LOCAL HISTORY – Uncover Wewahitchka’s Unsung Heroes and Lost Locations

The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular “Images of America” series is a book by local author Beverly Mount. Two hundred vintage images, many of which have never been published, are reproduced and captioned on 128 pages. The images come from the private collection of local residents. Highlights of the book include: The Wewa Beauties-the lovely ladies of Wewahitchka, Florida and long lost photographs from the old city of Iola.

About Wewa:

[divider] When pioneers first came to the territory now known as Wewahitchka, they were welcomed by Native-Americans, but their resistance grew when their land and hunting grounds were threatened. As a result of this turmoil, many lives were lost. General Andrew Jackson made three trips to the Florida Territory. One such visit brought him to the Wewa-lola area, where he took advantage of the interpretation skills of pioneering George Richards and his family. Thomas Richards later served as an Indian Agent and, along with his brother Andrew and several others, built a fort on the banks of the Dead Lakes. In 1872, Dr. John Keyes moved to the Wewa area and planted pecan, pear, and orange trees. Dr . Keyes referred to the two lakes as “Alice” and “Julia” after his two daughters. Around 1875, residents decided to call the town Wewahitchka, a seminole word meaning “water eyes,” in honor of the lakes in the center of the settlement.
The book is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or direct from Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online. Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com and www.historypress.net for information on this and other local history books on St. Andrews, Panama City Beach, Lynn Haven, Parker, etc.