with its fine
sandy beach, its fishing, bathing, and boating
opportunities, is, indeed one of the finest locations
for a resort to be found anywhere along the Gulf Coast
and Mr. Allen, with his experience, energy, and
financial means, is thoroughly capable of arranging
his pleasure resort so as to give the people a
delightful time.
Mr. Haynes, whose lease on this place would have
expired the last of this month, expects to move into
Milton and may engage in one of several business
propositions which he now has in mind.
|
1922
|
MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE METHODIST CHURCH
MEETS AT FLORIDATOWN
On Wednesday afternoon the Woman's Missionary
Society of the Methodist church had a nice outing and
enjoyed a good program.
The meeting was held in the pavilion at Floridatown
and was, probably, the first religions service ever
held in that building. But the place is ideal and
everyone expressed appreciation of the courtesies
extended by those in charge.
There were about twenty-five present, and the
guests from Milton and Pensacola were cordially
welcomed. Among the latter were Miss Olive Creary,
Mrs. Delia Cater, and Mrs John Wood.
In the absence of the Superintendent of the Study
Circle, Mrs. I. W. Souls, the president, Mrs. C. W.
McConnell, was asked to take charge.
Following the program, appetizing sandwiches and
iced tea were served.
The next meeting will be the regular business
session, held at the church, the first Wednesday after
the first Sunday in September.
|
1922 December
|
WORK ON THE MILTON-FLORIDATOWN ROAD IS
MAKING GOOD PROGRESS
Good start is being made this week on the
Milton-Floridatown road, the contract for construction
which was let to Messrs Collins and Gillis. These
gentlemen are commencing work on the further end of
the road, and already have several miles of right of
way cleared, stumps taken out, trees cut down and
fences moved. In fact several groups of workers are
busily engaged in this new work, and have got as far
up the line as the Simpson's property, and possibly
further.
In addition to the actual work of clearing the
right-of-way the engineers are locating suitable clay
deposits and getting contracts for the same so that
there will be no delay in securing clay at a
reasonable distance from the sections of road where
the same is to be used. Fortunately, in spite of the
fact that many people imagined the section traversed
by this road to be largely a sandy-loam deposit, there
appears to be an abundance of clay quite near the
right-of-way, in fact it may be that a mile or more of
surfacing may be done from clay that will be taken
from the roadway, itself, where a cut is to be
made.
Work on the building of the two bridges on this
roadway, the small one across Till branch, and the
larger one across Pond Creek, is taking shape. Messrs
Allen and Winston, local gentlemen who have the
sub-contract for this work are getting the sand to be
used in the concrete, on the ground and have their
cement and tool house at the Pond Creek bridge already
erected. With a continuance of good weather there is
every reason to expect rapid progress will be made in
the development of the work on this road
throughout.
|
1923
|
THE GRAND OPENING
OF THE
THE ALLEN HOTEL
AT
Floridatown April 20
Marked the Opening for 1923, of the
Popular
FLORIDATOWN RESORT
HOTEL RATES
Transients, Board and Room ------------ Per day
$3.00
Rates by the week Board and Room ------------
$14.00
Single Meals ----------------------------- .75
Special Attention Given Week End Parties
BIG DANCE EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT
MUSIC, THE BEST
BATHING, FISHING AND HUNTING IN SEASON
J. A. HOWELL, Manager
|
1923 June
|
WILL HARRISON TO PLANT OLD KELKER FIELD TO
SATSUMA ORANGES, SAYS REPORT.
Bagdad, Fla., June 30,- The Kelker tract,
originally 700 acres, now dwindled down to 400, lies
on Escambia bay between Mulat and Floridatown. It was
sold recently to Will Harrison, a turpentine operator,
but who proposed also this winter to get into the
Satsuma game to the extent of fifty acres of his newly
acquired land.
Old Jacob Kelker was a Spanish grandee, and
cultivated about 200 acres of this land in tobacco.
Aside from the interest attached to this addition to
the rapidly growing acreage in Santa Rosa county, the
old Kelker tract is interesting in romance, as well as
tragedy.
The old Spaniard owned his own ships, and every
year loaded up his tobacco and went to Spain. Upon his
return from one of these trips, so tradition runs, he
found persons running off and capturing may of his
slaves and cattle, and in addition stole his wife.
The old Spaniard equipped a fast boat, and a crew,
and went to sea vowing vengeance upon all pirates and
the ones who raided him particularly. It is said that
he was so successful as a pirate hunter that he became
known as a pirate himself.
But his quest was unsuccessful. He returned to his
plantation. and melancholy claiming him for its own,
in a few years he lay dying. But before bidding
farewell to this world, he desired to reveal to his
sons the whereabouts of his money, and for this
purpose, at his request, was placed in a wheelbarrow,
and one of the sons rolled his dying father according
to directions towards a hill top near the Kelker home.
But his strength failed, and it is said he died on the
wheelbarrow, though his money was afterwards
found.
But even to this day there are occasional treasure
hunters, armed with pick and shovel, visiting the
vicinity of the Kelker tract and great excavations may
be seen by visitors, where buried money has been
hunted for.
This two hundred acres of old tobacco plantation is
rich land, and being forested now by only small pines,
will, Mr. Harrison thinks, be easily put in shape for
Satsuma oranges, a work he is now engaged in.
|
1923, August 24
|
R. J. ALLEN SELLS ENTIRE FLORIDATOWN
HOLDINGS TO CHICAGO DEVELOPERS
A deal of more than usual interest, not only on
account of the amount involved in the transaction, but
for the possibilities that it holds in the way of the
future development, was made this week, when Mr. R. J.
Allen sold his entire Floridatown holdings, including
his hotel, "The Allen"', and the bathing and dancing
pavilion, to Chicago parties. The purchasers of this
exceptionally attractive property, are Mr. and Mrs.
Frank C. Czaja and their son, Felix W., of
Chicago.
The new owners of this property are enthusiastic
over the beauties of it, and highly pleased with this
section of the State in general. It is stated to their
their present intentions to begin developments on this
property, at once, that will transform it into one of
the real resort places of this section of Florida. We
understand the first improvement will be the erection
of a large hotel, in connection with the one already
on the ground, thus preparing to care for the large
winter and summer tourist trade that they expect to
attract to Floridatown, from the North.
