Chattahoochee High School - Yellow Jacket Yearbook (Chattahoochee, FL)

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tion of the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam, a large state mental institution and two correc- tional institutions, jobs are plentiful in Chattahoochee. The old Victory Bridge had to be torn down and a bigger, stronger bridge built to handle the heavy traffic on the old Spanish Trail now known as U.S. Highway 90. Openingl5

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Chattahoochee - New People in An Old Community It began as a river. A quiet, peaceful river slowly winding through the beautiful Florida landscape bringing serenity and a sense of security to the Indian settlers of the time. However, their security was soon to end as industry and human greed took the beauty out of the river they called “beautiful rolling stones.” White men came and settled on the river to work and raise their families under the healthy Florida sun. The river proved a small obstacle to the settlers. Too few people wanted to cross the treacherous waters of the mighty Apalachicola to warrant building a bridge. But soon, as people recognized that the ter- ritory was rich with opportu- nity, a bridge was built for the nomadic people who came ‘en mass' to grab one of those op- portunities. Its next step was called River Junction. Some people who lived then still have namesakes living here now. Such familiar names as Scarborough, Boykin and Gholson have been around for as long as people can re- member. And it was these peo- ple who started the first indus- try in the community of River Junction. The community faired well up through the flood of 1925 which nearly wiped out all hopes of prosperity with waters that almost crested the majes- tic Victory Bridge. However, sheer determination and will power put the community back on its feet. In the years to come, the people were to face even more disaster with the coming of a fire and another flood, yet the bond between the people was not weakened, but strength- ened. Now, the small community of River Junction has grown into the small city we call Chatta- hoochee. With the construc- Above: The Apalachicola River flows majestically through the landscape. Above right: The impressive Victory Bridge - then and now. Right: The Jim Woodruff Power Project as seen from Victory Bridge. 4 Opening

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The river was found to be a source of entertainment as well as industry with the construc- tion of many state parks on the banks of Lake Seminole, for- merly the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. The river and lake also provided a route for the huge floating arts vessel, the Point-Counterpoint II, perform- ing stage for the American Wind Symphony. Even the educational system has taken a jump for the better. The building of a new, modern elementary school was a much needed addition. As an interest to heritage, the first school building, known now as the lunchroom, will not be torn down to make room for an- other, but preserved as a public library and a monument to this great community. What is in store for Chatta- hoochee in the future is still a secret to its citizens, but one thing is certain: the small town of Chattahoochee can only go one way - up. It started as a river; how will it end? Above right: Michael Wilson as Mark Twain on board the Point Counterpoint II. Right: The American Wind Sym- phony members warm up for their Chattahoochee concert. 6 Opening