Swampy's Florida

Here’s a hurricane glass from the old Kapok Tree in Clearwater. The Kapok Tree was a tourist destination that inlcuded gift shops, a fine restaurant, beautiful gardens, amazing architecture and, of course, a giant kapok tree. Watch this digital area for more images of Kapok Tree in the future. In the mean time a fellow named Ben has done a terrific tribute site that you can see by clicking here.

On the backside of the glass is mentioned the Peter Pan Inn, which was a similar establishment in Maryland that was owned by the same caretakers.

The Kapok Tree shut down in the mid-1980s and was only available for various events, mostly weddings.  A little over ten years ago Sam Ash Music Store moved from it’s retail location across from the Kapok Tree and filled the location. There is also a music school housed in the building. Events and weddings are also still held on the property. The look of the place has hardly been altered and is still a marvel of ornate columns and statuary.

Be careful if you visit the location as a tourist. Sam Ash seems used to gawkers as the staff looks mildly perplexed about the interest. The garden area is best viewed from afar. I’ve come across surly staff there more than once who are told to keep the tourists out.

Here”s where you can find the former Kapok Tree: