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The Urgency of History

by Lois Bolin, Ph.D., Old Naples Historian

ew and Old are two opposing might include quail, deer, turkey, or turtle, alongside fish like
ideas that frequently embody snook, mullet, oysters, or clams. Vegetables and fruits were either
N transformation and custom. New cultivated or gathered wild, such as eggplants, cabbages, beans,
embodies creativity, advancement, and potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, bananas, avocados, lemons, and
contemporary life, whereas Old evokes the coconuts. Chickens were kept on-site, and pineapple fields were
past, sentimentality, and cultural legacy. common. Without refrigeration, everything was prepared fresh
Each carries its distinct merits. New often and eaten immediately, with no leftovers. Naples’ first organic
introduces thrill and novelty, while Old delivers comfort hotel.
and reliability. In the end, the dynamic between New and The relaxed evenings were filled with games, taffy pulls,
Old is vital for fostering a vibrant, harmonious community bingo, and sing-alongs for the children. Adults enjoyed charades,
that honors both forward-thinking ideas and time-honored card games, and piano-accompanied singing and dancing,
practices. enhanced no doubt by liquid spirits.
Step Back in Time By 1890, the hotel hosted 50 to 60 guests per season and
Imagine a pristine, expansive white-sandy beach lined with remained modest until 1915, when an expansion wing was added
slender pine trees along the water’s edge and prickly scrub and more cottages emerged.
palmettos farther inland. Directly aligned with a 600-foot The New Olde Naples Hotel
T-shaped pier extending into the sea, on gently rising ground, Fast forward 120 years, and oh, how my imagination delights
stands a modest three-story building featuring a front porch in seeing the name, “Olde Naples Hotel” and pondered if this
and a cupola atop its roof. This scene captures Naples in 1890, is how pioneering guests felt about this site nestled on two
with that building being the Naples Hotel. sun-kissed acres at the crossroads of now Gordon Drive, Broad
Constructed in 1888 by the Naples Company using local Avenue, and soon to be storied Third Street South.
pine, the 16-room hotel offered lodging and meals for $3 Drawing its inspiration from the legendary Naples Hotel
a day. Guests occupied the second-floor bedrooms, each of 1889, this new resort pays homage to the district’s historic
measuring 16 square feet and furnished with a chamber pot, architecture while elevating it with vintage finishes that evoke an
washstand, bureau, and small table. (The third floor housed era of refined elegance, timeless charm and contemporary luxury.
the servants’ quarters.) The ground level included the office, If my imagination comes to fruition, the Olde Naples Hotel
where manager Mr. Brockman welcomed visitors, along with will not be just a destination-it’s will be an artistic amalgamation
a spacious parlor, dining room, and card room. of history, indulgence, and warmth.
The grand opening on January 22, 1889, drew 20 guests, History Matters
including Rose Cleveland—sister of the president—who From The Urgency of Memory, NEH Chairman Bruce Cole
was the first to sign the register. This ledger not only tracked stated, “…collective amnesia is dangerous. Citizens kept ignorant
visitors but also noted daily temperatures, birthdays, and of their history are robbed of the riches of their heritage… If
details of fish caught, including types and quantities. Dubbed Americans cannot recall whom we fought, and whom we fought
“Haldeman’s Clubhouse,” the hotel served as a hub for alongside, during World War II, it should not be assumed that
socializing, as well as guided boating and hunting excursions. they will long remember what happened here on September 11.
The initial guests were mostly acquaintances of the And a nation that does not know why it exists, or what it stands
Haldemans, who constructed their own residence close to the for, cannot be expected to long endure.”
pier and hotel along wide paths scattered with shells. Today, Yes, history matters - our town matters - and our place in
Palm Cottage—Naples’ oldest surviving home, built in 1895 this town matters. A city or county is not a community without
as a boarding house—operates as a museum open to the an understanding of its past - its traditions, stories, and civic
public. commemorations from community members who came before
All dining took place at the hotel. With no local markets us. By continuing to share these stories and local traditions, we
and boat deliveries arriving only three times weekly, meals help strengthen our community connection and ensure that local
featured whatever guests could catch, hunt, or forage. This history is not lost or worse, rewritten.
See Dr. Bolin on 239LIVE! Podcast Fridays at 8 a.m.

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