Carrabelle in Franklin County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Marvin N. Justiss Building

"Some say he built half of Carrabelle"

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 7, 2018

1. Marvin N. Justiss Building Marker

Inscription. Marvin N. Justiss was born November 16, 1898. He married Thelma Massey in Pensacola, Florida and moved to Carrabelle in 1929. They had one daughter, Virginia Justiss Sanborn. Marvin Justiss came to Carrabelle and began building both homes and commercial buildings. He owned a machine that made both bricks and blocks, and with that machine he made all the blocks to build this building, which was the Carrabelle City Hall until it moved in 2008. This building is now home to the Carrabelle History Museum.

As you look around the Carrabelle downtown district, every building that you see was built by Mr. Justiss with the exception of just a few. At his last count there were over 100 buildings that he had constructed. Marvin N. Justiss lived in Carrabelle from 1929 until he passed away February 23, 1998 just short of being 100 years old.

Erected by Carrabelle History Museum.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 16, 1898.

Location. 29° 51.025′ N, 84° 39.859′ W.

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Marker is in Carrabelle, Florida, in Franklin County. It is on Southeast Avenue B just east of Marine Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is a large metal plaque, mounted directly on the subject building, just to the left of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 Southeast Avenue B, Carrabelle FL 32322, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Georgia Florida & Alabama Railroad (here, next to this marker); Original Old Carrabelle School Bell (here, next to this marker); Carrabelle Historic City Hall (here, next to

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 7, 2018

2. Marvin N. Justiss Building Marker

The marker is mounted at eye-level on the left side of the front entrance.

this marker); The Legend of Tate's Hell (a few steps from this marker); Carrabelle Town Center (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); World's Smallest Police Station (about 400 feet away); A Coastal Gem (approx. 0.2 miles away); From Boom to Bust... and Back Again! (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carrabelle.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Carrabelle History Museum.

The museum is located in the Old Carrabelle City Hall, the Marvin N. Justiss Building. An anchor historical building in the heart of the historical downtown. The City conducted its business in the building for 75 years. It was named in honor of the local brick mason who created each block and brick with hand-crafted local materials. It was built as a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The structure is a two-story brick vernacular style of that period. Mr. Justiss is often called the "Father of Carrabelle" since he built over 119 businesses and homes throughout the 1930's when the town was rebuilt at its current location after
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 7, 2018

3. Marvin N. Justiss Building (Currently houses the Carrabelle History Museum)
The museum is located in the Old Carrabelle City Hall built in 1933 as project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) by local mason Marvin Justiss.
being ravaged by storms and fires. It has been restored by the museum with the help of the City and the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources.

(Submitted on August 22, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Additional commentary.
1. Uncle Marvin & Aunt Thelma
Both Uncle Marvin and Aunt Thelma loved Carabelle. We use to visit their home and always went to church down the road with Aunt Thelma. My mother (who was uncle Marvin’s niece) just passed away at the age of 84 Aug 7 2023 at home peacefully with family at bedside. Oh how she would have been so proud to see this page.

My grandfather Joseph Capers Justiss was also a brick mason. I’m so very thankful to have come across this page today as me will make a point to take my grandkids to Carabelle to show them uncle Marvin work. God bless you all.
—JoAnn Justiss Kerce’s daughter Deborah Phelps. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted September 4, 2023, by Deborah Phelps of Pelham, Georgia.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.