Carrabelle Cares

Visit the Governor Stone in March

Our Location:

Visit the Carrabelle History Museum located in the Old City Hall Building at 106 Avenue B, SE, ( behind the BP station on US 98).  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.  The museum has 4 rooms to display its collections. a workroom/office for the volunteers to process the incoming artifacts and a nice long hallway for special displays. 

Our Hours:

The Carrabelle History Museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. We gladly open any other day by appointment.  Just call 850-697-2141 or 850-524-1153 to arrange a tour.  Field trips and buses are welcome.  Whenever we get more volunteers willing to give us 2 hours of their time each month, we will be able to stay open another day each week.

Our Mission:

To preserve the history of Carrabelle for the inspiration of the future.
 

Our Gift Shop:

Survey of the Archaeology and Architecture of the City of Carrabelle, Historic Florida Consulting, 2008. Excellent professional document highlithing the history of Carrabelle from complex native cultures dating back thousands of years.  Filled with photos and maps.  Featuring the facinating archaeology and architecture that makes Carrabelle unique. Cost $20.00

Memories of Carrabelle, 2011 Calendar of Carrabelle written by local poet  Miss Mary Westberg and illustrated by local photographers Marion Morris and Rod Gashe.  Cost $5.00

Gold Foil pressed image of the SS Tarpon suitable for framing, Cost  $4.00

New/Old -  2012/1984 Calendar.  The 1984 Calendar put out originally by the Gulf State Communiity Bank features a gold foil image of the Shrimp Fleet at the dock in Carrabelle.  The days and dates line up the same for 2012 as for 1984.  Beautiful and innovative gift for the holidays. $5.00

Carrabelle CARES Bear.  Adorable 8 inch stuffed seated Florida Black Bear.  $8.00

Dog Island Series Notecards.  Package of 4 Black and White sketches by Ruth Williams. Perfect gift for thank you notes and invitations.  $5.00

History of the Carrabelle History Museum:

The Carrabelle History Museum is a project of the local non-profit organization, Carrabelle CARES.  It started as an idea of the Carrabelle Waterfront Partnership found in "Charting the Course for the Carrabelle Waterfront: A Vision Plan.  It is sponsored by the Carrabelle History Society and the City of Carrabelle with support from the Franklin County Tourist Development Council with a community partnership from the Franklin County Public Library.  It opened in April of 2009.  It is staffed by volunteers and funded through donations, memberships and grants.

An unusual and memorable gathering took place in the fishing town of Carrabelle Florida this past Saturday.( September 3, 2011) A group of people all bonded by a shared family tragedy, and all having a bit of an obsession with the same old boat, came to the grand opening of the S.S.TARPON exhibit at the Carrabelle History Museum. Gathered were the descendants of the crew of the steam ship Tarpon, which sank less than

10 miles off the coast of Panama City in 1937 due to a severe storm, too much cargo and a proud, and overly determined captain.

Many were the grandchildren of survivors, some the relatives of the Second Mate who perished trying to save the 81 year old Captain. Almost all of the families reported having a photo of the ship some where in their homes. They were very excited to finally meet others with last names they were so familiar with. The Mattairs, McKnights, Smiths and Russells (and related families)) were able to share stories of the horrible ordeal, with details that their grandparents had told them so many times. Discussions included who was clinging to the hatch cover or the mast, plus comments on operations before the wreck.... like how much faster the roustabouts would work, when the captain was watching.The museum staff was able to get some positive identification on photos they were unsure of, and extra tidbits to add to the exploration of this fascinating, certainly film-worthy story.

The SS TARPON had a long career. She was part of Henry Plant 's transportation empire in the late 1880s and part of Flagler's fleet at the turn of the century. The vessel was sold to a panhandle firm in 1902. TARPON served the northern gulf coast until it's demise in 1937, carrying freight and passengers 'til 1930, and from then on, mainly hauling freight. The steam powered ship cruised weekly from Mobile to Carrabelle. Older folks referred to her as Carrabelle's Queen Mary. "This was a very significant era in the history of Franklin County and the Gulf Coast," said museum director, Tamara Allen.

To keep your curiosity high, I won't tell you the entire story in this article. The Carrabelle HIstory Museum hopes that everyone will come to our friendly little town, check out our special exhibit, have a great seafood dinner and take a walk on our beach! (Remember we depend on you visitors to keep our wonderful restaurants going during the off -season.) "The Last Voyage of the S.S. TARPON" will be displayed through Thanksgiving weekend. The Carrabelle History Museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays or by appointment. Call (850) 524-1153.

(The Carrabelle History Museum is at106 Avenue B Carrabelle FL 32322 [Behind the BP Station on Hwy 98]
Joan Matey is former manager of the 1843 Knott House in Tallahassee and is currently curator at the
Crooked River Lighthouse and the Carrabelle History Museum.) 

P.S Attention Divers: The remains of the wrecked vessel can be located via the State Underwater Archaeological Preserve.