|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Seminole has seeds at famous old log cabin
By KATHY FERGUSON
Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005 |
 |
![[Image]](/content_images/102605_smb-04.jpg) |
| Photo by KATHY FERGUSON |
| This pine log cabin was built in 1935 and hosted 20 members of the Seminole Methodist Church who met to form the Seminole Civic Club. Today, Cub Scouts, Alcoholic Anonymous chapters, wedding receptions and baby showers take place there. |
|
SEMINOLE – If the 70-year-old pine log walls could talk, what rich historical tales they would tell.
Within the rustic log cabin on the southwest corner of 54th Avenue and Seminole Boulevard, stories about the formation of a civic club, the hatching of a city, thousands of Scout merit badges awarded and countless bridal and baby showers have unfolded.
Jimmy Vines, historian for the Seminole Historical Society, affectionately told the 35-plus residents about the cabin’s past at the organization’s meeting Oct. 20. Even now, no air conditioning or heat is available, and ceiling fans usher in Florida breezes.
In 1935, the little brown cabin, fashioned from pine logs from Jesse Johnson’s farm near what is now known as Heritage Village, opened. But even before that time, it was a valuable piece of real estate.
In 1912, Charles Thevonet gave the corner plot to the school board. A small school was built employing the first two teachers in this area, Liza Thompson and Nettie Wise. Soon, the then-recently formed Pinellas County School Board swapped this property for land on 74th Avenue. On that property, the small one-room Seminole Elementary was built. That first school building still stands on the much expanded school campus.
With the land vacant, the log cabin was actually the brainchild of F. Leon Campbell and his second wife, Emma Futch Campelll, according to Vines. In 1934, construction started due to the post-Depression Back to Work Programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
When finished, 20 members of the Seminole Methodist Church met there to form a new Seminole Civic Club. The Johnson clan, the undisputed leading pioneer family of Seminole, were charter members. In the 1940s, the club began the helping tradition by supporting Scout troops and community activities. Decades later, Scout Troop 340 still operates from the cabin.
Many residents may remember the children’s craft days held in the cabin over the years. Little ones cut and pasted while parents went holiday shopping during the winter.
“They did those crafts over a roaring fire,” said Vines. The fireplace still stands in the cabin.
In the mid-1950s, the club deeded the log cabin to the Seminole Methodist Church, across the street. The official board christened the log cabin as “The Community Center” and that tattered wooden sign still welcomes visitors. But now the building is known simply as the log cabin. “As it should be,” added Vines.
But, no doubt, the most serious event to take place at the log cabin, according to Vines, was discussions about the threat of annexation from neighboring cities in the late 1960s. The Club, spearheaded by Jesse Johnson, Holland Mangum and Arnett Brown, went to work. They wanted to control their own destiny and incorporate.
It took four tries, a huge mass communication effort and lots of shoe leather, but finally on November 15, 1970, their efforts paid off. Citizens met at Seminole Mall and sealed the deal – the city of Seminole was born.
Vines said urban legend has it that someone once said, “Seminole, like Abraham Lincoln, was born in a log cabin.”
Still hard at work, the log cabin continues to serve the community. More than 10 Alcoholics Anonymous groups meet there, as do Scout Troops and other organizations.
Several months ago, the Historical Society thought the cabin would be perfect for a museum, but research proved that moving it to the city’s center near the Seminole Community Library, recreation center and city hall would be too costly.
It also requires much repair from the foundation up with a few broken window panes obvious and a torn screen or two.
But, although weathered, the old log cabin still serves the community. “I want to say this tonight,” said Vines at the historical meeting. “This is not only a little story of the building, but a tribute to a building and those who have made good things happen for themselves and others.”
|
Article published on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
