P. O. Box 565, Bagdad, FL 32530 www.BagdadVillage.org Vol. 24 Issue 2 November 2010

BVPA

BVPA Bagdad Heritage Tour - “Bagdad Christmas, Dec. 1860” The annual BVPA Heritage Tour for 2010 will present restored homes never on the tour plus the reenactment of a very important time in American History. First time homes on the tour will be the Pooley House (cir. 1890) and the Dunlap House (cir. 1920),

both restored, also tours of the Old Methodist Church and much more. The BVPA Civil War Committee, chaired by historian Patrick Nooner, has created a special reenactment recognizing the 150th An-niversary of the period just before Florida seceded from the Union. The first major movement toward secession of Florida would have begun in earnest in November and December 1860— exactly 150 years ago. The Florida legislature voted to secede from the Union on January 10, 1861. In December of 1860 Abraham Lincoln had just been been elected a month earlier in November with 32% of the popular vote. This became the final straw in over 30 years of intense disputing over states rights, non-proportionate tariffs and slavery. During this period in Bagdad’s history, two dynamic and important men appeared: E. E. Simpson, owner of the Bagdad mill, which at the time was called E. E. Simpson and Company, and Jackson Mor-

ton, the first Florida State Senator from Northwest Florida. Simpson was the richest man in Florida, worth about 3 million dol-lars, plus he owned many slaves. Morton was also wealthy and had considerable political power and he, too, owned a number of slaves and had many Mulatto children. The dynamics of the time were overwhelming. Cont’d next page…….

Museum Lecture Series to Continue in 2011 One hundred and seventy years ago in 1840, the Village of Bagdad was founded by Joseph Forsyth at the confluence of Pond Creek and the Blackwater River. He could never have known the impact his decision would make by starting the process which eventually created the largest industrial site and largest economic center in the State of Florida approximately 50 years later. In celebration of Bagdad’s illustrative past, the BVPA is continuing monthly lectures in 2011 at the largest historic museum in Santa Rosa County, the BVPA Bagdad Village Museum, located on Bushnell and Church Streets. The lectures are presented the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 am. They will be held every month except December and January. It’s free and refreshments are served, so come join in the fun, meet new friends and learn more about the Village.

2010 Lectures Series a Success The 170th Bagdad Anniversary Lecture Series attracted 35 to 75 attendees at each lecture and brought to town renown speakers like Dr. John Batten of the UWF archeology department, Dr. Brian Rucker, professor of history at PSC and UWF, and hometown favorites, Dr. Charles D'Asaro and Dr. Rich-ard Lewis. In two lectures, there was standing room only and the museum committee had to rearrange the museum to accommodate the larger crowds. Bud Allen and Trish Johnson combined on an interesting lecture about ship-building in Bagdad. Ms. Johnson is a descendent of the Bruce Ollinger Shipyard family in Bagdad. The lectures contained interesting aspects of Bagdad’s history from race relations to Civil War occu-pation, to interesting people, schools, churches and military service of its many residents over the years. The lectures were recorded on DVD for posterity and will become a part of the BVPA ar-chives.

This space is reserved

for Bagdad Heritage

Tour sponsors Have your company name

listed here in 2011.

See page 3 for details.

AT&T Company COMMUNICATIONS

Bill Salter Outdoor

Advertising BILLBOARDS

Culpepper Insurance HOMEOWNERS

Curtis Homes CUSTOM HOMES

Highland Historical

Consulting ATLANTA/BAGDAD

Lake Kristina

Campground MILTON

McComb Electric ALL ELECTRIC

Village Homes & Land REAL ESTATE

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Cont’d from page 1.. Businessmen stood to lose their businesses, employees their jobs, politicians their control, ministers their congregations, families their fathers, parents their sons and the list went on. This era in American history was defined by indeci-sion, division, turmoil, fear and anger. Bagdad was caught in the whirl-wind because it held much political and economic power. In anticipation of the coming storm, militia groups in Bagdad would have been gather-ing armaments, supplies and organizing men for service, ready to be sent to Pensacola to protect Ft. Barrancas. Much discussion would have oc-curred for and against the issue. Here is a short list of things to do at this years Bagdad Heritage Tour:

• Tour historic Christmas homes from cir. 1890to 1920

• Visit the Bagdad Museum located in an cir. 1874 church

• Tour the militia headquarters in Beach House

• Visit period camps and ship building displays

• See porch plays of Civil War stories and children’s bedtime stories

• View militia troops camping, marching and training

• Experience the big cannon boom up close

All for one low price $10.00 adult and $5.00 for children 3-12, children 3 and under are free Also visit the newly opened Brown Barber Shop (cir. 1949) for coffee, cider, sweets and novelties then take a stroll on the quaint streets of history. Listen for the horse carriages, tug boat whistles and the rumble of the mill steam engine running 24 hours a day, everyday but Sunday. Tickets are on sale at the following locations: Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce on Stewart St in Milton, Copper Possum in East Milton, and Village Homes and Land in Bagdad.

