386-761-1821
The Meyer/Davis House and the Hasty Cottage/Post Office, collectively known as The Ponce Inlet Historical Museum is located at 143 Beach Street. The site contains two ADA accessible historic Florida Cracker-style cottages that have been restored to their original layout. The Museum is dedicated to education through the preservation and dissemination of the history and cultural heritage of the Town of Ponce Inlet. Hours of operation are from 12:30 pm until 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, and from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Saturday, volunteer availability permitting.
Site Overview
Constructed in the 1880’s to serve as fishing rentals, Hasty Cottage is the last of three turn-of-the-century Florida Cracker style dwellings built by Ponce Inlet pioneers Nathaniel and Elizabeth Hasty. In addition to its use as a fishing cabin, Hasty Cottage also served as the Ponce Park’s last post office.
Located across the street from the Hasty Cottage / Post Office, the 100 year old Hasty Cemetery is the final resting place of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Hasty along with their handyman “Cocoa” Bill Williams. Well-known by the Ponce Park community, Cocoa Bill was considered more like a member of the family than an employee by Nathaniel and Elizabeth who chose to bury him in their cemetery following his untimely death.
Situated next to the Hasty Cottage / Post Office, the Meyer-Davis House is a Florida Cracker style duplex originally constructed by Ponce Park pioneer and renowned fisherman Capt. Redwood Wharton, Sr. Originally designed to serve as a vacation rental, the duplex was purchased by Edward L. Meyer, the Lighthouse’s last civilian keeper, who converted the structure into a home for his family. One of Chief Meyer’s daughters, Gladys Meyer-Davis, raised three children of her own in the home and continued to live there with her husband Earl until selling the property to the Town of Ponce Inlet.
Restored to their original turn-of-the-century and 1920s configurations, the Hasty Cottage / Post Office and Meyer-Davis House are now home to exhibits related to the history of Ponce Inlet including photos, furnishings, and accounts by the town’s founding settlers. Educational programs are scheduled regularly by the Town’s cultural services department. Please refer to the Town of Ponce Inlet’s Calendar of Events to see if any programs are offered on the day of your intended visit.
Ponce Inlet Historical Museum Amenities:
Description Sources: Town of Ponce Inlet & Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
