In the early 1970s, an idea for a historical society
evolved from the Area Development Committee of the Greater Largo Chamber
of Commerce. Largo Area Historical Society, Inc. was granted a charter on
October 17, 1973. “Miss Sadie” Johnson, its first President,
championed many early preservation projects of the Society including saving
approximately 28 of the City’s original 1915 brick streets, the Lowe
Barn, and the historic Feed Store, to name just a few.
The mission of the Society is to provide historical education,
promote Largo’s rich heritage, and strive for preservation of historical
documents and places of interest.
The Feed Store is one of the Society’s most successful
preservation projects. Through the efforts of the Society, the Feed Store
was moved to Largo Central Park in 1992. The Society is in the planning
stages of creating a museum to be housed in the Feed Store which will include,
among other things, permanent displays for our collection. You can also
visit other Society preservation projects, including the restored Lowe Barn
and McMullen smokehouse which are now located at Heritage Village.
Society members are involved in two major activities
in our community as well. One of our favorite annual events is the Society’s
“Cracker Supper” held each spring. This Cracker-style supper
draws a large crowd of folks returning to our hometown for some quality
visiting and good ole’ Southern fare. Another popular event is held
at the Country Jubilee at Heritage Village in October of each year where
“Ted and the Cane Gang” fire up the kettle and demonstrate the
making of the ever-popular sugar cane syrup.
Located on the west coast of Florida in Pinellas County,
the City of Largo is within a few miles of beautiful Gulf beaches. If you
happen to be in our area for a visit or decide to make this your home, please
stop by. We always welcome new members and guests.