Old Main Street Shops

When the railroad came to Palmetto in 1902, the center of activity for the town shifted from the waterfront closer to the railroad depot which was located on Main (10th Ave. W & 9th St. W) several blocks north of here. The railroad also allowed contractors to have a steady supply of bricks on hand, and buildings became more stable and less prone to fire hazards. Many new brick buildings were built in this vicinity to replace the wooden buildings near the water. Many businesses moved from the older wooden buildings on the waterfront to the new brick buildings here.

What is today Palmetto's quaint historic downtown, was once a bustling shopping area. In the same space that currently houses restaurants, retail, an art gallery, a fish market, and several salons, were once the following businesses:

Palmetto State Bank (449 10th Ave W)

The Palmetto State Bank was incorporated in 1912. Their offices were housed here until the depression when the building was joined with 447 and became Palmetto City Hall. Prior to that, 447 had been a Ladies Dress Shop.

S.B. Black Grocery (435 10th Ave W)

In 1918, this building has housed a variety of businesses. It was built as a grocery store and barbershop on the first floor with other business above. For a time, the upstairs held apartments.

Palmetto Fire Insurance building (431-433 10th Ave W)

This once new brick building was built in 1918 was home to the Palmetto Fire Insurance Company, as well as the Buffalo Vegetable Marketing Firm, Lamb and Willis Real Estate Company and now houses two retail stores.

Palmetto Hardware Company Building (425-429 10th Ave W)

The 1918 City Directory lists the Palmetto Hardware Store as being located in this building. 

Tallant & Groff Clothing Store (421 10th Ave W)

Now Seagrapes Seafood Market, this building was built to house the Palmetto branch of the Tallant and Groff Clothing Store. The original store was built in Bradenton by Henry K. Tallant and Otto D. Groff, both residents of Bradenton.

This entry was created by Palmetto Historical Park staff using Palmetto Historical Park’s records and photos.