Santa Rosa county, and this section especially
extend to the new management of the Allen property, a
cordial welcome and bespeak for them an abundant
success in their undertaking.
IS FLORIDATOWN TO HAVE A SECOND NEW HOTEL?
RUMOR SAYS MICH. PARTY INTEREST'D
While it is a pretty well assured fact that the
Chicago parties who have purchased Mr. R. J. Allen's
holdings at Floridatown will erect a new modern hotel
at that popular resort, there is a persistent rumor
afloat that a party of Michigan capitalists are also
contemplating making some extensive improvements on
certain of the bay front property now vacant. Just
what form this improvement may take is uncertain, two
stories prevailing, that one they will build an
attractive hotel there, and the other, that they will
erect a number of modern cottages and bungalows to be
occupied chiefly as winter homes by Michigan
capitalists.
Which of these reports, if either, may eventually
be fulfilled, time along will tell. However it would
be hard to find a more attractive site for either,
than can be found at Floridatown while the climate,
bathing, boating, fishing and hunting to be enjoyed in
that neighborhood is unsurpassed by anything in the
State.
EXTENSIVE IMPROVEM'TS BEING PLANNED AND
MADE FLORIDATOWN, SAYS MRS. CZAJA
Mrs. Lottie A. Czaja, hostess and manager of the
Floridatown Hotel, formerly known as the "Allen," was
in Milton, and in an informal interview expressed
herself as more that delighted with the splendid
success they have enjoyed since going to Floridatown.
While they have not really commenced the extensive
improvements that they intend making, Mrs. Czaja says
they have their plans well outlined and that by this
coming Spring, or early Summer, they will have them
pretty well completed.
At this particular time they are devoting their
energies to repairing, redecorating and remodeling of
the pavilion, which will be under the management of
her son, where regular dances will be held every
Friday night embodying all the new features of the
dancing world. A new floor is being laid in the
pavilion, and the whole place is being decorated for
the Halloween dance and party that is to be held there
November 3rd. Mrs. Czaja says when the pavilion is
completed, that it will be at the service of the
ladies of Milton and surrounding territory, for their
use in holding any special entertainments and
programs, without a cent of cost to them.
It is safe to say that Floridatown will be put on
the map, in the next few months as it has never been
before under the enthusiastic management of its new
owners.
|
Date Unknown
|
NEW BATHING PAVILION AND SKATING RINK
BEING ERECTED, FLORIDATOWN
Floridatown citizens as well as the host of
visitors, who spend portions of their vacations there,
as well as he hundreds who drive out there daily from
Milton and Pensacola, will be interested in learning
that a new firm is becoming interested in the
developments there, and is now putting in a modern
skating rink, and together with Mr. and Mrs. Czaja,
are rebuilding the old Floridatown bathing pavilion.
This new developer, is Mr. F. J. Roske, of
Chicago.
The skating rink is being located on he site of the
former Floridatown, Czaja pavilion, and will be open
to the public on or before he Fourth of July. The new
bathing pavilion, will occupy the same site as the old
Floridatown pavilion, and will be ready for service
within a few days. This work will be in charge of Mr.
and Mrs. Czaja, and will embody several new features,
in the matter of the care of valuables, etc.
These improvements will add materially to the
pleasures of this already attractive pleasure resort,
and will be appreciated by the patrons of this
thriving little city.
|
1924, Spring
|
The news that Construction work will be commenced
upon the big bridge which is to connect Floridatown
and Ferry Pass by April 1st is welcomed here. The Old
Spanish Trail highway is fast becoming one of the most
widely advertised national highways in the United
States. Floridatown people feel a special pride in
being located on this famous thoroughfare. The big
bridge is expected to add much to the popularity of
this national route.
|
1924, April
|
FIVE PLANES WILL BE USED AT BRIDGE
CELEBRATION AT FLORIDATOWN, THURSDAY 1ST
Official announcement has been made from the Naval
Air Station at Pensacola that a total of five planes
will be used in connection with the Mayday celebration
of the beginning of work on the great Escambia bridge
project, at Floridatown. Four of the five planes will
be made use of by the officer personnel designated to
represent the navy. One of the planes will be used to
convey Captain J. J. Raby of the station, and Col. J.
L. Tilton, from Fort Barrancas, to the bridge site.
The fifth plane is what is known as a photographic
detail, and pictures from the air will be made by the
crew of the flier.
The band from the Air Station which has been
offered to furnish music, will make the trip in two or
more speed boats from the station.
The navy and army is showing a sincere spirit of
the most friendly cooperation in every way, to make
the event one of the biggest successes ever held in
this section.
|
1924
|
ESCAMBIA BRIDGE CELEBRATION BIGGEST
SUCCESS YET
(Picture of Governor Hardee)
GOVERNOR CARY A. HARDEE
The largest crowd ever assembled in Santa Rosa
county, met and enjoyed a day of unalloyed pleasure at
Floridatown Thursday, May 1st, at the celebration of
the beginning of work, on the Escambia bridge. Various
estimates of the crowd present have been made, ranging
from seven to twenty-five thousand. A conservative
estimate would be, that between ten and twelve
thousand people gathered on that historic spot,
yesterday to celebrate the initiation of a work that
has been the dream of far seeing citizens for the past
hundred years. A rather careful count of the
automobiles parked at Floridatown shortly after noon
gave something over twenty-one hundred, while a report
from the Escambia side of the river stated that cars
were parked in a double row there for approximately a
mile out from the ferry landing. In addition to the
people coming in these two to three thousand cars,
other hundreds came by boat, air-plane, teams,
bicycles and afoot, easily bringing the crowd up to
the number noted above. And yet with this throng of
people mixing, mingling, and jostling about, the
utmost good nature and good conduct prevailed, there
being not the slightest discord during the entire day,
and but one "drunk" seen on the grounds, he being a
man who came to the grounds drunk, from Molino, and
was promptly arrested by Sheriff Mitchell. The day was
ideal, while an abundance of bread and splendidly
barbecued meat supplemented the bountiful baskets of
dinner brought by the thousands of visitors, and the
excellent service rendered by the Satsuma Beach Hotel,
and the numerous lunch stands, on the grounds, in
feeding the multitudes.
