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Photos Show City's Early Years

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 16, 2008

TEMPLE TERRACE - Tucked within north-central Hillsborough County is a 7-square-mile borough branded by its majestic oak trees, Mediterranean-style architecture and the Hillsborough River.

While many of Temple Terrace's 24,000 residents admire its amenities, some say far too few of them are aware of its colorful past.

"It's probably assumed by many there wasn't much of a history here," said Grant Rimbey, immediate past president, first vice president and archivist of the Temple Terrace Preservation Society.

He and other members of the nonprofit group charged with uncovering, chronicling and preserving the city's historical past know differently.

Through years of research, they have unearthed reams of data and countless photos that tell the story of Temple Terrace's early years. The organization recently donated several of the black-and-white snapshots and a 1920s colorized rendering of Temple Terrace to the city. Temple Terrace framer Patty Robertson gave the city a special rate to frame the pieces and create descriptive plaques that were placed beneath each photo. Staff member Rita Brizendine arranged them on the walls of the second-floor hallway of Temple Terrace City Hall for other staff members and the public to view.

"I think it is a very good place to display them, and for me it was a wonderful way to give back and to show the beginnings of Temple Terrace," Robertson said.

City Manager Kim Leinbach is appreciative of the preservation society's contribution.

"We have a rich history, and it's nice to be reminded of it," he said. "We should all be proud of what's come before us, especially as we move into the future."

Rimbey was the collection's major contributor. Most of the photos he found in a 1920s Temple Terrace book he purchased seven years ago on eBay. He copied the photos and had the rendering of the city's master plan professionally restored.

The photos depict scenes including the city's golf course, country club and chauffeurs garage, the city gates on Bullard Parkway, the Bat Tower and a real estate office that is now the Temple Terrace Community Church.

"Temple Terrace was actually considered a winter retreat for many of the rich and famous in the 1920s," Rimbey said. "They came to play golf and take part in the other festivities at the city's golf and country club that was located where Florida College now stands."

Throughout his innumerable hours spent exploring the city's history, Rimbey also learned many of those wealthy residents had chauffeurs who drove their vehicles and servants, who either lived in their homes or in adjacent dwellings and cleaned their homes and prepared occasional meals. Homeowners generally preferred to dine in the company of their friends at the country club.

Rimbey, 44, a longtime Temple Terrace resident and architect, said he has always been fascinated by the city's blend of architectural styles, especially the prominent Mediterranean Revival look.

"I grew up in Temple Terrace, and I remember with fondness the Spanish moss and architectural mansions I thought were castles," Rimbey said. "I also remember the Bat Tower and when I climbed on it as a kid."

Many of his childhood memories, as well as those from other residents who made Temple Terrace their home decades before him, are depicted in the photos.

"It's a good selection," said preservation society President D'ee Griffith. "It's captured the look and feel of the community in its infancy."

Leitha Bowles, the organization's third vice president, agreed.

"The photos visually renew Temple Terrace as a Southern retreat, and the rendering depicts a lot of the main roadways we still use today," she said.
Preservation society member Ann Simmons, a resident of Temple Terrace for close to 50 years, is delighted with the display.

"I just hope people will take the time to see the history of our wonderful city."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 1920s-era photo display

WHERE: Temple Terrace City Hall, 11250 N. 5th St.

WHEN: From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

INFORMATION: E-mail Grant Rimbey at grimbey@ij.net or call (813) 914-9037.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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