tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10774244418804818212024-03-23T06:16:15.229-04:00Punta Gorda Historic Buildings and Sites Punta Gorda History Center Historic Buildings and and Site RecordsPunta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-40136451527085574032023-12-05T14:57:00.001-05:002023-12-19T14:42:15.702-05:00212 Durrance Street,<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLD4thOrPKYOKwvXMTMgs1TLe3Kq9mbV4jRTjtYup-FL8_XSVenlr8j985eKFSZN1LK5tsI45NkGfXnaPehwHt7xhiHzKATiF0n1AkmypiBylBnHF44b2s38QrQoK1uuhrICdw9ZuAIBSYfZ6iKM7gT-vr99-44cXYT_YuR-RS8Ndouc_MPUyTu405G9lX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLD4thOrPKYOKwvXMTMgs1TLe3Kq9mbV4jRTjtYup-FL8_XSVenlr8j985eKFSZN1LK5tsI45NkGfXnaPehwHt7xhiHzKATiF0n1AkmypiBylBnHF44b2s38QrQoK1uuhrICdw9ZuAIBSYfZ6iKM7gT-vr99-44cXYT_YuR-RS8Ndouc_MPUyTu405G9lX=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>This home was built in 1925 by Charlie Johnson, The current owner purchased this house in 2004 from the estate of Mrs. Mable Keys, a native of Punta Gorda. Her husband, Arnold "Slim" Keys, ran Keys garage on Taylor Street. Mable lived in the house for over 60 years until her death in October 2003 at the age of 91. Mabel was a philanthropist and active member of local organizations including the Punta Gorda Garden Club. When the current owners, Kathy Sutton, restored the interior of the house they discovered the original yellow pine flooring as well as an original brick fireplace that had been covered over. They have stayed true to this home's design other than some minor kitchen upgrades and newer porch windows installed by a previous owner. This home and garage withstood Hurricane Charley with little damage. </p>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-47054765914816310982023-11-21T14:14:00.011-05:002024-02-13T13:54:04.702-05:00199 West Marion<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu4PKa6b9eDalGAMSj_trtB1dynoa6AnUjlH8IP-Wkusx30aWdEzBtOh39kFZWsVpRAnBvw3H3Lb9x5mfqlVcC92Kw2FlEPKmrt-go2iZYh0_xN4neMuAN6oeiJ20lRsqtVNcorDqGuxs_olqHYEDyzQBQrFgSB2_Qn3XqiUD2KvjwtlueoPAx35QmrIPJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="658" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu4PKa6b9eDalGAMSj_trtB1dynoa6AnUjlH8IP-Wkusx30aWdEzBtOh39kFZWsVpRAnBvw3H3Lb9x5mfqlVcC92Kw2FlEPKmrt-go2iZYh0_xN4neMuAN6oeiJ20lRsqtVNcorDqGuxs_olqHYEDyzQBQrFgSB2_Qn3XqiUD2KvjwtlueoPAx35QmrIPJ=w640-h537" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p>Abe Ephraim Goldstein was the first merchant in Punta Gorda to build a small furniture store on this site. In 1887, he also persuaded carpenters working on the new Hotel Punta Gorda to devote one day to building a two-story home next door for his wife and son who were arriving unexpectedly the next day. The present structure is constructed of patent stone concrete blocks with rusticated faces to mimic stone. This was the first store constructed with masonry as opposed to wood. </p><p>Over the years many retail establishments have occupied the building including Vasco Peeples’s IGA store during which time Mr. Peeple’s family lived in the upstairs apartment. Later businesses included a bakery and an ice-cream sandwich shop (Cubby’s). Cubby's closed in 2023 and a new establishment called Punta Gorda Deli Co. and Mercantile opened in 2023.</p>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-83931051406030314842023-11-07T14:54:00.012-05:002023-12-12T13:48:50.140-05:00115 Gill Street<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6runRvP62omgI0xhI24y9k42UwKFiRKsTG0ItRhXnbHVt24W7G-uzz3jT54rnPiCap1XU6fwUmKKtoIhCCceKbuFpT8ilX0uhCRwvuYHvj_m7pbYSFp2DRqmUY_texCyPRUi-sUT6y9ZoOoDwj8zpvDZ9tJlFIVQTXQZW1eD7JiNUmQvw9qkDsocpvVz_" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6runRvP62omgI0xhI24y9k42UwKFiRKsTG0ItRhXnbHVt24W7G-uzz3jT54rnPiCap1XU6fwUmKKtoIhCCceKbuFpT8ilX0uhCRwvuYHvj_m7pbYSFp2DRqmUY_texCyPRUi-sUT6y9ZoOoDwj8zpvDZ9tJlFIVQTXQZW1eD7JiNUmQvw9qkDsocpvVz_=w640-h331" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div>Purchased by Grove Cochran, born in 1834 in New York and a Union Army veteran. He moved to Charlotte Harbor in 1885. He volunteered for a six-year voyage on a whaling ship at age 13; sailed the Great Lakes, worked as a locomotive engineer on the railroad, served under Gen. Sherman in the Civil War and had a bayonet wound as a souvenir. He claimed a pharmacist certification in Arkansas and opened a pharmacy on Marion Avenue upon moving to Punta Gorda. The house currently contains many of its original features and the front door is original. Eyebrow windows, hardwood floors, beadboard throughout and 12 foot ceilings.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-7995079170951940662023-09-26T13:58:00.003-04:002023-10-31T13:23:39.078-04:00415 East Virginia Ave.