Author: saradesota

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This Day in History: Happy 45th, Van Wezel!

van wezel from louiswerycomOn this date in 1970, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall opened.

Designed by the late Frank Lloyd Wright’s firm, Taliesin Associates Architects, the building was called by its critics the “purple cow” or “purple people seater.”

How much do YOU know about the Van Wezel?

The Van Wezel was painted purple because:

  1. Purple was a good foil to the turquoise waters of Sarasota Bay.
  2. Mr. Wright’s widow suggested it.
  3. Purple is the color of royalty, and Sarasota looked forward to the “royalty of performers” appearing in the theater.
  4. The paint was donated by a local paint dealer, and that’s the color he chose.

Why did the One Eyed One Horned Flying Purple People Eater come to Earth?

  1. His spaceship crashed in the Grand Canyon.
  2. He wanted to get a job in a rock-&-roll band.
  3. He craved a Starbuck’s every day.
  4. He liked short shorts.

The first Broadway show in the Van Wezel was

  1. Cactus Flower
  2. Fiddler on the Roof
  3. Guys and Dolls
  4. The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd

Who were Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel?

  1. They built the first year-round residence on Lido Key.
  2. Lewis was a diamond buyer for Tiffany’s.
  3. Eugenia’s brother-in-law was Gustaf Nobel.
  4. They built a downtown building known as the Eugenic.

Answers: In each case, the correct answer is #2, except for the last. All the choices are correct about the Van Wezels! You will be awarded extra points if you pronounce Van Wezel as “Van Way-zel”, not “Van Weasel.”

Did you know? Tours of the Van Wezel backstage areas and the Fine Arts Society art collection are offered to the public the first Tuesday of the month, October through May. More info.

And if you can’t remember all the lyrics of One Eyed One Horned Flying Purple People Eater, here it is on YouTube. Tequila.

With thanks to Yesterday’s Sarasota Calendar by J. Whitcomb Rylee, the Van Wezel web site and Sarasota History Alive! for these tidbits. Photo from LouisWery.com.

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Conversation at the Crocker: Ringling’s Private Rail Car

PullDavid Duncan working on the Wisconsin, John Ringling's private Pullman car. Hear Mr. Duncan speak at Conversation at the Crocker, January 13. For more info see http://HSoSC.comman car historian and restorer of John Ringling’s private railroad car, the Wisconsin car in Sarasota talks about rail travel of the Gilded Age and how John and Mable Ringling traveled in luxury aboard a fabulous custom car.

“It is rare for a
private railroad car
to be restored with
such care, attention to detail and respect to the historic fabric”

Ride the rails into the past with Pullman Railroad car expert and the restorer of the famed Wisconsin custom railroad car with David W. Duncan when he leads a Conversation at The Crocker, on Tuesday, January 13, starting at 7 p.m. at the Crocker Memorial Church, 1260 12th Street (Pioneer Park), Sarasota.

David W. Duncan is a Pullman Railroad car historian and he has been the consultant on the Wisconsin for The Ringling Museum. His hands-on work and expertise have been instrumental in the restoration process of this historic railroad car. Duncan will be joined on stage by Ron McCarty, Curator of Ca’d’Zan at The Ringling Museum.

A Pullman Car was a standard of luxury in the early part of the 20th century and John Ringling wanted one. Having established a relationship with the Pullman firm by buying second-hand cars for use by the circus, Ringling commissioned Pullman to build a private car for his personal use in 1904. The name Wisconsin was chosen to honor the state that was home to the Ringling brothers and their circus.

On March 16, 1905, Ringling took delivery of the Wisconsin from Pullman’s Calumet Shop. He used the car as a place to stylishly entertain and impress friends, family, business associates and politicians. And the car enabled him to conduct circus business as he traveled across the country. Ringling’s first trip aboard the car was to Baraboo, Wisconsin, the family’s hometown. Later that year, John Ringling and Mable Burton were married in Hoboken, New Jersey.

“It is rare for a private railroad car to be restored with such care, attention to detail and respect to the historic fabric,” says Ron McCarty about Duncan’s work on the Wisconsin. “Now at the museum, visitors to Sarasota can glimpse a means of transportation that only a few ever experienced. This restored jewel of the Gilded Age tells the story of a bygone era and the community can learn all about it at the Conversation at The Crocker on the evening of January 13.” All aboard !

