Another historic structure bites the dust!

Did you happen to note the date range? Dad was born in 1909, so it would have been in the teen's or twenty's when he lived there. A long time ago! Several have lived in the house since then, including JD Miller, the namesake of the road. Once again, over the top.

Yes, I had wanted the house, but I didn't want the property.

Based on that one would come to the conclusion that you sold the property. Again, you provide no solution, did nothing in advance, and slander someone else. As for over the top, you keep stating that the house had historical significance, you've been asked several times to provide some of that significance, and you really aren't. Other than stating that it is the namesake to the road there really doesn't seem to be any except that it was an old house.

Based on that one would come to the conclusion that you sold the property. Again, you provide no solution, did nothing in advance, and slander someone else. As for over the top, you keep stating that the house had historical significance, you've been asked several times to provide some of that significance, and you really aren't. Other than stating that it is the namesake to the road there really doesn't seem to be any except that it was an old house.

The first post stated:

The building known as the JD Miller house, on Miller Road was built in the teen's, or twenty's by my grandparents and the Zeil's.

If they had been interested in other options for the house other than a bulldozer, then why didn't they advertise, put up a sign, or something? The last I heard, Terry Schraider owned it, which I had spoken to him about it. To be included in the historic register as I understand, requires the home/structure to be over 50 years old. More info can be found at: National Register of Historic Places Fundamentals -- National Register of Historic Places Official Website--Part of the National Park Service. Dad was one of our community leaders, a park was named after him. In this area, even the county property's are not on the register, ie Bay Elementary School. They should be, but somehow aren't.

The first post stated: If they had been interested in other options for the house other than a bulldozer, then why didn't they advertise, put up a sign, or something? The last I heard, Terry Schraider owned it, which I had spoken to him about it. To be included in the historic register as I understand, requires the home/structure to be over 50 years old. More info can be found at: National Register of Historic Places Fundamentals -- National Register of Historic Places Official Website--Part of the National Park Service. Dad was one of our community leaders, a park was named after him. In this area, even the county property's are not on the register, ie Bay Elementary School. They should be, but somehow aren't.

So why aren't YOU doing something about it? It takes individuals in a community who care to make a change.

I'm guessing this is just another of your wind bag talking points where you "make people aware", but can't be bothered to do actually do anything yourself.

It was clearly so special and dear to her that she or her relatives sold it.

a bit harsh dont ya think

a bit harsh dont ya think

Thats our BOY...leave him alone, I'm just glad he is back. ALthough he is ignoring me.......

Okay, but again FG hasn't said that they had to sell the house due to a financial stress. The point is that once you sell a piece of property it is no longer yours and the new owner can do what they want. Again it's FG whining about something that can't be changed now, but she gets to play the victim as she normally does.

You're not nice! In fact, in this case you are downright ugly! Even if I do agree with you, will you please try to be civil to us older folk.

So why aren't YOU doing something about it? It takes individuals in a community who care to make a change.

I'm guessing this is just another of your wind bag talking points where you "make people aware", but can't be bothered to do actually do anything yourself.

That's what I'm trying to do, but it's the owner of the property that has the authority to put something on the register. As for the county, I think it would have to be by popular vote. If anyone is interested, I'd surely be happy to make a petition!
On another note, another worthy building is the old Grayton Hotel, currently the "Wash a Way" in Grayton Beach. It's a rental now, handled by Rivard Realty. I mentioned it to them once, but no response.

a bit harsh dont ya think

No, FG has consistently come on to whine and complain about a wide range of topics without any sort of idea as to how to fix or solve the problem. When a solution is pointed out to her she can't be bothered to assist or follow through.

Basically she's a troll and doesn't know it.

That's what I'm trying to do, but it's the owner of the property that has the authority to put something on the register. As for the county, I think it would have to be by popular vote. If anyone is interested, I'd surely be happy to make a petition!
On another note, another worthy building is the old Grayton Hotel, currently the "Wash a Way" in Grayton Beach. It's a rental now, handled by Rivard Realty. I mentioned it to them once, but no response.

