Taking inspiration from proud historic towns such as St. Augustine, one Plant City resident is taking the task of ensuring the community’s rich heritage is not forgotten.
Angie Davis, a resident of Historic Downtown Plant City for nearly three decades, is launching a new historic walking tour. The free, hourlong tour will begin at 6 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of each month, at the Train Depot. The walk coincides with the monthly Bike Fest and Strawberry Classic Car Show events.
Davis, who has harbored a lifelong fascination with history, began researching Plant City’s history about three years ago.
“You can’t move on to a future without knowing your past,” she said. “It just seems like, as Plant City has gotten bigger, we’ve forgotten about what started this town in the first place.
“I remember when Plant City didn’t exist beyond the Big Lots,” Davis said. “There was nothing to the east or west, or north or south.”
Davis has earmarked 12 different locations within the historic district for the first iteration of her tour. Many of the stories she tells come from longtime neighbors, business owners and even family members. Additional information comes from resources, such as the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center.
“We have neighbors who still live in the houses they were in,” Davis said. “This needs to be passed on to our younger generations. It is important.”
Davis first approached Plant City officials and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce about starting the walk last month. After receiving chamber President Marion Smith’s blessing, she acted quickly, posting flyers in downtown businesses and meeting many of the shop owners. Davis’ walk will include a plethora of interesting anecdotes, including Shirley Temple’s performance in the old Capitol Theatre, in the Young and Moody Building.
David, who runs two Great Clips salons in Lakeland and Zephyrhills, said she is launching the tour now to give her something on which to focus.
Her son is entering the military, and she needed a new hobby, she said.
As the walk grows, Davis hopes to add new stories and locations, including even some homes in the historic district. She’d love to see the walk become a tourist attraction for Plant City.
“I could see people coming in from Orlando or Tampa for a day,” she said. “Eventually, I’d love to have a horse-drawn carriage tour.”
Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
HISTORIC WALK
WHEN: 6 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of each month. Tour lasts about an hour.
WHERE: Meets at the Train Depot
INFORMATION: Angie Davis, (813) 210-1611
THE LOCATIONS
1. Plant City Community Bingo
2. Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee and Eatery
3. Snellgroves
4. State Theatre
5. Capitol Theatre
6. 1914 High School Community Center
7. Hillsboro State Bank
8. Camellia Rose Tea Room and Gifts
9. All A Bloom Florist
10. J. Arden Mays Building
11. Sisters & Company
12. Train Depot