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Book Available Again About History Of Bratt And Surrounding Area
December 7, 2013
A local author now has more copies available of a new book about the Bratt and neighboring communities in the early part of the 20th century. “Bratt: Ramblings and Recollections on the Growth of a Florida Panhandle Farm Community” by Russell Brown contains about 150 pages of text and more than 100 photos.
Brown quickly sold out of his first printing of 100 books, but now has copies available. Books will be available while supplies last at Gilley’s Store in Bratt, Dixie’s Antiques in Ensley, and The Copper Possum Antiques in Milton. Books are $25. The paperback can also be ordered from Amazon.com.
Brown grew up in a rural area south of the Bratt community and often visited family and church there. All his great grandparents had come to Bratt near the turn of the century and both his parents were raised there. After completing his first small book about his great grandfather, “Traces of John M and Fannie M Brown”, he wanted to provide a continuation to the story of the families that came to this farm community in the early part of the 20th century.
The first part of the book recalls the history of the settlement of north Escambia County as it evolved around the logging industry. This is followed by the growth of Bratt after 1900 as the area evolved into a farming region. The book contains 18 separate sections that discuss some of the early families, the schools, early county roads, the churches, the community’s cemetery, followed by infrastructure improvements in the days of the depression, and those locally who fought in World War II. The ending is a general discussion of the changes in the community in the last part of the 20th century.
Brown will be signing and selling copies of the book in person this Saturday morning beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Gilley’s Country Store at the corner of West Highway 4 and North Highway 99 (at the Bratt Crossroads). This self-published book is limited to about 100 copies. Books are $25 each.
Pictured top: From the book “Bratt”, Over 165 students, including David Hanks and Grady “Gray Jay” Wiggins in a tree, in front of the new Bratt Wardville School in 1929. Students attended grades 1-6 here before transferring to the Oak Grove School. Pictured below: Oliver and Emma Wiggins (seated center) with their 11 mostly married children and their extended family in about 1911. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
24 Responses to “Book Available Again About History Of Bratt And Surrounding Area”
Can you tell me what the first names of the Bratt’s that Bratt, FL was name after?
Just got the book from Aunt Shirley who still resides on Hanks Rd. Willie J is my father & Dolly Amerson is my grandmother.
Just got to page 49. Very interesting reading. Fills in a lot of gaps family always inquired on the Amerson’s which leads to even more questions.
Good job and many thanks Russell Brown!
My Great Grandmother was a Godwin. Her name is Hazel Godwin Blanton. I grew up visiting Bratt with her. I have many fond memories. Ryan who was your father?
My father always told me that if I ever met a Blanton from Bratt that we were kin. Does anyone know any Blanton’s from Bratt or have any stories? I am passing on to my children and plan to take them to the cemetery to see their ancestors graves.
Wow this looks like a great book. I have a lot of family from Bratt. My grandfather was Ernest Eugene Godwin his parents we’re Archie Eugene Godwin And Eunice Wiggins.The picture you show you the Wiggins family is my line. If I’m not wrong I think I can see my great great grandfather George Wiggins.
It would be so great if you had pics of the Godwins or even the Vanhoosens. I’m not really sure how many Vanhoosens lived in Bratt all I know is Dovie Vanhoosen Godwin and her Mom Elizabeth Jane Rachel’s Vanhoosen.
So where can I buy this book? Is it still out there I’m a little late seeing this lol
My Great Grandmother, Rosella Lambert Davis, her son, Dee Monroe Davis, & his wife, Arbell, lived in Bratt from late 1917 until their deaths. They are buried in Godwin Cemetery. Are they mentioned in your book? ( or any pictures of them) Thank you,Glenda
Russell,
Please sign 2 . One for me and one for Michael and let me know where to send the check.
Carol Sue
My grandfather was Orville B “aka O.B.” Mason. Can u tell me if there was any mention of the Mason family my mom Gayle, Aunt Ruby, and my grandmother Quilla would love to have one of these books. Where and when could I get a book or two?
My great grand father was A.B “Bert” Mason
Would like two books. Where and when can we buy these books? thanks, Catrene turner
my mother is betty godwin my grandparents were bill and Effie godwin . they ran a store on the corner of hwy4 and hwy99 . we understand that my grandpas photo is in this book. we would like to know when you think you will be at the store to sale this book. we want to purchase one for sure.
Thank you to everyone for your amazing interest in my new book. The first printing was much more in demand than expected, and is sold out. A second printing will soon be available, and information will released at a later date.
My family is the Rigby Family. I would love to have your book but I do not live in the Bratt area. Is there a website that I can go to order your book?
hf, I have not see any mention of the Mason’s yet.
I would love to have your book however, I don’t live in the Bratt area. Is there a website or any other way I can order a book. My family was the Righy Family
Sounds Great. Love local history especially when backed by those who are family members with lasting recollections.
Many of us have “old” photos that have no note of who the people or locations may be nor is there any idea of when the photo was taken.
Please write a note on photographs to document them for future generations.
How to do that with digital photos on memory cards?
If you know, Please let me hear from you…..
Rick, does it mention the Mason’s?
Where can I purchase this book before Saturday?
I would love to read that book!!! My Granny Dolly Amerson gave birth to 13 children and she lived in Bratt her whole life.
This is a great book…..read up to page 50 so far….very, very interesting……highly recommended. Great job Russell….Thanks!
I have a lots pics from way back then of my family, in Bratt. I would so love to read that book.
Is is possible to buy a book before the signing? I would be interested in buying one.
Love love love history , bet it is a nice read with great pictures.
This sounds interesting and worth taking the time to read.
The photos of places then and comparing them to now are what I want to see.
This is so nice:}