DeFuniak Springs in Walton County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Walton-DeFuniak Library

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 27, 2010

1. Walton-DeFuniak Library Marker

Inscription. The Walton-DeFuniak Library opened during the first decade of the existence of the town of DeFuniak Springs. This community originated in the early 1880's as a station on the new Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad. The town was named for Frederick de Funiak, president of the P. and A. Railroad, a subsidiary of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Railroad officials promoted the development of the area's recreational resources. In the mid-1880's, representatives of the widely popular Chautauqua association, an adult education movement combining education with religion and recreation, selected DeFuniak Springs was the Florida assembly grounds site. In 1885, the first annual session of the Florida Chautauqua Association was held here. Local women realized that library resources were needed for the Florida Chautauqua. In 1886, an "Aid Society" was formed which the next year became the "Ladies Library Association." By the end of 1887, the DeFuniak Library building was completed. The Institution became the Walton County Public Library in 1966 and in 1975 was named the Walton-DeFuniak Library. At that time, the library building

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was the oldest structure in Florida built as a library and still serving that purpose.

Erected 1976 by Walton County Ladies Library Association in cooperation with Department of State. (Marker Number F-267.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 30° 43.105′ N, 86° 6.953′ W. Marker is in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, in Walton County. It is at the intersection of Circle Drive and Live Oak Avenue, on the left when traveling south on Circle Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Defuniak Springs FL 32435, 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,

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 27, 2010

2. Walton-DeFuniak Library Marker

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: The DeFuniak Library (a few steps from this marker); Wooden Sidewalks (a few steps from this marker); Chautauqua Art Department (within shouting distance of this marker); Florida Education Association: The Beginning (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fencing and Tents (about 500 feet away); Recreation (about 500 feet away); Hotel Chautauqua (about 500 feet away); Tabernacle (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in DeFuniak Springs.

Walton-DeFuniak Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, November 27, 2010

3. Walton-DeFuniak Library

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,229 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on October 12, 2012, by Ray King of Jacksonville, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 17, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.