The Sea Horse Store : Laguna Beach, Florida
Image above from a 1950's post card Click-on image for a larger view This page was last updated on 10-10-2008
Shortly after the 4th of July 2002, the SeaHorse Cafe (last known name) closed its doors for good.
The building was torn down and a mini-condo complex now sits on the property.
Located on Beach Road U.S. 98 about 10 miles west of Panama City, Florida, the Sea Horse served as grocery store, post office, laundermat,
restaurant (originally called Joy's Place), cottage rental office, game room and gift shop. From 1948 thru 1968, the Sea Horse was owned and
operated by Grier C. Barnhart of Laguna Beach. Mr. Barnhart himself came up with the SeaHorse name. After selling the store, Mr. Barnhart (
1950s photo w/daughter Joy, wife Pansy
) ran a cottage rental/real estate office behind the SeaHorse building until his passing in April of 1978.
Sometime after the end of the 1960's, the Sea Horse became just a laundermat and game room. The Charlie Lahan Carousel, located a few
yards west of the Sea Horse and in business since the 1960's, took up where the Sea Horse had left off, serving as home to a grocery store
and gift shop, plus the Laguna Beach Post Office.
I am currently looking for any photos, articles, ads and memorabilia related to the Sea Horse, as well as the Little B'Ham (Birmingham) Lounge
and Liquor Store. The Little B'Ham was the only Laguna Beach establishment (as far as I know) to be located on the beach side of US 98 (Front
Beach Road). The B'Ham was in existence until the early 70's.
3: Back of Store
Mr. Barnhart and his friends often brought fish they had caught to be cleaned, usually doing so
in front of the workshop door located in the middle near right part of this image.
4: Right Side of Store
At various times this portion housed either a gift shop, game room or bar-lounge.
5: Left Side of Store
Mr Barnhart's office (nearest to road) and private quarters (towards back of store) were here.
