Mary always felt sorry for whoever got her name. Time will tell, Michael says. Mary always felt sorry for whoever got her name. Naples Pier. Naples was a second life for Henry Watkins Sr. His first was spent as a toy maker. With his partners, he formed The Naples Company. WhenHenry B. Watkins Sr., a retired toy manufacturer, arrived from Ohio in 1946, he bought the original hotel, the club, and the golf course. Age didnt matter. It was a laid-back vacation spotpopular with hunters and fishermen. Related To Florence Watkins, Kenneth Watkins, John Watkins, Forrest Watkins. There is always something new or challenging to deal with. Henry III returned to Naples in 1992. She joined the Naples Womens Club when she first came over and was the first president of the Naples Junior Womans Club. We try, he says. He was a serious businessman with a competitive streak that carried over into other areas of life. People ask if this is what we expected. This came after decades of the hotel hosting proms, teacher events and senior skip days (which Henry Sr. introduced to Naples), not to mention endless donations of time and money to the schools. Both he and his brother have become as ingrained and respected in the community as their parents. Shortly after Henry Sr. moved, his son and daughter-in-law decided to join him. Since its modest beginnings, the location has undergone extensive upgrades while maintaining itsclassic old Florida charm. The Watkins family since the times of Henry Sr. have had the same sensibilityin tune with the community without demanding attention. With over 34,000 sq. Snack bar and restrooms are also available. Describe how the work on the farm is shared or divided up in your family? They developed a few lots of houses, fixed up the old Naples Hotel, renovated some of their buildings, and rented space to clothing and jewelry owners. The community has changed; its no longer the village where everyone knows everyone else. He was a shareholder and executive in Kilgore Manufacturing in Westerville, Ohio, once the worlds largest manufacturer of toy cap pistols. If that happens, that would make me very happy, he says. Neither of those happen anymore. His daughter-in-law Mary Watkins remembers him as a visionary, seeing the big picture of what Naples could become. Downtown Naples offers a variety of restaurants, many being locally owned. Watkins family eyeing options for Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club property Brent Batten brent.batten@naplesnews.com; 239-263-4776 View Comments 0:00 0:40 After 70 years of operating. Family members describe him as reserved but still very much a people person. Today, I introduced my DAIRY PRIDE Act to take a stand for Wisconsin dairy farmers and the real, quality dairy products they make. Owned by the Watkins family since 1946, this historic hotel also features award-winning dining, our beachside pools, four retail shops, all on site. The Florida Department of Health in Collier County has posted a health advisory at the beach near the Naples Pier after recent sampling showed high bacteria levels. The Watkins name is kind of synonymous with The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, but its guests may not pick up on that at first. How far is downtown Naples from the beach? Fort Myers, FL 33912. As part of this history, Athens will grant a restrictive easement on 104 acres of the property that requires this area to remain recreation and open space in perpetuity. I cant think of anything else Ive ever wanted to do other than continue what my grandfather started in Palm Beach County, Fla., in the 1930s. AGE. Mary chooses her words carefully when contemplating the question. Office: 954-980-3535. Uncover the history of Naples and participate in exclusive dining specials and shopping sales from our neighborhood's businesses. These local resorts up the ante on family fun, with engaging programs and cool amenities for their youngest guests. (Photo by Craig Hildebrand), Join us for the Naples Design District's Centennial Celebration! In fact, his mother, Maryslight and unassuming like her sonstill lives in the modest seaside home in which she and her husband, Henry Jr., raised Michael and his brother, Henry III. Who would have thought to invest in a hotel that you could only get to by a two-lane dirt road? she asks. Earlier this yearCollier County Commissioner Tim Nance predicted there would be great interest in the Beach Club property if the Watkins family ever decides to part with it. He didnt have much interest in running the hotel and made his name in banking in New York City. My brothers first job at the hotel was making sno-cones for kids at the Beach Kids Club. Uncover the history of Naples and participate in exclusive dining specials and shopping sales from our neighborhood's businesses. The Beach Club holds a special place in the hearts of many in Naples. I can assure you they didnt want it to be another village with hot dog signs and alligator wrestling signs and high-rises on the beach.. South Street Naples. Over the years the family has donated to The YMCA, Youth Haven, Champions for Learning and many others. In 1964, Don Wynn brought even more convenient shopping to Naples with the construction of a large building on the entire block between 1st Ave and 2nd Ave, fronting on the west side of US 41. We will also strive to use our land and water resources more efficiently. I served as hostess at our beachfront restaurant, HBs on the Gulf. Naples got fancier in the 1980s, Michael Watkins remembers. Naples Design Districts Centennial Celebration, Herms returns to Waterside Shops in Naples, Tumbles Naples learning playground launches kids to new heights, A Fort Myers farm school teaches children about food, animals and the circle of life, Staycations: How to have a fabulous SWFL getaway, geared toward