Look at these beauties...two people commented on these lovely tall pines yesterday, so I thought you all might enjoy seeing them.
Old National of course, was the land of fragrant pines and white sand when I was growing up; at Aunt Mitzi's at the (almost) corner of Old National and Creel Road, there were several acres of tall pines surrounding the house; I particularly loved the spot in the back corner where the pines halted and soft green grass grew.
I am not sure what hole our current house is set on, but the visionary H. L. Sudduth laid out the precursor to Seaside and Rosemary Beach. He came to this area from Birmingham, saw this little spit of land right next to the booming little upstart Panama City and bought up what he could from the shipping and timber interests that were already here. He put in sidewalks and started stylish little bungalows, and advertised the development as the last word in recreation and business life, all rolled into one.
To cap it off in swinging style, Sudduth built a sprawling stucco hotel, a riding stable, a clubhouse and a golf course for the guests to enjoy.
But as we have discovered, easy credit leads to hard falls. After the economic downturn no one could afford to stay at the Hotel Cove, so resort changed hands. Sudduth and his children were later able to continue developing the area, and the Sealy family ably managed the steamlined operations at the Cove Hotel. There were plenty of entertainment options even without the links, setting at the confluence of the bayou, the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. My yard was safe for another 20 odd years.
After WWII, the old golf course was developed into odd little circles, and planted with happy little tract houses. In a stroke of genius, the pines were left to shade and perfume our little spot of the Cove and to stand as gray guardians of the Cove's secrets. If you can slow down, like our friend here, and be really quiet, they'll whisper their stories in halting, pleasant accents.
Shhhh....look....listen....