Speaking Program
The speaking program, was carried out as ordained
by the committee, and several thousand people listened
with enjoyment and closest attention to the various
speakers of the day. Hon. W. W. Clark, of Milton acted
as Chairman of the meeting, welcomed the visitors to
our county in his characteristically hearty and
sincere manner, after which he introduced Governor
Cary Hardee, whose speech is considered by friends and
others to have won the Governor many friends.
Remarks of Governor
"No state in the union has a better or more capable
road department than Florida. I appreciate the fact
that I am covering considerable territory when I thus
refer to the department, however, they deserve these
words of commendation from me and from the people
generally. No one unfamiliar with the conditions
confronting them when they took hold, or the
troublesome situations with which they have had to
content, can fully appreciate the great work this
department has accomplished.
When the present department was constituted back in
1921, shortly after my inauguration as governor, they
found the department in much confusion and with unpaid
bills, and with no money to pay them, to the extent of
several hundred thousand dollars. These obligations
were discharged as quickly as possible and today their
affairs are handled upon a businesslike basis. Through
their recommendations the finances of the department
were reorganized and it has been so handled that
obligations have been met with promptness. The tax
levy of two mill, as fixed in the state millage has
been reduced to one mill and the bulk of the revenues
now comes from automobile license tags and from
gasoline sales. The department has considered, and
justly so, that it is sound from an economic
standpoint, that those agencies which largely use the
roads should contribute the major portion of their
building and maintenance.
The department has also definitely fixed the policy
of building up through the different sections of the
state great trunk-line roads connecting the various
sections of the state, as well as joining with the
roads from sister states approaching us. The work has
been concentrated largely upon those main roads and
the policy, which is a good one and ought to be
continued until they are finally finished, is now a
part of the law of the land. It was the road
department and their farsightedness that has brought
about this policy."
Personnel of Road
Dept.
Members of the road department are H. B. Phillips,
of Jacksonville; W. J. Tillman, of Live Oak; E. C.
Green, Tampa; T. S. _____, Miami; William Corry,
Quincy; J. L. Cresap, state highway engineer.
Florida's Resources
Governor Hardee spoke of the resources of
Florida--the citrus crops of South Florida and the
Satsuma of West Florida, the blueberry, agriculture,
naval stores, lumber, livestock. He said that good
highways now, like good public schools, no longer have
to be agitated in the minds of the people. The
attitude only a comparatively few years ago, he said,
has changed. People now realize, he asserted, that
highways and bridges cannot be built without funds,
and they are wiling to pay taxes to see that they have
good roads.
Dinner for All
Following the Governor's address, the program was
suspended for an hour and a half while the multitude
enjoyed the dinner hour. Thousands of loaves of bread,
thousands of pounds of barbecued meats, and hundreds
of well filled baskets furnished a sufficiency for
all, with more than the Biblical twelve baskets left
over.
Other Speakers
Following the dinner hour, a number of other
prominent citizens of Florida and Alabama addressed
the assemblage. The first of these speakers was
Senator John Craft, of Alabama, veteran road and
bridge booster of our sister state, who has been an
ardent advocate of good roads, both within and without
the halls of legislation for more than forty years.
His address was strong and forceful, and one of the
best of the day. Judge Phillips, chairman of the State
Road Department made a very effective talk, setting
forth some of the plans upon which the Department is
now at work. Mr. W. M. Corry, member of the State Road
Department, from Quincy, delivered an excellent
address, while Wm. Fisher of Pensacola, and others
spoke upon the theme of the Day. An invitation had
been extended to Capt. Foster Tomasello, now located
at Kennaville, in south Florida, who had, possibly
more to do with the initiation of the movement for a
bridge across Escambia, than any other living man, to
be at this meeting and speak, but owing to business
affairs, he was unable to be here, however, he wrote a
short historical sketch of the early efforts made for
securing a bridge across the Escambia, which was read
by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Clark.
Music by U. S. Band
Music for the day was furnished by the United
States Air Station Band, and was of a high order in
keeping with the reputation of this splendid arm of
the National Defense, and the happy occasion that
brought them to Pensacola. These gentlemen came to
Floridatown in Government speed boats, while still
others from the Air Station made the trip in
Airplanes, eight of these crafts being present at the
celebration.
Closes with Dance
The celebration proper closed about five o'clock,
when, the thousands began their homeward march.
However a good many hundred of the young folk remained
for the dance which had been arranged to be given at
the Satsuma Beach Pavilion, where, to the sweet
strains of music furnished by Bonifay's Famous
Orchestra, hundreds of youths and maidens tripped the
light fantastic until a late hour, thus completing a
day of unalloyed pleasure and happiness.
Governor Catches Fine String of
Fish
Following the close of the literary features of the
program, Governor Hardee, who, incidentally is a real
rod and reel fisherman, accompanied by several Milton
men of like penchant, including C. W. Cobb of the
First National Bank, Mr. I. B. Krentzman and Will
Stewart, went down on the Yellow river fishing. Here
the fates continued to shower their favors upon the
efforts of the day, and in one brief hour's casting
the Governor had the pleasure of landing a fine string
of fish, including a splendid five pound trout, two,
two pound trout and a three pound jack fish, which
were brought to the Bagdad Inn and served for supper
to the Governor and his party.
Sponsors Extend
Thanks
The celebration was sponsored by Escambia and Santa
Rosa counties, which the $800,000 structure joins. L.
