S.W. Florida was one of the last areas of the country to be developed—due in part to its inaccessibility, heat, insects, and the continuing problem with the indigenous peoples. Nonetheless, when the U.S. Government offered “free land” under the “Armed Occupation Act” following the Second Seminole War in 1842 and then under the “Federal Homestead Act” of 1862, many hardy souls took advantage of the promised 160 acres—and settlement began.

            The first settlers were hardy souls with a need for land to support their families. When the Florida “Land Boom” began on Florida’s East Coast after World War One, however, the idea of creating a city near Dona and Roberts’ Bays brought entrepreneurs ranging from the wealthy Bertha Palmer, orthopedist Dr. Fred Albee, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. The idea of a totally new city then brought additional settlers from around the country, who were determined to pursue their own “Dreams.” Those men and women with their various talents and pursuits have made the town of Venice, Florida, the gem it is today and deserve the recognition as “Venice Dreamers.”

 “Venice Dreamers” combines biographies of 31 individuals who have made an impact on the present city of Venice, Florida—from before its inception to present day—with hand-drawn pencil sketches of buildings and items representing these men and women.

             

 BERTHA PALMER’S COLONNADE              MANASOTA LUMBER COMPANY
          and Bertha Palmer                                            and Herman and Anna Kluge

                     

HOTEL VENICE—1927  and John Nolen            TRIANGLE INN  and  Augusta Miner 

      

 PARK VIEW HOTEL   and Dr. Fred Albee          K.M.I. BUILDING and Charles B. Richmond