Panama City in Bay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

W.L. Folkes Building

1926

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. W.L. Folkes Building Marker

Inscription. This building was built in 1926 and named for its original owner, Walter L. Folkes, who introduced electricity to Panama City in 1915. The first floor was originally occupied by Panama Light and Power Company, under the management of Folkes' son, Fleming. Later businesses to occupy the building were Rex Drug Store and Crawford's Beauty Shop. During World War II, the upstairs was converted into the Little Hotel and provided sleeping quarters for wartime workers. In 1976, new owner H. Fred Scott opened Bay Flowers downstairs and converted the upstairs into the first New York style apartment in the city. In 2016, the first floor was occupied by Lori Bates Interior Design.

Erected by Historical Society of Bay County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.

Location. 30° 9.31′ N, 85° 39.605′ W. Marker is in Panama City, Florida, in Bay County. It can be reached from the intersection of East 4th Street and Harrison Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 E 4th St, Panama City FL 32401, 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: Cook Motor Company (within shouting distance of this

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marker); The Moon Jewelry Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); Idle Hour Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Lee McKenzie's Home and Office (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Page Building (about 300 feet away); McKenzie Park (about 500 feet away); The Van Kleeck Company (about 600 feet away); The Gideon Versus Wainwright Case (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Panama City.

Also see . . .
1. W.L. Folkes Building serves up quite the history. (Submitted on April 21, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Historical Society of Bay County. (Submitted on April 21, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. W.L. Folkes Building Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.