Organized and presented by the Historical Society of Sarasota County and sponsored by SARASOTA Magazine, this public conversation (accompanied by rare photos) is free to Historical Society members and students. Guests, $10. Proceeds help maintain the two historic properties at Pioneer Park, The Bidwell-Wood House (1882, Sarasota’s oldest private residence) and the Crocker Memorial Church (1901).

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Black Bottom, Overtown, Newtown, Rosemary District: What, where, when.

History of Newtown is the subject of a Conversation at the Crocker event. 

James Brown of Sarasota FL will lead the Conversation at the Crocker on October 14 2014.

James Brown, educator, historian and a man born and raised in Newtown, leads a discussion on the History of Newtown, on Tuesday, October 14 starting at 7 p.m. at the Crocker Memorial Church, 1260 12th Street, Sarasota. Historical Society members and students free. Guests $10. 364-9076 for more information.

Educators, business leaders, and the Mayor of Sarasota will gather on the stage of the Crocker Memorial Church on Tuesday, October 14, to talk among themselves and with the audience about the History of Newtown, Sarasota’s African-American community.  The conversationists will also talk about the two communities that preceded Newtown, called Black Bottom and Overtown. Those neighborhoods were in the area now called the Rosemary District.

An inter-active discussion hosted by the Historical Society and open to the public. Come and ask questions and be heard. It’s part of our history!

This lively and informative discussion (with visuals to set everything into context) is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m. Historical Society members and students are admitted free. Guests, $10.

Participating in this Conversation will be: educator James Brown (Conversation leader), Mayor Willie Shaw, educator Dorothye Smith and Newtown businessmen Henry Battie and Jetson Grimes.

The Crocker Memorial Church is the headquarters for the Historical Society and is located in Pioneer Park at 1260 12th Street.

Organized by the Historical Society of Sarasota County and sponsored by SARASOTA Magazine, Conversations at The Crocker events highlight specific aspects of Sarasota’s past and examines pivotal events and people who have influenced today’s Sarasota.

Conversations take place at The Crocker Memorial Church and proceeds help to maintain the Bidwell-Wood House (1882, Sarasota’s oldest private residence) and the Crocker Memorial Church (1901). Docent-led tours of the two buildings are available before each Conversation event. For more information, call the Historical Society’s office, Mon-Fri, 10a to 2p, at 941-364-9076

Yup, it WAS “the good old days”
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Yup, it WAS “the good old days”

Nowadays it takes 5 fishermen and a boat to catch a kingfish.

Kingfish trophyBut back in the day…

Sept 30 1913: For easy fishing, stay at the Bay Island Hotel. On the first day of kingfish season, a 4′, 27-pound beauty, complete with a mullet in its mouth, jumped 10 feet from the bay, over the seawall, and onto the lawn where it was corralled by a guest. Mr. Faubel, the manager, quickly pointed out the fine fishing on his lawn. — Entry in Yesterday’s Sarasota calendar by J. Whitcomb Rylee

Photo from http://www.insideflorida.com/

More on the Bay Island Hotel from Sarasota History Alive.

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Voting, Then & Now

You didn’t have to register to vote. You did have to be a member of the militia. And there was no such thing as Sarasota County… heck, there wasn’t even a Manatee County.

Here’s what political districting looked like in 1843 when Florida voted to become a State in the United States of America.
Florida map, 1853(Click the map, which is courtesy of State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, to enlarge)

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Today in History: A Mother’s Gentle Nudge

On August 18, 1920, Tennessee passed the proposed 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by a one-vote margin, becoming the 36th state to ratify the measure and clearing the way for its official adoption eight days later.

Can you imagine NOT "giving the vote" to a woman like this?

Can you imagine NOT “giving the vote” to a woman like this?

Incredibly, women’s suffrage in the United States ultimately hinged on an 11th-hour change of heart by a young state legislator with a very powerful mother.

“I know that a mother’s advice is always safest for her boy to follow,” he explained, “and my mother wanted me to vote for ratification.” Read about it.

(Thanks to this family web site for the image of a strong woman c. 1920.)

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113 years of hard sitting is coming to an end….

When the Crocker Memorial Church was just 12 years old, in 1913, 63 of Sarasota’s women came together and formed The Woman’s Club of Sarasota. Their service to our community can be summed up by this quote on their brochure:

The good works of life consist of many small units.

We are delighted to announce that The Woman’s Club has taken on a “small unit” for the Crocker Church: they are Continue reading →

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A two-fer of History in Pioneer Park!

The Whitaker Cemetery, from 1879, is next door to the Historical Society's Pioneer Park campus at 1260 12th Street, just east of Tamiami Trail.

Photo courtesy of our neighbor, the DAR.