W. Hardy, general chairman of Escambia, and Edgar Keen
of Bagdad, Santa Rosa county chairman, joined in this
statement:
"We want to thank all the good generous-hearted
people of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who helped
the committees to make this celebration the success we
believe it to have been. It might be possible to put
on more elaborate celebrations, but we do not believe
we could make one more beneficial, more enjoyable or
arouse more of the spirit that makes for growth and
progress. The committee wants every person who
contributed in any manner in the celebration to know
that their help is appreciated."
|
1925, June
|
MILTON, FLORIDA, FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1925
BIRMINGHAM COMPANY PURCHASES FLORIDATOWN
TOWN-SITE HOLDINGS INCLUDING LOTS, TRACTS,
ACREAGE
The Florida Shore and Farms Company, of Birmingham,
Ala., through its attorney, in Birmingham, recently
purchased from Messrs. Davis and Harrison, the
Floridatown town-site and acreage tract, consisting of
approximately four hundred acres all told, and
including considerable waterfront, some two hundred
fine building lots, thirty-two five acre farms, or
farmette tracts and some hundred and fifty acres of
other lands. Much of this land lays along the road
leading to the million-dollar bridge now being
constructed across the Escambia river. These tracts
will be sub-divided and sold out in smaller
blocks.
The tract purchased by this Company does not
include either of the hotels, the pavilion, or any of
the privately owned properties of Floridatown, but
does include unsold residue, of lots, five acre
tracts, water frontage, and acreage that belonged to
the Floridatown town-site Company, as purchased some
ten or twelve years ago by Messrs. Harrison and
Graves, and later came into the possession of John L.
Davis and J. C. Harrison. It is a splendid property,
being located about nine miles from Milton, a little
further from Pensacola, and extending up to the foot
of the new Escambia bridge now under course of
construction.
The Florida Shore and Farm Company is getting out a
handsome prospectus in connection with this
development, and the business interests of Milton,
which will be largely circulated in adjoining states,
as well as in the North and middle west. This booklet
will not be confined to the development of the
Floridatown tract, this being merely an incident in
the work the Company has in mind, but Santa Rosa
county will be its theme, and its many and varied
advantage will b set before the World as concisely and
clearly as possible.
PACE SAWMILL TO BE REBUILT
Plant of Smaller Capacity to Be
Erected
The sawmill at Pace, which was recently destroyed
by fire, will be rebuilt, it has been announced. The
mill will have a smaller capacity than the one which
burned, and it is expected that with the supply of
timber now on hand will be able to operate for at
least four years. The capacity of the new mill will be
between 25 and 50 thousand feet a day.
The Pace townsite has been purchased by Burgess
Pace, his two brothers and J. A. Spencer, together
with the mill equipment which escaped the fire, and
the orange groves recently set out there will be
further developed. Plans are also under way for the
establishment of a large poultry farm at Pace, it has
been stated.
|
1926, Early in the Year
|
PACE BROTHERS BUY THE
HARDEE HOTEL FLORIDATOWN
ROLLO REALTY MAKES THE DEAL
A deal that will be of decided interest to a good
many people both in Floridatown and in Milton, was
closed this week, when the Pace Brothers bought the
entire Hardee holdings at Floridatown, including the
Bayview Hotel and eleven lots there with. While the
consideration was not made public, it is understood
that it was in the neighborhood of twenty thousand
dollars. The deal was made through the Rollo Realty
Company of this City.
It is understood that Mr. Pace will remodel and
clear up the holding, and either resell it, or lease
it to some competent hotel people.
It is reported that Mr. Hardee and family intend
moving to Miami, but we have not been able to confirm
this report, by a statement to that effect from Mr.
Hardee.
The property referred to above is a most attractive
and valuable holding, looking out, as it does, over
Escambia Bay, but a few hundred feet distant, the
building itself being surrounded by stately live oaks
possibly a century old, making, in all, one of the
most attractive places in West Florida.
MR. J. G. PACE VISITS MILTON, HIGHLY
ENTHUSIASTIC OVER FLORIDATOWN
DEVELOPMENTS
Mr. J. G. "Jim" Pace, of Santa Rosa county and
Pensacola, spent the greater part of the day,
Wednesday, in Milton and Floridatown, where he
contemplates erecting a summer home for himself and
family, in the near future. In speaking of
Floridatown, Mr. Pace evidenced a good deal of
enthusiasm over the vision he has of that delightful
resort, after it shall have been developed as he
believes it will be.
Mr. Pace's three sons, John, Richard and Burgess,
recently purchased the Bayview Hotel and a
considerable number of lots adjoining, and contemplate
developing it into a real pleasure resort. Speaking of
the Park, lying in front of the Hotel properties, and
between them and the beach, Mr. Pace said, it is his
intentions, if accorded the privilege and given the
moral support of the citizenship of the community, to
erect piers out into the bay, construct stands,
pavilion, etc. where the people can come and enjoy
themselves at a minimum cost, in this connection he
has a vision of Floridatown yet becoming a great
pleasure resort, in which man will partially, at
least, compete with nature, in making it the most
desirable on the entire West Florida coast.
FLORIDATOWN COMING TO BE MOST POPULAR
BATHING RESORT, HUNDREDS VISIT DAILY
Since the establishment of the water sports
equipment, raft, slides and high dive, by Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Czaja at the Satsuma Beach Pavilion, at
Floridatown, that place is becoming one of the most
popular resorts in this entire section. In addition to
the water sports, there is an excellent dancing floor,
with a fine electric piano, and excellent service at
the cold drink stand and confectionery stand, all of
which added to the wonderful natural beauty and
comfort of this place, make it an ideal location in
which to spend the week-end, a few days, or even an
entire summer.
While the owners of this property has made no
especial efforts to advertise the merits of their
place, as is being done by a great many other resort
towns, still Floridatown is gaining in popularity,
rapidly, there being hundreds of people visiting there
daily, and enjoying the excellent bathing facilities
offered.
With the purchase of the Bayview Hotel and the
attractive grounds surrounding it by the younger Pace
Brothers, it is presumable that they will add their
influence and financial strength toward popularizing
this property, making it, as it justly deserves one of
the most popular and best known watering resorts in
this section of the State.
|
1926, Spring
|
FLORIDATOWN TO BE DEVELOPED IN NEAR FUTURE
SAYS MR. BURGESS PACE, RECENTLY
Information that will be of interest to many
throughout Santa Rosa County was contained in a
statement recently made by Mr. Burgess Pace, owner of
the Pace townsite, and interested with the Pace
Interests in the Floridatown Hotel, formerly owned by
Mr. Hardee. Mr. Pace stated that while they are
considering the sale of this property, at the present
time, that, if it is not sold by the first of the
year, they expect to enter actively into the
development of it.
