A pioneering man in New Port Richey

By JEFF MILLER, West Pasco Historical Society
Published October 2, 2007

Emil Nyman (1884-1927), an early businessman in New Port Richey, poses with his dog Bobbie and his Nash automobile in front of his Port Richey Novelty Works, which was one block south of Main Street in New Port Richey. The man on the left has been identified as Carl or Karl Baer. According to Nyman's grandson, Reynald C. Feldt Jr., Port Richey Novelty Works supplied windows, doors, trim and novelty siding for homes. Nyman left Finland for the United States in 1908, settling first in Massachusetts. He married Helmi Josefina Kivikoski (1886-1963) in 1910. They came to what is now New Port Richey on May 12, 1912. Nyman's obituary reported, "Coming to New Port Richey over fifteen years ago, when it was little more than a wilderness, Mr. Nyman was instrumental in the initial progress of the town, building a large number of the city's original homes and business places. Mr. Nyman was the owner of New Port Richey's first water system and was also a leading business man."

[Last modified October 1, 2007, 21:29:51]