History comes to life in Navarre through wonderfully preserved homes, churches, schools and landmarks dating back to the 19th century. Visitors can step back in time by touring these living pieces of the past. Local historical societies maintain many sites, offering tours on select days. Walking through these vintage places vividly showcases the stories, lifestyles and architecture shaping Navarre over its first two centuries.
The Broussard House
Built circa 1890, this picturesque Victorian home showcases ornate gingerbread trim and a striking witch’s hat turret overlooking grows of oak trees. Inside, tour guides share stories of the original owners and history of the home itself over the generations. Antique furnishings like an elaborately carved pump organ add ambiance.
Restored details abound, from the porcelain doorknobs to patterned tin ceilings and lead glass windows. Stroll through the multiple parlors as guides bring the rich history of this beautiful landmark to life.
Bagdad Village Historic District
Founded as a lumber town in mid-1800s, many of the original buildings remain lining the streets of this rural village. Structures like the 1927 and 1949 schoolhouses, old train depot, boarding houses, churches and stores stand remarkably preserved.
The Blackman Cemetery contains headstones dated to the 1800s. Stop by the Historical Society to pick up a walking tour map pinpointing historic architecture and sites throughout the district. The peaceful vibe contrasts the once-bustling lumber era.
Holley House
Built in the early 1900s by one of the area’s founding families, this stately restored home offers guided tours showcasing antique furnishings and period decor. Costumed docents share insights on the family and life during Navarre’s early settlement days.
The home’s ADA accessibility, video displays and interactive exhibits aim to engage and educate visitors on daily life, work, recreation, and culture in Navarre’s past. Special events like holiday decorated candlelight tours provide seasonal flair.
The Old Navarre Schoolhouse
Built 1923, this vintage schoolhouse now operates as a museum filled with displays on local history and education. Visitors enter through the original front doors into a former classroom decorated as in the early days. Desks, blackboards, globes and more set the scene.
Explore exhibits detailing the area’s Native American roots, pioneer founders, occupations, architecture and more. It provides an intimate look into school days long past. Don’t miss the 1925 Model T Touring Car on display out front.
The Grain House
Constructed in 1949, this weathered wooden building topped with a cowbell towers stood as part of a vintage dairy farm. Today the homestead building houses historical exhibits provided by the Holley Navarre Historical Society. Displays rotate seasonally keeping visits fresh.
Even when exhibits aren’t scheduled, it’s enjoyable to simply admire this quirky landmark up close while pondering its prior life. Interpretive panels provide history, making it a fun quick roadside stop. Its rural character adds to Navarre’s nostalgic vibe.
Preservation Pathway
This ADA-accessible 1.6 mile trail through Holley Navarre Historical Park interprets local history through signage on everything from Native settlements to the timber industry. Topics like Yellow Fever epidemics, hurricanes, railroads, and agriculture detail how they impacted Navarre.
The crushed gravel path passes native vegetation and the park’s eerie historic cemetery. Download the free app to dig deeper into historical accounts during your walk. It’s an immersive experience showcasing pivotal events across centuries.
From Victorian mansions to vintage schoolhouses, these living landmarks provide a glimpse into daily life through various eras of Navarre’s past. Touring the homes and heritage sites brings local history to life in engaging fashion. Visiting these treasured places illuminates the community’s fascinating journey to modern day.