<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZGxDA_C-1nvcxFjKCxjB9O-0jidENbvUoFpW_lfFNMSx3Fd6CLp10aCemWQ1IzAMG5201U8LpNtDYAt4xeB52vhp9NFVqVN3f7zNMNJ6HOsjMDvrwtqAxEElJy1SuAvjsdDmjafpCAeVo54hpL6dBjECXXr4ZxOwoFu6Rt2oDYXQ70ren_0BWY4xNBUvB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="510" data-original-width="680" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZGxDA_C-1nvcxFjKCxjB9O-0jidENbvUoFpW_lfFNMSx3Fd6CLp10aCemWQ1IzAMG5201U8LpNtDYAt4xeB52vhp9NFVqVN3f7zNMNJ6HOsjMDvrwtqAxEElJy1SuAvjsdDmjafpCAeVo54hpL6dBjECXXr4ZxOwoFu6Rt2oDYXQ70ren_0BWY4xNBUvB=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Built in 1925 and home to Jean Cleveland, Punta Gorda's first female city clerk and her son Ulysses S. Cleveland. Cleveland died in 1991 at 100 years old. </p><p>In 2021 the city voted against funds contributing to the preservation of the home. Garrett Kizer, of Charlotte Harbor Construction and current house owner tried to save the home when he realized it wasn't fiscally feasible. So teaming up with City Council member Jaha Cummings and his mother, Martha Bireda, current director of the Blanchard House Museum, redoubled their efforts and in 2022 they received a grant of $480,000 for the renovation. The house will be moved from 415 E. Virginia Ave. as an extension to the Blanchard House Museum, 406 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. It is being used as an educational institution focused on the history, culture and contributions of African Americans in Southwest Florida. (Info from The Daily Sun, 6/19/22) It had significant damage from Hurricane Ian and is closed while under repair. (9/23)</p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-64066777610291565882023-09-05T14:53:00.014-04:002024-01-30T14:54:44.006-05:00LaVilla Road<p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidp79YQ7a4zJCndRMQj6O-a3ObQGadBa7VYoAyuxCl4KjJRhXcx3GqVJ0I-DHXwG5bscHvCdi_S8v_-qFB8J8eyP8cv_bL1Z3pLtAk0RcN4edSAJ54gP51wJrrvhmKFMg0Ie3FydBhjX_VzvlvyxOy8MwuUNhN3GA8YekUCO2qKSDasaDOMlzGJxO_J_nB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidp79YQ7a4zJCndRMQj6O-a3ObQGadBa7VYoAyuxCl4KjJRhXcx3GqVJ0I-DHXwG5bscHvCdi_S8v_-qFB8J8eyP8cv_bL1Z3pLtAk0RcN4edSAJ54gP51wJrrvhmKFMg0Ie3FydBhjX_VzvlvyxOy8MwuUNhN3GA8YekUCO2qKSDasaDOMlzGJxO_J_nB=w640-h427" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>When Willian M. Whitten left Punta Gorda in 1899, he was seriously ill. In Punta Gorda he bought a newly planted pineapple plantation farm one mile east of town. They were known as sure-fire money makers requiring little investment and or work. Within two years Whitten regained his health and returned to Indiana to his family. His wife was seriously ill and he brought the family back to Punta Gorda in hopes she would recover. He built a new home called Cedar Oaks. It is the Old Florida style. Pineapples were a new business in Punta Gorda. Around 1896 a group of leading businessmen, the McAdows among them, began the Solana Pineries Co. and planted their crop east of town. In 1903 just five acres were cultivated but produced over 2,000 crates of pineapples with a net profit of almost $2,700, a good sum in those days. In 1902 William Whitten moved to Punta Gorda permanently after previous visits. His plants began producing in 1909 and he subdivided about 250 acres east of town into 14 lots of various sizes naming the plat Pineapple Centre. At this time it was the main section of pineapple production in the area. The Florida Southern Railway built a depot and loading dock there. It has since been demolished. William Whitten built a magnificent home near the intersection with Railway Avenue, now LaVilla Road aka Cedar Oaks. His granddaughter resided there until recently. Pineapple Centre is located south of East Marion Avenue on Old U.S. 17 and Riverside Drive. It was damaged during Hurricane Ian and is currently being restored. A freeze in 1917 dealt the local industry a disastrous blow and rendered the pineapple industry unrecoverable. </p><p>Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey and Olive Nelson occupied this home located at Florida Street and LaVilla on the corner. Mrs. Nelson (nee:Brown) is the granddaughter of W. M. Whitten. Mr. Nelson is the son of Mr and Mrs. John Henry Nelson.</p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-85156149872434268372023-09-05T14:49:00.007-04:002023-10-26T06:34:30.320-04:00311 West Retta Esplanade<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZf-wOzvKSIVA0zdkJZc2YZ_ft04uDjmDuK9gtaxCwX1OL2OVh-OWpXbnDOjMvEropLiyxthQkjE1haJzwiLQ3rEHMv-6xucAUFtgwK6DHbI1B3qry1weDWqHkruVHdL-C2D5Y_Qoyyl1q7AVgUinSp98U4MICpP1pHmQC78cLUu3q7sUEcSj2JeKwZuNt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="187" data-original-width="250" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZf-wOzvKSIVA0zdkJZc2YZ_ft04uDjmDuK9gtaxCwX1OL2OVh-OWpXbnDOjMvEropLiyxthQkjE1haJzwiLQ3rEHMv-6xucAUFtgwK6DHbI1B3qry1weDWqHkruVHdL-C2D5Y_Qoyyl1q7AVgUinSp98U4MICpP1pHmQC78cLUu3q7sUEcSj2JeKwZuNt=w640-h478" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>It was deemed significant for reflecting Queen Anne style architecture, asserted to be rare in South Florida, The land was purchased by Freeman in 1903 from Albert Gilchrist, who later became Governor of the state. A.C. Freeman built this house in 1903 after migrating to Punta Gorda in 1889. Freeman owned a hardware store and a citrus grove, among other ventures. He served in various city government positions from 1896 to 1904, including tax collector, councilman and treasurer as well as mayor during the later four or five years. He was the first elected mayor in 1900 and served as the sheriff of DeSoto County (from which Charlotte County was derived) for eight years. During the 1902 mayoral campaign he was described as "'Industrious, frugal and obliging... well-to-do, but probably not a millionaire'". </p><p>The house is currently owed by the City. In 1985 it was slated for demolition. A major community effort coordinated by the Medical Center Foundation relocated the house from its original East Marion address, where Kays Ponger Funeral home is today, to 639 Hargreaves