Nov. 9, 2018 — You’ve probably seen historical markers in your community — signs or plaques that commemorate a person, event or place with significant meaning in history.

Winter Haven, Florida, has two of the most significant buildings in Publix’s history. But for many years, you would not have known it because the buildings retained only a slight resemblance to their former days as Publix stores. Fortunately, both buildings have permanent historical markers since 2017 and 2018, respectively, so their stories will never be forgotten.

1940 Publix Super Market

In 2017, a historical marker was installed at the site of the 1940 Publix Super Market, 197 West Central Ave., Winter Haven, Florida. In its day, it was described as a “food palace,” and the innovations Publix founder George Jenkins introduced in this store impacted the entire food industry. Today, it’s home to St. Matthew Catholic Church’s Regenerations Resale Shop.

Publix worked with St. Matthew Catholic Church to apply for a historical marker to tell the history of this building. After the Polk County Historical Commission approved the application and the sign was produced, the community was invited to a special unveiling ceremony on Aug. 23, 2017. Throughout his life, Jenkins gave so much help to churches and community organizations that he’d be happy to know his former store is now serving the community through this ministry program.

The first Publix

In 2018, another historical marker was installed, this time at 58 Fourth Street NW in Winter Haven, the building where Jenkins opened his first store in 1930.

SixTen, the property owner, also has a passion for history. They worked with Publix to apply for a historical marker so the significance of this building would forever be recognized. On Sept. 6, 2018, the date of Publix’s 88th anniversary, people gathered for a special celebration. Two of Jenkins’ grandsons had the honor of unveiling this historic sign.

Other highlights of the event were two bakery creations specially designed for the occasion. One cake was a life-sized paper grocery bag filled with produce, and the other cake was a replica of the 1930 Publix Food Store.