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The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum
The building located at 402 Pine Avenue was originally an icehouse built in 1920 by the city of Anna Maria's first mayor, Mitch Davis. Subsequently, it was used as an automotive garage, city offices, a firehouse and the Turtle House before the AMIHS secured it for its museum in 1992 through the generosity of the city of Anna Maria and others.
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| Painting by benefactor Marlane Wurzbach |
Presently housed in the museum are rare, old photographs, maps, records from the early 1900s, newspaper clippings, period outfits, jewelry, and videos from times past. Recently, a library was created where people may peruse archival records as well as beautifully bound copies of the original Islander newspaper dating from 1954 to 1990. Displays of period clothing and items of interest are presented on pedestals and in glass enclosed cases. A restaurant themed vignette includes many menus of businesses past and present. The walls to the rear of the museum tell "fish tales" from long ago and host a salute to the veterans of World War I and II.
Music from the turn of the century through the 40s plays creatively from an old Atwater Kent radio adding to the nostalgia of your tour. Several of the cases offer displays that are changed regularly to bring fresh interest to your visit. Docents trained in our history are available to answer your questions. A visit to the museum, located on the grounds of the AMIHS Historical Park, is a memorable trip down Island history lane.
Belle Haven Cottage Cracker Cottage
Historic Belle Haven Cottage sat at the end of the City Pier from the early 20s. Built originally as a fish packing plant, it was used as a bait shop and rental cottage before its piers, riddle with worms, deposited it into Tampa Bay in1926. Purchased by Lyman Christy and his wife for $125, it was then barged around the point to 109 Palmetto Avenue where it served as their home for 50 years and a rental cottage thereafter.
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"Belle Haven" cracker cottage
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The property was purchased in 2000 by a couple wanting the land, but not the home. They offered it to AMIHS for free and the drive was on to save it from demolition. After the society and the three island cities raised more than $8,000, the cottage was moved to the historic park complex on Nov. 27th, 2001. People from the business community, AMIHS, Island residents and concerned visitors generously gave money, time and professional expertise. The cottage was lovingly restored in 2006 and now sits on the banks of Lake LaVista canal just steps from the City Pier and its original home on Tampa Bay.
More recently, the cottage has been the recipient of many lovely heirlooms donated by a couple who resided on the Island for over 35 years. While many of the items were from their personal collections, they also visited antique shops throughout Florida to furnish the home in period flair.
Surrounding Belle Haven Cottage is the Mangrove Walk. Thanks to two grants from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and the city of Anna Maria's Environmental Enhancement & Education Committee, the grounds of the Historical Park are ablaze in flora indigenous to Anna Maria Island. Not only is the area educational, it's a cool walk in yesteryear!
The Anna Maria City Jail
The Anna Maria City Jail was built in 1927. Mayor Mitch Davis built it as a place to quarter the rowdies, many of whom had over indulged at the local tavern dance hall, which once stood where the Sandbar restaurant is now located. Most of the offenses were drunkenness and speeding. A night in the jail, which had bars but no windows, cured most troublemakers
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The city jail, as depicted on a 60s postcard
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after they were nearly eaten alive by mosquitoes.
The jail proved to be the best preventative for trouble on the Island. After the first couple of dozen offenders were put behind bars, most of the violations stopped.
Made of tabby, a mixture of shell and cement, the jail was used up until the 40s when a fire burned all the wooden structures including the roof. Thanks to the foresight of Harry Varley, founder of the original Islander newspaper, the jail was left standing and the slogans were painted on the walls. Many Kodak moments were made by the city jail as a "must stop and see" for over 60 years. It was even featured in Ripleys' "Believe It or Not!" The Island landmark is still a favorite spot for Islanders and tourists alike.
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