The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Lynn Haven, Fl., Turns 100

From the Jan. 12th Panama City News Herald "Capturing Time" byAli Helgoth.

So, what does this have to do with the Civil War, which had been over 46 years when the town was founded?

I wrote about it last week in this blog about Union soldiers retiring to Lynn Haven starting in 1911.  These folks wouldn't be considered snowbirds since they did not return north when winter was over.  However, they could be considered the "First Wave" on northerners retiring south to escape winter.

A time capsule was buried in Lynn Haven (near Panama City) Wednesday to be opened in fifty years for the town's sesquicentennial.  Fourteen children were asked to be on hand for that future event.  When the capsule is opened, there will be coins from 1911, 1961 and 2011, a Florida commemorative coin and other items.

Resident Bobby Roberts has deep ties to Lynn Haven.  His great-great-grandfather, Andrew Jackson Gay, was one of the early investors in the St. Andrews Bay Development Co., which started the town in 1911.  Another great-great grandfather, William Martin, was a Union veteran who moved to the retirement city.

His daughter's family joined him and her husband, Lee Jay Roberts, who built Roberts Hall in 1912.

The ceremony marked the end of a years' worth of ceremonies commemorating the event, including a gala, Memorial Day celebration, block party, Christmas tree lighting, Heritage Trail Day and a run.

Way to Go, Lynn Haven!!  --Old Secesh

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