Yes, Rivard doesn't own the property so it's kind of hard for them to do anything per your post. Have you contacted the owner?

Just for reference, I believe this is the house in question. FloridaGirl, I did not mean to imply that the house has no historic value. I can certainly sympathize with you, as I am a sentimental sort of person, and it would break my heart if it were my family home.

However, I rather took offense to your first post, which seemed to indicate that we should all be outraged at the people who were (allegedly) responsible for tearing it down (I don't know them, and therefore don't know if it was them who did so--your first post seemed to indicate that you weren't sure either). I don't think that we should be so quick to vilify people for being heartless individuals with no sense of historic preservation. There are lots of old houses in the world. There are lots of them that could be torn down, and nobody in the world would notice or care. However, as the property owner, they would have every right to remove the house.

If I am correct, I believe that this house has undergone several additions in recent years, and possibly would not be eligible for historic status because of those additions. It looks like it would have been a sizable job to move such a sprawling structure and, as I have pointed out in earlier posts, it does not seem that there was anyone who would have been able or willing (you haven't said one way or another) to move it even if the owner had been amenable to that solution; I daresay if someone had been willing to take on the cost, the owner would have been willing to let them.

Given all of these facts, I just can't see that there's much of a tragedy here. I'm sorry for your personal loss, but I don't see a lot of other ways that this could have gone. I do think it's a terrible shame that they felled the tree, too--what a beautiful piece of nature to lose!

You're not nice! In fact, in this case you are downright ugly! Even if I do agree with you, will you please try to be civil to us older folk.

Apparently I bother him, and he tends to follow me on SoWal when ever I post. I guess he finds me stimulating! I guess I'm not boring!

Just for reference, I believe this is the house in question. FloridaGirl, I did not mean to imply that the house has no historic value. I can certainly sympathize with you, as I am a sentimental sort of person, and it would break my heart if it were my family home.

However, I rather took offense to your first post, which seemed to indicate that we should all be outraged at the people who were (allegedly) responsible for tearing it down (I don't know them, and therefore don't know if it was them who did so--your first post seemed to indicate that you weren't sure either). I don't think that we should be so quick to vilify people for being heartless individuals with no sense of historic preservation. There are lots of old houses in the world. There are lots of them that could be torn down, and nobody in the world would notice or care. However, as the property owner, they would have every right to remove the house.

If I am correct, I believe that this house has undergone several additions in recent years, and possibly would not be eligible for historic status because of those additions. It looks like it would have been a sizable job to move such a sprawling structure and, as I have pointed out in earlier posts, it does not seem that there was anyone who would have been able or willing (you haven't said one way or another) to move it even if the owner had been amenable to that solution; I daresay if someone had been willing to take on the cost, the owner would have been willing to let them.

Given all of these facts, I just can't see that there's much of a tragedy here. I'm sorry for your personal loss, but I don't see a lot of other ways that this could have gone. I do think it's a terrible shame that they felled the tree, too--what a beautiful piece of nature to lose!

Yes, that's the house. I'm not sure we actually know the exact rules for the registry, but I think we need to find out. The problem with this property was foreclosure. The photo is shot at an angle, the garage in the back was not actually attached, so the house actually ends at the tree. Unfortunately, there just aren't many old houses left. I have another 5 years to go for my house to be 50, so I'll be looking into it more carefully.

Yes, that's the house. I'm not sure we actually know the exact rules for the registry, but I think we need to find out. The problem with this property was foreclosure. The photo is shot at an angle, the garage in the back was not actually attached, so the house actually ends at the tree. Unfortunately, there just aren't many old houses left. I have another 5 years to go for my house to be 50, so I'll be looking into it more carefully.

Don't forget your historic collection of trailers.

don't forget your historic collection of trailers.

my friend, you are one crude dude. I hope that one day something of value doesnt get taken away from you.

She may have had the ability to prevent it somehow or at least try, but to smear this woman is simply rude-respectfully.

