Things were different on Anna Maria (then pronounced Mar-EYE-ah) Island in the old days. Within the lifetimes of our eldest residents, there was no bridge leading to the Island, and people took a ferry across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Even earlier, they arrived at the Anna Maria City Pier by steamship from Tampa. Ladies’ swimsuits included hats. Roads were made of seashells.
But some things remain the same, like the surf, the sand, the sun, and the postcard sentiment, “Wish you were here.”
Romie Hall seeks some shade on Anna Maria Island circa 1947-48, posted by her daughter, Toni Herdman, on the “Florida, See it Like a Native” Facebook page.
Anna Maria Beach walk from Tampa Bay to Gulf of Mexico, postmarked March 30, 1912
Gulfside bath house, Anna Maria Beach
Commercial fishermen, Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Pier, Anna Maria
Mira-Mar Pavilion, Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Island Bridge, Bradenton Beach
Bradenton Beach business district
Anna Maria Beach surf bathing
Manatee Beach, Holmes Beach
Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria City Pier
Rod and Reel Motel, Anna Maria
Roser Church, Anna Maria
Air-conditioned jail, Anna Maria, Florida
Air view, Anna Maria, Florida
A Fisherman's Paradise on Anna Maria Island, Florida
Visit Charlie the pelican, Anna Maria, Florida
New bridge from Cortez to Bradenton Beach
Our mail man, Anna Maria Island, Florida
Popular fun on the beach, Anna Maria Island, Florida
Tropical view, Anna Maria Island, Florida
Two hours catch trolling, near dock, Anna Maria Beach, Florida
Anna Maria Beach is the greatest fishing resort on the Gulf Coast
Mackerel fishing in Gulf waters, Anna Maria Island, Florida
Island Bank, Holmes Beach
Holmes Beach Yacht Club, Anna Maria Island, Florida
Fishing pier, Anna Maria Island, Florida
Fishermen's Pier, Bradenton Beach, Florida
Excursion steamer Favorite at Anna Maria Key, Fla.
Basket picnic under the palms, Anna Maria Beach
Bradenton Beach Tourist Guide cover
The Holmes Beach airstrip was located in the present-day city field.
Some postcards donated to the Manatee County Historical Records Library by Rev. Herbert Loomis and in the private collection of Keith Otzen.
