Anna Maria in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Island Playhouse
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, March 19, 2014
1. The Island Playhouse Marker
Inscription.
The Island Playhouse is one of the oldest buildings on Anna Maria Island. The simple frame vernacular building was once the home of William H. Gillett and was originally located in the Town of Parrish in Manatee County. In 1912, it was barged down the Manatee River in two sections to Tampa Bay and then to Anna Maria Island. In its new location, the building was first used as a tourist center by the Anna Maria Beach Development Company, which promoted the island community by offering steamship tours to prospective residents. Following the City of Anna Maria’s incorporation in 1923, the building was used for city offices, church facilities, classrooms, and as a social hall for World War II soldiers. Since 1949 the building has served as the Island Playhouse, and offers theatrical productions to the community’s residents and visitors.
The Island Playhouse is one of the oldest buildings on Anna Maria Island. The simple frame vernacular building was once the home of William H. Gillett and was originally located in the Town of Parrish in Manatee County. In 1912, it was barged down the Manatee River in two sections to Tampa Bay and then to Anna Maria Island. In its new location, the building was first used as a tourist center by the Anna Maria Beach Development Company, which promoted the island community by offering steamship tours to prospective residents. Following the City of Anna Maria’s incorporation in 1923, the building was used for city offices, church facilities, classrooms, and as a social hall for World War II soldiers. Since 1949 the building has served as the Island Playhouse, and offers theatrical productions to the community’s residents and visitors.
Erected 2013 by Anna Maria Island Preservation Trust, Inc. and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-792.)
Location. 27° 31.613′ N, 82° 44.194′ W. Marker is in Anna Maria, Florida, in Manatee
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County. Marker is at the intersection of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Gulf Drive. Marker is located between the sidewalk and the front entrance to the Island Playhouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria FL 34216, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding The Island Playhouse. The Island Playhouse is a designated Florida Heritage Site.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, March 19, 2014
2. Island Playhouse Marker
The marker is located in the Playhouse front entrance courtyard.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, March 19, 2014
3. Island Playhouse Front Entrance
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, March 19, 2014
4. Island Playhouse Marquee
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 507 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 19, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
