La Villa Gardens in Holiday in Pasco County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Elfers
Photographed By Julie Szabo, July 1, 2008
1. Elfers Marker
Once an Indian hunting ground called "Alafia," this area was surveyed by Samuel Hope in the 1840's and was successively known as "Alfiers," "The Neck," "Sapling Woods," and "Elfers" -- a variation of the Indian name. Fishing, timber and citrus supported early residents. The nearby Samuel and Elizabeth Pinder Baker home was built in 1882. Elfers Post Office was established in 1909. The town was incorporated from 1925 to 1933.
The State Bank of Elfers failed, due to the collapse of the "Florida land boom," just as its building was completed in 1926. The packing house established by the Elfers Citrus Growers Association in 1920, operated until destroyed by fire in 1966. The Tampa and Tarpon Springs Land Company was a major promoter of the area in the 1900's. Leading citrus groves included St. Austell-Elkhorn, and Peter O. Knight's Sans Souci. Another local grower, Gerben DeVries, authored the Chasco Fiesta legend.
Erected 1988 by Pasco Board of County Commissioners and The Historical Preservation Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 28° 12.578′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Baker House (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Elfers School (approx. 0.7 miles away); West Elfers Cemetery (approx. 1.3 miles away); Meighan Theatre (approx. 2.8 miles away); Dr. Frederick A. Grassin Bridge (approx. 2.8 miles away); Sims Park (approx. 2.8 miles away); West Pasco County War Memorial (approx. 2.9 miles away); Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church (approx. 2.9 miles away).
Photographed By Julie Szabo, July 1, 2008
2. Elfers Marker reverse
Photographed By Julie Szabo, July 1, 2008
3. Elfers Marker in background
Photographed By Julie Szabo, July 1, 2008
4. The Pasco Arts Council building
Photographed By Julie Szabo, July 1, 2008
5. The Baker House, est. 1882
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,772 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on February 13, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 19, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
