The wait is almost over! For more than 20 years, the Crestview Historic Preservation Board has been looking for a place in which to establish a museum devoted solely to the county seat. At long last, the historic Bush House will open Friday, Sept. 9, to share Crestview’s remarkable story.
A public dedication will be 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, followed by the opportunity to walk through the Crestview History Museum.
“We’ve been waiting for this day for a long, long time,” HPB President Ann Spann said. “We have so many cool artifacts from Crestview’s history to share. The topics are really varied.”
Artifacts cover a wide swath of Crestview’s history, from a giant L&N Railroad wrench used to switch tracks and Mayme Tyner’s rolltop desk to original poster from “Twelve O’Clock High” (shot at nearby Duke Field) to Bob Sikes’s hat.
There’s salt from Crestview’s Sister City, Noirmoutier, France; a fur cloak made in the Bush House by members of the Bush family; and a secretary desk and kitchen china cabinet that are original to the house.
On exhibit will also be the house itself. Built in 1925-26 for L&N Railroad tracks supervisor Lorenza Bush, his wife, Laura, and their family, the house underwent a top-to-bottom renovation at the hands of Rick Rausch, a huge proponent of historic restoration who had recently undertaken the restoration of the Gulf View Hotel in Fort Walton Beach.
His attention to detail has resulted in lovingly restored heart pine floors, graceful crown mouldings, the restoration of the house’s balcony, period lighting, and even small details such as period-authentic push-button light switches.
The Crestview Cultural Services Division, which, like the HPB has its office in the Bush House, partners with the board in establishing the museum and offering cultural and educational programs at the home.
“We hope that this museum and this wonderful old house will draw our neighbors, students, families and history lovers for many, many years,” Ms. Spann said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
CRESTVIEW HISTORY MUSEUM DEDICATION
What: Ribbon cutting and opening
When: 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8
Where: The Bush House, 198 S. Wilson St., Crestview
Notes: Presented by the Crestview Historic Preservation Board and the City of Crestview Cultural Services Division. Live music and refreshments. Free admission.
Original source can be found here.
