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At one time, the largest grapefruit grove in the world was in Manavista, just east of Palmetto. In 1892, Kimball C. Atwood purchased 2,645 acres on the Manatee River and employed 500 men to clear the land. The finished grove was touted to comprise 96 miles of grapefruit. Five artesian wells supplied the grove with irrigation. The Atwood brand became popular all over the United States and in Europe and pink grapefruit was first discovered within its expansive boundaries.
At the Atwood Grapefruit Co. packinghouse, steamers would pick up cargo at the end of a quarter-mile-long pier, which was wide enough for two wagons to pass. On top of the packinghouse, the cupola served as an observation tower. A lookout would sound a conch shell to alert workers to prepare for an incoming ship. |
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