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Author Archives: Lois A. Bolin, Ph.D.
Print this to give guests to take along while walking or driving the pioneering path of Naples.
Naples Cultural Heritage Trail
History is the study of human behavior through time. Florida Trend’s 1959 article calling Naples a “nothing-to-do town” has changed over the years so has the attitude on the ‘value of history’ in a town whose very survival, in more ways that one, is attributed to post WWII and the vision of those pioneering families who wanted the character and identity of Naples to be know for its casual elegance.
The Diamond Jubilee Committee, Chaired by former Mayor, Bonnie MacKenzie, launch a six months celebration dedicated to our City’s remarkable heritage. in 2000. This celebration culminated with the installation a series of uniquely designed outdoor bronze markers, which were intended “to perpetuate local history and landmarks for those who will want to know about this fabulous community in the years to come”.
Originally 15 sites for Historical Markers were slated. Of these 15 only 12 were fulfilled leaving Combs Fish House, Tin City and the 1921 Naples Company Building. Today these 12 sites, plus Tin City, Combs Fish Co. and one addition Diamond Jubliee Bronze Marker, The First Baptist Church, added In December 2011, can be appreciated for years to come with a WEB APP and QR code, usable for smartphones, tablets and PCs.
The QR Code is places around the City as well as on the markers offering a “futuristic way to look at history”, as quoted by Lance Shearer in the NDN.
To read more on Lois Bolin’s commitment to make history more fun, more available and more meaningful, Life in Naples offers wonderful insights in this “so much to do in town”.
On May 8th, the final two bronze markers, Tin City and Combs Fish Co., were added to the free Web App showing the 19 city and state markers. These two markers are special to me because of the time and effort put into giving the “waterfront” a voice – an identity – a place in local history. These markers tie in the old Naples Waterfront to the downtown Old Naples. From the Naples Pier to the City Docks up to the area we now call Kelly’s and Tin City, the stories are as plentiful as the fish were once in Naples Bay.
Until March 2010, there were only two associations in downtown, Naples 5th Ave. S. and Third St. S. Today, there are three more: Crayton Cove, 10th Street Design, and the Old Naples Waterfront. They all reflect the city’s unique history from 1886-1948. After showing the City Council the opportunity they had to promote the biz districts downtown in 2010, a walking map soon followed as did a new annual event called City Fest. The ONW’s Stonecrab Festival, named by Kelly Mcgill, is also still going strong. It’s first event showed the history of the waterfront and the areas that could be visited via the Naples Water Shuttle. Where else an you pay $5 to ride by boat (ok, cruise) to over 16 restaurants in 7 different areas on Naples Bay.
At Combs Fish Co’s unveiling, I had the pleasure of meeting Mamma Kelly, who purchased the Fish House Restaurant and later Combs Fish Co. from the the Comb’s family. Kelly’s Fish House and Combs Fish Co. are the oldest fish/crab processing plant and restaurant in the City. Capt. Johnnie Morgan of Morgan Boats, age 83, stopped by Tin City on his way back from a doctors visit just in time to help Mayor John Sorey unveil the marker and tell a few tales of his time working at the the old fish plant and as a commercial fisherman.
Underwriters for the bronze markers were Mike and Kathy Peppe and Lois Bolin. Signs and Things produced the bronze markers.
The Naples Heritage Web App if free via smartphone, tablet and PCs. Look for the QR Code on and near these markers. It’s a great way to teach your children about local history.
Click on the link to see the markers unveiling.
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