It all begins Saturday Dec. 4th at 12 noon and ends at 5 pm with the last firing of the cannon, a sight to see, indeed.

Santa Rosa County commission approved the erection of signage commemorating golfer Bubba Watson’s contribution to his hometown of Bagdad. At all three entrances into Bagdad (Old Bagdad Highway, Garcon Point Road and Canal Street), there are new signs stating, “Welcome to Bagdad Hometown of Bubba Watson” — an appropriate tribute to a talented, sensitive, and family-loving young man who has made Bagdad and our entire country proud while on the PGA Tour. This year alone, he has won a major tournament, missed another by one stroke and played in the Ryder Cup in Europe. All an amazing feat for any player, but his crowning moments have been in his un-ashamedly love of who he is, where he came from and the love of his father, all manifested in inter-views by major network outlets from Europe and throughout the US. The Watson family made the request for signage in Bagdad in Gerry’s own handwriting, which he

wrote just six days before his death. David Bailly and Michael Johnson, representing the BVPA, contacted the Watson family and Michael later contacted Commissioner Bob Cole who moved the issue through channels quickly and the signage was ap-proved by the Board of County Commissioners. David has been a long-time neighbor and good friend of the Watsons. The morning Michael spoke to the County Commission Board, Gerry Watson passed away within a few hours of the approval. Bubba Watson’s family moved to Bagdad when he was four years old. Bubba has fond memories of the playground at the Bagdad Elementary School which remained open all week and kids would meet on the playground anytime of day for fun and play. Bubba’s father is credited with giving him the initiative and drive to excel in golf by teaching him to hit wiffle golf balls (plastic golf ball shapes with holes which make them light weight and restricts their travel distance). The childhood Bubba, in his back yard in Bagdad, could swing as hard as he could, make good contact and still retrieve the ball. The left handed kid, who today is a fine young man, not only improved but mastered the swing and has since become the longest hitting professional golfer in the world on the PGA Tour for three consecutive years. As Bubba’s T-shirts say, “Everyone likes the long ball.”

The BVPA is making plans for a dedication event for the Bubba Watson Bagdad entrance signs after the first of the year.

Travelers Championship

Invest Your Money Where You Can See It If you are a resident of Bagdad, Milton, East Milton, Pace or the Garcon Point area why not see where your money goes by let-ting the BVPA use it to further the character and quaintness of the Village. Promoting sewage, light commerce, only historic rep-lications and limited infrastructure, we will be able to maintain the beauty and warmth which is vintage Bagdad.

BVPA Bagdad Heritage Tour - “Bagdad Christmas, Dec. 1860”

2010 “Welcome to Bagdad Hometown of Bubba Watson” Signs Are Up

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES BVPA Bagdad Heritage Tour 2010

The Bagdad Heritage Tour is an annual event sponsored by the Bagdad Village Preservation Association, Inc. (BVPA). This year’s tour will be unique as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War in Bagdad. The tour area will encompass Forsyth and Church Street in Bagdad and the Forsyth Street utility poles will have banner signs and venue signs in front of each location.

The annual BVPA Heritage Tour for 2010 will present restored homes never on the tour plus the reenactment of a very important time in American History. First time homes on the tour will be the Pooley House (cir. 1855) and the Dunlap House (cir. 1920), both restored and featured on this historic Christmas 1860 celebra-tion in Bagdad. The BVPA Civil War Committee chaired by Patrick Nooner has created a special event recognizing the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The first major movement toward seces-sion of Florida would have begun in earnest in November and December 1860 (exactly 150 years ago). In fact the Florida legislature, only 10 days later, voted to secede from the Union on Jan. 10, 1861. In December of 1860 (the time representing the Heritage Tour) Abraham Lin-coln had been elected a month earlier which was the final straw in over 30 years of intense disputing over states rights, non-proportionate tariffs and slavery. Florida seceded 10 days later. Note the traffic count in Bagdad. The main street is Forsyth Street and it has a traffic count of approximately 5,000 vehicles per business day. Signs will be up from November 1st to January 5th next year. That is a 65-day period which means over 250,000 vehicles will pass the sign.

