Swede’s Real Estate’s 60th Anniversary!
Ever since I can remember, Swede’s Real Estate was the first. That yellow store – Swede’s Store, right there at Crystal Beach Road and Hwy. 87. If we weren’t fortunate to have our own beach “camp,” we could always rent one from Swede’s. In those days, we would bring our towels, sheets, charcoal and all our groceries with us. Crystal Beach didn’t have a lot of shopping advantages as it does now.
Anne Willis cutting the ribbon to launch the next 60 years of Swede’s Real Estate
Established in 1955 by G.I. “Swede” Smith, a colorful character – no shoes, a shirtless working style, shorts and maybe a Hawaiian shirt if it was a bit chilly. He later moved to the downstairs of his beach house. In the 80’s, he sold the business to Judy Manning. Anne Willis, who was encouraged by Mr. Swede to earn her real estate license years before, purchased Swede’s in 1995. Swede’s Real Estate now manages over 200 properties and is well-known up and down the coast for it’s service and selection. Many of today’s customers tell us their grandparents rented from Swede’s. These days, Swede’s insists their employees work in shirts and shoes, but they maintain the friendly customer service of days gone by. It’s a whole new generation of Bolivar beach goers.
Swede’s Real Estate celebrating 60 Years
Swede’s now employs 7 full time employees: Shirley Adams – 15 years, Paula Lowery – around 10 years, Ann Milby – 7 years, Danielle Sewell, Lexi Sitki, Jeannie Jones – all new but just as loyal, and Holly Hunstiger just joined on a part time basis. BB Wilson and Jim Walters are real estate agents.
The Hard Working Cleaning Staff: Denise Porterfield, Maven Borden, Barbara Scott, Juliea Jett, Kay Currier, Vicki Redd and Angie McDowell. The Maintenance Staff: Mike Kirkpatrick and Moody Fredenberg.
3 Way Switch entertained the crowd…
The party was in full swing by 1pm on Saturday, 3 Way Switch was hitting the saxophone, whistling on the harmonica, strumming on the guitars and banging on the drums while Skip crooned along. Jose’s Cantina was there with an out-of-this-world feast, the beer tapping and the margarita machine was purring.
…and Jose’s Cantina served up their signature fajitas
Congratulations to Anne Willis, a Crystal Beach Icon, and Swede’s, the Grand Daddy of Crystal Beach Real Estate!
May you reign for AT LEAST another 60 years!
Anne’s brother David and his wife Alana sang a special love song
Thank You, Anne
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CONGRATULATIONS AND HELLO TO ALL OF YOU THERE ON THE PENINSULA! SURE MISS THOSE WONDERFUL VIEWS FROM OUR FRONT PORCH, ICW, GALVESTON BAY, HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL, LIGHTHOUSE, GULF OF MEXICO !! Always something going on! NOT TO MENTION THE GLORIOUS SUNSETS! AND SUNRISE, IF ONE GETS UP EARLY ENOUGH!
HUGS TO ALL MY PAINTING BUDDIES AND IF YO ARE EVER IN THE DALLAS AREA, OUR CELL PHONE NUMBERS ARE THE SAME!
MOSTLY MISS FAMILY, HOWEVER, IT IS ONLY A 4 1/2 HOUR DRIVE!! FIVE HOURS IF YOU STOP FOR A SANDWICH ON THE WAY!
HUGS TO ALL…..
Anne, we are sorry we missed your celebration but were with you in spirit. You and your staff are wonderful to work with. We appreciate all of your community support.
Happy 60th Anniversary!
The Porter B. Smith family and relatives from Oklahoma started coming to Bolivar well over 50 years ago and, until Ike, never missed one single summer reunion here. In the beginning, EVERYONE rented from Swedes — and we bought all our groceries, etc., with us. For emergencies, tho, there was always Lands — relatives by marriage. Watermelons grew in fields along 87, Cooper in Emerald 2 kept us supplied with eggs and tomatoes and we set our crabtraps out in the Gulf, emptying them every evening and reloading them with fish scraps from the men’s daily fishing trips.
Boy, have things ever changed. BrendaBS
Great Article! Great Party! There’s no place like Crystal Beach.
Thank you, everyone.
Marcel and Linda