Our Current View
August 15, 2011
THE VIEW FROM MAIN STREET
One of the most beautiful and historical houses in Punta Gorda was built in 1903 by A. C. Freeman, and cost less than $900 to build. Augustus C. Freeman, who moved to Punta Gorda from Jasper County, Georgia in 1889 to work for the Georgia Southern Railroad built his beautiful home where the Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home is located now.
Three years after arriving, he went into the mercantile business and started growing pineapples and oranges.
It is hard for me to imagine a man of Freeman’s background designing a home of such taste and elegance, which is evident to anyone who has ever driven by or visited it. And yet, I find no mention of a wife or family in my research.
A.C. Freeman served in many capacities during his time in Florida. He was a City Tax Collector, Councilman and Treasurer during the years of 1894 and 1899. He became the first elected Mayor in 1900, and then served as Sheriff of Desoto County from 1905 to 1913. This was when Punta Gorda was still a part of Desoto County. During the time that he was Mayor, he also owned and ran a hardware store, and operated an undertaking parlor in the back room.
After he became the Sheriff of Desoto County, he moved to Arcadia, the County Seat, to better cover the territory he was protecting. Eventually, he moved to California to join his old friend, Kelly B. Harvey, and disappeared from the Punta Gorda scene.
It seems strange that so many of the people who helped to found our lovely city were here just a short number of years yet made such an impact on our future. I guess my best answer is that they were pioneers and always looking for the next “best place” to move to and make their fortune. Back in the 1920s and 1930s, California would have seemed like that place.
We are still offering our Business Development Incentive Program to businesses in the Main Street Punta Gorda district. We have funds available to help you with signage, façade, landscape improvements and professional development. We will match your cost, up to a maximum of $500 upon your completed application being approved by our Board.
Please contact Jan Sidebottom, Main Street Program Manager, for more information on this innovative
Program designed to help your improve your business and your staff. Her number is 941-575-9099.
Thanks, and I’ll see you around Main Street! Keep your umbrella handy!
You can also contact Jan online at jansidebottom@mainstreetpuntagorda.org.
Jan Sidebottom is the Program Manager of Main Street Punta Gorda. Give her a call or check out their website at www.mainstreetpuntagorda.org.
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