This mural was destroyed by Hurricane “Charley” on August 13, 2004. For the current status on the re-creation of this mural, please visit our web site at www.puntagordamurals.com.

The third mural began March 14, 1996 and was dedicated April 10, 1996.  Artist Gary Grindell of Alva, Florida was assisted by Molly Kelley of Ft. Myers.  They have completed numerous murals throughout south Florida.

This mural was located on the south end of Hindman Insurance Agency.  The mural is titled “The Wotitzky General Store.”  It was based on a photograph that was taken about 1900 when the store was located on the site of a car wash at W. Marion Ave. and Sullivan Street.

The artists’ concept depicted an old photo album with those small black tabs on the photo corners that held photos in an album.  The two partial photos shown in the mural were representative of two other local historic photos. 

Jacob Wotitzky, a push-cart peddler from Czechoslovakia, revolutionized Florida frontier marketing by carrying merchandise to prospective customers by schooner.

He heard of a new railroad (Florida Southern) that was building a new line further south than any in the country.  That new rail line ended in Punta Gorda, then called the town of Trabue.  Wotitzky was impressed with the future of the area and opened a general store.

Dedicated April 10, 1996