The Bidwell-Wood House (1882) and the Crocker Memorial Church (1901) might seem reason enough to visit Pioneer Park, but did you know that next door is the The Pioneer Whitaker Cemetery?

It is the first cemetery in Sarasota , and the burial site of the first white settlers in the County. The Whitaker Pioneer Cemetery continues to be the burial site for the Whitaker family. More on the Whitaker Cemetery.

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Planning the 2014-2015 events at HSoSC

Souvenir of Sarasota FLYour board and interested members are currently planning the upcoming season’s events. Be sure to sign up for email notification of our blog posts (top of the right-hand column on this page, where it says “Get us by email”) so you stay abreast of all the great talks, gatherings, events and openings they have planned for you!

Here’s some tentative plans, in addition to the wonderful roster of Conversations at the Crocker that we present the second Tuesday of each month, from October 2014 through April 2015. Topics and participants will be announced as soon as all our wonderful speakers commit!

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014  11a – 1p. Narrated Historic Sarasota Bay Annual Le Barge Cruise narrated by John McCarthy, noted Sarasota Historian. Reservations a must! (Again in March for your visitors)

Saturday, Nov. 15th Our very popular Designer Tag Sale!  Donated items from local designers available for purchase in the Crocker Memorial Church from 10a – 3p. (And of course, we’ll be looking for donations to this sale from members and supporters, so start your pile of donations now! Here’s what we can and cannot use, from our last sale.)

Sunday, Jan. 11th   2-4p.  High Tea & Paintings Off Easel – Plein Air Artists will be painting outside while we sip tea inside. Artwork may be purchased off the walls or “off the easel” directly from the artist. Reservations a Must !!  $25

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 – Private Tour of Ca’d’Zan with Ron McCarty.  Available to HSOSC members only – $75 includes lunch at Treviso. This is always a sell-out, so be sure to get your reservations in early.

BROWN BAG BOOK LUNCHES – New this season – bring your lunch and enjoy local authors on Wednesdays from 11a – 2p  December  17 – Bea Hartman,  January 21 – Charles Sobchzak,  February 18 – Liz Coursen,  March 18 – Henry Duggan

HISTORIC TROLLEY TOURS, Two hour Saturday Downtown Historic Tour 10a – Noon  Depart from the Crocker Memorial Church.  Reservations Required. Tours offered on Oct 25th, Nov 15th, Dec 6th, and in 2015: Jan 3rd, Jan 24th, Feb 14th, Mar 7th, Mar 28th and Apr 18th  $25 Per Person

Save

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Siesta Beach, July 4 1923

How hot were the sands of Siesta on July 4 1923?

112 mph, that’s how hot!

Mr. O’Neal came within 3 MPH of breaking the world’s motorcycle speed record as he roared down Sarasota (Siesta) Key Beach on his Harley Davidson at 112 MPH. This was the feature event in the American Legion’s July 4th Carnival.
— from Yesterday’s Sarasota by J. Whitcomb Rylee in conjunction with The Historical Society of Sarasota County

Harley-Davidson motorcycle almost beat the world record on Siesta Beach in 1923 ---HSoSC.com

Photo from antiquemotorcycle.org

More on the Independence Day celebrations in Sarasota on The Journals of Yesteryear at sarasotahistoryalive.com

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See how our gardens grow at HSoSC

The land surrounding the Bidwell-Wood House (1882) and the Crocker Memorial Church (1901) started out as barren park land. But with the help, donations, and labor of our members and supporters, our garden is growing!

Below: Bleeding Heart is the vine that is climbing up the west side of the front porch at the Bidwell Wood House. Like most of the other plants in the garden, it was donated. A landscape committee tends the garden, but friends who find satisfaction (and exercise) in pulling weeds, pruning and planting are always welcome to join in.

Bleeding Heart is the vine that is climbing up the west side of the front porch at the Bidwell Wood House. Like most of the other plants in the garden, it was donated. A landscape committee tends the garden, but friends who find satisfaction (and exercise) in pulling weeds, pruning and planting are always welcome to join in.

Below: Bright red pentas line the brick path leading from parking area to the front porch of the Bidwell-Wood House in Pioneer Park, the home of the Historical Society. The landscape committee chose red flowers to reference the red front door of the Crocker Memorial Church. Pentas love full sun, can get by with minimal watering and are hardy.

Bright red pentas line the brick path leading from parking area to the front porch of the Bidwell-Wood House in Pioneer Park, the home of the Historical Society. The landscape committee chose red flowers to reference the red front door of the Crocker Memorial Church. Pentas love full sun, can get by with minimal watering and are hardy.

