Camp Walton Schoolhouse after restoration

     In 1973 JSL members learned that the Camp Walton Schoolhouse was to be razed. The circa 1910 building's shingle roof, pot bellied stove, and old belfry were gone. The former schoolhouse, then sixty years old, was an unoccupied skeleton of a building that had last seen service as an apartment house. Dr. and Mrs. James Langston agreed to donate the schoolhouse to the JSL for restoration. The League joined in collaboration with the Oakaloosa County School Board to restore the schoolhouse to its original appearance and to provide the community with its first educational museum. The building was relocated on school board property at the corner of First and Methodist streets in downtown Ft. Walton Beach.

The Camp Walton Schoolhouse as it looks today

During 1973 and 1974, forty JSL members researched the history of the schoolhouse and compiled "Recollections" a booklet on the history of Ft. Walton Beach. Former Camp Walton schoolteacher Martha Buck provided accurate information about the operation of the school from 1912 to 1937. Former students were contacted and interviewed about furnishings and events held at the school. League members purchased antique furnishings, old textbooks, penny pencils, report cards, school tablets and items reminiscent of earlier school days with which to furnish the building at a cost of $22,000. Old photographs of the schoolhouse and of former students were acquired to add to the museum's historical collection.

The research and restoration complete, the restored schoolhouse held its grand opening in March 1976. The museum was staffed by JSL members and open to the public three days a week. Admission was free. In 1977, JSL formed the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Board of Directors and hired a curator in an effort to provide more educational programs to Oakaloosa County school children. All fourth grade students were transported to the schoolhouse for a one-day field trip as part of their Florida history lessons. League volunteers presented, " The Spirit of Ft. Walton" puppet show and assisted the Curator in educational activities. Special events such as, Christmas at the Schoolhouse" and Pioneer Days were held with and emphasis on the historical traditions of the area.

In 1987, the City of Fort Walton Beach assumed operation of the building. Today the schoolhouse proudly serves the community as an educational museum; and is considered one of the many important historical buildings in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.