Street. The City assumed ownership of the building after Hurricane Charley struck in August 13, 2004. It was then moved to its present location. </p><p><br /></p>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-91186151883408819572023-08-15T14:19:00.016-04:002024-01-23T14:04:26.410-05:0025325 Marion Avenue<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfCZubeVj8UlhOztnpFFVxFmDwZIP6nHM_3INGexRijfzOHwAlFMVZ4GtchqV49Vor_Gmv0B2vQTG_3NI-iT-GVle2cAkbFqepK6lN-uVCgUSxDvQF1ng02XX6YfM757ZI_hMgPU049tCRCL6StarIkbZQVjaZGJ--wVmhrt0GBV_7d2JuMbxilZTJG5m7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="768" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfCZubeVj8UlhOztnpFFVxFmDwZIP6nHM_3INGexRijfzOHwAlFMVZ4GtchqV49Vor_Gmv0B2vQTG_3NI-iT-GVle2cAkbFqepK6lN-uVCgUSxDvQF1ng02XX6YfM757ZI_hMgPU049tCRCL6StarIkbZQVjaZGJ--wVmhrt0GBV_7d2JuMbxilZTJG5m7=w640-h470" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Part time resident George A. Barnhart, a master plumber from Baltimore, MD owned this house. He had it built in 1926. The original part of the house was the kitchen. It consists of two bedrooms on the first floor and one large room on the second floor. Also, the living room, dining room, bathroom sun parlor were on the east side, and the kitchen. Around 1954 it was left to one of his daughters, Lillian Mae Barnhart Ehrman Carter. She then passed it to her son, Raymond M. Ehrman in 1986 around her death in 1986. The house was then sold in 1997 to Lori Irons and her husband. (Information supplied by Joan Ehrman, wife of Raymond M.)</p>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-37648952263102802322023-05-16T14:36:00.039-04:002023-10-26T06:35:44.171-04:00311 Taylor Street<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iFoaHEEDfma63waFXfwF_tX78hU4sWmJ6v5Aa9mjYT-bA53Dnbo3WjPEKxrvP2ScrU_QdXmNM6dbfrXEHvIY1hc_nhkB7lsFUQ2kPNA9x7XNdJ1RVSIqOJnza0jbzLXZk_4hZd7snnGaYpA5_uXgKKqB2vMAG5M86E97T6PKV_RPJMOI2rh023xFsxo/s1515/311%20Taylor%20Lindahl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="1515" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iFoaHEEDfma63waFXfwF_tX78hU4sWmJ6v5Aa9mjYT-bA53Dnbo3WjPEKxrvP2ScrU_QdXmNM6dbfrXEHvIY1hc_nhkB7lsFUQ2kPNA9x7XNdJ1RVSIqOJnza0jbzLXZk_4hZd7snnGaYpA5_uXgKKqB2vMAG5M86E97T6PKV_RPJMOI2rh023xFsxo/w640-h546/311%20Taylor%20Lindahl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />While evidence of this structure does not show until about 1926, Charlotte County's General Index to Deeds 1921-1924 show taxes paid on the property by A. B. Tucker and Caroline H. Tucker. The wooden construction, weighted windows and tin roof are typical of early 1920's home building. According to a previous owner, t<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "PT Serif", serif;">he house was built in 1923 for the daughter of Sidney Parnell, the first sheriff of Charlotte County.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404f57; font-family: "PT Serif", serif;"> </span> The tax roll lists John A. Lindhal and his wife as property owners in 1926. Until 1921 all taxes and deeds were recorded by and in DeSoto County.<p></p><p>Until 1989 the cottage was owned by a member of the Parnell family. From 1999 until 2021, the house was the site of the Red Hat Studio, Punta Gorda's first working artist studio, owned by artist Liz Hutchinson. </p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-11916815024078575842023-05-16T14:29:00.012-04:002023-10-26T06:36:01.282-04:00219 Sullivan Street<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZmn20xK8Nfc3jfUMjsv60zksTFRNeazIarn93L5b2RDPCro6daMuNNd5zqez8ERu1qA5C_X8yD6H8P9SjSE-pnDyyrS8ETpfs2ET0CU3wjO6iJrR9UlNCoH57sokjI8OuvuvSeGWHbzQkzWOwkyGc-1AhjyIf_TEjlGbz6mZKWpSG-M_dc6I_n0ECU52/s640/Gatewood.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZmn20xK8Nfc3jfUMjsv60zksTFRNeazIarn93L5b2RDPCro6daMuNNd5zqez8ERu1qA5C_X8yD6H8P9SjSE-pnDyyrS8ETpfs2ET0CU3wjO6iJrR9UlNCoH57sokjI8OuvuvSeGWHbzQkzWOwkyGc-1AhjyIf_TEjlGbz6mZKWpSG-M_dc6I_n0ECU52/w640-h480/Gatewood.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Circuit-riding Reverend George Gatewood bought this home in 1915. He was a minister licensed by the Methodist General conference in 1899. He preached to frontier churches that were beyond the reach of regular clerics with the help of occasional visiting ministers. He attended the spiritual needs of 200 homesteaders in "Union Services" which were held in schoolhouses throughout the area. He and his wife supported themselves by operating "General" stores here in town He also worked as postmaster, real estate salesman, fisherman and newspaper reporter. He wrote two books of historical significance: Ox Cart Days to Airplane Era in Southwest Florida" and "On Florida's Coconut Coast" both of which have been republished by the Punta Gorda Historical Society. PHOTO OF HIM AND TWO BOOK COVERS ON BOARD.