THE OLD COMMUNITY HOUSE...
For about 95 years the Anna Maria City Community House at the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue has served the residents of Anna Maria Island in one way or another.
The building was brought by barge by the developers of the Anna Maria Beach Subdivision around 1912. It was used as a pavilion and gathering place for social functions of all kinds before the city took it over.
When Anna Maria was incorporated in 1912, the community house was used by the city as its official meeting place for the next 45 years.
Over the years it has been the center of municipal affairs, has been used as a school classroom, has served as a church for more than one religious denomination, was a service club during World War II, a tourist information center in the 20’s, the Anna Maria Garden Club and the Woman’s Club have used the building for meetings, flower shows and exhibits and until the mid 70’s the Anna Maria City Commission held its meetings in the community house.
Island Players used the community house during the winter to stage its productions.
But by the mid 70’s the building was gradually being eaten up by termites. Then Mayor Harry Cole felt the city faced a dilemma with what to do with the old building that many considered a landmark of historical significance – from a purely dollar and cents standpoint, the old building was fast becoming a white elephant.
The city felt the building had outlived its usefulness.
At that time Island Players had hopes of constructing its own Theater. But the City of Anna Maria and Island Players were able to work out a deal to not only save the building but make it something really special that we can all be proud of. Island Players took over the building and repairs and it is now the beautiful theater we all know and love.
Please Note: The preceding information about the Old Community House was taken with thanks from the Island Players website. You are encouraged to visit them at www.TheIslandPlayers.org.
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