CENTURY
THE WESTERN GATE TO
THE SUNSHINE STATE
BY LINDA BARRY
The residents of Century, Florida, cherish this
community’s history. They’ve ensured visitors have
ample chance to savor the small-town ambience and
appreciate its role in today’s sometimes chaotic world.
Lose yourself in yesteryear at the Alger-Sullivan
Historical Society’s three museums, located in the James
Houston Jones Historic Park in downtown. From an
accurately scaled model of the town in the mid-20th
century to historical medical and dental equipment,
the Leach House Museum offers a variety of not-quitemodern
day artifacts. Enthusiastic personnel are happy
to help you make the most of your visit.
The Post Offi ce Museum is a magnifi cent reminder of
the Century that used to be. It contains the clock that
held the town’s time during those sawmill days. The
clock ran the whistle to blow for noon, and even the
area’s wild pigs learned that whistle. They headed for the
school, where they ate the lunchtime scraps.
Finally, step outside to explore the
Boxcar Museum, which celebrates
the railroad’s part in building Century.
The town sprang up in support of the
sawmill, which was originally partnered
with another one a few miles over in
Alabama. The railroad was crucial in
transporting lumber in and out of this
young industrial center.
While Century was certainly raw and maybe even
rough in the beginning, it grew to become a true bastion
of family and core values. In fact, even today, in the
Southern Panhandle restaurant on Highway 29, the
Pledge of Allegiance is displayed on the wall behind the
cash register. It’s right across from another sign clearly
proclaiming, “No Profanity.” And let’s not forget the most
important part. The food is good, too!
Once fed—which can also happen at The Sandwich
Deli—you’ll be ready to walk, run, canoe and swim those
calories off! Lake Stone Campground is just outside
town and is the perfect place to park yourself (no boats
with motors allowed). Fishing is also a main attraction
here, since the lake is stocked with blue gills, largemouth
bass, pumpkinseeds and more. Yep. Pumpkinseed! It’s a
sunfi sh, and celebrating fun and the sun with a silly pun
about catching pumpkins is just too easy! You and your
imagination can run free with that one.
Hudson Grocery
Old 100 Steam Engine
52 Learn more at visitpensacola.com/century