Clearwater Roars Into the 1900s- Freedom Magazine Presents The History of Clearwater Part III

The same man who brought ice and water to Clearwater in 1900 also brought light to the city in 1905. J.N. McClung illuminated the town when he was granted an electric light franchise. The increasing population and growing number of stately homes appearing on the bluff in Clearwater formed the customer base for his fledgling electric company.

The beautiful waters nearby have always been popular with Clearwater residents. Here people stroll at the recreational pier and pavilion built in 1902 at the foot of Cleveland Street.

From the outset, Clearwater was a popular home for affluent Northerners as well as pioneer settlers from the South. Pioneers born in Florida were dubbed “Florida Crackers” for the sound of the long whips used by mule and horse team drivers as they transported supplies and produce by wagon.

In 1895, the local Orange Belt Railroad became part of the larger Plant Rail System, operated by Henry B. Plant. He had brought his railroad over from central Florida to Tampa and built the elegant Tampa Bay Hotel which opened in 1891. Plant was a major railroad developer and spearheaded much of the growth of Central and Western Florida.