Since my parents passed away and we no longer have family Thanksgivings we have been renting a small fishing cottage in Cedar Key. It was built in 1919 as a rental to fisherman and still is today and owned by the same family after all these years. This year I will be traveling by scooter as I will continue on after Thanksgiving for the Courthouse Tour #3.
I rolled out of the garage about 10 and the temperatures were warming up. Traffic was normal and I ran the usual route across the Howard Franklin to the Veterans to the Suncoast Parkway. I got through Homassa and Crystal River easily and rolled on north and made the left on FL24 and took the 24 miles into Cedar Key with no problem.
This year we got our favorite cottage Randoph and Mildred. You have to book it more than a year in advance and it is already booked for next year so I booked it for 2021.
Vicki arrived about 1:30 followed shortly by Deb. Deb, in retirement, has embraced the RV life and her home now has four wheels. Her first year was in a RV made by Winnebago but just upgraded to a used Air Stream, the Cadillac of RV's and is very glad she did.She is at an RV park about five miles out of town.
Besides all the booze and food, Vicki brought Lorenzo. Pets are not allowed but Jane has gone to Milwaukee to spend Thanksgiving with her daughter, so we decided to smuggle him in. He has been hiding under the bed for several hours so far. I am sure he will come around soon.
We spent three nights and had a great time. We had the traditional Thanksgiving meal and left overs the next day. When I first arrived I went to Tony's for some of his world famous clam chowder. That out of the way, I would not be thinking about it every day. Chowder was OK and service lousy. The only thing we ate out was breakfast and coffee at the "boys" , the 1942 Daily Grind coffeeshop.
On Saturday we all loaded up and headed our separate ways. Vicki back to St. Pete. Deb back to St, Augstine. And I headed to Newberry and Camp David.
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| I had not stopped to visit Elvis in awhile |
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| Have you seen this before? |
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| A margarita for dinner |
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| Randoiph and Meldria's |
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| This cemetery was at the end of a road. I could find no info on it. There were many old unmarked graves. I suspect many of the unmarked are graves of the people that where lynched when the whites wiped out the whole town of Rosewood, a black town, in 1926. |
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| I have never seen a marker on a grave awaitng both dead bodies. |
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| Many graves were unmarked our just had these |
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| Mr. Lorenzo |
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| Deb's new rig |
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| All that remains of Rosewood is the small sign on the side of the road. |
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| Who says we don't have fall in Fla. |
Sunday I rode up to the Stephan Foster State Park. Our friends Jim and Grace stay there for two months every year volunteering. Bill rolled in about 4 with out getting wet from the passing strong front. Jim very kindly treated us and the some other volunteers to a dinner of BBQ served in one of the park buildings. The attendees were all retired and interesting. The park is getting ready for the big Christmas event that starts this week. There are thousands of lights strung through the park and thousands of people drive through to see them.
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| The friend and owner of this store said he had to put the 3 cents on there because people are stupid |
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| camp David |
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| we got larry's scooter running again |
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| Some of the many lights at the park |
Courthouse Day 1 Dec 2
The weather has turned cold. Jim brought us some coffee and we sat in the cabin until around 9 and the temperature raised into the 40's. Other than the chill it was a great day to travel across the panhandle of Florida.
A couple of things we learned on day one. Courthouses are not created equal. Some of the buildings where great and few not so much. No courtroom was overly extravagant. Most interiors where cramped and heavily used. All people were very kind to us. Some went out of their way to help us. Especially in Crawfordville where Petria gave us a detailed tour of the old courthouse and Joe gave us a extensive tour the new courthouse. Madison was the most interesting town and we are going to go back sometime to check out the town.
Most of the counties have lost population since 2000 including the coastal areas.
The median income in all the county seats bordering Georgia and Alabama is only $28,000. The coast towns median is in the low $30,000's.
All of the counties along the northern border have a heavy history of lynching black citizens. This carried on into the 50's and in one or two incidents into the 60's.
Security varied in all the courthouses. One had no deputy in sight. One asked "do you have any guns or knives" and we walked around the detector.
The day ended at the Wakulla Springs Lodge, one of our go to overnights.
The Hamilton County Courthouse was built in 1955. It stands on the same location as all of the Hamilton County Courthouses since 1891.
The Madison County Courthouse was built in 1913. Its yellow brick structure is complemented by broad stairs and columns. A standpipe, erected in 1894, is believed to be the only one still standing in Florida. The courthouse is the focal point of the city and county of Madison.
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| We liked this sign in the coffeeshop in Madison |
The Jefferson County Courthouse was designed in the style of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Built in 1910, is of Classic Revival Style. Much of the original courtroom furniture is still in use, thus, the courthouse remains a historical charm.
