Most who travel along Henry Street between Milton and Bagdad do not know the history that surrounds the stately old T.W. Jones House. Once the home of T.W. and Alice (Davison) Jones, the Craftsman Bungalow they called home their entire married lives from 1897 until 1951, sits as an example of long-forgotten craftsmanship and architechlre. The house also reflects lessons of what historic preservation can provide communities in terms of history and education.
The story of the Jones family is one of public service and his torical significance with Alice’s family connection to ship building in and around Milton during the 19th Century. Her grandfather operated the Davison Shipyard for several decades on the property. The bayou that lined the original tracts of the shipyard is still known as Davidson Bayou.
Mr. Jones was a downtown Milton merchant and served as the Clerk of the Court in Santa Rosa County for three terms from 1920 until 1932. Mr. Jones hosted many social gatherings in the house, including a ceremony honoring the last remaining Civil War veterans in Santa Rosa County. The Joneses were known throughout the Northwest Florida and South Alabama region for their vast collections of camellias and various flowers grown and propagated on this proeerty. Many of the unique camellias remain in their family garden surrounding a small pond on tbe property. The gardens were over grown and wooded for many year.s but are currently beingrrestored and will be open to the public.
Today, remnants of the Davison Shipyard are not visible. The Blackwater River Foundation plans to utilize the Jones House and property to showcase the once boomingindustry of shipbuilding along the Blackwater River through kiosks along a nature and history trail. In addition, the Foundation will foster interdisciplinary educational opportunities on the property for all ages in areas of science, horticul ture, mathematics, art, archaeology, and history.
The Jones House currently serves as the offices of the Blackwater River Foundation as well as a meeting place for community groups. When complete, the house will showcase Jones family furnishings and historical photographs of the area. The house and gardens will be available for special events includ;ing weddings and social gatherings.
The restoration of the house has been possible through generous donations, grants, and sweat equity of hundreds of volunteers.
We invite you to learn more about the Jones House and how historic preservation saved this irreplaceable landmark.