According to public records my home is in the Jungle Country
Club subdivision, but where is the country club? When we moved here twenty years ago, we would
tell people that we bought a house in the Jungle and the response was
invariably “oh, that’s a nice
neighborhood.” We were pleased and surprised – the street we’re on is modest
and so is most of the neighborhood – the majority of homes were built in the 1950’s
and 60’s. The houses are single story, small, and practical - perfect for families or retirees.
The Jungle’s reputation and appeal is due to the magnificent architecture of the Jungle Prada homes from the 1920’s, brick paved roads, winding streets, lush foliage, tropical birds, easy access to Boca Ciega Bay, and the oak canopy over parts of the neighborhood. Many of the grand homes of the 1920’s would not have been built and the neighborhood would not have its distinctive character if it were not for the Jungle Country Club. The Jungle Country Club Hotel was added to the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places in 1992.
The Jungle’s reputation and appeal is due to the magnificent architecture of the Jungle Prada homes from the 1920’s, brick paved roads, winding streets, lush foliage, tropical birds, easy access to Boca Ciega Bay, and the oak canopy over parts of the neighborhood. Many of the grand homes of the 1920’s would not have been built and the neighborhood would not have its distinctive character if it were not for the Jungle Country Club. The Jungle Country Club Hotel was added to the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Golf Creek is the only section of the Jungle Country Club golf course that has not
been covered by roads and houses and progress. Today, the creek follows the same path through the neighborhood as in 1916 when it was a water hazard on several holes of the golf course. Celebrities and notables of the era played on the course, including Babe Ruth, mayor Al Lang, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, H. Walter Fuller, and Walter P. Fuller. In 1943, a tent city of 10,000 U.S. troops camped out on the golf course. The creek is frequented by
ibises, heron, egrets, anhingas, ospreys, storks, peacocks, and roseate spoonbills, and is home to ducks,
turtles, frogs, and even fish. Since there is no sign to identify the creek,
some people think it is just an open ditch for stormwater runoff. Ironically, there is
a sign at the north end of Farragut Drive that says “hitting golf balls prohibited.”
To increase public awareness of our neighborhood’s unique history, I propose a marker at 9th Avenue North and Farragut Drive: “Golf Creek – on the Historic Jungle Country Club Golf Course.”
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| Egret near the proposed marker site on 9th Avenue North and Farragut Drive |
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| circa 1925 golf course map superimposed on current street map |
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| Hitting golf balls prohibited |
The proposed marker is only a suggestion. A sign "Golf Creek" would be a good start. A historical landmark sign with details about the golf course and its place in St. Petersburg history should also be considered.
Written by Joseph
G. Raposo, sung by Frank Sinatra
And there
used to be a ballpark
Where the
field was warm and green.
And the
people played their crazy game
With a joy
I'd never seen.
And the air
was such a wonder
From the
hot-dogs and the beer.
Yes, there
used to be a ballpark right here.
And there
used to be rock candy,
And a great
big 4th of July
With the fireworks
exploding
All across
the summer sky.
And the
people watched in wonder
How they'd
laugh and how they'd cheer!
And there
used to be a ballpark right here.
Now the
children try to find it,
And they
can't believe their eyes
'Cause the
old team just isn't playing,
And the new
team hardly tries.
And the sky
has got so cloudy
When it used
to be so clear,
And the
summer went so quickly this year.
Yes, there
used to be a ballpark right here.
