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Beauford

Beach Lover
Jun 23, 2015
126
76
The story of Four Mile Village is truly a lesson in history, a mix of old and new, reminiscent of another time and representing the strength of a paradise, whose core values and scenic views remain the same. From a nearly untouched land of trees and sand to a key component of America’s defense and its current site as a luxurious sanctuary, Four Mile Village is a strong yet serene setting, rich with beauty and elements of days gone by.

John and Dorothy Coffeen purchased a beautiful, Gulf-front wilderness in the early 1940s that had been previously logged for pine, but was largely undeveloped and in its natural state. As World War II was underway and Northwest Florida served as an important military testing site, the land was requested for use by the U.S. Military (Army Air Force) as an “important military mission.” Throughout 1944 and 1945, the military occupied the property and even built a rocket test facility, testing JB-2 missiles on site, which was the American version of the German flying V-1 and V-2 bombs or “buzz bombs.” Over 600 unarmed missiles were test-launched from the property into the Gulf of Mexico. Two of these launching ramps still exist today and can be observed by guests, along with four accompanying control bunkers and various makeshift roadways. Interestingly enough, these humble beginnings served as the start of the US strategic missile program.

Following the end of the war, the Coffeens were finally able to settle on the property, naming it Four Mile Village in 1946, even taking over leftover military elements. They transformed the old mess hall into their new home and to this day, it serves as the Preserve manager’s residence.

The Coffeens wanted to be sure the property would be preserved in its natural beauty. In 1968, Dorothy is quoted as saying that the land is intended to be “a place of peace and quiet and a haven for all God’s creatures. It is a place where Nature can take precedence over the superficial and where those who can appreciate Nature in all her various moods and forms can find a haven; where all of God’s small creatures can live their lives without molestation, suffering neither man’s indifference nor pursuit.”

In 1976, the Coffeen Nature Preserve was officially created as Dorothy donated 197 acres of undeveloped land at Four Mile Village to the Sierra Club Foundation. The deed transferring the property to the Foundation states that the grant was made because of the "expressed intentions and promise to conserve and preserve the natural beauty and characteristics of the area called the Coffeen Nature Preserve for educational, conservation, and scientific purposes limited by the size, sensitivity and character of the land conveyed." Additional land, including her residence, guest house (or Watson House, affectionately known as the "Castle"), and all unsold residential lots, was bequeathed at her death at the age of 80 on December 20, 1978, to make the total preserve property approximately 225 acres.
 

Beachlover2

Beach Fanatic
Jun 17, 2005
819
60
SoWal
I have gone on one of the tours here - it is an interesting and beautiful place to see.
 
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