Ridgecrest in Largo in Pinellas County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Beach Cottage
Built: Circa 1939 Moved: 1997
A Cottage Industry
This simple dwelling, built a shell's throw from the Gulf of Mexico in the Lone Palm Beach subdivision, was part of a settlement that became Madeira Beach. It was typical of coastal cottages built during the 1930s. Communities sprang up from Indian Rocks Beach south to Pass-o-Grille. While St. Petersburg and Clearwater had a cosmopolitan flair with high-end hotels that attracted affluent vacationers from the North, these cottages near the beach appealed to those seeking more modest prices.
Shifting Tides
A decade after construction of this beach house, drivers along the two lane Gulf Boulevard could see a chain of small wood and masonry homes near this cottage. Beaches grew in popularity. Settlements incorporated and established utilities and community services. These enticed developers to build large homes to meet demands of newcomers. Small hotels sprang up along the coast in southern Pinellas County through the 1950s with modern décor, swimming pools and other amenities for vacationing families from the North. Quaint cottages like this became a haven for budget conscious retirees and vacationers.
From Ships to Suntans
At the turn of the century, many fishing and shipping vessels worked along the Pinellas waterways. Bridge construction beginning in the early 1900s connected the mainland to the barrier islands so people could come and go. And they did --in large numbers. Many "city folk' from Pinellas and Hillsborough counties purchased land and built vacation cottages. Others invested in the beaches with an eye toward a growing tourism marker by building cottages for seasonal residents.
Erected by Heritage Village.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 27° 52.885′ N, 82° 48.646′ W. Marker is in Largo, Florida, in Pinellas County. It is in Ridgecrest. Marker can be reached from 125th Street North just north of Walsingham Road. Marker and cottage are located in Heritage Village. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11909 125th St N, Largo FL 33774, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Harris School (a few steps from this marker); McMullen Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); McMullen - Coachman Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); In Grateful Remembrance (within shouting distance of this marker); Greenwood House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named McMullen - Coachman Log Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Pillars from Largo High School (within shouting distance of this marker); Lowe House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Largo.
Also see . . . Heritage Village. (Submitted on November 28, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 51 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 27, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 28, 2023, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.