Carrabelle recognizes historic Bragdon building

The Carrabelle historical society helped recognize one of Carrabelle’s oldest buildings Thursday. A historical recognition sign was installed at the Marine Systems Building on Highway 98 across from the Gulf State Bank. The building is one of the oldest in Carrabelle and was formerly the home of Bragdon's Garage. Pat Bragdon donated this sign in honor of her husband's father, Former Mayor Alva Bragdon, Sr. and his family business.

First of Many Historical Sites in Carrabelle

The Bragdon Building was built in the late 1930’s. It was owned & operated by Alva Bragdon as a hardware store & gas station. Alva Bragdon was mayor of Carrabelle from 1953 – 1961. His term spanned many important years for the city. Mayor Bragdon made many significant contributions to the city including hiring a city clerk and the dedication of the new Post Office. He also traveled to Washington D.C. to seek assistance for the City of Carrabelle.

In the late 1950’s Mr. Bragdon brought his oldest son John David Bragdon into the business who started a TV sales & repair shop on one side of the building. In 1963, Mr. Bragdon brought his youngest son, Alva Lamar “Sonny Boy” Bragdon, into the business. He converted the other side of the building into an auto, diesel engine & heavy truck repair shop & later a trucking company. In 1966 John David moved from Carrabelle to Lakeland, FL to pursue another career. “Sonny boy” Bragdon continued his business in this building until the late 1970’s when the building was sold. It has been sold several times since then.

Alva Bragdon passed away in 1966. John David Bragdon passed away in 2002 & Alva “sonny boy” Bragdon in 2006.

Jimmy Crowder who currently owns the building & rents the building to “Marine Systems” was gracious enough to allow the Bragdon sign to be mounted on this historical building.

The Carrabelle Historical Society hopes this will be the first of many signs to recognize the historic buildings in Carrabelle.

Shown in the picture is Patricia A. Bragdon, widow of “Sonny Boy” Bragdon, who purchased the sign in memory of the Bragdon heritage. Also pictured is Tamara Allen, president of the Carrabelle Historical Society. The sign was constructed & installed by Sign Design in East Point.



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