Year Built: 1910
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| the Deputy Assistant Clerk of Court walked across the street and told us to get off his grass. In the end he offered to give us a tour of the courthouse. This was the only one with no name on the building. |
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| balcony's where for the blacks to set |
The Leon County Courthouse is located in Tallahassee Florida's capital city. The courthouse was built in 1989 on Washington Square. It's curved entrance way was designed as an architectural compliment to the Old Capitol and City Hall.
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| Leon in Tallahasse, our least favorite |
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| Florida Supreme Court |
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| Get off my grass! He too offered a tour if we wanted it. We declined. We just wanted out of Tallahassee |
Wakulla County built 1949.
That was all we could find on Wakulla County but there is so much more. They have preserved the only wooden courthouse in a tri-state area. It has been restored to it's original layout and was a wonder to visit. The new courthouse, built in 49, was nice looking until they added the third floor. Though all courthouse people were kind, this is where we encounted the most friendly courthouse staff.
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| the orginal wooden courthouse |
Small world story. Petria gave us a tour of the old courthouse. Talking to her we found out
she was from Germany. When I inquired which town I was surprised when she said "Wertheim".
This is the same very small town, population 12,000, when I was stationed there in the Army.
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| I am innocent!!!!! |
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| Bill with Joe who gave us a wonderful tour of the whole courthouse, even the boiler room. |
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| The end of the day. |
Courthouse Day 2
The day started very, very cold with frost on the pumpkin. So, as we waited for warmer temperatures we used our breakfast vouchers for nourishment. The food was enhanced by being served by young Angle, as her name is a great description of her. Her father is white and her mother is Filipino giving her great physical beauty, but her real beauty is from within. Her father fell out of a deer stand 20 years ago and was paralyzed and told that was the end of his producing children. A year later she was born and they named thus their Angle as she was a gift from God. Plus she was very patient and tolerant with two old men.
Freshly feed, we went out and knocked the frost of the scooters and started our adventure. All layered up with thermal underwear, sweaters and riding gear we headed west again.
Again today we met many friendly people and no one told us to get off their grass. I think it was because it was too cold and they did not want to come outside. Some were suspicious of us at first but warmed up quickly and freely gave of their time.
Interesting fact we found out along the way is that there are very few trials in any of these court rooms. Some as little as three in a year, but on average they guessed around 6. That does not mean the court is not used. The accused still has to come to court to adjudicate.
Freshly feed, we went out and knocked the frost of the scooters and started our adventure. All layered up with thermal underwear, sweaters and riding gear we headed west again.
Again today we met many friendly people and no one told us to get off their grass. I think it was because it was too cold and they did not want to come outside. Some were suspicious of us at first but warmed up quickly and freely gave of their time.
Interesting fact we found out along the way is that there are very few trials in any of these court rooms. Some as little as three in a year, but on average they guessed around 6. That does not mean the court is not used. The accused still has to come to court to adjudicate.
The Gadsden County Courthouse, built in 1912-1913 in the Classical Revival style, is a contributing structure in the Quincy Historic District in Quincy, Florida.
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| This is the same design as Monticello. The four entrances offer great air conditioning affect as the air comes in and goes out the cupola. This building had a fireman living in the top and would walk around the roof once an hour at night on fire patrol |
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| They are debating the future of this CSA statue. I have mixed thoughts on removal of these.  |
The Liberty County Courthouse was completed in 1940. Built of red brick, common in Florida Panhandle building construction, it is located in the center of Bristol. A longtime county judge theorized that the Liberty County area was the actual site of the Biblical Garden of Eden!
The original courthouse is everything to the left of the dead tree. The old court house burnt in 1936 and the new one was completed in 1942, not 1940. This is a very small county and court. The staff were extremely interesting and kind to us and answered many questions. The judge had actually been in the basement of the building and read meeting notes from the time of the court burned and shared some of that information with us.
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| This almost all of the court staff. Kathleen Brown, Clerk of Court; Judge Ken Hosford; and the Deputy Bailiff and I apologize for not recording his name.This is a small town and they all showed small town hospitality. Thankfully Kathleen encouraged us to meet the judge. All of three of these people had wonderful stories to tell but unfortunately we had five more counties to visit today. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to visit again for longer. |
The original Calhoun County Courthouse was constructed in 1904. It is one of only two Florida courthouses built in the Romanesque Revival style. The courthouse has been renovated and currently houses a museum. It is listed on the National Register of Historical Places
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| There is still a lot of damage remaining from Hurricane Michael from last year. Sadly this old courthouse took a hit and it will probably be years before they start repairs. It had been being used as offices for the sheriff. |
This courthouse, across the street from the old one, was also damaged in the hurricane and they are still repairing it.
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| Not visible is scaffolding and workers on the roof. |
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| John, this judging stuff is easy....... |
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| ....even Bill can do it. Warren was a great tour guide and gave us much time as we wanted. |
Located in Marianna, the Jackson County Courthouse commands the center of the town square. It is a three story rock and glass structure accented by four concrete planters. A monument from the 1906 courthouse is located near the front entrance.
