100 years ago this week Albert Gilchrist’s gift of ice cream to Punta Gorda children on Halloween was announced to begin 5 months after his death. The Masons would continue the tradition for 100 years despite the original fund running out during the depression. The Masons chipped in to keep the tradition alive.
Gilchrist who went on to become the only Florida Governor missed being the town’s first mayor by two votes, possibly losing because he objected to the name change. His gifts to the town went beyond ice cream, During his time in the town he contributed land including important downtown corners to facilitate the building of stores and a hotel to spark the growth of the city, He was so beloved in the town that a half-day closure of businesses and government offices was declared so that people could attend his funeral. He is buried in Punta Gorda at Indian Springs Cemetery.
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