ENGLEWOOD HISTORY
Five days a week I have the privilege of going to work at one of Englewood's most beautiful and historic places - The Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key. The five buildings that sit on a piece of the 8.5 acres of beachfront surrounded by mangroves and dunes have inspired residents and visitors for decades.
BY | September 9, 2009 at 3:16 p.m.
Who Was Elsie Quirk?
The Elsie Quirk Public Library is as much a part of the Englewood community as any building, business or beach. But did you ever wonder who Elsie Quirk was?
September 9, 2009 at 3:12 p.m.
Josephine Cortes Originated First Pioneer Days Celebration
Most areas in the United States have four seasons. Here in Englewood we often refer to two - "The Season" and the rest of the year. "The Season" starts in November and runs until April and features the arrival and stay of snowbirds in our town. Once these folks head …
September 9, 2009 at 3:09 p.m.
First Pioneer Days Celebration was Huge Success
In 1956 Jo Cortes, local journalist and community activist, came up with the idea of "Pioneer Days." The purpose was to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of Englewood and to honor local pioneers.
September 9, 2009 at 3:07 p.m.
How Englewood Got Its Name
During the summer of 1893 the Columbian Exposition was held in Chicago honoring the 400th anniversary of the landing of Columbus in the New World. This event drew thousands of visitors from around the world, dazzling them with impressive buildings and fantastic exhibits.
BY KEN KOCAB | August 28, 2009 at 8:21 a.m.
From 13 Stars to 50: The Evolution of the American Flag
As Americans cheer "Old Glory" waving on the 4th of July, we sometimes don't realize that, unlike many other nations of the world, our national flag has undergone many changes in the last 233 years. The red and white stripes mostly stayed the same, but the number and placement of …
BY KEN KOCAB | July 16, 2009 at 10:38 a.m.
The Ghost Towns of Charlotte County
As one travels through Charlotte County, many towns such as Punta Gorda, Englewood and Port Charlotte, are familiar destinations on the map. There are, however, many settlements in our county that either don't exist anymore, or have taken different names. These "ghost towns" originally developed because of new railroads, road …
BY KEN KOCAB | June 18, 2009 at 4:09 p.m.
Englewood Post Offices Span 113 years
Since August 18, 1896 , Englewood residents have been served by a local post office. Mail for the few permanent residents of early Englewood was brought to El Jobean by boat from Punta Gorda. Local resident Wilbur Lampp then loaded the mailbags onto his horse, and made the ten mile …
BY KEN KOCAB | May 22, 2009 at 10:57 a.m.
Teddy Roosevelt and the Charlotte County Devil Ray
Teddy Roosevelt, one of America's most beloved Presidents, visited Charlotte County in early 1917 to capture a giant "devil fish" or manta ray. Teddy happened to be reading an article in American Museum Magazine that described a fishing expedition off Captiva Island, in which Tobacco millionaire Russell Coles had caught …
BY KEN KOCAB | April 28, 2009 at 11:09 a.m.
How Did Toledo Blade Boulevard Wind Up in Charlotte County?
As many of us drive from Englewood to Port Charlotte or other nearby locations, we often pass an unusually named street called "Toledo Blade Boulevard." Being a native Ohioan I immediately thought this street was named after the long-time daily newspaper in Toledo, "The Toledo Blade."
BY KEN KOCAB | March 26, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.
Kelly's: The Oldest Remaining Bar in Englewood
If you think Englewood has some pretty exciting bars, you probably never heard about the live alligator sitting on the counter, or the man tearing down the chandelier at the old Kellys bar on Dearborn Street.
BY KEN KOCAB | February 27, 2009 at 4:15 p.m.
The Search for Oil in Englewood
As we are all aware, gas prices have risen this past year to over to $3 a gallon. Although the cost at the pump has dropped dramatically due to the current economic crisis, fears still remain that the expense of filling our tank will rise again. Certain politicians, oil companies, …
BY KEN KOCAB | January 29, 2009 at 2:17 p.m.
Betty Nugent: A Love Affair with Englewood
I've been writing history articles for The Englewood Review for over two years and have gotten ideas and inspiration from many sources. After interviewing descendents of pioneer families, researching the Englewood archives at the Elsie Quirk Library and visiting local historical sites, one of the best sources for many articles …
BY KEN KOCAB | December 23, 2008 at 1:49 p.m.
Revitalizing Historical Dearborn Street
Between the mix of the old and the new, the mix of commercial and residential, you can sense something special about Dearborn Street.
BY BY WARREN RICHARDSON | August 22, 2008 at 7:38 a.m.
Memories: Josephine Cortes
Jo Cortes was a leading personality in the early days of Englewood. She was a unique individual. Ruth Chapman shares some memories of her friendship with this true Englewood Pioneer.
BY BY RUTH MATSINGER CHAPMAN | August 21, 2008 at 9:49 a.m.