Below: Currently,we have one hibiscus bush in the members garden at the Historical Society. It’s on the east side of the Bidwell-Wood House near the front porch. This bush was donated to the garden by a member. That’s how we get most of our plants, so if you have a cutting or a plant that is Florida friendly and needs a home, bring it to Pioneer Park and add to the botanical history that is growing strong.

Currently,we have one hibiscus bush in the members garden at the Historical Society. It's on the east side of the Bidwell-Wood House near the front porch. This bush was donated to the garden by a member. That's how we get most of our plants, so if you have a cutting or a plant that is Florida friendly and needs a home, bring it to Pioneer Park and add to the botanical history that is growing strong.

Below: Perhaps you’ve noticed the brick walkways in our garden. You can be a part of the garden with your sponsorship of a brick, in your name, your family;s or friend’s name, or as a memorial tribute to someone you loved who loved history and Sarasota. Click to learn more.

Bricks at Bidwell-Wood House

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The Florida-Friendly Gardens at the Historical Society

We have a very dedicated crew of gardeners here on our campus in Pioneer Park. If you are interested in native plants, Florida-friendly gardens, or just messing around in the dirt, we’d love to have you join us!

HSoSC vice-president Marsha Fottler sent along these photos of our garden to tempt you into visiting and enjoying the Historical Society:

Below: The rain lilies in our members garden at the Historical Society were a gift from past president Viola Goldberg. They mingle with gerbera daisies, pentas, and a crape myrtle. Members who want to donate plants to the garden should call Marsha Fottler at 371-8593. It’s how our garden grows.

Rain lilies in the Florida-friendly gardens at the Historical Society of Sarasota County at 1260 12th Street, Sarasota FL, in Pioneer Park

Below: We have two pineapple plants in our HSOSC garden. They were planted by a member, Phil Stevens. The local squirrels are watching them as closely as Linda, our site manager. Last year those clever thieves got to enjoy a pineapple before we could harvest it. Pineapples are easy to grow. Cut off the top, let it dry out for a day and then plant it. Slowly, over the next year or so, a pineapple will emerge.

Pineapples in Sarasota, at the Historical Society of Sarasota County, 12th St & Tamiami Trail, in Pioneer Park

Below: Around the pine trees at Pioneer Park, the landscape committee has installed bromeliads and dwarf heliconias. They are hardy, need little water or care and reward us with wonderful color and texture. All of these plants were donated to the HSOSC members garden by friends of the Bidwell-Wood House and the Crocker Memorial Church. We strive to keep the garden Florida-friendly.

Around the pine trees at Pioneer Park, the landscape committee has installed bromeliads and dwarf heliconias. They are hardy, need little water or care and reward us with wonderful color and texture. All of these plants were donated to the HSOSC members garden by friends of the Bidwell-Wood House and the Crocker Memorial Church. We strive to keep the garden Florida-friendly.

Below: Perhaps you’ve noticed the brick walkways in our garden. You can be a part of the garden with your sponsorship of a brick, in your name, your family;s or friend’s name, or as a memorial tribute to someone you loved who loved history and Sarasota. Click to learn more.

Bricks at Bidwell-Wood House

Stay tuned! More information on the gardens at the Historical Society of Sarasota County coming soon…. and meanwhile, drop by Pioneer Park anytime to see what’s growing!

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The Colonel marries his “darling little Bright Eyes”

140523 Blanche_wedding day 1905
Blanche, referred to by her husband as “Bright Eyes”

On this date in 1905, Col. John Hamilton Gillespie married his second wife, Judge McDaniels’s daughter Blanche, in Sarasota. They honeymooned in Scotland. — Entry in Yesterday’s Sarasota calendar by J. Whitcomb Rylee

The photo is from http://www.owenburns.com/, who honored Col. Gillespie in 2011 with merriment and golf.

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The trial of the century in Sarasota

1885: Members of the

Sarasota Vigilante Committee

went on trial for the murder of Postmaster Abbe. Abbe had

Sarasota Postmaster Charles Abbe

Charles E. Abbe. Click to read about the buildings HSoSC preserves and protects

been involved with some of the “land barons” who had misused the laws to acquire holdings in the area. The Vigilantes killed Abbe over the scheme.

— From J. Whitcombe Rylee, Yesterday’s Sarasota, a 1993 Calendar in conjunction with the Historical Society of Sarasota County.

Photo from the Manatee County Library web site