A Special Invitation from Mr. Alvin Enfinger Open House at Coon Hill Cemetery October 28, 2007 (Sunday after church) Free seafood dinner of fried catfish, fried mullet, coleslaw, baked beans, and hush puppies! Although dinner is free, donations will be greatly appreciated. CELEBRATION OF THE HISTORIC SITE RESTORATION This event is an OPEN HOUSE to visit the oldest cemetery in northern Santa Rosa County. It originated around 1820, about the time of the first settlers. The close-in quarters of the Coon Hill community were located about 1/4 mile away, near a big spring and fresh water. It had a general merchandise store, a stable, blacksmith shop, a Pony Express headquarters, a U.S. Post Office and a church that alternated between Methodist and Baptist. We have had three major desecrations over the last 12 years that were devastating. About 150 headstones and slabs have been badly broken. The big unbreakable ones have been pushed over, somtimes breaking the slab as they fell. The landmark statue of Mary, 'The Mother of Jesus,' was broken beyond repair and has been replaced. We also have installed three wrought iron gates in the concrete wall openings with the name 'COON HILL' above the entrance gate. About 100 headstones and slabs and 73 new markers have been replaced or repaired. We are proud of this historic cemetery and sometime in the future there may be a need to open a new section for burials. THANK YOU FOR CARING AND COMING! Directions >From south-Go north of Chumuckla Crossroads on Chumuckla Hwy. (#197) for 5.6 miles. Turn left on Wade Road. Follow for 1/2 mile to a stop sign. Continue straight (now on Mineral Springs Road) for 2.6 miles. Turn right on a graded dirt road and go 2 miles to cemetery. >From north-12 miles south of Jay, turn right on Mineral Springs Road or Wade Road. BRING LAWN CHAIRS, OR YOU MAY STAND AND EAT OFF THE FAMOUS CENTURY-OLD CONCRETE WALL. Additional Information - Alvin H. Enfinger, 850-994-7033