</span></div><p></p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-39740760837541845162023-04-11T14:10:00.008-04:002024-01-09T13:41:52.653-05:00Retta Esplanade Park<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9setv3HWpYnT70rS8UDx1Ixh3-uDR70cT_ZjexEckX14ofZbpl2J2AreD_LBbAPADLH9fqMjxrRkNrk0NiUWASEVPvfhOZHXz_v5nMn-9lkiH29d3HTIhXSUcNjo6__46h6VcW3nRGWIT2lBEDn6Z_eQ8I4rlp0HZgBb-d4dof223oyQO7lG876BntxRB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9setv3HWpYnT70rS8UDx1Ixh3-uDR70cT_ZjexEckX14ofZbpl2J2AreD_LBbAPADLH9fqMjxrRkNrk0NiUWASEVPvfhOZHXz_v5nMn-9lkiH29d3HTIhXSUcNjo6__46h6VcW3nRGWIT2lBEDn6Z_eQ8I4rlp0HZgBb-d4dof223oyQO7lG876BntxRB=w640-h364" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bayshore Lodge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The Bayshore Lodge is captured in this mural at 1900 N. Tamiami Trail Office Building. </span></div><div>It once stood on the harbor of Punta Gorda near where the PG Waterfront Hotel & Suites is</div><div>today. The house was built in 1897 and was the largest and finest home in town and occupied what was known as the most beautiful location in all of Punta Gorda. When staying at the Hotel Punta Gorda, he decided to make this his new home and worked out a deal with the City Council to build a home in Harvey Park (Harvey & Cross Streets) with the agreement that it would revert back to the city upon his death. The house was completed in 1897, was 2 stories with large verandas and was said to have cost <br />$10,000. He brought his wife, Marion to live there in the winter of 1897.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Perry W. and Marion McAdow lived in a large home in Retta Esplanade. Perry was a very wealthy gold miner who was confined to a wheelchair and he and his wife, Marian, retired to Punta Gorda. Perry McAdow's business manager in most of his Florida businesses was Mr. Farrington. His wife was best friend to Marion McAdow and after Sadie Farrington's husband died, she moved to a home closer to the McAdows to be closer to her friend. The McAdow house is no longer standing.<p></p><div><br /></div></div></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-8787410493899103272023-04-11T13:23:00.008-04:002024-02-13T14:00:51.621-05:00Cross Street and Retta Esplanade<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZEmtuGVLM3vUBKISZPM_8_8pnxydPlWIIhJvzSPF4H0cKaN5mTcK2pfjdX3XuUuqpWwdYMQTekSdfT5pwM8_OPO6kk1flCn6SyJscYzudY8x_n0qSwdf7Rf7YOT8XImn_h6bUUhb5yR4qRBwImsVeAQZG6qZoFg40Q3Ra6JWqNu4gCQs2N2GfQuKRTiSx" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img data-original-height="626" data-original-width="640" height="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZEmtuGVLM3vUBKISZPM_8_8pnxydPlWIIhJvzSPF4H0cKaN5mTcK2pfjdX3XuUuqpWwdYMQTekSdfT5pwM8_OPO6kk1flCn6SyJscYzudY8x_n0qSwdf7Rf7YOT8XImn_h6bUUhb5yR4qRBwImsVeAQZG6qZoFg40Q3Ra6JWqNu4gCQs2N2GfQuKRTiSx=w640-h627" width="640" /></a></p><div>As one Charlotte Sun-Herald reported in 2000, " The grow up starting with the arrival of the Southern Florida Railway. The first issue of the Punta Gorda Herald was published February 17, 1893. The original building on Cross Street and Retta Esplanade located on the lower floor of a cigar factory, burned to the ground in 1895. The offices moved to Marion Avenue and Taylor Street. In September 1901 The Punta Gorda Herald was purchased by Adrian Pettus Jordan. In 1913 Jordan built a new building on the corner of Taylor and Herald Court where he lived on the first floor and the composing rooms were on the second. The building was used until it was damaged by Hurricane Charley in 2004. The Herald SUN is currently located on Harborview Road in Port Charlotte.</div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-39850747742914804432023-03-21T14:48:00.041-04:002023-12-12T14:07:01.594-05:00 Olympia & Cross Streets - First Baptist Church<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqhG6i7j3U1CZhY3sLGjxn1ZiNrNknvr7B2LljAUU5UEIxg3zTgHgwxo8TNcVX4bmyRLVdwTdgB2LzW7__a63vIWvCpox8G4ICtGD9FdLLPytymFi7CY3nLwpL0YMYbJPrOoloSEjxdVZ2N0pTHbp0U7rSJ-GF1VSdLybP36gZATOWyumO-asIITBmnUu/s1655/2015-003-011-A-881.jpg%20-%20Churches%20Baptist%201919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1655" data-original-width="1136" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqhG6i7j3U1CZhY3sLGjxn1ZiNrNknvr7B2LljAUU5UEIxg3zTgHgwxo8TNcVX4bmyRLVdwTdgB2LzW7__a63vIWvCpox8G4ICtGD9FdLLPytymFi7CY3nLwpL0YMYbJPrOoloSEjxdVZ2N0pTHbp0U7rSJ-GF1VSdLybP36gZATOWyumO-asIITBmnUu/w440-h640/2015-003-011-A-881.jpg%20-%20Churches%20Baptist%201919.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div></div>The First Baptist Church is no longer standing. Punta Gorda City Master file of demolished buildings shows it was constructed in 1909. It is an historical loss as it affected the early growth of the entire town. It is currently an empty lot. (2022)<p></p><p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The original congregation consisted of nine members. Among them were James L. and Mary Sandlin, James M. and Martha Sandlin Morgan, and Mrs. Nancy Linquish. Sandlin and Morgan donated to the Baptist congregation, two lots for a church to be built on the northwest corner of Cross and Olympia streets. The lumber for the new church was supplied by Morgan who operated a sawmill on Taylor Road near Alligator Creek. By 1893 the first issue of the Punta Gorda Herald noted that there was a Baptist Church Building. It was also noted in the Herald of that year that Rev. T. J. Sparkman, pastor, conducted services every first and third Sundays. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-30834134-7fff-d830-d954-2de110ae0d3d"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the years the Baptists added Sunday School rooms, a kitchen and dining room. Still the original church building proved too small for the growing congregation. In 1962, a larger sanctuary and attendant facilities were built at its present site on Gill St. The Crosland Chapel and Sunday school were dedicated January 28, 1962. The old pastorium was moved to the present site, but later torn down. With completion of the Crosland Chapel, the Cross Street and Retta Esplanade properties were sold to the Golden Rule Rebekah Lodge 60.