Tampa Bay Artist Photographer Amy Martz Blog: Fine Art

As many of you know, I'm from the Florida Panhandle. On a recent trip my husband, father and I went on a mini excursion seeking remnants of old Florida.

Our first encounter was with Mr. Bill of Widow's Hill in Milton, Fl. He told us of several locations that might interest us including the old steel bridge and a tree with carved cow heads.

His directions to the old steel bridge were pretty hilarious. They included no street names and phrases like, "...next to cousin Betty's old place," and "turn by the large clay road." Needless to say we got a bit lost but finally found it.

We then ventured throughout Bagdad, Fl where there are many historical gems. As we stopped to take a photo of the Thompson House, someone drove by and yelled, "House Satan!" I was shocked at first because I thought he was yelling obscenities at me but I quickly realized he was giving me the scoop on the house. Many locals believe that the house is cursed or haunted. There is writing on the walls from Civil War Solders.

After House Satan we came upon a house looked like it was straight out of the American Pickers TV show. On the lot sat an old General Store as well as tons of deer antlers that were collected from the property. After talking with the owner, we found out he is an environmentalist that works at the local dump and collects lots of old relics. He had a great collection of old Coca-Cola bottles dating back 100 years!

On our way back to Tampa we couldn't resist stopping at an old General Store outside of Quincy, Fl. It still had its original sign. I just love old Florida!