Clearwater Historical Society

Summary

Our featured speaker, Allison Herrington Dolan, Board President of the Clearwater Historical Society, was set to discuss the history of Clearwater and the local museum.

Clearwater's Historical Development Overview

Allison provided a detailed history of Clearwater and Florida, starting with Native American tribes and the Spanish arrival in 1528. She discussed Princess Yulele, whom she described as the original Pocahontas, and the establishment of Fort Harrison during the Spanish-American War. Allison also covered the Federal Armed Occupation Act of 1842, which encouraged settlement in Florida, and the role of early settlers like Jane Stevens and the McMullen family in developing the area. She concluded by discussing the agricultural history of Clearwater, including citrus and gladiolas production, and the impact of Henry Plant's railroad development on the city's growth.

Clearwater's Educational Evolution

Allison discussed the history of Clearwater, focusing on its development as an educational hub. She mentioned Jenny Plum, the area's first paid teacher, and the evolution of the Plumhouse, which served various purposes over the years. Allison also detailed the construction and growth of the local school, highlighting its expansion from a small wooden structure to a comprehensive facility that eventually became the current museum site. She noted that Clearwater became the county seat due to its strategic location and the efforts of its residents.

Pinellas County Historical Development

Allison discussed the history of Pinellas County, Florida, highlighting how farmers initially had to travel to Tampa for state and federal business, leading to the establishment of the county seat. He explained how St. Petersburg and Clearwater competed for the title, with St. Petersburg ultimately winning after building a makeshift wooden courthouse that the governor recognized. Allison also shared the story of how Morton Plant Hospital was founded in 1914, with a group of women raising $100,000 in six months after being challenged by Dr. Morton Plant to do so within two years, despite a popular false narrative about the hospital's origins.

Clearwater's Historical Military and Entertainment

Allison shared historical facts about Clearwater, including its significant military presence during World War II, the Rowland family's contributions to both the Brooklyn Bridge and the war effort, and the history of the Capitol Theater, which has been a central entertainment venue since 1921. She also mentioned that the Philadelphia Phillies have been conducting spring training in Clearwater for 78 years, making them one of the longest-standing teams in the city's history.

Clearwater's Evolution and Museum Exhibits

Allison shared a historical overview of Clearwater, highlighting its transformation from a beach destination with wooden bridges and wool bathing suits to a major gladiola producer, which later shifted to housing development after World War II. She described how the area evolved with the creation of Skycrest and mentioned ongoing museum exhibits, including those on the founding families and trailblazing women, with the museum currently planning its seventh exhibit on trailblazing women.

America 250 Oral History Project

Allison discussed the America 250 project and invited others to participate in oral history through the county's "Our Story" program, one of four licenses granted. She also mentioned plans to convert an old cafeteria into a meeting space. She shared details about an upcoming exhibit on Clearwater's history, including a humorous story about the Clearwater Monster. Allison clarified that gladiolas were not native to Florida but were introduced through bulb imports, and she provided background on the history of a resident who moved to the area in 1845.