The Pensacola journal., 1922-11-05
BY w. cHtPLEY JONES

Florala, which is just across the line
of the northern border of okaloosa coun-
~. Florida, in Covington county, Ala
bama, is a beautiful and busy town of
5000 Population within its corporate
limits and quite a S many more perma-
nent residents within surrounding ra-
dius of two miles. because within this
radius the busy sawmin towns Of Lock
hart, Ala; lakewood, Ala. and Paxton,
Fla, are located. And then, too. as the
agricultural and horticultural develop
naent OF the surrounding section pro-
crosses, both IN Alabama and Florida.
Florala is destined TO become a city OF
metropolitan importance. center of dis
tribution of products of the soil of
section of limitless agricultural and hor-
ticultural possibilities.
II is already a progressive. prosperous
little city, seemingly thoroughly alive TO
It's potential wealth, which is not being
developed by leaps and bounds. Hence.
the development which I confidently
predict cannot be long deferred.
1t were impossible to select. anywhere.
a more ideal spot for the location and
development of a city-not alone busy
mart Of trade, but a the same time a
city beautifuI-than the site upon which
Florala has beeen built and is now being
developed SO rapidly and substantially.
EnVironme Ideal
Located upon the shores of Lake Jack
son-a mystery body Of water, five miles
in diameter, whose surface is 300 feet
above sea level, but so miles away, and
which has no visible source Of existence
not any outlet that man has yet discov-
ered-and with surrounding country
side, both in Alabama and Florida. Won
derful in it's Typographical beauties |
FloraIa's every environment is ideal in |
extreme degree.
But beautiful landscapes rarely build |
cities unless they are supplemented by !
more substantial and lasting. |
Nor is the beautiful perspective of the |
town of Florala but remotely responsible |
for it's growth and prosperity. Instead, |
it is the fabulous natural wealth of the |
surrounding; primarily, Of /
course. the sawmilling and naval stores |
but infinitely more lasting !
than these passing industries. the devel- |
opment Of the sections agricultural and !
horticultural resources.
Development Most Rapid.
Nowhere in the entire southland are |
there lands more fertile and productive |
than are the thousands on thousands of
acres, both in Florida and Alabama, sur
Floraia upon every side. Nor
is there to be found in the Eldorado of |
West Florida and along the borderland
Of South Alabama. a section which is
coming more rapidly under the hand of
the developer-the agriculturist and hor-
ticulturalist, and particularly the latter.
And within the coming decade. I pre-
dict with absolute confidence, that Flo |
rala. will become the center of one of
the most productive horticultural sec
ions in the south. as we'll as a center |
If an agricultural. stock raising and
activity second to none any
where in the country.
The lands hereabout are peculiarly
idapted both to agricultural and horti-
cultural pursuits and through the ex
ensive experiment which have been con- I
lucted by W. S. Harland Of Lockhart.
:attle raising and dairying has been {
,roven possible of development into 4 +
major industry upon a basis of Temu-
Grafton SURPRISING returns from these
Industries in the north and west. And !
hese possibilities are being tremendous !
y enhanced through the introduction 4
nto the surrounding section of the cul- 4
ure of the Napier grass, that really
South African forage crop of
which 1 shall write a descriptive story
ext week. ... -.
siueberry Lands Prepared.
Already, hundreds of acres of lands
rithin radius of ten miles of Florala,
principally in Okaloosa county. Florida
re in process, Of preparation for plant
ng to the bIueberry during the month
I February. Indeed, one interest alone,
epresented by W. F, Hughes, is prepar- /
ne TO plant 500 acres Of this wonderful
attve horticultural product which is
estined, in company with the Satsuma
range, to develop West Florida and the |
ounties Of Alabama bordering upon
Vest Florida into a fruit producing sec
ion which will rival the Imperial and
anta Clara valleys of California and /
he Hood river section of Oregon and
Washington.
Nor is the Satsuma being neglected in
he vicinity of Florala. Extensive prep
rations are also being made in the Vi |