Floridatown, has been conceded by all who have
visited it, to be one of the most attractive water
front properties to be found anywhere in the State. In
addition to its fine frontage on Escambia Bay, where
the tides rise and fall regularly, every twenty-four
hours, and where there is a beautiful sandy beach, the
land, right up to the bluff above the beach is thickly
covered with magnificent moss draped live oaks,
stately magnolias and shaggy hickory, as well as many
other hard wood and pine conifer trees. With the
wonderful work that Nature has done for the
Floridatown section, the expenditure of but a
comparatively small amount of money and effort on the
part of man, will make it one of the most attractive
spots in the entire State.
BURGESS PACE REMODELING BIG FLORIDATOWN
HOTEL AND ERECTING COTTAGES ON SITE
Mr. Burgess Pace, owner of the old Hardee Hotel, at
Floridatown, which is possibly the second largest
hotel structure in Santa Rosa county, has a crew of
men at work repairing and remodeling the same,
preparatory to opening it for the summer tourist
trade. This hotel is delightfully situated among the
century-old moss covered live oaks, overlooking
Escambia Bay, one of the most beautiful sheets of
water in this section, and is, withal the making of a
wonderfully attractive tourist hotel.
In addition to repairing the Hotel building, Mr.
Pace is also erecting, or planning to have built, a
bathing pavilion and bath houses, as well as several
cottages for the accommodation of those who will
desire to spend some time in this attractive
resort.
BUSINESS AT FLORIDATOWN TAKING ON NEW LIFE
NOW
Floridatown, one of the most delightful resorts in
West Florida is taking on new life at this time. The
Satsuma Beach Hotel reports a number of regular
boarders from Pensacola and other points now
registered there, while the business of the Satsuma
Beach Pavilion is showing a large increase. In fact
there were more than three hundred visitors to that
place a week ago Sunday from Brewton, Alabama, alone.
Last Sunday large crowds were present, there being
cars there from as far away as Atmore, Alabama.
The work of constructing the new Pace Hotel and
Pavilion is progressing rapidly, crews of workmen
being busy on these projects with the hope of having
them finished in time for the celebration
commemorating the opening of the bridge, July 8th. A
new post office building is also being erected, in
which Uncle Sam's representative and business will be
housed.
FINE PROGRESS BEING MADE ON REMODELING THE
PACE HOTEL
The work of remodeling the Bayview Hotel,
Floridatown, which is being carried on by the new
owner of this attractive property, Mr. Burgess Pace,
is progressing rapidly, and when completed, this will
be one of the most attractive hotels in West Florida.
The original building was quite commodious, situated a
couple of hundred feet back from the Bay, in a
beautiful grove of century old, moss draped, live
oaks, and overlooking one of the most charming sheets
of water to be found in Florida.
The new owner is remodeling the entire building,
putting in additional shower and tub baths, repainting
and refinishing it throughout on the interior. The
exterior is being made more attractive and serviceable
by putting a side two-story veranda around the two
long sides and the front of the building, and treating
the whole structure to a liberal dressing of white
paint with green trimming.
In addition to the hotel, Mr. Pace has a large
dancing pavilion under process of construction, which
it is hoped will be completed by the date set for the
opening of the Escambia bridge. These improvements
will ad much to the attractiveness of Floridatown
which will doubtless be more popular than ever during
the present summer.
|
1926
|
MERRY GARDENS PAVILIONS BEING ATTRACTIVELY
DECORATED
Merry Gardens Pavilion, which was not finished when
the big celebration of the Escambia Bridge forced it
into service, is now being finished, painted,
decorated, and made a most attractive place of
amusement. The glass plates in the floor, have been
illuminated, adding to the attractiveness of this
splendid floor, while a large amount of lattice work
arranged in drapery effect and painted in attractive
designs, drop from the ceiling, giving a most pleasing
effect to the entire place.
The soda fountain fixtures and equipment are being
put in, and the entire place is rapidly being
thoroughly finished. Those in a position to know
whereof they speak, declare this will, when completed,
compare most favorably with the high class resort
places of South Florida, while the natural scenery and
beauty of Floridatown, where the Merry Gardens Theater
located is unsurpassed by anything in the State.
|
1926
|
MERRY GARDENS DANCING PAVILION OPENED
THURSDAY
The Merry Gardens Dancing Pavilion was formally
opened Thursday, when hundreds of dancers enjoyed
tripping over the splendid floor of this amusement
center, to the strains of excellent music rendered by
the New York Orchestra, that has been employed for the
season. While not yet completed this Pavilion is not
opened to the public, and it is expected to have
dancing there, every night except Sunday.
This pavilion, is unquestionable the most
attractive of any institution of its kind in West
Florida, the floor being of the finest hard maple,
sanded to the smoothness of class, while there are a
number of glass inserts in the floor, through which
varicolored electric lights will add their attractions
to the dancing scene. Around this spacious floor are
open windows, looking out onto the bay on one side,
and onto magnificent live oaks on the other. The
orchestra platform is at one end, while the ticket
seller's desk occupies a point of vantage at the
other. Commodiously arranged cafeteries, and soft
drink stands occupy a portion of one end, so that
refreshments are accessible without leaving the
building.
This splendid building is located in one of natures
most charming settings, being at the water's edge of
beautiful Escambia Bay, while back of it are scores of
century old live oaks, which, with their draperies of
Spanish moss, illuminated by hundreds of various
colored electric lights, gives a most delightful
setting to a pleasure resort that will be second to
none in West Florida.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodward, the efficient managers and
Mr. Pace, the owner of this property assures us that
they have just begun development, and that with time,
they . . . .
