Mural, historical marker to honor Bealls' 100 years in Bradenton

BRADENTON -- As part of the centennial celebration of Bealls and the retailer's historical ties to Manatee County, Bradenton plans to place a historical marker near the original store's location on the corner of Old Main Street and Third Avenue West.

A mural will also be painted on the building's north wall that faces Third Avenue West, depicting the store's 100-year history, said Cathy Slusser, director of historical resources for the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

The building is now home to McAbe's Irish Pub, Classic Ink, Main Street Market and others.

Bill Webster, Bealls director of public and governmental affairs office, provided a historical presentation to city officials outlining R.M. Beall's journey from his arrival in Palmetto in 1914 and his decision to open his dry goods store in "Bradentown." R.M. Beall called the store Dollar Limit, because none of the merchandise cost more than $1.

"In 1900, Bradentown's population was only 400 people, and in April of 1915, it was 3,742 when Beall decided to open the store," Webster said. "He saw it as a fast-growing community."

Dates for the historical marker dedication and painting of the mural have not been set, Slusser said.

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter@urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published March 1, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Mural, historical marker to honor Bealls' 100 years in Bradenton ."