Well, it isn’t Disney World or Busch Gardens, but it has its own history as well as attractions. Gibsonton, Florida sits roughly 75 miles south of Disney World and 20 miles away from Tampa’s Busch Gardens and is worth the visit, even if it is just a brief drive through its dilapidated streets.
The history and allure of Gibsonton, Florida isn’t in its grandiose water parks, spectacular beaches, or even its graceful architecture- it hasn’t any. It won’t make your top ten list of travel destinations due to its extravagant hotels, luxurious resorts, or magnificent cuisine or fine dining. However, Gibsonton, Florida will forever remain ingrained in US history and should be visited just for the simple fact that it holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the Great American Sideshows from the past.
Sideshows were a second act or entertainment venue that accompanied the circus, carnivals, or fairs. There were a number of different types of “Sideshows” including, natural born freaks, or people who were born with disfiguring or unusual qualities, and man made freaks, or people who have caused themselves to have a different or bizarre appearance (such as the “tattooed man”), but one thing is certain; Gibsonton, Florida was home to them all.
Gibsonton, Florida was the place where many people who traveled the sideshow circuit made their home when they weren’t working. Today, the legacy of what they have left behind remains. Though Gibsonton, Florida may seem little more than a speck on the map it is as large as the giant’s boot that serves as the area’s landmark, in history. Home to many traveling acts, it was featured when Jerry Springer filmed on location in 1997 and interviewed a number of Gibsonton’s high profiled, sideshow residents. Unfortunately, time has passed and many of the entertainers are no longer living, however there are many structures that still bear testament to their existence.
First, is the Giants Camp. If you ever decide to visit Gibsonton, look closely or you will miss it. Today, it stands as a restaurant off of Highway 41 adjacent to Tampa Bay. In front there is the boot that has been anchored to a slab of concrete that overlooks the traffic as it passes from Tampa to Ruskin, Florida. The boot may be hard to spot at first as well, but if you stop and ask any locals, they will gladly point it out as well as share a number of stories regarding Al and Jeanie Tomaini, the giant who married the “half girl”. Considered to be the founders of the “Gibtown” community Al and Jeanie were known for their hospitality and friendliness as well as their restaurant, bait shop, and marina. Together they operated “Giant’s Camp”, offering southern style food and drinks to the local residents. Al’s boot stands strong though it shows signs of age and tarnish. Both Al and Jeanie have passed and their daughter Judy runs the restaurant. Many locals however will tell you that Giant’s Camp offers the best breakfast in all of Florida.
Gibsonton was once referred to as Showtown, USA and if you travel a bit further down US 41 you will see the Showtown Saloon, equipped with its brightly painted panels of clowns and other circus related fare. Not only does the local pub and restaurant reveal this town’s past, but it is still home to many “carnies” and traveling acts today. The residential area is made up of trailers, and the International Independent Showmen’s Association (or Gibtown Showmen’s Club) serves as the community’s official business organization.
However, times are changing and so with it has the face of the Gibsonton resident. What used to be home to the Lobster boy, Melvin Burkhart (the Human Blockhead), The Siamese Twins, Percilla the Monkey girl, and numerous other sideshow entertainers, including little people who starred as Munchkins, is now taken over by a Phosphorus plant and is overshadowed by Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg’s more elusive tourist destinations. The carnies of today are different than the “sideshow” fare of the 30’s and 40’s. The Gibsonton zoning laws are still in effect, so you may catch a glimpse of a tiger or bear in the backyard of one of the trailers, but for the most part, Gibsonton will seem just another small town in the south. Yet there will always be only one Showtown, USA home to the giant who married the “half girl”, and that’s what makes visiting Gibsonton, Florida worth the trip.
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