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Punta Gorda First Baptists in 1975 undertook a major $l million three-phase building program which included an addition to the Crosland Chapel, expansion of the educational building and walks, paving, drainage and landscaping. </span></p><div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-34737626993385197772023-03-21T14:19:00.001-04:002023-04-06T12:08:50.930-04:00501 Shreve Street - the Calaboose<p> Calaboose comes from the Spanish term calaboozo, for jail or cell. It was a common name for small holding cells found in many pioneer towns. This 10 x 16 foot cage is made from riveted iron bands. It served as the city jail from 1889-1928 when it was replaced by the county's first jail in the Charlotte County Courthouse on Taylor Street. The iron bands of the calaboose were once covered by an iron roof. The cage apparently had two swing-down bunks on either end. The swinging front doors were locked by a padlock. The apparatus was installed on Herald Court in downtown Punta Gorda. The Calaboose ended its days on Jim and Patsy Parker's Washington Loop Ranch before being given to the Historical Society. The Parkers gave the Calaboose to the Punta Gorda Historical Society in honor of his father, Edwin M. Parker, who was Mayor of Punta Gorda in 1941. D&M Construction moved the Calaboose from the Ranch to town.</p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-19666786243633860982023-03-21T14:14:00.009-04:002024-01-23T13:18:50.992-05:00501 Shreve Street - Trabue Law and Land Sales Office <p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuB7zfY0G8UvC-E3HjJ18o0GfFmidOorTe4UpIXNJeRgEimqZ69muyr-MY38yfbbWc5vCaRhu7hQUYAqNfnHD_71w_z6Tt3MS3DOGzMHyxT0TXovxDO9o3ApWklfzL8DYtDEizCl3ZHF2WbeYYFCTkc_dpwdykR7BR4YTLg4vcvvg7DjhisNPk2M9sLkza" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuB7zfY0G8UvC-E3HjJ18o0GfFmidOorTe4UpIXNJeRgEimqZ69muyr-MY38yfbbWc5vCaRhu7hQUYAqNfnHD_71w_z6Tt3MS3DOGzMHyxT0TXovxDO9o3ApWklfzL8DYtDEizCl3ZHF2WbeYYFCTkc_dpwdykR7BR4YTLg4vcvvg7DjhisNPk2M9sLkza=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>This cottage* was the law and land sales office of Col. Isaac Trabue, the founder of Punta Gorda. It was built in 1886 in preparation of the Florida Southern Railway's extension of service to the new town of Trabue. Col. Trabue gave Henry B. Plant, owner of the Southern Railway, 15 acres of his holdings in Trabue to entice him to extend his railroad line here. The little structure served as a Post Office for half a dozen hopeful residents and 200 construction workers from July 1 to August 12, 1886. Nanny Scott of Cleveland, Florida was appointed postmistress in August of 1886 and the Post Office was moved to another location. This building was originally located on a site to the rear of where the Freeman House is now located (311 W. Retta Esplanade). It was moved and restored to a location on the corner of Marion and Nesbit, near the Post Office in 1991. *In November 2000, it was moved to the History Park. (501 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, FL.) where it sits today.</p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-12824804869237902112023-03-21T13:55:00.006-04:002024-02-13T14:19:12.120-05:00West Retta Esplanade - Gilchrist Park <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Col. Isaac Trabue* platted his town in 1885 and he dedicated the waterfront for public parks out of the navigable channel. The shoreline was originally close to the edge of today's Retta Esplanade. The City constructed a seawall in 1914 and backfilled it to create building lots for luxury homes. After several lots were sold, the City discovered the dedication clause in Trabue's original plat and bought back the sold lots. The site was landscaped and known simply as City Park. In 1950 the park was named for Albert W. Gilchrist, one of Punta Gorda's original developers.* He served as governor of Florida from 1909-13. The Gazebo on Old Punta Gorda Point was built to replace an earlier Gazebo, built by OPG in 1985 , as part of a planned Living History Museum. That Gazebo was torn down by the City to prepare for development of the area where the City Marina is now located. * See Hall of Honor in Punta Gorda History Center.</p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-12946157374577705192023-03-21T13:51:00.018-04:002024-01-09T14:42:32.114-05:00311 Retta Esplanade<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsXkuCbB5XS25Uq2Scd9_FxZvCT34Sy8SzJCMVtfJyVur78_WLx7CmMLc_PejSSNEXVeZa4IgxUsurBYfcMLxFCV8amfLE1DzHhnMKfmDcG8254-2rIAGzl7tOr5t-dVza7SliJOp2JGalZczk4HwQYO2mNI-MYjroUF96CTyKn8RhXUp-zUoSR-ocSVWz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="408" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsXkuCbB5XS25Uq2Scd9_FxZvCT34Sy8SzJCMVtfJyVur78_WLx7CmMLc_PejSSNEXVeZa4IgxUsurBYfcMLxFCV8amfLE1DzHhnMKfmDcG8254-2rIAGzl7tOr5t-dVza7SliJOp2JGalZczk4HwQYO2mNI-MYjroUF96CTyKn8RhXUp-zUoSR-ocSVWz=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p>Calostimucu, the Indian statue is carved from the trunk of a monkey pod tree that died in 1973 by the artist Peter Toth. Peter Toth has vowed to create an Indian statue in all 50 states to honor the Indian and to raise awareness of the damage prejudice and injustice have caused. The statue is unique among folk sculptures. It depicts a brave on one side and a maiden on the other. Atop their heads is an emerging dream of a dying bison and an eagle trying to escape. </p>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-80093645176053480302023-02-28T14:28:00.003-05:002023-12-12T14:08:50.156-05:00613 Trabue Street<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9VM8bRBCy-aelpHETZcJj9HGTNv1PKwW220-IOLYBjG-D_9T2N6tBS7A-fEcTJRzJkGS1FITcOL9zxPIlhbqA70KDnZpVPOX0tTTPOREg6Lw-f2AR2177zrDgF_K5C_z1uHmpEO3rgUiIscYR6GlcxSfynxaYNKfuLkwBHSjm428KzuUZLFgK5QXPgo/s1640/IMG_0655.