Old Braden River Historical Society

The Old Braden River Historical Society,has a website for more information.

Old Braden River


Times have changed for those living on the Braden River and in surrounding communities. For the last few years’ residents are able to enjoy the renewed Jiggs Landing Preserve. The new park offers the same amenities as the original historic fish camp from the 1940’s, such as the boat ramp, picnic tables and docks. However, one of the things missing is the “fish camp” atmosphere that once existed on the property. The atmosphere I speak of is the gathering of fisherman at the counter in the bait shop or most of the time on the boat docks that lined the shore of the landing. What you would hear was the discussions of their catch, the bait they used and a healthy dose of advice and banter. If you drift back in time the experience at Jiggs would be similar to what you would see today. As someone walks through the gate at Jiggs, they would hear the sound of crushed shell under their feet, and feel the shade of the southern pine above their head see the majestic oaks with moss swaying gently in the wind. Off to the left is the boat ramp that is at the far end of the property. The docks and pilings are to the right of the launch. Standing alone, the bait shop and porch outside. Laughter and chitchat can still be heard from the fishermen sharing stories of the magnificent bass they were able to catch from right off the dock. The look of this 7-acre property is similar with the display of craftsmanship in the cabins off to the side. Prior to when the property was sold in 1967, Jiggs Landing cabins was a place for fisherman to come and spend a few days or weeks and take in all that Southern hospitality that the folks here dished out. It was this place that people would get a dose of the “Old Florida” feel and always make plans to return. Metcalf family memories included many holidays where a long wooden table was set under the pines filled with a colorful assortment of linens and dishes ready to be filled with home cooked food. The family and visitors alike would like to see some of the “old time” memories of this place on display. Just hours prior to the grand opening of Jiggs Landing Preserve in 2010, the members of the society put the last minute touches on the historical cabin that was recreated to resemble what once stood on the property. Although the cabin sits in reverse, you come into the cabin from the front porch and enter the sleeping area. Walk to the back of the cabin and see the Kelvinator frig , wash board porcelain sink and the period metal table make up the kitchen area. As a historical group, the Old Braden River Historical Society, with the exception of a few, was never able to experience the jolly laughter of Jiggs Metcalf or the tedious tending of the bait by his wife Agnes. It is through the few that we can relive some of that time period through pictures and passage. The Society, Metcalf family and Manatee County continue to work hard to get the memories and the environmental importance of this place on display. So many photos and memories would fill an auditorium about Jiggs Landing, descendants and friends that came here for a good ole time. For now, you yourself may experience Jiggs Landing in your own way. Make you own memories here and catch your own fish. If you are lucky enough to run into “Doc”, ask him to show you one of his hand made flies. Doc has been fishing these waters for many years and can give you some great tips on where to catch the “Big One.”