This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
People memories of Venice in the fifties and early growth
The writer recalls Venice memories from the 1950s, naming local families and businesses that shaped the community. Jon Swider, from Tombstone, Arizona, bound treasured books for others. Local father and son teams like Britton, Ballard, and Smyth built Venice business life on Tamiami Trail and along U.S. 41, while banks and real estate firms fostered a warm, enduring local atmosphere.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Parnassus
Nokomis
Jon ‘Swidersky
Venice
Tombstone
Arizona
Florida
Jon
Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant
J.L
Ben
Wade Ballards
Ballards
Venice Furniture Company
Ballard
Britton
U.S. 41
Smyth
Virginia Brohhard
Smitty’s
Miami Avenue
Bud
Mildred Wimmers
Mildred
Western Union
Martin
Gertrude
Gigi” Stancik
Venice Avenue
Byron
Lou Markle
Lou
Ruth May
Markle
Paul
Midred Cockrill
Floridaland
Venice-Nokomis Bank
Robert Baynard
U.S
Harborview Rd
Port Charlotte
Punta Gorda
DON Donelson & Assoc., Inc
Marion Ave