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1640" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9VM8bRBCy-aelpHETZcJj9HGTNv1PKwW220-IOLYBjG-D_9T2N6tBS7A-fEcTJRzJkGS1FITcOL9zxPIlhbqA70KDnZpVPOX0tTTPOREg6Lw-f2AR2177zrDgF_K5C_z1uHmpEO3rgUiIscYR6GlcxSfynxaYNKfuLkwBHSjm428KzuUZLFgK5QXPgo/w640-h518/IMG_0655.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p> This home sits on three lots on Trabue Street; a single block street in the heart of the Old Historic District of Punta Gorda. This short street was the only memorial to the town's founder, Isaac Trabue, until 2009 when City Council designated public lands east of the Justice Center, along the Harbor, as Trabue Park. The original abstract shows the paving, curbing and storm drainage were put into place in 1925. Fred M. and his wife, Mary Calhoun Johnson, purchased the house in 1931. They passed the house to their son Richard C. and his wife, Jutta. It remained in the Johnson family until 1980. Shortly after the first Johnson family moved in, the porch was closed in to make a bedroom and a half bath. The original floor, china closets, ceilings, baseboards and wainscoting remain throughout the interior.</p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-45685403388800117172023-02-28T14:15:00.004-05:002023-12-12T14:10:21.255-05:00607 Trabue Street<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijznOB4_R8hijtfg1CSEOlBK-tu7pgkGWHz9e18vAByuQ1YDwR7Im_UF3eYIbpeOtBCmDEdKyO2NothAYUCV1gdaipmYxWsKACEg_9SjDVqvhw5UmSvs9d2_oP02Nvmr3aXjbKpZQdzQDd0TfaKE5G9bLeO4biJH6Kj8rkud6_0YH294L_062J6xO4eJU/s1217/IMG_0656.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1217" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijznOB4_R8hijtfg1CSEOlBK-tu7pgkGWHz9e18vAByuQ1YDwR7Im_UF3eYIbpeOtBCmDEdKyO2NothAYUCV1gdaipmYxWsKACEg_9SjDVqvhw5UmSvs9d2_oP02Nvmr3aXjbKpZQdzQDd0TfaKE5G9bLeO4biJH6Kj8rkud6_0YH294L_062J6xO4eJU/w640-h429/IMG_0656.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In 1885, Isaac Trabue and his wife, Virginia deeded this property to John Cross and John Trabue to be used for a described purpose, mainly to be planted in pineapples, lemons, oranges and other profitable fruit. When the produce was sold, two thirds of the profit was to be used as prizes for a "chess tournament". From 1902 to 1917 Punta Gorda was a principal supplier of pineapples to the nation. By March of 1917, the pineapple fields were gone due to a freeze and ending the 20 year pineapple boom. In 1924, the whole block sold for $4,000 and this house was built soon after. In 1964, the City of Punta Gorda tax on the property was $35.36. At that time, Mr. A. C. Frizzel owned the property. He was a prospeous cattle rancher in the Murdock area. It was occupied for about 30 years by Lois and Ellsworth Heusted.</p>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-36979211701597630312023-02-28T14:01:00.007-05:002023-12-12T14:22:08.361-05:00219 Sullivan Street<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtdLMfHUQDwfw1DGyeXMOgbnINHx9JBDreSwgLYZ-j7UWmkJxSvPivIQvGQDl1cqt0AG-pNYmNFowYKP2VFWka8pAYFL_VtggnIXjiCnyCQxSQ9pwcdb8u6kYYWyzl1qsb2Z-jlHf5pHUYUOHpGoBBZ6REZQLIoLnu1G9DOB1ixS4Z4YT2b3SnTcbnksaH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="932" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtdLMfHUQDwfw1DGyeXMOgbnINHx9JBDreSwgLYZ-j7UWmkJxSvPivIQvGQDl1cqt0AG-pNYmNFowYKP2VFWka8pAYFL_VtggnIXjiCnyCQxSQ9pwcdb8u6kYYWyzl1qsb2Z-jlHf5pHUYUOHpGoBBZ6REZQLIoLnu1G9DOB1ixS4Z4YT2b3SnTcbnksaH=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>"Circuit riding' Reverend George Gatewood bought this home in 1915. He was a minister licensed by the Methodist General conference in 1899. He preached to frontier churches that were beyond the reach of regular clerics with the help of occasional visiting ministers. He attended the spiritual needs of 200 homesteaders in "Union Services" which were held in school houses throughout the area. He and his wife supported themselves by operating "General" stores here in town. He also worked as postmaster, real estate salesman, fisherman and newspaper reporter. He wrote two books of historical significance: "Ox Cart Days to Airplane Era in Southwest Florida" and "On Florida's Coconut Coast" both of which have been republished by the Punta Gorda Historical Society. </p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-24375540179691193302022-12-13T13:40:00.016-05:002023-12-19T14:34:13.396-05:00252 Marion Street <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6E30V-7OKikVvxOguHaejpNWe-5mqzhWnrMFdtZhQ1qbZxk_Drw3tXrcMIeH7tupcMpaJiiXszgQE8q2X1sa19S3DpeMqzS3ThyVV0jdKhg0dMD88_OiAl6olI84OUi72r_5CQr6x1Fmjw2BECDk9SuvywjbkgYyQ8_DhxQonMxaBVZgx6yJGXpD/s1600/5AEFDE12-105E-4E78-8B4F-5EA5A7CDD611.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1600" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6E30V-7OKikVvxOguHaejpNWe-5mqzhWnrMFdtZhQ1qbZxk_Drw3tXrcMIeH7tupcMpaJiiXszgQE8q2X1sa19S3DpeMqzS3ThyVV0jdKhg0dMD88_OiAl6olI84OUi72r_5CQr6x1Fmjw2BECDk9SuvywjbkgYyQ8_DhxQonMxaBVZgx6yJGXpD/w640-h533/5AEFDE12-105E-4E78-8B4F-5EA5A7CDD611.