At the sametime, victimization of ones self never works

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I love big old trees! The tree in the picture does not look healthy though. The photo makes it look like it is suffering from die back.

50 years isn't very old for a house (except maybe in FL).

My Mom's house in IL, which is now sitting vacant, is around 100 years old, has some character here and there, additions, changes and would never be considered for the historical registry in Illinois. It is just an old house with old house problems, lots of great memories and our family can't seem to part with it - yet. Who knows down the road what we will do?! The emotional attachment is only with the family - others would see it for what it is, an old house that would take a lot of $$ to change it to what a family would want to live in.


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i love big old trees! The tree in the picture does not look healthy though. The photo makes it look like it is suffering from die back.

50 years isn't very old for a house (except maybe in fl).

My mom's house in il, which is now sitting vacant, is around 100 years old, has some character here and there, additions, changes and would never be considered for the historical registry in illinois. It is just an old house with old house problems, lots of great memories and our family can't seem to part with it - yet. Who knows down the road what we will do?! The emotional attachment is only with the family - others would see it for what it is, an old house that would take a lot of $$ to change it to what a family would want to live in.


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good point. And your right, the tree doesnt look like it has many more days ahead of it and that simply sux. Ive seen all to many big oaks taken down for ugly development

There is a house that look something like this that was moved to Old Point Washington within the past month. It's now located on a cul de sac at the end of a newly paved street off of Eden Drive. The name of the actual street it is on escapes me.

If a wrap around porch was added at some point, this could be what you are looking for. Sorry for any false hope if it is not.

There is a house that look something like this that was moved to Old Point Washington within the past month. It's now located on a cul de sac at the end of a newly paved street off of Eden Drive. The name of the actual street it is on escapes me.

If a wrap around porch was added at some point, this could be what you are looking for. Sorry for any false hope if it is not.

Thats right I forgot about that. About 3-4 weeks ago I was driving on Eden Drive and witnessed a house being delivered on two huge flatbeds. The lot it is now located on is Garden Court Lane I think. It was very cool to witness it. (And sort of a funny story. A house just drove by!?)

I think the point that is being made here is that nothing seems to be sacred. Y'know, most of us couldn't give a flying flip over architectural styles or new urbanism or whatever. What matters to us is that our ancestry, and the places that remind us of the people we loved (who happened to be VERY important to the history of SoWal) are regarded with much the same interest as dogpoop on a developer's shoe.

My road is named for my dad, and everytime the sign gets changed I have to call to tell the road office (whom I love dearly) they spelled my maiden name wrong, again. This time they left out a letter and we joked that it was due to budget cuts. But it still isn't fixed, and it's not that difficult. (As an aside, I once had a lady in my church inform me that I spelled the name of my road incorrectly but that she would fix it for the church directory. Grrr.)

Few are the families still around from the early parts of this century. Many who were left just 10-15 years ago became overwhelmed and sold out (for a profit, yes) and relocated to NoWal, Bonifay, etc. I am thinking that's what I should have done, but noooo, I wanted to move back.

FG, I'm sorry this happened.

Don't forget your historic collection of trailers.

I actually have one that's a 1955. http://www.allmanufacturedhomes.com/html/html/1955_pacemaker_091103.htm

I think the point that is being made here is that nothing seems to be sacred. Y'know, most of us couldn't give a flying flip over architectural styles or new urbanism or whatever. What matters to us is that our ancestry, and the places that remind us of the people we loved (who happened to be VERY important to the history of SoWal) are regarded with much the same interest as dogpoop on a developer's shoe.

I am sorry, but if these things are so important to you, YOU need to do things to preserve them.

Many historic buildings are still here because someone felt they were so important that they put a great deal of time and effort (and frequently their own money and sweat) into preserving, restoring, and maintaining them.

I asked if the building had historic significance - no one told me of any. I asked if there was something architecturally significant about it - only its age. I asked if any effort had been made to obtain the property or move the house - nada.

The reason many communities remember significant residents with parks and road names is because there is not enough money to buy, rehab, and maintain every old building so they need to be selective.

