Carrabelle in Franklin County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Original Old Carrabelle School Bell
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2025
1. Original Old Carrabelle School Bell Marker
The first Carrabelle School was built in the 1880s but it was quickly outgrown with new residents. In the early 1900s a new school building was constructed at 312 NW Avenue D and a 2nd story was added onto the school, along with a bell tower. This bell was used to call students into class.
On thick foggy nights, local officials rang the bell in a regular beat for hours to help fishermen find their way home to the river. We appreciate the Varner Family for keeping the old bell safe for all these years and then donating it to the Carrabelle History Museum.
A special thanks to George Ryan, Tim Keith-Lucas and the City of Carrabelle Streets & Roads Work Crew for restoring the bell and setting it in place, June 4, 2021.
Erected 2021 by Carrabelle History Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list.
Location. 29° 51.026′ N, 84° 39.856′ W. 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. The marker is beside the sidewalk, directly in front of the Carrabelle History
this page online
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: Carrabelle Historic City Hall (here, next to this marker); Marvin N. Justiss Building (here, next to this marker); Georgia Florida & Alabama Railroad (here, next to 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 500 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.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2025
2. Original Old Carrabelle School Bell & Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2025
3. Original Old Carrabelle School Bell & Marker
The bell and marker are located on the right side of the Carrabelle History Museum entrance.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