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>A large concrete building on the corner of Sullivan and W. Marion housed many stores over the years. Built by Jesse Sandlin and Dr. Newman. Dr. Newman's dentist's office was there and Josh Mizell had a real estate office with Sandlin. W.H. Johnson later owned it and had his real estate office there, hence the name The Johnson Building. J.T. Griggs had a grocery store on the west side of the building and on the corner was Jones Brothers Meat Market. J.K. McClelland had his Sundry Store and Ice Cream Parlor there for a time. Charlotte County housed its offices from 1921 until the Court House was built. After Jones Brothers and the county offices moved out, Elmer Oswald had a men's store there for years. </p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-45434945247542676092022-08-09T14:48:00.022-04:002023-12-19T14:28:42.120-05:00Waterfront, Punta Gorda - First Home Site <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNc0XD5C_e--ffVfGu0U6QJ2GCx5d1MkkOFixR6ewoR_jBZvrcPSwL20IGtkENJHoPey-6SdEoEDbur5Z0Uz_mNj7f5Jc9javp1XlUZFSPPTpWArYqgkSM6jU2VT0I4VJW0ou03-U9Ntmozlvnj6gB-214GnPt7I997X0gWvZ_XSIT2CmQtsg9Y3Dz6w/s1067/615081BF-3451-47F9-AD4D-117DF6982889.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1067" height="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNc0XD5C_e--ffVfGu0U6QJ2GCx5d1MkkOFixR6ewoR_jBZvrcPSwL20IGtkENJHoPey-6SdEoEDbur5Z0Uz_mNj7f5Jc9javp1XlUZFSPPTpWArYqgkSM6jU2VT0I4VJW0ou03-U9Ntmozlvnj6gB-214GnPt7I997X0gWvZ_XSIT2CmQtsg9Y3Dz6w/w640-h517/615081BF-3451-47F9-AD4D-117DF6982889.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>On June 22, 1876 James Lockhart and his wife chose a home site on the south side of Charlotte Harbor where the city of Punta Gorda is today. Born in GA, James Lockhart moved to present-day Gainesville. After serving in Co. B, 2nd FL Infantry and wounded at Gettysburg he and Josephine married and ended up at a new settlement on the Peace River's north shore. By June 1876 they moved near Nathan Decoster's settlement of Harborview on the harbor's southside where the Punta Gorda Waterfront Hotel and Suites now stands. The lack of potable water was a problem for earlier settlement attempts. James found water in his well and they moved. In 1879 the Lockharts sold out to James Lanier. Lanier expanded his land holdings and sold them to Isaac Trabue in 1883. Trabue platted a new town in 1885 which was incorporated as Punta Gorda in 1887. Marion McAdow was a painter and she painted this picture of the house that was on the land Isaac Trabue bought from James M. Lanier. <p></p><div><br /></div></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-91506152796160622812022-08-02T14:33:00.041-04:002023-12-12T14:33:00.197-05:00211 West Charlotte Avenue - Sacred Heart Church - original church building <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlqzoiXguBH6EGs89DqqFMZdCR40ffNVyKFQK-OnYAhd128_S6dlJFF9R_Clf1C5NkidhOmPOsPRlEFt4yLkSmqGWbEU0xV9-CP-rz9kAm_FC0M1gF-bjw3Imx6lzwEArSBZY96CFDI6m580cMJ7av1etIbXUKPizysUerjgqbM8vTLRG1nB_aR6rJg/s2886/C90551FC-F569-4C1E-8AD3-2C44409DC07F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="2886" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlqzoiXguBH6EGs89DqqFMZdCR40ffNVyKFQK-OnYAhd128_S6dlJFF9R_Clf1C5NkidhOmPOsPRlEFt4yLkSmqGWbEU0xV9-CP-rz9kAm_FC0M1gF-bjw3Imx6lzwEArSBZY96CFDI6m580cMJ7av1etIbXUKPizysUerjgqbM8vTLRG1nB_aR6rJg/w640-h526/C90551FC-F569-4C1E-8AD3-2C44409DC07F.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The first celebration of a Catholic mass in what is now Charlotte County is said to have been when Ponce deLeon arrived here in the 1520s, some 500 years ago, but the roots of an actual Sacred Heart Parish start in 1892 when a visiting priest said a Mass in a store at Marion and King Street. A building dedicated to the parish, however, was not constructed until almost 40 years later. Until then services were conducted in the Hotel Charlotte Harbor. The first celebrated Mass at that first Sacred Heart Church sanctuary was at 10 a.m on Christmas morning in 1929. The original church seated 125 parishioners. The little church was replaced in 1965. And that structure after being badly damaged in 2004 by Charley was replaced by the current church building in 2008. The church pictured seated 125 parishioners. .</p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; border-color: inherit; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(106, 108, 110); color: #6a6c6e; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.62em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></p>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-63605048785691045822022-06-14T14:38:00.031-04:002024-01-23T14:03:30.725-05:00911 West Marion Avenue<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXFddgFQUMBdgsCb47hf1Jv44bBNZolpbgPKP5Xb4yHhDvdtwY0SPUy5JTmbNYBmvFmHIf_GxRm1JE070sbInaqd_rFM9fgHYOliSRnTNwAl7FUVqWf2EhJz4Y0gl225IYos5W7xzGewGhGZVJTZ6WixlOeVC6z82x_kgC8e3h98kFHXSuKCulGb1hC7Jh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXFddgFQUMBdgsCb47hf1Jv44bBNZolpbgPKP5Xb4yHhDvdtwY0SPUy5JTmbNYBmvFmHIf_GxRm1JE070sbInaqd_rFM9fgHYOliSRnTNwAl7FUVqWf2EhJz4Y0gl225IYos5W7xzGewGhGZVJTZ6WixlOeVC6z82x_kgC8e3h98kFHXSuKCulGb1hC7Jh=w560-h420" width="560" /></a></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> This home was once the home of Mr. Walker, the Charlotte High School Athletic Director during the 1930's. The home was also used as a boarding house for servicemen during World War II. </span><span style="color: red; text-align: left;">MR. WALKER'S FIRST NAME??