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A community past full of pride,

a future full of promise.

“So what do we do? Anything. Something. So long as we just don’t sit there. If we screw it up, start over.
Try something else. If we wait until we’ve satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be too late.”

— Lee Iacocca

by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian
ill Rogers said that even if you’re on The Diamond Jubilee

On December 1, 1998, a committee of community stewards
the right track, you’ll get run over if
W ou just sit there. It seems like launched the Naples Diamond Jubilee, a six month celebration
y
Mr. Iacocca, a renowned businessman in his of the City’s 75th anniversary. The committee was headed by
time, was also aware of the danger of resting former Mayor Kim Anderson and the then current Mayor Bonnie
on one’s laurels. I’ve always been a fan of lead, MacKenzie. (Oh, those lady Mayors.)
follow or get the heck out of the way in order The Diamond Jubilee committee held a series of events
that those who are doing what you say can’t be commemorating various facets of Naples’ history, such as the 22nd
done, can get it done. Naples has been blessed “Hysterically Historical” Great Dock Canoe Race and a swamp
with many of those kinds of leaders. buggy parade chaired by Jim Coletta and Skip Riffle. Other gifts
A Centennial Celebration to the community from this group of stewards included 75 shade
On August 27, 1962, 15 like-minded people came together at trees planted in Cambier Park and the bronze historical markers
the Naples Yacht Club to “gather and preserve all of the items, program that highlights 12 areas of significance in our fair city.
documents and material which have a bearing on the history of 2011 Moving Forward
Collier County.” They aptly named their group the Collier County While working with the City, I uncovered that three of the
Historical Society. According to Charles Dauray Jr., in 1985 the slated markers on the original list of 15 were never completed:
CCHS, acting as an agent to the city of Naples, launched The The Naples Company Building, (1921) Tin City and Combs Fish
Centennial Foundation, which had a three-fold purpose: recognize House (Kelly’s Fish House). Another recognized site, the Calusa
the importance of the beginning of Naples, raise funds to enlarge Canal, located in front of Bleu Provence, would also earn its
the Collier County Museum and continue the restoration of rightful place.
historic Palm Cottage. The marker for the Naples Daily News building that once
The centennial celebration, which acknowledged Naples official stood on Central Avenue is still missing, as is Naples First Golf
birth in 1885, kicked off with “birthday party” festivities for some Course marker (keep your eyes open).
5,000 people. The Centennial Costume Ball sold out its 300 The Diamond Jubilee committee, which used only private and
tickets in just three days, perhaps due in part to the excitement of corporate sponsorships (no tax dollars) expressed hope that “future
the brand new Ritz-Carlton, Naples, location or that WEVU-TV generations will continue to build on their community’s legacy
hosted a live program from the ballroom touting the importance of vision, fortitude, integrity and dedication.” Their celebration
of local history. (Oh, how sweet it is.) offered all who participated the opportunity to pay tribute to the
Funds from this extraordinary effort highlighting community, city and to recognize their community’s “past full of pride” as well
collaboration and connectivity supported local history and culture: as its “future full of promise.”
$175,000 went to enlarge the Collier County Museum facility; Centennial Charm
$25,000 went to the city of Naples to build the band shell at In honor of the City’s 100th anniversary of incorporation,
Cambier Park; and $45,000 went for the rehabilitation of Palm Mayor Heitmann and her staff have developed a framework for
Cottage. celebrating the Centennial and will endorse and share those events
on the city’s website once approved.
See Naplesgov.com for more information.
18 Life in Naples | January 2023