Year Built: 1963.
Another courthouse that had major hurricane damage. It had just reopened but the court rooms on the upper floor were still closed for repair. They have been holding court in the
Ag Center outside of town. A bricks from across the street flew over and did damage to the courthouse.
I asked Bill why all the courtrooms are on the second floor and he educated me. If they were on the first floor since they are so large it would cost a lot more support the second floor because of large spans across the court rooms. On the top floor they only have to support the weight of the roof.
Another courthouse that had major hurricane damage. It had just reopened but the court rooms on the upper floor were still closed for repair. They have been holding court in the
Ag Center outside of town. A bricks from across the street flew over and did damage to the courthouse.
I asked Bill why all the courtrooms are on the second floor and he educated me. If they were on the first floor since they are so large it would cost a lot more support the second floor because of large spans across the court rooms. On the top floor they only have to support the weight of the roof.
Located in Chipley, the Washington County Courthouse was built in 1932. The courthouse is three stories, of neoclassical design, and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. A time capsule, to be opened in 2072, is on the property.
Well, not any more. They knocked that sucker down and built a brand new. Opened in 2016.
Well, not any more. They knocked that sucker down and built a brand new. Opened in 2016.
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| We were not able to get a good front shot of this one. |
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| So why do they always put everybody's name on these like they paid for it |
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| The old courthouse hidden behind the Christmas tree |
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| We were unescorted on our tour |
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| Nice Christmas decorations in the court. Now here's your present..... 30 days in county jail and life on probation |
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| Bill in a more relaxed pose |
The Holmes County Courthouse was built in 1963. It has rock walls with an art deco style entrance and detail. The courthouse is located in peaceful surroundings in downtown Bonifay.
Yep, that pretty well sums it up.
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| The fanciest security yet. On the right the metal detector was wrapped in wood. |
The Walton County Courthouse was built in 1926 and was restored in 1992 after a fire damaged the building. It was expanded in 2007. The original Greek Revival building has been preserved although the entrance has now been relocated to the modern concrete and glass expansion. The new addition to the courthouse incorporates columns to match the original building. The beautifully landscaped grounds contain many mature dogwood trees.
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| The original courtroom is being redone |
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| One of the newer courtrooms. Our escort was really a nice guy. He said coming to the courthouse gave him a whole new perspective of the criminal justice system he is a part of. Like many officers, he complained about catching them and the court letting them go. Working as a bailiff he learned it is not that simple and the law determines who goes and it is not just random justice. He told us lots of courthouse stories and I could feel the compassion he had for a lot of the people that showed up there. |
Courthouse tour Day 3
We had the Holiday Inn Express breakfast and headed out about 8:30. We were not any smarter but we were a little warmer than yesterday.
One little tidbit we learned, and explained a lot, is any addition to a historical courthouse has be to 75% different than the old, to distinguish the difference. So, when you look at one and say "damn that's an ugly addition", you now know why.
The Okaloosa County Courthouse is built of white stucco and has a 1950's moderne design. Located on the city square in Cestview, the courthouse is on landscaped grounds containing large oak and pecan trees. A war memorial located near the courthouse burns an eternal flame.
Once again the internet is a little behind. The old one was pushed down and this new one opened in 2019.
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| Bill, the architect, approved of the design of this new courthouse |
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| most courts would not let us take pictures if people are in the court. This bailiff said "shot away" |
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| Bill and Rodney. This is the first court house were the security people were not armed |
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| along the panhandle |
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| the brick road |
The city of Milton is centered around a square dominated by 1961 Santa Rosa County Courthouse. The yellow brick courthouse occupies the entire square. It is complemented by four large magnolia trees in front on the courthouse square.
But not for long. It is scheduled to be torn down this year. It was traffic court day and very busy so we have no good pictures in the courthouse. The bailiff told us the history. There is a bullet hole in the marble that was done by a drive by shooter before drive by shooters were in. The back side of the courthouse was added on modular buildings they were way past the expiration date.
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| The gentleman is the proud president of Bikers for Trump. He would vote for someone else if they weren't all socialist. Meanwhile he is on SS disability and just got a new knee and is on Medicaid for the poor. He "paid" for all his care. |
Although a new Escambia County Courthouse has been constructed, the 1887 courthouse was restored to its original appearance in 1999. The structure was built for a cost of $200,000. It originally served as the United States Custom House and Post Office and now houses administrative office.
This was a drive by picture. It is a huge building and of no interest compared to the problem of parking and getting in.
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| The old courthouse is now a museum |
This courthouse had major damage from the hurricane and still being repaired.