J. G. PACE AND ASSOCIATES TO ERECT
BUILDING AT FLORIDATOWN FOR RELIGIOUS
SERVICES
Mr. J. G. Pace, well known Pensacola and Santa Rosa
capitalist and philanthropist is perfecting plans for
the erection of a commodious building, out at
Floridatown, for holding religious meetings, Sunday
School, Lectures, Conventions, etc. This has been a
dream of Mr. Pace's for some time, and last Friday, he
in connection with several local citizens, including
Mr. Spencer, of Pace and Messrs. E. H. Lundy and D. C.
Diden, met at Floridatown and selected a site for the
proposed new building.
There were several sites suggested, Mr. Pace,
himself, rather favoring the putting of the new
building well up on the front, however, yielding to
the suggestion of the majority, it was decided to
locate this building on beyond the Merry Gardens
Pavilion, just beyond the flowing well near the old
railroad right of way. This will be a beautiful
location, overlooking the bay, and backed by fine old
live oaks, with their draperies of moss.
The place having been decided upon, work on the new
building will be commenced within the next few days,
in fact it is hoped that a good start will be made
this week. The building, as contemplated now will be
fifty by sixty feet, well built and attractively
finished. It is contemplated to have a real old
fashioned "Raisen," to which everybody interested will
be invited to com and give a day's work, in helping to
construct this building.
Just what plans may be decided upon regarding the
use of the building, is not yet decided, however it is
known that it is to be a non-sectarian community
affair where it is expected that all regular religious
sects will be welcome. The management of the building
has been tendered to a Milton citizen, but was not
accepted by him, he deeming it better to have a
committee of several to have charge of this work,
rather than to accept the responsibility himself.
|
1926
|
THE PACE HOTEL AT FLORIDATOWN TO BE
FORMALLY OPENED JULY 8TH
RECEPTION BY GOVS. OF FLA. &
ALA.
Floridatown is to have a commodious two-story hotel
when the structure, which is being erected by Burgess,
Ashley, and John Pace, of Pensacola, is completed.
According to the backers of the hotel, it will be
thrown open to the public July 8th, the Escambia bay
bridge. At this time it is expected by the promoters,
that Governor Martin of Florida, and Governor Brandon
of Alabama, will hold a reception at the hotel.
It was stated by Mr. Pace yesterday that the hotel
will be modern in every respect and that reasonable
rates will prevail.
A large orchestra will be maintained by the hotel
to furnish music for dancing and general
entertainment.
One of the features of the development will be bath
houses, with lockers and modern equipment. Tennis
courts will be built near the hotel, Mr. Pace
stated.
The Pace brothers are owners of the resort. A. H.
Woodward has leased the resort and will be in charge
of operations, it was stated. Mr. Woodward has
operated resorts in Michigan and Ohio for several
years and is well qualified to operate such a resort
according to J. G. Pace, who said in connection with
the opening of the resort:
- "Floridatown is rich in history and is one
of the beauty spots of Florida, it has been a
resort for 60 years."
- "The resort at Floridatown will b an ideal
place to held political rallies as a good crowd
is always in attendance. A place will be erected
for the holding of such gatherings."
- "Parks and play grounds will also be
features of this resort."
|
1926
|
FLORIDATOWN BADLY WRECKED, SATSUMA BEACH
PAVILION GONE, MERRY GARDENS BAD DAMAGED
From meager reports received here today, it appears
that Floridatown was badly hit by the storm of
yesterday. It is reported that the Satsuma Beach
Pavilion was completely washed away and that the
little new church that had been erected on the beach
was destroyed, while the bathing wharf of the Merry
Gardens Pavilion was washed out and the underpiling of
the new pavilion had washed out leaving this beautiful
structure tilted up on one side. Whether any other
damage was done or not, was not learned
|
1926
|
MERRY GARDENS PAVILION SOON TO BE READY
FOR USE AGAIN SAYS MR. BUD ROGERS
Mr. Bud Rogers manager of the Merry Gardens Hotel
and Pavilion, who has charge of repairing the pavilion
stated Wednesday that, were it not for the wiring he
would have the Pavilion ready for the dance Saturday
night, but it will be some time before they will be
able to get the electrical connections installed.
The Merry Gardens Pavilion, the only one of the
three buildings on the waterfront at Floridatown, that
survived the storm was left standing almost
unsupported in mid air. Every one of the brick pillars
that supported the walls of the building but two, were
battered down, leaving this large structure resting on
these two pillars and the wooden supports underneath,
a most unstable affair, as one might imagine. Mr.
Burgess Pace has a crew of men at work jacking up and
leveling the building and putting new supports under
it, so that it will be ready for use within a very few
days.
While the water came well up into the pavilion, it
was there for but a brief time and the floor, with its
beautiful glass inserts, is practically undamaged. In
fact the building is intact in every way, and when
replaced on the new supports will be just as good as
it was before.
|
1927, November
|
Closing of Floridatown Resort Taken under
Advisement by Judge West
The hearing of the motion of State's Solicitor, L.
L. Fabisinski asking for a temporary injunction of the
Floridatown Dancing Pavilion, declaring the same to be
a pubic nuisance, was commenced before Judge T. F.
West here at ten o'clock, Saturday, complaints
alleging drinking and fighting as being prevalent at
this dancing resort were cited by the State's Attorney
in his application to close this resort, owned by Mr.
H. B. Pace and operated by Mr. M. B. Rogers.
Mr. Sam Pasco, of Pensacola, was retained by the
defense, and the case was called shortly after ten
o'clock. A number of witnesses, were heard, both from
Milton, Pensacola and Floridatown, these including
among others Sheriff Mitchell and several of his
deputies, Mrs. Czaja, the nearest resident to the
pavilion at Floridatown, and others who have
frequented these dances. The trend of the evidence
seems to be that the main argument, especially that of
Mr. Rogers, was using every effort to operate a clean,
orderly place of amusement, and that as a rule it was
being better conducted than most such resorts are,
that while admittedly there was some liquor drank in
the park, and on the roads about the pavilion, that no
liquor was permitted to be brought within the pavilion
nor were drunk people permitted to remain within the
pavilion.
After hearing the evidence, the case was argued
before Judge West.
