Historical marker honors original Bealls store in downtown Bradenton

BRADENTON -- After a pair of shoes and other artifacts were unearthed from what's now known as the Market on Main Street, Bill Webster wanted to commemorate the spot marking the starting point for Bealls Inc.

Webster, director of public and government affairs for Bealls, said a few odds and ends from the original Bealls store, then known as the Dollar Limit, were discovered during construction of the Market at 312 12th St. W. The discoveries inspired him to look into erecting a historical marker.

"It's one of the most historic old buildings in downtown Bradenton and one that I had admired," Webster said.

Cathy Slusser, director of historical resources for the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller, worked with Webster on putting the marker in place. The concrete pole was set the Tuesday before the sign was erected and revealed Wednesday.

Other notable Bealls employees at the historical marker's reveal included Bob Beall, chairman of the Bealls board of directors, Steve Knopik, CEO of Bealls, and Dan Love, president of Bealls Inc.

Laura Lynch, communication and talent manager for Bealls, said there are several reasons the marker is important to downtown Bradenton.

"I think what is important for the community is the deep roots of Bealls in Bradenton," Lynch said. "And the revitalization of downtown, and that it's attracting talent and visitors to the area, making it a great place to live and work."

Paul Drummey worked a summer job with Bob Beall and said the two "go way back." He attended the reveal of the marker to support the company and his friends who work for Bealls.

"It's just a great local success story," Drummey said, noting he's enjoyed watching the company grow over the years.

This story was originally published April 16, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Historical marker honors original Bealls store in downtown Bradenton ."