Florida couple preserved 1908 home for 41 years; now it is a historic landmark

In a Florida home built in 1908, a couple has preserved its original character for 41 years, making it the first local historic landmark in Manatee County. Margi and Pat Nanney moved into the Johnson Helm House in Oneco, Florida, in 1985 and worked diligently to retain the property's historical features. The three-story structure, designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque Revival style, features original woodwork, windows, floors, and a staircase with hand-carved newel posts.

The house, which was already recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, now holds a unique distinction as Manatee County's first locally designated historic landmark. Inside, many original details remain, including floors, windows, woodwork, and a staircase. The Nanneys' children were born in the home in 1988 and 1992, with their height marks remaining as reminders of their childhood.

The property's location in Oneco, a community with a history tied to agriculture, citrus growing, and nurseries, adds to its significance. The designation process, which took about a year, ensures that future changes to the house will be subject to review, protecting its historic characteristics. The Nanneys hope the recognition can help draw attention to the area's history, and they have considered making the house more accessible to the public in the future.