Floridatown Case Is Still Before
Court
No disposition has yet been made of the motion of
L. L. Fabisinski, state's attorney, for an injunction
against operation of the Floridatown dance
pavilion.
Judge T. F. West, who has the case under advisement
said last night that he has reached no decision.
A hearing on the motion was held in chancery court
at Milton last Saturday. Complaints of alleged
drinking and fighting at Floridatown were cited by the
state's attorney, The pavilion is owned by M. B.
Rogers and H. B. Pace.
|
1927, December 13
|
Judge West Denies Injunction To Close
Floridatown Pavilion
Owner Wins Court Decision But Will Close
Place On Own Initiative
While the Floridatown Pavilion, will not be closed
by order of the Court, as some thought to have done,
Judge West having refused to grant the injunction
prayed for, this place of amusement will, however be
closed by the owner, Mr. Burgess Pace, who was a
Milton visitor today.
In referring to the Pavilion, Mr. Pace stated that
he was not disposed to close his place of business
under the fire of false charges, but in view of the
fact that the Courts had exonerated the present
management of it, of the charges preferred against
them, and in order to make certain repairs and changes
that he had been contemplating for sometime, he would
voluntarily close the Pavilion for an indefinite
period of time. Judge West's decision in the case is
as follows:
"From the undisputed testimony it appears that
under the present management of the place of
amusement, the conduct of which is complained of, the
defendant Rogers, having recently been employed in
that capacity, Sunday dancing in the pavilion has been
discontinued, the Saturday night dances being closed
at twelve o'clock midnight. Generally an injunction
will not be granted against an act or conduct which
has ceased to exist prior to the application for the
injunction.
"There is evidence of drinking and drunkenness on
the premises where dances are given. But the drinking
is not in the pavilion. It is more or less
clandestine, under cover of darkness, the liquor being
conveyed there by participants in the amusement. There
is no evidence that liquor is obtainable on the
premises."
|
1928, February
|
American Legion
DANCE
FLORIDATOWN PAVILION
Thursday, Feb. 16, at 8 P. M.
Dixie-Sherman Orchestra
Benefit of Milton Legion Post
- GOOD MUSIC BIG CROWDS
GOOD TIME
-
Everybody Welcome - Tell Your
Friends
FREE RIDE TO THE DANCE AT FLORIDATOWN
THURS.
Anyone desiring to attend the dance at Floridatown,
Thursday night, who have no way of getting out there,
should communicate with any one of the following
committee, by whom free transportation will be
provided; Dr. W. D. McArthur, High Butler, A. P.
McLaughlin, C. H. Overman, and A. E. Edwards.
|
1928, April
|
GRAND OPENING OF
Floridatown Hotel
And
Pavilion
Saturday Night April 21
Plenty of Pep Good Music
by
The Southern Aces
Orchestra
"You'll Like It"
_____________________
FLORIDATOWN WILL BE OPENED NEXT
SATURDAY
Popular Pleasure Resort Plans Grand
Opening
Floridatown hotel and pavilion will open for its
summer season Saturday night, April 21, with a feature
dance, it was announced yesterday by M. B. Rogers,
manager of the popular resort. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers
will have charge of the hotel and pavilion for the
Pace Interests.
The popular Southern Aces orchestra of Mobile,
Ala., has been engaged for the season. "Pleas" Finkles
is manager, Members of the orchestra played at
Floridatown during the 1927 season. Park plan dancing
will be enjoyed, and the hotel will dater especially
to vacationists from the interior sections of the
South.
Floridatown has been popular as a resort for a
number of years. It is a historic spot, with
magnificent oaks fringing beautiful Escambia Bay. With
the opening of the pavilion and hotel two summers ago
popularity of the resort has increased.
Mr. Rogers said he would assure the public the best
entertainment possible.
|
1928, July
|
SQUARE DANCE
At
FLORIDATOWN
PAVILION
Wednesday Night, July 18
GOOD MUSIC-----GOOD ORDER
Everybody Come
Bring Somebody With You
V. D. MORGAN, Mgr.
ADMISSION ONLY 10 CENTS
DANCE TICKET, ONE SET,
25¢
TICKETS FOR THE NIGHT, $1.00
____________________________
MERRY GARDEN SCENE OF
DELIGHTFUL BRIDGE PARTY
The Merry Garden pavilion at Floridatown was once
again the lovely setting location of the several
bridge parties last Friday afternoon, when Mrs. L. C.
Fisher and daughter, Miss Addie were the gracious
hostesses to about forty friends and when the scores
were totaled Mrs. W. D. Douglass, of Crestview, was
presented a novelty bridge set for high score, Miss
Kathryn Barry received a lovely picture as prize for
making low score, Mrs. Snoddy cut consolation which
was an attractive crystal bowl. A dainty iced course
in yellow and white closed the afternoon
hospitality.
Those enjoying the pleasure were Mesdames I. V.
Trueman, James Faircloth, Fred Snoddy, W. D. McArthur,
I. B. Krentzman, C. H. Overman, Sammy Stewart,
Lawrence Cobb, Culver Cobb, Zena Elder, Ida McDaniel,
Hugh Butler, S. G. Collins, H. S. Bates, Lyman Lynn,
Harry Thompson and mother, Mrs. Brittan, T. H. Edney,
W. D. Douglass and W. H. Mapoles of Crestview, W. F.
Monroe, Mrs. Brittenham of Houston, and Mrs.
Greenleigh, of Bagdad, Misses Agnes Ray Applewhite,
Kate McDaniel, Marguerite and Dorothy Rivenbark,
Cordie Anglin, Kathryn Barry and Gladys Collins.
Invited for tea were Mesdames G. D. West, Jim Stewart,
D. R. Read and Miss Margaret Read, with the hostesses
Mrs. L. C. Fisher and Miss Fisher.
|
1929, May
|
FLORIDATOWN
HOTEL OPENS
SEASON MAY 11
Popular Santa Rosa Resort Offers Special
Dinner
Floridatown Hotel will open for the summer season
Saturday, May 11, it was announced this week by Mrs.
Rogers, manager of the 26-room place. The feature
attractions on the opening day will be a chicken
dinner from 6 to 9 p. m. and a big special dance at
the Floridatown pavilion with Harry Howland's Varsity
Eight orchestra providing the music.
Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have had charge of the
Floridatown hotel and pavilion for the past several
years and have made it one of the most popular
pleasure places in this section. Floridatown is
particularly popular with residents of surrounding
states as a summer vacation place.
In addition to 26 rooms there are several cottages
adjacent to the hotel which are provided for families
desiring to live outside the hotel. The hotel is
operated on the American plan and special rates are
made to those desiring to visit there for a week or a
month.
Howland's orchestra has been engages for the summer
season. Dances are held each Thursday and Saturday
night.
_________________
DANCES AT FLORIDATOWN ON
THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS
The series of dances which were inaugurated at
Floridatown several weeks ago on each Thursday and
Saturday night are proving o be more and more popular
with the considerable number of Milton and Pensacola
people who enjoy his particular diversion. Mr. Rogers,
manager of the pavilion, has engaged Baxter's Gulf
Coast Six orchestra and this group of musicians are
being well appreciated by those attending the
dances.
Arrangements for all kinds of parties, dinners,
etc., can be made at the Floridatown hotel, which is
in charge of Mrs. Rogers.
|
1930, Nov. 18
|
J. G. AND BURGESS PACE SPENT
A FEW HOURS HERE ON MONDAY
Mr. J. G. Pace and son, Burgess, of Pensacola were
business visitors in Milton Monday. Mr. Pace is the
largest individual farm operator in Santa Rosa county,
if not in the entire Northwest Florida. He has many
hundreds of acres of most excellent farm lands under
cultivation in the vicinity of Chumuckla and Jay, and
has made an excellent crop of cotton, tobacco, corn
and other crops this season.
Mr. Pace was over here yesterday arranging to pay
his 1930 taxes, he being the second largest tax payer
in the county, being surpassed in this connection by
the Bagdad Land & Lumber Company, only. Mr. Pace
is not only arranging to pay his own taxes and take
advantage of the discount, but is urging everyone else
to do the same.
|
1933, Feb. 2
|
BIG DANCE AND
ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY NIGHT
Marie Bata's Band To
Play at Floridatown Fete
An evening of fun, pleasure and enjoyment is
promised all who attend the American Legion carnival,
vaudeville and dance which will be held Friday night
at Floridatown Pavilion.
The event is being directed by L. L. Rogers, of
Pensacola, and is under the auspices of Norman A.
Garrett Post of Milton. A committee of the local post
is assisting in promoting the event.
Marie Bata's All-Girl Band of New Orleans will
provided music for the dancing and will also put on a
number of specialty numbers. This team eight-piece
orchestra and is said to be one of the liveliest dance
orchestras ever to play in this vicinity.
The big fun-feast is being widely advertised
throughout this section and a large attendance is
expected.
________________________
MANY ATTEND
LEGION FETE
Floridatown Reopens
With Marie Bata's
Orchestra
Regular dances were resumed in Floridatown last
Friday night, when Marie Bata's All-Girl orchestra
opened an indefinite engagement there by playing for
the Ameridcan Legion's dance and carnival.
Despite inclement weather the Legion affair was
well attended, especially by amusement lovers of
Milton and Bagdad. The outing was promoted by I. J.
Butras of Pensacola, and the Milton post received a
percentage of the receipts.
A. F. Gardner is manager of the New Club
Floridatown, which has been redecorated and
beautified. Gardner formerly was manager of a motion
picture star at Hollywood
Dances will be held each night except Monday with
Marie Bata's orchestra providing the music.
|
1933, August 31
|
THE
SILHOUETTE CLUB
Invites You To Their Initial
DANCE
Club Floridatown
Friday, September 1st
Special Engagement of
JIMMY LROURNOY'S
ORCHESTRA
Radio, Recording, Vaudeville
One Dollar Per Couple
|
1934, April 5
|
ALL DAY SING
TO BE HELD AT
FLORIDATOWN
Singers of Section Expect Pleasant Meeting
Sunday
One of the largest all-day singing conventions ever
held in Santa Rosa county will be held Sunday at
Floridatown. This is the annual convention of the
Santa Rosa Seven-Shape Association, and the session is
being sponsored principally by J. G. Pace, prominent
West Florida business man and farmer.
There will be several hundred visitors from South
Alabama and other surrounding territory.
A basket picnic at which families and groups are
expected to assemble will be held at noon. Several
hundred pounds of fish will be fried.
The meeting will be held in the spacious pavilion
at Floridatown, which is naturally one of the pleasant
picnic places of this section.
|
1934, April 12
|
SUNDAY SINGING
AT FLORIDATOWN
PROVES SUCCESS
More Than 2,500 Attend Great Santa Rosa
Gathering
One of the largest all-day singings ever held in
South Alabama or West Florida was enjoyed by more that
2,500 people last Sunday at Floridatown.
The event was sponsored by the Santa Rosa
Seven-Shape association, generously assisted by J. G.
Pace, owner of Floridatown hotel and pavilion.
More that 2,000 plates of fish, bread, etc., were
served at noon to hundreds of visitors from all parts
of South Alabama and West Florida. Eight hundred
pounds of fish and the necessary bread was furnished
by Mr. Pace; Senator E. H. Lundy and J. C. Word
provided the cooking oil and labor and in addition
virtually every family present brought picnic baskets
from their homes.
The event got under way about ten o'clock and
continued well into the afternoon. The singing was
held in the pavilion, and a loud speaker made it
possible for hundreds on the grounds also to enjoy the
music. There were between 200 and 300 singers
present.
At 11:30 Mr. Pace made a 15-minute inspirational
talk, announced that another big gathering would be
held at Floridatown on July Fourth and invited
everyone present to return for the July 4th
festivities.
Quartets from Jay, Samson, and Evergreen sang
special selections throughout the day.
W. J. Lee of Munson is chairman of the Santa Rosa
Associations and J. C. Word is secretary-treasurer.
The next meeting of the Santa Rosa group will be held
at Jay on the second Monday in September.
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