Hillsborough College will host a historic marker unveiling and dedication ceremony for the United Secret Orders Hall / La Benéfica Española building at the College’s Ybor City Campus. The ceremony will take place Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. at 1505 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605.
Made possible through the support of Steve and Schezy Barbas and the Barbas Family, Hillsborough College and the Hillsborough County Historic Advisory Council, the historic marker recognizes the building's significant role in Ybor City's social, cultural and healthcare history and helps preserve its legacy for future generations.
“This historic marker recognizes not only a building, but the generations of individuals and families who found support, connection and opportunity here,” said Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College. “As a college committed to serving our community, we are proud to help preserve and celebrate this important piece of Tampa Bay’s history.”
The ceremony will be followed by “If These Walls Could Talk,” a program highlighting the building’s history through stories of community building, benevolence, education and expression. The events will conclude with a reception.
Built in 1929 as the United Secret Orders Hall, the building served as the home of six secret societies, including La Nueva Sicilia Lodge, Palmetto Lodge, Progress Lodge, Victory Rebeka Lodge, Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans and Ideal Lodge in Ybor City.
In 1932, the building became a medical clinic and pharmacy operated by Centro Español called La Benéfica Española. Centro Español was established for Spanish immigrants and was one of Ybor City’s mutual aid societies. The clinic and a fully functioning pharmacy occupied the second story, where Dr. Carlos Barbas and midwife Delia Barbas lived for more than 35 years. They provided medical services to those in need at all hours of the day and night. The clinic remained open until the mid-1970s.
The building also played a role in Ybor City’s cultural and business history. The trilingual newspaper La Gaceta had its offices on the ground floor from 1942 to 1982. The Sugar Palm Ballroom was located in the building from 1997 to 1999.
Hillsborough College acquired the building in 2004 and has since preserved and repurposed the historic structure for educational use, ensuring that it remains an active part of the community while honoring its history. Today, the historic building houses the College's dance studio.
Hillsborough College serves more than 47,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit hcfl.edu.
Hillsborough College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Hillsborough College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Hillsborough College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Visit hcfl.edu/accreditation for more information.