Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Wiggins Store
This was a time of rapid growth for the Village of Manatee. The arrival of the railroad, electricity, telegraph, telephones, street cars and automobiles combined to move the center of business from the river front to Manatee Avenue.
Wiggins was a forward-looking entrepreneur who recognized the need for a larger store near the railroad. He designed the new multi-purpose building for a store on the ground floor with a rooming house on the second floor to accommodate those who would make the several-day trip from remote sections of the county. Porches on three sides made the building energy efficient as did a building technique of providing air pockets between two layers of brick. This building was one of the first buildings south of Tampa to utilize an elevator. A gathering spot for the Manatee community, its customers combined business with pleasure and took the time to listen to Wiggins phonograph or play a game of checkers.
Over the years, the building was used for beauty and barber shops, general store, hotel, apartments, and finally as migrant housing before it was condemned and boarded up in 1983. The Manatee County Historical Commission acquired the building in 1985 and after a lengthy fund raising campaign and careful restoration, reopened the Wiggins Store to the public in 1990.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 27° 29.715′ N, 82° 32.882′ W. Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. Marker can be reached from Manatee Avenue East near 14th Street East. This marker is located inside the Manatee Village Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton FL 34208, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Cabbage Head (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fogarty Boat Works (within shouting distance of this marker); The Smokehouse, Syrup Kettle and Sugar Cane Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Florida Naval Stores (within shouting distance of this marker); The Florida Cracker Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Life on the Florida Frontier: The Stephens Family (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stephens House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Potter Barn (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. This page has been viewed 932 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 3. submitted on March 10, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on June 4, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 11, 12. submitted on March 10, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.