Bonifay is located in southeastern Holmes County, which was established in 1848, shortly after Florida became a state. Like many Panhandle communities, the town traces its origins to the expansion of the railroad. As railroads stretched across Northwest Florida and into Holmes County, new communities sprang up along their routes. On May 1, 1886, G.W. Banfill, an official with the Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad, platted a new town that he named in honor of a railroad colleague, Judge Frank Bonifay. Although the judge participated in the town's founding, the Pensacola native does not appear to have ever lived in the community that bears his name. By contrast, G.W. Banfill played a prominent role in the town's development. According to local historian Hazel Tison, Banfill served as mayor, helped organize the Bank of Bonifay, built the Hotel Eureka and the town's first store, and administered the extensive land holdings of the West Florida Land Company, as well as his own. The former mayor is buried just off Banfill Avenue, with his beloved cat interred at his feet.

In 1905, the town became the seat of Holmes County and soon boasted not only a bank and hotel, but also a courthouse, several churches, and a newspaper. Among the most prominent early news stories was the 1919 landing of two airplanes in a pasture outside of town. Pioneered in World War I, airplanes were fast becoming common sights around Florida, but these were the first to make an appearance in Bonifay. Moreover, one of the pilots, Charles Banfill, was G.W.'s son who went on to serve as Brigadier General in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

A travel writer with the Federal Writer's Project who visited the town during the Great Depression reported a population of 1292 residents, a small business district, and a surrounding area with good pasture for cattle, sheep, and hogs.

Today, Bonifay has several historic buildings and a couple of rich cultural traditions. The first weekend of October is reserved for the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo, a stop on the professional rodeo circuit. The first weekend of July for nocturnal spirituals that comprise the "Biggest All-Night Gospel Sing in the World." At the crossroads of gospel singing and rodeo riding, Bonifay offers visitors a window on the unique history and culture of Old Florida.

This podcast made possible through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council. Script written by Paul Zielinski. Narrated by Alesia Ross.