Historical Lynn Haven Grammar School

LYNN HAVEN, FL – On the corner of Colorado and Hwy 390 at 1108 East 14th Street in Lynn Haven, sits an important piece of Lynn Haven history. From 1927-1948, it was The Lynn Haven Grammar School for African Americans, and one of the few places in pre-integration Bay County, where African Americans could get an education. These details can be found in some old News Herald clippings kept in the Local History Department section of the Bay County Library.

Further details from the News Herald indicate the building was originally a two room school house designed for about 75 students in first through eighth grades. It was closed in 1948 and the students sent to St. Andrews to what would later become Oak Grove Elementary.

The Herald clippings include that it was up for auction by the Bay County School District first in 2003, but there were no bids near its value. It was again put up for auction in 2010. This is when David Byrd bought the building for 55,000 dollars. He bid at the value of the lot as the building was so dilapidated, the structure would require a great deal of renovation. He was the only bidder at that time.

David Byrd was interested in owning a piece of Lynn Haven history. This was quite a bit of money for him to spend at the time, but still he was committed to renovating the structure, vice tearing it down. He points out that although he renovated the structure, a monumental task, he did not restore it. There was not much left to restore and he intended to use it for offices for his property management business. David Byrd had to replace the roof, walls, floors and windows; basically everything. He did a great job. Then after hurricane Michael, he did it again. In fact, he put a sign outside the building that said, Lynn Haven Grammar School. The sign was damaged by Hurricane Michael.

David Byrd’s love of history is evident by the furnishings inside the building which now doubles as his home and place of business. It is decorated with many historical photographs of the founders of Lynn Haven and scenes that go way back. He salvaged and used several older doors in the interior. He has an antique radio in his living room damaged during Hurricane Michael. One wall has a large framed map of Lynn Haven from when lots cost 50 to 500 dollars.

After the school closed in 1948, Bay County School District leased it to the Disabled American Veterans for their offices. They built some simple cabinetry for the interior. David retained these cabinets and built the kitchen around their dimensions so he could reuse them. He is a good steward of the property.

The entrance of the building has a framed copy of the Lynn Haven Ledger announcing his purchase of the historical building in 2010. This article points out that several important members of the community attended school there; including former Lynn Haven Mayor, Sharon Sheffield.

If you would like to see or purchase a photograph of The Lynn Haven Grammar School, you can do it at the following web site. https://photos.nwrls.com/id.asp?digital9262.jpg

David Byrd recognizes the property’s historical value and would love for the city to list it as a historical building. To many, it contains important memories. Teachers taught and school children learned. People made important friendships and relationships. Community leaders were formed and heroes were created. Its story should be told and its history preserved.