Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Smokehouse, Syrup Kettle and Sugar Cane Mill
This smokehouse and syrup kettle, donated by Thomas G. and Harvey E. Hayden in memory of their parents, Dempsey G. and Hollie Wingate were part of the Andrew and Lettie Wingate homestead, which was located on the far eastern reaches of the Manatee River in what is known as the “Bear Bay” section of Manatee County.
Sugar cane mills and syrup kettles were found in most rural areas in the South, as cane provided both syrup and sugar. This sugar cane mill donated by Hazel Hankee, was used to press the juice from the cane stalks. A horse or mule was hitched to the low end of the sweep, pulled the sweep turning the mill. Stalks of cane were fed between the rollers. The juice was collected and poured into the syrup kettle attached to the smokehouse, where it was cooked over a fire.
The sweep must be made from a tree with the correct bend at the top. Senator Doyle Carlton, Jr. found this pine tree on his Hardee County ranch.
Erected by Manatee County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 27° 29.696′ N, 82° 32.886′ W. Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Manatee Avenue East (State Road 64) and 14th Street East, on the right when traveling east. 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. The Stephens House (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Cabbage Head (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wiggins Store (within shouting distance of this marker); The Potter Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); William Bassett Chapter (within shouting distance of this marker); Life on the Florida Frontier: The Stephens Family (within shouting distance of this marker); The Florida Cracker Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Florida Naval Stores (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.
Also see . . . Manatee Village Historical Park. (Submitted on March 20, 2019.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 17, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.