Hula Out

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The Algozzini family, Nick, Vera, Phil and Elaine worked hard clearing the land while living in a 15' trailer. "We were always covered in mosquito bites," stated Elaine. When asked if there were snakes, Elaine said that her Dad had no fear of them, grabbing them and eventually putting them in formaldehyde and displaying them in their store in later years. Often customers would come in, see the snakes hanging there, and turn and run out of the shop. The land was basically "sugar sand" with 10' to 15' slash pines and U.S. Highway One was a little two-lane roadway. They contracted with a local trucking company to bring in shell marl to make a more solid base for a circular driveway. Nick bought an old Army truck, outfitted it for use on the property and a power saw from Sears (Phil still has the saw.) With that he began building on his property. In 1947 they opened a small wooden roadside stand where they sold hamburgers and sandwiches. Over the years they added shell crafts such as lamps, ashtrays, and statues that were made by local residents and artisans. Coconuts which were delivered to them from Miami were hand carved into faces by a local resident. Always resourceful, they added beer, orange juice, and ice cream to their menu and citrus fruit from a local grove. After a trip to Cuba they began carrying alligator bags (for 99 cents) and shoes. Nick Algozzini built two small over-night cabins on the property and 2 efficiency cabins with kitchenettes, learning the proper...

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