|
|
|
|
Today, the Mopac House and Library are the only remaining public buildings from early days; there are perhaps a dozen of the original homes left, and several pilings that once supported the pavilion can be seen at a distance in the bay. Hotel Collegeport and the pavilion were built to lodge and entertain potential buyers brought in by the Burton D. Hurd Land Company. Mr. Hurd was a persuasive salesman, convincing the settlers that they could make a living on 5 acres of citrus. Settlers built homes and established farms and businesses. A thriving and hopeful community was begun with the expectation of fulfilling dreams in this new place. Some things aren’t meant to be. After repeated attempts to develop industry and build a town, reality set in. Setbacks plagued the settlers and many became disillusioned. The Gulf Coast University of Industrial Arts for which the town, in part was named, closed in about 1915; scores of settlers tore down homes and business houses and relocated. Those who could afford to leave did so. The rest stayed and continued to forge ahead. Gone are the hotels—the Weborg’s Avenue Hotel, the Savoy and the Hotel Collegeport operated by the Kones. Gone are the storekeepers, Mott, Oneth, Buchen, Clark, Hoffman, and Logan, to name a few. Gone are the doctors, Everson, Lipsitt and Sarchet; the lumbermen, Price and Smith; the blacksmiths, LeCompte and Hunt; the builders, Lake, Schubring and Drott; the railroad men, Duckworth and Heck; the newspaper men of the Collegeport Chronicle and the New Era, Rhodebaugh and Travis. Gone are the Gulf Coast University, the community band and its bandstand, and the “Pagoda Pavilion” where settlers had once worshipped, danced and entertained. The few businesses that remained were taken out by Hurricane Carla in 1961. The early community evolved around the First Church of Collegeport—Federated (the community church,) organized by Murray A. Travis, Dean of the University and Editor of the Collegeport Chronicle. The church was comprised of 14 denominations who met together, emphasizing their common beliefs. This nucleus kept the community close-knit and neighbors relied on each other. The public school survived as well, and children were educated. The rugged pioneers who stayed--either by necessity or by choice—continued to persist, and eventually prevailed. Throughout the past 100 years, many have gone on to have success in other places, drawing on their Collegeport experiences. No matter what course lives have taken, all “Come Home to Collegeport.” Although beset by disappointment and disillusionment, there were happy and prosperous times for those who stayed. In 2004 a Pioneer Monument was dedicated on the Mopac House grounds to honor those who settled this community. It is a tangible reminder that someone was here before us, and that they do matter—they really lived! Although one sees little evidence of a town today, memories abound; traditions established a century ago have been kept faithfully and are passed down to next generations. To those who remember, and to those who have more recent ties to the Collegeport Community, THIS PLACE MATTERS! (Inscribed on the Pioneer Monument which was sponsored by the Mopac House Foundation and dedicated on May 29, 2004.)
|
|
Copyright 2008 -
Present by Mopac House Foundation |
|
| Created May 24, 2008 |
Updated May 24, 2008 |