Sana, Sana Colita de Rana

Ybor City National Historic Landmark District

Interpretation of casitas at Ybor City National Historic District. Illustration by Eva Vazquez.

Glass from a cough syrup bottle found at Ybor City. Image courtesy Florida Public Archaeology Network.

Ybor City, “the cigar factory of the world,” has been home to Cuban immigrants since the late 19th century. Ybor City was a place of refuge and political freedom. Social clubs, pharmacies, and casitas (little homes) allowed Cubans to adapt to a new life while still preserving their culture and identity.

Children living in Ybor City attended Ybor Elementary School, the first public school in Ybor City. Kids at Ybor City Elementary School got sick just like us, too. Face it, schools are full of germs (ew!). Their parents sang old lullabies such as Sana, Sana Colita de Rana (Heal, Heal, Little Frog Tail), just like parents sing today when their children are sick or hurt.

Look closely at this cough syrup bottle that archeologists found near the casitas at Ybor. It is embossed with Spanish words: “JARABE DE LEONARDI PARA LA TOS CREOSOTADO TAMPA FL” (Leonardi’s cough syrup cresotated Tampa FL). Many kids in the area were bilingual, so many businesses labeled items in Spanish.

Think of the items in your house. Are any labeled in Spanish?