kids. After 70 years of operating Naples' oldest resort, the Watkins family is looking at possibilities, including selling the landmark Naples Beach Hotel &Golf Club. Preferred listings, or those with featured website buttons, indicate YP advertisers who directly provide information about their businesses to help consumers make more informed buying decisions. Michael Watkins and his wife, Ellin Goetz; Mary Watkins; Henry Watkins and his wife, Bernadette. The annual Sandeater Golf tournament was held annually at the golf course. What would you be doing if you were not a dairy farmer? But as he got older, his level of expectations lowered, says Henry Watkins III. The preferred contract was a handshake. Glossary, videos, podcasts, research in the Resource Center. Only about 1,200 lived there full time, creating the small-town feel. But what resulted ended up being a boon. When the husbands would go to work and the kids to school, Mary found she and her fellow wives were bored. So, shed call someone up to go for a walk or to get lunch. Public records show the 125-acre Naples Beach Hotel property sold for more than $362 million. Mary recalls her first Christmas making eggnog from scratch for a party that evening. Through innovation and commitment, we are dedicated to turning our strong history of growth into a successful future. Michael Watkins viewed the competition in a rising tide lifts all boats mentality in that the new hotels gave the area more national prominence and allowed the beach hotel to position itself as a less costly option. . Her mother called and she fell into tears, a case of homesickness. There was an intrinsic trust in the community, says Naples Historical Society President and CEO Elaine Reed. The Watkins name doesnt decorate too many buildings, but the family played a key role in the development of the community. (Henry Jr.) was very active. But they didnt want to do that. Copyright 2022 Citizens for Preserving Naples, Inc. Brent Batten: Comprehensive look at Beach Club's future, Hurricane Matthew's largest impact to Southwest Florida: Further water quality stress, Quiet Power: The Story of the Watkins Family in Naples. By 1958, Henry Sr. was largely out of the real estate business to shift more of his focus to the hotel. Owned and operated by the Watkins family for over 65 years, The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club invites you to come and play on six Hydro- grid Har- Tru courts at our award- winning Mary C. Watkins Tennis Center. Over the past 75 years, our hotel has created countless memories for my family and friends. "It's a beautiful piece of property. Imagery of the Everglades graces the walls in paintings from Paul Arsenault or photos by Clyde Butcher. The Watkins family has owned and operated the property for three generations. Mary met Henry Watkins Jr. when she was attending The Ohio State University for graduate work. Tommys grandfather started the dairy in Palm Beach County in the 1930s, then moved to Wauchula in the early 1970s. He spent his time whittling pelicans from driftwood he collected on the beach. All rights reserved. Discover the unique elements of our community as we mark 100 years of history. Theyre welcoming guests through our lobby doors, answering calls at the front desk, whipping up fish tacos and chocolate chip cookies, doing paperwork, serving a killer rum punch, cleaning rooms and watering the plants. Both he and his brother have become as ingrained and respected in the community as their parents. Jason Parsons, general manager of the Beach Club, said all possibilities are up for discussion. In 1960, Naples had a population of about 4,500. She had never been to Florida before. The Watkins family since the times of Henry Sr. have had the same sensibilityin tune with the community without demanding attention. It was still an isolated community at the time with many transplantspeople starting a new life to a degree. publication offers and more. After 75 years in business, The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club closes this month. Through extensive research including numerous meetings with the Watkins family, neighbors, and stakeholders in the Naples community The Athens Group embraced a number of the existing resorts beloved features as the foundational core of its proposed plan, including: The Athens Group has a history of environmentally responsible and sustainable development practices. Collectively, this became the resort that sits between US-41 and the Gulf of Mexico today. The family is an anchor of the community, says local historian Lois Bolin. If that happens, that would make me very happy, he says. With the sale came 90 percent of the land in Naples (which at the time was about 2,200 acres), along with the 18-hole golf course and club. We just want to do nice things for the community. Herms returns to Waterside Shops in Naples, Tumbles Naples learning playground launches kids to new heights, A Fort Myers farm school teaches children about food, animals and the circle of life, Staycations: How to have a fabulous SWFL getaway, geared toward kids. We didnt have much nightlife. That same year, as quoted in Zucks history, a travel writer in the Miami Daily News wrote, Wise and rigidly enforced zoning regulations, as well as remarkable community spirit, have protected Naples from the pitfalls into which some Florida resort communities have fallen.. Their fathers are uncertain if theyll return one day. Matthew Frederick Watkins "Matthew" Member in Good Standing . Tommy and Anna Watkins are third-generation dairy farmers from Wauchula, Fla. My brother and sister are back working at the hotel in operations and marketing, helping out wherever needed during the transition (and still picking up any speck of trash they see, just as our father has always done). Our beaches are generally healthy. Jun 22, 2017. They developed a few lots of houses, fixed up the old Naples Hotel, renovated some of their buildings, and rented space to clothing and jewelry owners. The owners were supposed to close on a deal with a new owner but now its been put on hold, all because of a last-minute lawsuit. 