FIDDLERS ON THE RIVER

The Fiddler's Restaurant & Resort story dates back all the way to 1934, but it wasn't always called Fiddler's. It begins in the Great Depression, when Broward Cooey moved from Akron, Ohio with his wife Elizabeth... In July 1932, while visiting his uncle, Broward explored the area and July Springs in Steinhatchee, Florida. The property was draped with old oaks and magnolias and sat right on the edge of the Steinhatchee River. He thought maybe it was time to trade the hustle and bustle of booming Akron for the peace and serenity of Florida... Elizabeth and Broward built a 30 x 30 three room building where they lived and attempted to run a grocery store. It was the Depression, so as they extended credit to their customers, the credit turned to bad debt and the store failed. With the shelves empty, Broward went back to Akron to earn money and Elizabeth stayed in Steinhatchee to try to salvage the remnants of their Florida stake.