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Breaking with the conventions of the late 1800s and what was deemed “women’s work,” Kate Jackson (1857-1940) made significant contributions to the Tampa Bay community. She established the school now known as Academy of the Holy Names (along with two nuns), founded the Tampa Civic Association and was a major shareholder in the large Citizens Bank.
Jackson also spoke fervently about cleaning up the city – including enforcement of the “no spitting” ordinance. However, her passion for creating public parks and recreation areas for children is her legacy, notably the Jackson Recreation Center in Hyde Park that’s named in her honor.
– Eve Lederman, The 100 Companies