Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society (GBAHS) May 2021 Newsletter Volume 33
President’s Letter
Dear Members,
Hope you are enjoying this beautiful month as we all eagerly anticipate the re-opening of our Three-Mile Bridge. It has certainly been a challenging past 14+ months for most of us with COVID-19, Hurricane Sally, loose barges, etc. However, our country and our city has been through challenges before, and we have come through by the grace of God and by coming together and rolling up our sleeves and doing the work that was needed to be done.
As I was writing this month’s letter, I was thinking about the WWII poster inspiring women to serve their country. Why? Because it has been a challenge finding women and men to serve on our Board and as Officers. The Historical Society needs Members, volunteers and caring and concerned residents who love this Area, its rich history, and want to help preserve it. “We can do it” together when YOU join us. Check us out at GBAHS.org.
Our very important May General Membership Meeting will be held this Thursday, May 20, at 6pm in the Clay Ford Room at the Gulf Breeze Community Center.
We do hope YOU will join us for the annual Election of Officers for the June 2021 through May, 2022 Year. We will also have the induction of Officers & Board Members.
Everyone, including well-behaved children, are invited to attend. We will have our portfolio of sixteen historic photos at the meeting. Please do browse through them and see if you can provide any names or details to help describe them.
You may order copies of these photos (price depends on size requested) and help support the Historical Society.
Blessings,
Barbara Udit
President, GBAHS Board of Directors
Historical Tidbit
What was the impact of Live Oak trees on the development of the Santa Rosa Peninsula? For many years, the Santa Rosa Peninsula was just a summer retreat. Animals ran loose; plants grew wild; fish and seafood were abundant, and many birds filled the sky. Throughout history the area was called by many names and used for many temporary functions. The Indians came to partake of the abundant food supply. The Spanish used the area to “careen” wooden ships, remove barnacles and make repairs.
The Pensacola Seaport used the locale to quarantine and to fumigate vessels from other parts of the world. Confederate soldiers used it as a campsite, lookout tower and a temporary hospital. When Florida became United States territory, the peninsula was first recognized for its Live Oak trees. The United States Navy was very interested in the hardwood with its unique shape that resembled the bough of a ship.