439 3rd Ave N is a single family house. Because of this, I know the memory and impact of the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club will live on long after our doors close this May, and thats something to be celebrated. He always had friends around, says his son Henry Watkins III. The event will feature ahistorical-themedScavenger Hunt for the chance to win prizes, an Art Unveiling, and a Ribbon Cutting for a new addition to the neighborhood. Retweeted by The Hilton Naples puts you close to said place, just one mile from the beach, in a lushly landscaped urban area thats surrounded by homes and condos. Another rule: Its buildings would not overshadow the environment. Not everyone knew that. Those considerations will continue to influence any decisions we make, while we also consider what is best for our family.". All of the Watkins men liked sportsfrom baseball to tennis to fishing. Michaels wife, Ellin Goetz, is a well-known landscape architect, designing the grounds of Naples Botanical Garden, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and The von Liebig Art Center, among others. Theres nothing better than listening to my grandmother, Mary Watkins, tell stories of the old days at the Beach Club or hearing about the shenanigans that went on when the Beach Club was the center of the Naples social scene in the 50s and 60s when there wasnt much else in town. Rental chairs, cabanas, canoes, kayaks and other water sports equipment are available. For 11 hours, wind and rain thrashed Southwest Florida, including The Naples Beach Hotel, which was reduced to a state that required a $1.1 million restoration. The family is an anchor of the community, says local historian Lois Bolin. Michael is fastidious about the resort, picking up scraps of trash as he walks the grounds, walkie-talkie in one hand to radio in any repairs he spots. From her lanai she can gaze out onto the beach that once hosted community cookouts and church baptisms. The company began over 90 years ago as a produce transportation company with a single truck and grew to become one of the largest privately-owned businesses in the southeastern United States. But he still made a lot of time for his family, Henry III says. Henry Sr. installed a sense in his resorts that they were more than just a place to staythey should be a second home for residents and guests. With the sale came 90 percent of the land in Naples (which at the time was about 2,200 acres), along with the 18-hole golf course and club. Blue Martini. The Watkinses attended Trinity-by-the-Cove church, and Mary played the organ, something she still does today. Watkins was also thinking big-picture. In 1960, Naples had a population of about 4,500. These factors are similar to those you might use to determine which business to select from a local Yellow Pages directory, including proximity to where you are searching, expertise in the specific services or products you need, and comprehensive business information to help evaluate a business's suitability for you. The Beach Club has always been a place for the community to come together. Whispering Oaks Farm brings the classroom outdoors, so kids can befriend pigs, goats and and other fuzzy friends as they learn about the importance of food and life. Watkins and his family used to winter on Fort Myers Beach. The redevelopment plans have faced neighborhood opposition. And the baptisms drew too many gawking tourists for the churchs comfort. Naples, 34120 Fl; Watkins, Michael E & Ellin G 14030480000 located at 429 3rd Ave N, Naples . |brent.batten@naplesnews.com; 239-263-4776, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Theyd ride bikes from their beachfront home to Cambier Park, barely seeing a car along the way. October 20, 1944 - December 1, 2020 10/20/1944 12/01/2020. It was a chance to shape a community. Between the two of them, they have five children. The occasion brings a flood of memories to Glenn, Rhys and Oona Watkins, whose father, Michael Watkins, co-owns the hotel and serves as president with his brother, Henry Watkins III, as executive vice president. He got a graduate degree in hotel administration from Cornell University and, after working at another Florida resort, returned to Naples. Watkins purchased the beach apartments that he later turned into the original building of what is now The Naples Beach Hotel. The first phase of the residential portion will include 58 beachfront residences, including four beach houses, four penthouses, and 12 golf-side residences. Discover the unique elements of our community as we mark 100 years of history. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. Age didnt matter. Actually, its hard to walk around downtown and not see the Watkins influence. Are they tearing down the Naples Beach Club? The beach hotel remained a center of community activity, the Watkins family at the heart of it all. Discover the unique elements of our community as we mark 100 years of history. He filmed the Naples High School football games, getting great joy if one of its players got a college scholarship based on his footage, Mary says. Menu Log In Sign Up In their place will be the Athens Group- which plans to destroy the beach hotel and build a five-star 220-room resort, along with best-in-class residential condos on both sides of Gulf Shore Boulevard. Addresses. All live out of town. "Nor is there any specific directive that has been given by us suggesting a specific outcome," Watkins added. 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