Ruskin Planter published on December 18, 1959. Issue highlights news of the Ruskin Fire Association, the obituary of James Mitchell, and holiday news from Apollo Beach

Ruskin Planter, published on February 27, 1959 highlighting general social news of the week.

Ruskin Planter, published on January 8, 1960. Excellent 4 page insert on opening of Bahia Beach in Ruskin, FL. Issues also highlights Ruskin Ranch Hand Field Day events.

The Ruskin Planter was a weekly paper that began circulation c. 1940. The Collection houses a very few copies of the paper from 1959 and 1960 at this point, but if additional editions are found, they will be added to the collection. The Planter is a good mid century resource on the local issues, people and businesses in South County.

This collection highlights local newspapers that can help the reviewer understand local issues, local people and businesses. We will add to this collection over time as new issues become available. These are historical newspapers, no longer in print and not available through on line resources.

Photo provided by Aleta Jonie Maschek, labeled as 1st Music Building of Ruskin College. One of 2 surviving buildings of Ruskin College Fire in 1919. Note style presents similar features to President's home. Private Residence.

One of the few known photograph's of The Kilcare. Piloted by A. P. Dickman, the Kilcare sailed regular shipping runs to Tampa to gather both supplies for the new community as well as transport prospective buyers in early Ruskin. For several years (1908 to approximately 1914), boat transportation was the primary route in and out of Ruskin.

Photo of Shell Point Tavern, once part of Shell Point Fishing Lodge and Marina that was a popular tourist destination in the middle part of the 20th Century. Sunbathing, fishing, roller skating, and Olympic sized pool once stood on the site now home to Ruskin's Shell Point Marina.

The Coffee Cup Restaurant was a well known, beloved cultural institution in downtown Ruskin. For 75 years it stood on the SE Corner of today's US41 and Shell Point Road. Today, it is a vacant lot. This history will present the story of the Coffee Cup Restuarant accompanied by line drawings created by local Ruskin artist, Everett Michaels (1925 - 2019).

This history of Apollo Beach, by Aleta Jonie Maschek, is initially built upon conversations with Paul B. Dickman prior to his death in 1976. Dickman had the original idea for a town in the area, and this history details his work in beginning that effort and how the Corr family eventually guided the community through its early years, despite early financial difficulties. The\is history concludes with a reporter's eye view of the community's early development, highlighting early businesses and people. Many interesting early photographs of the community are included.