The P. P. Cobb building was built in the 1880's in downtown Ft. Pierce.. The first owners were the Hogg family, who originally established it as the Can Town Trading Post. Annie Hogg, who was from Scottish royalty, managed the family business while her husband, Captain Hogg, sailed along the coast of Florida and to the West Indies, trading goods along the way. The Hogg family's trading post provided essential goods for pioneers while fostering connections. Eventually they decided to sell the trading post to an oyster cannery company.
Peter Cobb was an employee of the oyster cannery and when they wanted to sell the building he purchased it. He turned the trading post into a general store and it opened in 1896. Peter Cobb operated it until 1931. The store offered what they community needed and was an important gathering spot. The stores motto was Everything to Eat, Wear, and Use.
Today on the first floor of the building is Old Florida Coffee Company, a micro roaster. They kept the historic integrity of the building and I am sure the building's former residents would be pleased to know it is still a community gathering spot.
On the second floor is the Budd Adams-Cobb Cultural Center which preserves the history of the building and Ft. Pierce. Bud Adams is Mr. Alto Adams, also known as Bud who made a financial contribution to preserve the P. P. Cobb building. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 91. He was a rancher and an environmentalist. In the center you will find maps, vintage photos, drawing of archeological discoveries, and other materials. There is no admission to enter and it staffed by volunteers.
If you find yourself in downtown Ft. Pierce stop by for a cup of coffee and a dose of Treasure Coast history in the P. P. Cobb building. This link to the past is well worth a visit. read more