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| This is the building supervisor. He walked over to us when we taking pictures on the sidewalk and Bill thought he was telling us to "get off my grass", but he came over to talk as he had seen us taking pictures. He gave us some history and directed us to the sign below. |
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| This case brought us the public defender. |
The Gulf County Historic Courthouse, located in Wewahitcka, was built in 1927. It served Gulf County until 1968, when Port St. Joe became the county seat. The Greek Revival style building has four ornate columns in front. It was restored to its original grandeur in 1991.
With this view of the old courthouse you think that it was located in a prosperous town. That is far from the truth. It does have a population of 1,700 and it's biggest enterprise is Ulee Honey.
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| The building seems abandoned. All four doors are open and appear to stay that way. We believe that is to keep air flowing through as the ceiling is leaking |
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| Judge Bill again |
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| This is the courthouse in Port St. Joe. It was a drive by picture as it had no redeeming value and the day was getting long. The current Franklin County Courthouse is the second Courthouse in Apalachicola. It was built in 1940 as a W.P.A. project. The Franklin County Courthouse is a Roman style building that is prominently located in the heart of Apalachicola. |
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| The last of the day |
We then walked across the street to one of our favorite hotels "The Gibson" as seen in many other blogs. Happy hour and a fine dinner and we called it a day.
Courthouse Tour Day 4
The original plan was to ride to Perry and Bill would continue east home and I would head south. But...Bill was looking at the map and said if we went straight head we could hit three more courthouses and I could just go to Camp David. I was easy to convince as the ride home was going to be 6 to 7 hours if I went from here. A nice ride to Newberry would be fun and it would only be 2.5 hours home from there.
So, after taking about twenty minutes to change and exhaust gasket we were on our way.
First we walked across the street to the Franklin County court for a tour. It is old and a lot of original is still inside.
The Taylor County Courthouse, dedicated in 1970 was built on the site of the original 1907 courthouse. The brick courthouse is located on the city square in downtown Perry.
Year Built: 1970
Not impressed at all with this one we took a picture and rode on.
The Lafayette County Courthouse, built in 1908, is an historic courthouse building located in Mayo, Florida, It was designed by Atlanta-based architect Edward Columbus Hosford in the Classical Revival style, who designed other courthouses in Florida and other states.
This a great courthouse. The county has a official population of 8,000 but 2,000 are in the state prison. There are hardly any people much less security in this building. The Clerk of Court said full time security would cost them over $100,000 and that is money they do not have. The county is so small the Clerk of Court is in charge almost everything in the county from the courthouse to garbage collection.
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| Steve Land, Clerk of Court, Lafayette county |
Suwanee County has gained worldwide recognition due to Stephen Foster's, "Way down upon the Swanee River". The 1904 Suwanee County Courthouse is located in Live Oak. It is constructed of yellow brick and includes such design features as four arches and columns, egg and dart molding, and a clock tower with four clocks.
Year Built: 1904
Architectural Style: Yellow Brick
Architectural Style: Yellow Brick
This was a great courthouse in Live Oak. Sadly, this is one of the couple of courthouses that we were prevented from taking pictures. The court room was original and beautiful.
Just a little side not. Stephen Foster had never been to Florida.
The historic Columbia County Courthouse was built in 1905. A new addition, built in 2003, complements the original Greek Revival building. Both structures are yellow brick and are accented by a clock tower. The lovely courthouse complex is located on the banks of Lake DeSoto. Several war memorials are located in the park opposite the courthouse.
Year Built: 1905
Architectural Style: Greek Revival
This courthouse in Lake City was one of Bill's favorite. It was greatly restored and the additions were on the back side and flowed nicely into the old.
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| The bailiff's all several courts said to look for the sign. They miss spelled bailiff and never bothered to change the sign. Some painted in the "i" |
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| Brandon was our tour guide in this courthouse. This is the courthouse they tried Ted Bundy in |
Bill and I said our goodbyes and headed our separate ways. On the way to Camp David I met Daniel. He was on his way to Georgia. I was worried about his dogs but they all looked healthy and the first thing he did when he stopped was water them.
The last day.
Damn it was cold last night. The heat is not working in Camp David but fortunately I keep a sleeping bag there.
In Larry's, with the heat, was Kim, a traveler and a very interesting person. She is about five feet tall and a master in marshal arts. In her varied career she spent 12 years at Disney as Mickey Mouse. The stunt one. Do your remember Mickey on top of the Epcot ball. That was her. It was all live action, not that phony stuff you see today. She was up for six hours climbing in and out of a little tiny compartment. She met many famous people as Mickey Mouse. She also got to travel a lot as Mickey Mouse.
She has just finished a meandering trip around the States. She bought a RV trailer but decided to leave it at Larry's in live in a tent on the back of her pickup and interesting little hotels. We swapped stories for hours and I hope to meet her again.
The ride home was great. Nice and easy with just mild traffic.
It was a great adventure.