Walton County Heritage Collection

Christening Gown

By WCHA | March 23, 2023 - 3:18 pm |August 27, 2025 Clothing & Accessories

This christening gown was worn by Alleen Arrington Smith in 1902 and was donated by her nephew. [Accession No. 2009-11: Donated by Ernest L. Hollingsworth]

Antique Dolls

By WCHA | March 23, 2023 - 2:41 pm |September 5, 2025 Toys & Dolls, Uncategorized

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The doll on the left and in the middle photograph was named “Miss Pitty-Pat” by Dora Miles. Her daughter Erma gave Dora the doll’s head in the 1970s, and Dora then made the body and clothes for the doll. The doll on the right was named “Dorothy” by Lillian Miles… Continue reading →

Calumet Baking Power

By WCHA | March 15, 2023 - 2:00 pm |March 15, 2023 Household Items

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The Calumet Baking Powder Company was formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1889 by William Monroe Wright. It was purchased by General Foods in 1929 and later by Kraft Heinz. [Accession No. 2004-4-7: Donated by Robert Habbard]

Allison’s Grocery

By WCHA | February 24, 2023 - 2:49 pm |October 10, 2025 Businesses, Clothing & Accessories, DeFuniak Springs, Household Items, People

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Fennie Allison (seated) of Allison’s Grocery received an award from Margaret Wooten in this undated photograph. This article from the Crestview News in 1975 is one of many that told the story of Fennie Allison. “Her Store Carries Everything” by Charlie Webb CRESTVIEW — The wonderful courage and goodness of… Continue reading →

Bread Bowl

By WCHA | February 24, 2023 - 2:13 pm |February 24, 2023 Household Items

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Bread bowls such as this were a staple of every Walton County household. The ingredients for the bread would be mixed in bowls like this prior to baking. [Accession No. 2005-7-1; Donated by Jeanette A. McDonald]

Coca-Cola Bottled in DeFuniak Springs

By WCHA | February 24, 2023 - 12:25 pm |February 24, 2023 Businesses, Household Items

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The carton of 32 oz. Coca-Cola bottles was produced at the DeFuniak Springs bottling plant. The building is still located on the west side of 9th Street North. [Accession No. 2005-6-2; Donated by Jeanette A. McDonald] For the history of Coca-Cola in DeFuniak Springs, see Hygeia Coca-Cola Bottling Plant.

Grass Clippers

By WCHA | December 7, 2022 - 3:51 pm |December 7, 2022 Tools & Equipment

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These grass clippers were the property of Walker H. Habbard. [Accession No. 2002-13-5: Donated by Robert Habbard]

Dairy Farms in Walton County

By WCHA | December 7, 2022 - 3:03 pm |December 7, 2022 Agriculture, Dairies

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L.I. Smith and his family are known for the dairy farm that operated from 1906 to 1945 in DeFuniak Springs. It was the oldest working dairy farm in Florida, and the Smith home can still be seen on Highway 331 near the Burger King restaurant. [Digital Collection: Courtesy of Scott… Continue reading →

Wooden Stirrup

By WCHA | December 5, 2022 - 2:57 pm |December 5, 2022 Agriculture, Tools & Equipment

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This wooden stirrup represents the evolution of horseback riding techniques. It was located in an abandoned barn near Dewitt, Arkansas, in the 1970s. Wooden bar stirrups were in common use in Walton County after the Civil War and through the depression following the 1929 stock market crash. [Accession No. 2002-11-3:… Continue reading →

Letter from H. E. Edwards to Ella Turner

By WCHA | August 26, 2022 - 3:11 pm |August 26, 2022 People

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DeFuniak Fla. Aug 8, [19]11. Dear Ella:- I will ans. your sweet [word omitted] which I was no doubt glad to get. Kid I sure had a grand time last Smr., but wish you could of been there to enjoyed the sights!! Ethel took [illegible] with me Wed. night, and… Continue reading →