Sponsor Program Utility Pole Sign Sign will go up 11-1-10 thru 1-5-11 $275

Price includes two-sided utility pole sign, plus: • Listing on Heritage Tour program, 750 handouts • Listing in Jan/Feb 2011 newsletter, 1,000 + mailing • Ad on BVPA website, one year • One year membership in BVPA • Two free tickets to the tour

Venue Sponsor Sign Sign will go up the one week before and week of event, approximately 14 days total $75

Price includes two-sided event sign, plus: • Listing on Heritage Tour program, 750 handouts • Listing in Jan/Feb 2011 newsletter, 1,000 + mailing • Ad on BVPA website, one year • One year membership in BVPA • One free ticket to the tour Company Name ______________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City _____________________________ State ______ Zip ________ Phone ____________________________ Fax ____________________

Mail to: BVPA, P. O. Box 565, Bagdad, FL 32530

For more info contact Michael Johnson 850-293-5349

Located on utility poles lining Forsyth Street

(main street in town)

Venue Sponsor Sign

Located at entrance to venue

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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN

Dear new or current member, These are tough economic times, however, there is a lot to say for synergy: many small portions added together can make a difference. I would like to remind you that your contribution whether large or small will help improve in our dear village. The BVPA has no paid staff so the entire amount of your contribution will go toward preservation, educa-tion and furtherance of historic, cultural, community affairs and future planning for Bag-dad. Every dime received goes back into the Village. The quaintness of Bagdad must be preserved. Ask almost anyone what they like about Bagdad and the first thing that comes to mind is its quaintness. In our desire to improve, we must not destroy. Bagdad is “history.” It is famous and loved for what it was, not what it can change to. The over 60 remaining historic homes must be accentuated by authentic streetscapes, mill site and any other renovation. The quaint future of Bagdad will depend on restoration, historic in fill and replication. In addition to your contribution and membership, feel free to volunteer your time as much or as little as possible. Just do what you can and together we can build a better place to live. As president I want to assure you this is not a chore, it is a joy helping our Village. Come have some fun with us. We need your help and support. Please fill out the below form and mail it today. With kind regards, Your obedient servant,

Michael Johnson Michael Johnson, President, BVPA

Fill out this membership form and mail today Date ________________ Name _________________________ Check appropriate level Street _________________________ Family $25 [ ] City _________________________ Individual $20 [ ] State _____________ Zip ________ Life Member $500 [ ] Phone _________________________ Email _________________________ amount enclosed $___________ I would like to (X) _____ donate or loan items to museum _____ volunteer for museum _____ volunteer for special events _____other____________________ _____ become active to help as needed

Make checks payable to BVPA or Bagdad Village Preservation Association, Inc.

Tax deductible donations for restoration of Old Post Office, Museum Complex or a special project can be identified in the “I would like to” field under “other”.

mail to BVPA, P. O. Box 565, Bagdad, FL 32530

Bruce family graves in Bagdad Cemetery of Bruce-Ollinger Shipyard Company which con-tracted with the Confederate government to build gun ships, which were half finished when Federals invaded Bagdad. The unfinished ships were burned by retreating Confederates of probably Simpson Raiders fame which was outfitted by E. E. Simpson, then owner of the Bagdad mill.

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Bagdad’s Brown Barber Shop to Open Soon But, don’t line up just yet gentlemen. The Barber Shop will be the BVPA’s bookstore, coffee shop and chit-chat area for Bagdad. Located in the center of the village, it will be an information center and stop off for coffee and some sweet delights. Trent and Dion Lewis, a fine young couple, will be heading up the project along with others who will join in

to help restore and man the shop. The BVPA will use the building for fund raising. Mr. Brown was the barber of the one-chair shop and was famous for asking his clientele how they wanted their hair cut and then proceeding to cut it the way he wanted. A switch hung on the wall for the young boys who did not behave in the chair. To the rear of the shop were two rooms, one was a shower and one was a toilet room. The sink which would have completed the total bath was located up front by the barber chair for shaving customers. So a man could take a shower, get a shave and a haircut all in one stop, not to mention the good smelling tonic on his hair.. If walls could talk, what could be revealed today of the men talking while waiting to have their hair cut or maybe just hanging out?

Who Are We?

