Pinellas Park in Pinellas County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Pioneering Pinellas Park
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, August 17, 2013
1. Pioneering Pinellas Park Marker
Inscription.
Pioneering Pinellas Park. . This area surrounding Pinellas Park's original train station has been a hub of activity since P.J. McDevitt arrived in 1909 to grow sugar cane. In 1912 one of Pinellas Park's pioneers, Walter Bender, built his home in the area now known as Davis Field. By 1927, Pinellas Park was thriving and another pioneering family, headed by Charles "Mac" Wiggins, arrived. Between them, the Bender and Wiggins clans provided the town with farmers, firefighters, a police chief, war veterans, and a relative by marriage who served as Florida's 32nd Governor. The Bender and Wiggins families were joined by marriage in 1954, and Paul and Shelia Bender remained in Pinellas Park to raise their own family and continue their ancestors' traditions of community service. Pinellas Park was incorporated as a City on June 19, 1959, and many more families have followed the examples of the Benders and Wigginses in helping Pinellas Park grow and thrive as the heart of Pinellas.
This area surrounding Pinellas Park's original train station has been a hub of activity since P.J. McDevitt arrived in 1909 to grow sugar cane. In 1912 one of Pinellas Park's pioneers, Walter Bender, built his home in the area now known as Davis Field. By 1927, Pinellas Park was thriving and another pioneering family, headed by Charles "Mac" Wiggins, arrived. Between them, the Bender and Wiggins clans provided the town with farmers, firefighters, a police chief, war veterans, and a relative by marriage who served as Florida's 32nd Governor. The Bender and Wiggins families were joined by marriage in 1954, and Paul and Shelia Bender remained in Pinellas Park to raise their own family and continue their ancestors' traditions of community service. Pinellas Park was incorporated as a City on June 19, 1959, and many more families have followed the examples of the Benders and Wigginses in helping Pinellas Park grow and thrive as the heart of Pinellas.
Erected by Pinellas Park, Florida.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1490.
Location. 27° 50.372′ N, 82° 42.77′ W. Marker is in Pinellas Park, Florida, in Pinellas County. Marker is at the intersection of 58th Street North
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and Park Boulevard North (State Road 694), on the right when traveling north on 58th Street North. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pinellas Park FL 33781, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 564 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 27, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
