Alys Beach, Florida – (July 7, 2008) – Before refrigeration (and even before ice was imported or manufactured), homes in Bermuda's hot island climate often maintained "butteries"—detached minaret-shaped structures designed to make, store and preserve butter, milk and other perishable foods.

But the four white "butteries" perched along scenic 30A in Alys Beach preserve something quite different.

Sixteen unique murals depicting scenes from South Walton's history are now on public display in the trademark structures that mark the entrances to one of scenic 30A's most dramatic new towns.

"Our community has worked so hard over the years to ensure that South Walton continues to be a special sanctuary for families to enjoy," said Jim Stephens, Chairman of EBSCO Industries and son of Alys Stephens, for whom Alys Beach is named. "We commissioned these murals in the hope that they'll offer visitors and future generations a better appreciation for our home's unique heritage."

The murals were created by Concetta Rothwell Morales, an art teacher at the Des Moines Art Center. Morales earned a Bachelor's Degree in Painting and Art History from Skidmore College in New York and a Master’s Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A highly talented and recognized mosaic muralist, Morales is especially well-known for her work with materials that express uniqueness and durability, including granite, porcelain marble and a wide palette of colorful ceramic tile.

Open to the public, the four butteries also feature a historical narrative of South Walton, written by Okaloosa College history professor, David Lenton Weatherford.

"I'd like to think that Alys Beach will still be here centuries from now," said Stephens, whose extended family has lived and vacationed in Walton County for nearly 60 years. "But I also hope that we'll always be wise enough to cherish and respect our home's special past."