Palmetto Historical Park palmetto history
So much of our area's history has been preserved through the efforts of the Palmetto Historical Commission and numerous dedicated residents. While history buffs may want to engage in a city-wide tour of the many homes and buildings that reflect Palmetto's history, others may choose a one-stop "walk in the park" by visiting the Palmetto Historical Park on 10th Avenue West in Palmetto. Buildings and points of interest at the Palmetto Historical Park include: Manatee County Agricultural Museum. In the midst of our area's rapid urban development, this museum serves an important role in educating our children and residents about our rich agricultural roots. Housed in a barn (Palmetto's first public works building), the museum features five rooms dedicated to the county's primary commodities (livestock, vegetables, citrus, horticulture, and commercial fishing). Local farmers and dedicated citizens have contributed interesting artifacts, tools, equipment and photographs in each area. Heritage Station Post Office. Built in 1880, the Heritage Station Post Office was Palmetto's first free-standing post office. Originally located near what is now 9th Avenue and Riverside Drive, it served as one of the community's centerpieces until around World War I. The Post Office was Palmetto Historical Park's first building, placed in the park in 1982, more than a century after it was built. The Heritage Chapel. The graceful Heritage Chapel is actually a composite of three of Palmetto's original churches (First Methodist, First Baptist and First Presbyterian Church) that were originally located within a block from the historical park. The new historic chapel was built by public subscription in cooperation with the City of Palmetto. The Chapel is available to rent for weddings and other functions (call the Palmetto Historical Commission at 941-723-4991). The Cottage Museum. Built in 1910, this charming structure it typical of small Florida bungalows built in the twentieth century. Six of the families who lived in the cottage have contributed historical information and furnishings to the museum. The Jo Harrison doll collection and Belmont Whittle's collection of antique radios and sewing machines are on display in the museum, as well as a fully-furnished kitchen reflecting the home's earliest years. The Schoolhouse. This building served as the first public kindergarten in Palmetto. It was moved to Palmetto Elementary's property in 1936 and relocated to the Historical Park after the new elementary school was constructed. Today, it reflects the classroom ambience of the past, featuring authentic classroom desks and instructional materials. It even features the authentic bell of the late Frankie Howze, deemed "Manatee County's Mother of Education," who taught school for more than 50 years in Manatee County. The Carnegie Library. This library served as the city's town hall and school library from 1914 to 1969. Completely restored through the efforts of the Palmetto Historical Commission, this library is currently a local history repository, housing city directories, photographs, slides, bound copies of Palmetto News, Palmetto Press and North River News, and history of local families and businesses. Contributors include: Andrew Carnegie (a $10,000 donation), the City of Palmetto ($1,000 and the property), The Ladies Library Association (the collection) and Palmetto Novelty Works (the library desks, bookcases, moldings and woodworking). The Agricultural Museum is also home to a library of books and research materials, the William and Marie Selby Foundation Community Education Room, a farm shop, barn, old farm equipment, and a garage complete with a restored 1925 Model T pick-up truck.
