We’re nearing completion of our 30th mural. Here are photos of the top two shelves of books. Enjoy a close-up look!
A few stories from our Library’s History…
When the hurricane of 1926 blew off part of the roof of the Masonic Temple (then located in town on Sullivan Street just south of Marion), the Punta Gorda library, housed there since 1914, needed a new home. The Federated Woman’s Club of Punta Gorda had recently built a new building on Sullivan just a block away. The library was saved when the Club rescued the undamaged books and moved the library into the small left front room of their new building.
The Woman’s Club was formed when the Married Ladies’ Social Club, the Women’s Civic Improvement Association, and the Fortnightly Literary Society, merged in 1925. It was thought that the ladies from the Fortnightly group likely convinced the Club to save the library.
The history of the Fortnightly Literary Society dates back to 1896. Miss Norma Pepper moved to Punta Gorda that year with her father and sisters, and started the Society shortly after arriving. Miss Pepper became well known in town after opening a private school on Olympia Avenue where she taught all grades. The Society was a small group of prominent ladies who were known to be “straight-laced” and devoted to the group. They would get together to discuss books they read….all classics and ones of good taste of course. For a change of pace, they would also prepare papers on issues of the day.
Local resident Esther McCullough remembered fondly the strange paradox of the Society reciting Shakespeare while cows roamed the streets just outside their meeting. Such was Punta Gorda at the turn of the century.
(Reference: “Our Fascinating Past” by Lindsey Williams & U.S. Cleveland, “In Old Punta Gorda” by Angie Larkin; Photos courtesy of the Punta Gorda History Center)
Looking for a Good Read or a Great Father’s Day Gift?
How about Our New Book “PAINTING THE TOWN” Maybe grab a pack of Mural Postcardsto send to Friends Available at Copperfish Books 103 W. Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Buy it ONLINE – or call 941-205-2560
Mon-Fri 10am-2pm
They offer Curbside Pickup or Shipping
Subscribe to our NEW Mural Society YouTube Channel All our videos are now in one place for you to enjoy!
Support Provided by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County & the Shively Charitable Foundation