</span></div></div><p></p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-619990561490214922022-06-14T14:30:00.118-04:002023-12-12T14:33:59.669-05:00226 Taylor Street - Charlotte County Old Courthouse <p></p><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; direction: ltr; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; direction: ltr; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; direction: ltr; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; direction: ltr; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; direction: ltr; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; direction: ltr; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; direction: ltr; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqoQqyN4zYw9UboplF5r1jUeu5I53Ol1qU_vAZyAINTFv_ywA4tyALIi5qikD080ShOXITJc5rItHKpc1dItn55xGIo6cCdwaYnbZk4-GNkDeHH0N1mltmMwXECYGrk8BWdg5AIUui4Oq7J2-zK-xGmmRKvKodCXkSEabmHvE7kW0NLmkoZ2YGcjMgNCK2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="680" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqoQqyN4zYw9UboplF5r1jUeu5I53Ol1qU_vAZyAINTFv_ywA4tyALIi5qikD080ShOXITJc5rItHKpc1dItn55xGIo6cCdwaYnbZk4-GNkDeHH0N1mltmMwXECYGrk8BWdg5AIUui4Oq7J2-zK-xGmmRKvKodCXkSEabmHvE7kW0NLmkoZ2YGcjMgNCK2=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; direction: ltr; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; direction: ltr; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />After Charlotte County was established in 1921, there was a need for a County Courthouse. The original building was constructed in 1928 on land sold to the county by George Brown. <p></p><p>George Brown, an African-American and proprietor of the Cleveland Marine Steam Way, sold the property to the County for $25,000 which was considered a bargain during the Florida land boom of the 1920's. The building cost $200,000. It was built and designed by Architects Leitner & Henson of St. Petersburg in a neo-classical style to provide a stately appearance for official business. A second floor housed a jail with living quarters and a kitchen for the jailer's family. A balcony in the courtroom accommodated African-American spectators as segregation was a way of life when the building was erected. </p><p>The new courthouse building was dedicated on Thursday, March 20, 1928, in a ceremony beginning at 8:00 p.m. The first term of the circuit court in the new building began with Circuit Judge George W. Whitehurst presiding, State Attorney Guy M. Strayhorn prosecuting.</p><p>The courthouse provided adequate space until 1963 when a wrap-around structure was added creating a total of 60,000 square feet. Building additions wrapped around three sides, including the front where the columns and a non-functioning clock were replaced with modern brick. A 4-story addition was linked to the back of the original building by ramps and stairs, and a 2-story section was built for the Sheriff's Office near Taylor Street. </p><p>By the 1990s, the county had once again outgrown the facility. An all-new Justice Center, located off Marion Avenue, was opened in 1999. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>(Much of the information regarding the Old Courthouse was obtained from detailed scrapbooks and records assembled by Gussie Baker, now archived at Punta Gorda History Center and <a href="http://puntagorda.pastperfect-online.com">accessible online through the center's website.) </a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1077424441880481821.post-18916661871751824582022-06-14T14:27:00.013-04:002024-01-16T14:50:07.091-05:00501 Shreve Street - Punta Gorda History Park <p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwc3mnjhcJ3_ok39DpgGVCwYeM3z7ZjKpVxlA5K3nvWoeN185Z7M70USN7IJditqCUwckzGeUDtzefOwe6nuVxo1DM9JgVEjY2jQARFn5yirvZXhBcSjhV2X9nW974vo_pn_eV5YwLD5CYsqhtzA3MV-amgBuGQcIJSPnmrNFBfPwAkyBleF7yh3xYuWgV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="494" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwc3mnjhcJ3_ok39DpgGVCwYeM3z7ZjKpVxlA5K3nvWoeN185Z7M70USN7IJditqCUwckzGeUDtzefOwe6nuVxo1DM9JgVEjY2jQARFn5yirvZXhBcSjhV2X9nW974vo_pn_eV5YwLD5CYsqhtzA3MV-amgBuGQcIJSPnmrNFBfPwAkyBleF7yh3xYuWgV=w640-h424" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div><br /><p></p><p>Encouraged by the Punta Gorda Historical Society, the City of Punta Gorda provided a site to which historic buildings could be moved and preserved. A project manager, Don Atwell, was assigned by the PGHS in 1997 for the park and the first building, the (Cigar Cottage) was moved to the Park in October 1999. Through the hard work and efforts of many volunteers, the History Park had its grand opening later in 1999. In the park you will find a parking area, and the El Palmetto Cigar Co. Cottage; The Trabue Lane Sales Office; the Quednau or Hindman House; the Calaboose and The Price House or Gilchrist Inn. A map detailing the layout is in the small green binder entitled: "Historic Houses and Buildings in Punta Gorda, FL." WHERE ELSE CAN WE REFER THIS PARK MAP FOR CONVENIENCE OF PUBLIC VIEW. </p><div><br /></div>Punta Gorda History Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17335649024727838754noreply@blogger.com