All too often, when we think of history, it’s on a larger scale. But understanding and learning our local history is just as valuable. In West Pasco, we’re extraordinarily lucky to have a wealth of historical knowledge available at our fingertips. This treasure trove is overseen by the volunteers at West Pasco Historical Society, shared with the community through their website and Rao Musunuru, M.D. Museum & Library in downtown New Port Richey.
“People walk through those doors and say I’ve lived here all my life, and I never knew this place was here,” shared Paul Herman, Digital Media Archivist of West Pasco Historical Society. Paul moved to the area in 1986 and found his way to the historical society to explore the history of his new home in Seven Springs. “Every time I walk in, I’m still learning and probably will never stop. It’s a passion. Preserving local history so it continues on is very important, because it could be easily lost,” added Mario Caruso, President of West Pasco Historical Society. Mario was first drawn in by the museum to learn more about his new home, a love instilled by his father.
The town of New Port Richey has a fascinating history. The name itself comes from Aaron Richey, who established the first area post office at his homestead near the mouth of the Pithlachascotee River in 1884. “He owned a boat and transported goods for his store from Cedar Key and Tarpon Springs. When they asked him what the name of the place was, he said let’s just call it Port Richey,” shared Herman.
For many years, the area we know as downtown New Port Richey fell under the Port Richey name. Many tried to develop it, but it didn’t see genuine success until George Sims and his group of investors got involved. “He’s considered the father of New Port Richey, because he’s the one that made a success out of everything,” explained Herman. “He convinced a lot of his rich friends, some of them very famous, to come down here to establish summer homes.”
Many of those snowbirds were a part of the growing film industry, bringing the name “Hollywood of the East” to the town of New Port Richey. “Some of the older infrastructure we have downtown dates to then. The theater, The Hacienda, buildings like that would have never been built if it wasn’t for the wealthy people bringing their influence,” shared Caruso.
Outside of town, pioneer families like the Clarks, Hopes, Baileys, and Bakers who arrived in the late 1800s, and later in the 1900s the Mitchell and Starkey families, created citrus groves and cattle ranches that were the lifeblood of our community for generations. As our community grew, changes were imminent. Growth slowed in the downtown corridor for many years, and eventually, people sold the large groves and ranches to create the residential and commercial growth we see today in Trinity and beyond.
Today, that growth has established West Pasco as a destination in itself. While considered a bedroom community for many years, our industry has grown and created a draw of its own. “Downtown New Port Richey and other parts of West Pasco are actually thriving on their own merit now. You can easily live and work in Pasco and not have to be a commuter anymore,” shared Herman.
Our founders would likely be surprised by the path our community has taken over the years. And the history we’re establishing today may be just as interesting to our residents of tomorrow. “The real history needs to be told exactly the way it was, not sugar-coated or vilified into something that it wasn’t. Because it’s so much more interesting that way. And that’s our job… the Historical Society, not the fairy tale society,” explained Caruso. Regardless of the path our story takes, the West Pasco Historical Society will be there to record it all for generations to come.
"Preserving local history so it continues on is very important, because it could be easily lost."