Established in 1986, the Bagdad

Village Preservation Association,

Inc. (BVPA) is a non-profit organiza-tion licensed under the State of

Florida. Our mission is preservation,

education and furtherance of historic, cultural, community affairs and

village-future planning.

BVPA Bagdad Museum Complex

Museum: 4512 Church St. Office: 4516 Church St. Bagdad, Florida Office phone: 850-983-3005 visit BagdadVillage.org

also contact Michael Johnson, President

cell 850-293-5349 email

michael@villagehomesandland.com

Museum & Gift Shop Hours:

Tuesdays 9:00 am—12 Noon 1st Saturday 9:00 am—12 Noon

Also by appointment call 981-3005 or 293-5349

Located in a restored church, cir.

1880, the BVPA Museum is the larg-est museum of history in Santa Rosa County. It also houses the largest collection of historic Santa Rosa

County memorabilia plus items from the historic Village of Bagdad.

The Museum is located one block off Forsythe Street, on the corner of Bushnell and Church Streets.

Nationally Known Firm to Design Bagdad Mill Site PBS&J, an architectural and engineering design firm, home based in Atlanta and with offices in Pensacola, has been chosen by the Santa Rosa County Commission to design the structures, docks and trails of Bagdad Mill Site. The BVPA was part of the Mill Site committee charged with making recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. The funding was supplied by a grant managed by Sheila Harris, County Grants Coordinator. All Santa Rosa residents will have an opportunity for input into developing the designs. Public announcements will be upcoming.

Recent Passings Thomas Krebs (1928-2010), known as Tom to friends, was the husband of Mary (Cosby) Krebs, both long time residents of Bagdad. Tom, who passed away August 13th, was a veteran of the Korean War and an avid reader of books with an extensive library. He married Mary in 1966, giving them 44 years together and they had three children. Tom loved to read his books and travel. Point of destinations for Tom and Mary were South America, Ireland, Scotland, England, the Baltics, Norway, Moscow, and St. Petersburg, Russia. Tom and Mary are long-time active members of the Hickory Hammock Baptist Church and the BVPA.

Gerry Watson, (1948-2010) recently nationally known as the father of Bubba Watson, passed away October 21st, after a lengthy illness. He was married to Cindy Watson and they had three children. Gerry was a veteran of Viet Nam and fought as a Green Berets. He was not a golfer, but he was the inspiration to Bubba starting his jour-ney to the PGA. Moving to Bagdad in 1987 and living in a historic Craftsman-style house, their children were raised here and attended the Bagdad Elementary School.

Helen (Youngblood) Tinsley (1939-2010), daughter of Donald and Nina (Parker) Youngblood, passed away on October 13th at age of 71. She was born in Troy, Alabama, and moved to Bagdad in her childhood. She graduated from Milton High School in 1957 as valedictorian and married her sweetheart, Jon Edward Tinsley. She graduated from Troy State and taught school in many states and at Bagdad Elementary. She lived in the historic Forcade House in Bagdad and loved flowers, gardening, birds and the beach. Her daughter said, “Mom was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her love of her grandkids was limitless.”

Get your tickets now Bagdad Heritage Tour

December 4th

“Bagdad Christmas

Dec. 1860” information

850-293-5349 or visit

www.bagdadvillage.org

A Day to Remember in Bagdad a unique experience

“Bagdad Christmas, Dec. 1860” Saturday, December 4th, 2010 12noon—5pm

• Men, bring your sons, brothers and fathers to view the firing of a 6 pound 1841 Mexican War era cannon. • Ladies, bring your daughters, sisters and mothers to help other ladies sew the first Florida flag. • Parents, bring your children to witness life in the 19th Century

with cooking on an open-fire and feeding a volunteer militia. • Preachers, bring your saints to tour an 1880 church • Singers and musicians, bring your friends to hear period music and carolers. • Teachers, bring your students to hear discussions of

historic proportions between E.E. Simpson and Senator Jackson Morton as they speak of the secession convention coming up one month later on January 10, 1861.

• Military personnel, bring your friends to witness life in a Florida militia unit made of citizens and Mexican War veterans.

• Public Servants, come learn of the principals and con-cepts of politics in the 19th century.

• Builders, bring your personnel to view, traditional homes which have stood the test of time.

Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage

PAID Bagdad, FL

Permit No. 2

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PO Box 565

Bagdad, FL 32530

BVPA

Christmas Shop at the

Bagdad Museum

Bagdad Mar. 2009

Bagdad Dec. 2009