There are many people in Sowal who are passionate about preserving the unique history of the area - they blog about it on Sowal, they volunteer, they write books and articles, they collect items of significance, they publicize events, they make their friends, family, and neighbors aware of any issues, they take us on field trips to special places, and if a building is REALLY important to them, they find a way to save it.

The only effort I am aware of in this case is the minimal amount FG used to biatch and complain.....................but not do anything productive.

In other words, he who has the dough controls the flow.

I am lucky in that I am a Point Washington resident, and we have an organization that is dedicated to making others aware of our rich history. There is no such organization for Santa Rosa Beach. The Coastal Heritage Foundation was last active under Chick Huettel's leadership, and even he has now moved east.

A local charity now occupies the building that once housed the South Walton Superette, which was Santa Rosa Beach's only grocery store for decades. FG's kin ran the store for a time, Vernon Bishop's family ran it for years, and my family ran it for about 15 years. It has historical significance for me and my formative years. Yet, it's only a matter of time. The charity is even declaring in their newpaper ads that the building is ugly.

It's just the fact that not only do people not realize what they destroy, it is also that they don't care. Did anyone stop and say, "oh gee, look at the abstract, this is the house that J.D. Miller lived in, perhaps that is where the road got its name? I'd like to know more about that!" NO. And I just don't understand that.

I suppose FG and I just have to be content with the beach access named for her father and the road named for my father, and be grateful for that. She and I don't always see eye-to-eye, but I FULLY understand where she is coming from on this.

Stepping back and taking a larger view...

It's very difficult to succeed at historic preservation on a case-by-case basis. But, it's far easier with legal protections.

My former neighborhood received National Historic District protection in 1984. There are now legal protections against demolition, inappropriate remodelling, and inappropriate new development. Owners must agree to the convenants when they buy property there. New construction must meet architectural guidelines to insure it fits the area. And, by some folks standards, they aren't particularly old houses, most dating from 1910 to 1925.

With this protection, just last year a developer was stopped from a teardown to put in a high-density replacement - four houses on a lot formerly containing one.

Pt. Washington, Grayton, you can do this too, if you wish. Not easy, but worth it.

Stepping back and taking a larger view...

It's very difficult to succeed at historic preservation on a case-by-case basis. But, it's far easier with legal protections.

My former neighborhood received National Historic District protection in 1984. There are now legal protections against demolition, inappropriate remodelling, and inappropriate new development. Owners must agree to the convenants when they buy property there. New construction must meet architectural guidelines to insure it fits the area. And, by some folks standards, they aren't particularly old houses, most dating from 1910 to 1925.

With this protection, just last year a developer was stopped from a teardown to put in a high-density replacement - four houses on a lot formerly containing one.

Pt. Washington, Grayton, you can do this too, if you wish. Not easy, but worth it.

PW tried the historic district route, but it did more to turn people against each other than anything. However, we are still seeking density restrictions in "old" PW. The county has been developing an EAR that will be presented at the HPWA's quarterly public meeting on Sunday Sept 16...

PW tried the historic district route, but it did more to turn people against each other than anything. However, we are still seeking density restrictions in "old" PW. The county has been developing an EAR that will be presented at the HPWA's quarterly public meeting on Sunday Sept 16...

It usually takes a couple of truly heartless demolitions or hideous new construction projects to galvanize the effort. Like, for example, the two high-rises in Seagrove.

<rant mode on> Until that happens, the "it's my property and I'll do what I want with it" crowd will crow about how un-American property restrictions are. The same bunch would scream bloody murder if you tried to open a titty bar next to their church. <rant mode off>

Historic preservation isn't counter to development. In my old neighborhood in Memphis, there was a huge swath of land cleared for an interstate highway project that never happened. About 15 years ago, that land was sold and redeveloped. Over 200 new houses were built, all under quite specific architectural guidelines. Homeowners and builders alike were scrambling to be part of the project, restrictions and all. Google "Evergreen Historic District" and "Overton Park Interstate 40".