jiggs landing historical marker
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"In August 1944, the United States was engaged in a great struggle in the
European and Pacific theaters of World War II. In contrast, standing on the
banks of the Braden River were Manatee County residents Al “Jiggs” and Agnes
Metcalf, looking over their recent 7-acre purchase. Sharing this idyllic place
by building a fishing camp was their dream, and the realization of that dream
became on of Manatee County’s most popular and recognizable landmarks for more
than 40 years.
This is a replica of one of the cabins handcrafted by Jiggs, who
came from a family of carpenters. Single bedroom cabins, which at 10 by 20 feet
were smaller overall than the size of today’s average family room, included a
screened-in porch with a wrap-around wooden awning, a bedroom with toilet
closet, and a kitchen. Current building codes have made some modifications
necessary, but furnishings are period pieces consistent with those available to
the Metcalfs while they owned Jiggs Landing.
Agnes painted the cabins her
favorite pastel colors of pale blue, green, rose, and cream, with contrasting
trim. Cabins rented for $18.50 a week for a single cabin or $25.00 a week for a
double cabin, which included fresh bed linens and towels for guests. Some
families would rent two cabins to accommodate their extended families joining
them on vacation. These bright and cheery cabins looki9ng out over the Braden
River provided a welcome respite from the tensions of life during wartime and
continued to do so in times of peace. The restoration of this historic landmark
will hopefully provide the same to visitors today." |
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