Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Stephens House
Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008
1. The Stephens House Marker
A prime example of the “Cracker Gothic” style, this home was built in 1912 by the Will Stephens family. It is an excellent representation of a Florida rural frame house during the period between the 1870's and World War I. This third home on the Stephens homestead, established in 1894, was located in what has become western Hardee County.The pine timber and heart pine blocks used to build the house were cut on the homestead. There was no electricity and the fireplace was used for heat. For cooling, the house was raised about 2-1/2 feet, allowing air to circulate from under the house into the interior through cracks in the floor. A pitcher pump on the back porch supplied water. Porches on three sides shaded and cooled the breeze before it entered the house. The large central hallway or “dog-trot” with a high ceiling funneled the cooled air through the house.
The International Minerals and Chemical Corporation acquired the homestead and donated the house to the Manatee County Historical Commission. It was moved to the park in February 1982. Restoration of the structure was completed by volunteer
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1982.
Location. 27° 29.689′ N, 82° 32.871′ 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. 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. The Potter Barn (a few steps from this marker); William Bassett Chapter (a few steps from this marker); The Smokehouse, Syrup Kettle and Sugar Cane Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Life on the Florida Frontier: The Stephens Family (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1887 Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Florida Naval Stores (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wiggins Store (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fogarty Boat Works (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.
Also see . . . Manatee Village Historical Park. "Step back into time at the Manatee Village Historical
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, March 7, 2019
2. The Stephens House Marker
No Admission - Donations Appreciated. (Submitted on June 4, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia.)
Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008
3. The Stephens House
Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008
4. Interior Hallway
Notice the Kitchen is straight ahead and the hall "Y"s to allow airflow through out the home.
Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008
5. Kitchen
Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008
6. Living Room
Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008
7. Bedroom 1
Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008
8. Bedroom 2
Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008
9. Bedroom 3
Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008
10. Bedroom 4
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, March 7, 2019
11. Manatee Village Historical Plaque
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, March 7, 2019
12. Manatee Village Historical Park Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. This page has been viewed 947 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 4, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 2. submitted on March 10, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 3, 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.
