Author: saradesota

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Extra, extra, read all about it!

1882 Plain Dealer front pageI love to read contemporaneous accounts about history events, even if they aren’t directly related to Sarasota County history.

For example, to get a feel for what was going on the year that the Bidwell-Wood House was built, I found this 1882 Plain Dealer front page. And look what happened that day!

HistoryBuff.com is a volunteer effort by Timothy Hughes, dealer in vintage newspapers. Here, he’s assembled some of his collection, arranged by year.

Tip: Did you know, if you’re viewing the Internet on a PC, you can hit Ctrl+ to make the text larger, or Crl- to see more of the screen in a smaller font? Makes surfing a lot more comfortable, especially after a few hours!

Tip#2: Re-up your HSOSC membership today… everyone’s due in January.

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The artist within: a wonderful gift for others and yourself

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” –Pablo Picasso

Watercolor journaling classes at the Historical Society of Sarasota County, by Lucinda HathawayLucinda Hathaway found the watercolorist within herself late in life. Just three years ago, already a published author and grandmother, she discovered the joys of journaling with watercolors and brush in Maine while sailing on Penobscot Bay.

Now you can explore how to honor your journey through life with this easy, enjoyable technique. Join Lucinda, internationally known-water color journaling teacher, at the Historical Society’s Back Porch Classes in January.  Classes will be held all four Wednesdays (January 4, 11, 18 and 25) from 9:30a to 12n. Beginners always welcome. Join the group for one class or all four! Call the HS Office Mon-Fri between 10a and 2p at 941 364 9076 to reserve your spot. $30 per class per student. Casses are limited to 5-10 students for full advantage of Lucinda’s attention and instruction.

Give a class, or all 4, to yourself, a friend, or best of all, yourself and a friend. Will 2012 be the year you release the artist within?

Materials needed :

  • 140# watercolor paper as a sheet or in a journal
  • watercolors
  • waterproof ink pen
  • #6 brush
All are available at Art and Frame, Blue Line and Keeton’s. Blue Line , in support of the Historical Society, will give you a 10% discount if you mention this class.

Read more about our instructor Lucinda Hathaway here, and see how she inspires even the youngest here.

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Ever wished you could have been a guest at one of the Ringlings’ private parties?

UPDATE September 2012: This event was such a success, we’re doing it again. Get your reservation in early. See our Calendar of Events.

Well, now you can! Yes, the Historical Society of

Sarasota County has arranged for a private, limited-size tour of the magnificent Ca’ D’Zan mansion just for us, led by the Curator and Keeper of the House, Ron McCarty… complete with luncheon and a special slide show by Ron.

Details: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 9:30am
Includes our private luncheon with choice of entrees at Treviso, known for its fine dining.
$50 per person. An extraordinary day and value for you, a fundraiser for HSOSC.

Ron is looking forward to showing us some places the public doesn’t get to see very often, such as the often-overlooked terra cotta decorative work. He’ll tell us about the architect and his scope in Sarasota and lead our small group through the 1st and 2nd floors with information not normally shared by the docents. Ron looks forward to showing us the 3rd floor with its incredible Willy Pogany ceiling. We’ll see, up close, the newly installed historic windows (they’ve been closed up since 1971!) and the 4th floor tower bedroom. Finally, we’ll enjoy the tower overlook together and celebrate the Ringling’s history in Sarasota. Then we will stop at the newly-opened Captain’s Cottage and then have lunch together, where Ron will proudly show many never before viewed images of John and Mable’s clothing and personal items. As Keeper of the House, Ron is excited for our HSOSC participants to celebrate the Ringlings’ 100 years in Sarasota.

Luncheon at the famed Treviso is included in our tour price. Please choose entree at time of booking. Meal includes soft drinks, coffee, tea and a sorbet. When you make your tour reservations, please indicate which of these entrees you would prefer:

  • Chicken Pecan Salad:  with Grapes and Candied Pecans Served on Toasted Raisin Walnut Bread
  • Caprese Panini: Fresh Mozzarella, Sliced Tomatoes and Genoa Basil on Buttered Brioche, Pressed and Served with a Cup of Soup and a Small House Salad
  • or the John R. Burger: Grilled Choice Ground Chuck, with Swiss, Cheddar or Provolone Cheese, with Lettuce, Tomato and Onion and a Choice of Fries, Fresh Fruit or Treviso Roasted Garlic Pasta Salad

Make your reservations now, as the group will be a small one. Tickets, including admission to the Ca’ d’Zan only, our special host Ron McCarty, plus luncheon and a private slide show, are $50 per person. Read the fine print, below, then call the Office at 941-364-9076 to charge your tickets, email: hsosc@yahoo.com, or send a check to HSOSC, PO Box 1632, Sarasota, FL 34230. This tour is expected to sell out quickly so don’t delay!

The small print: Please be advised that there are over 80 steps and no elevator for this tour. Parking is free. We will check-in at the visitors center after 9:30AM and then proceed to arrive at Ca’d’Zan promptly at 10:30 for the start of the tour.  Ca’ d’Zan: upper floors and tower weather permitting.  Since this is a private tour of the Mansion, non-Ringling members will not be able to enter any of the other buildings during that day.
 
Photo from Flickr under CC license, by uberphoto.
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This day in 1885: High hopes

On this day in 1885, The almost-100 participants in the Ormiston Colony left Glasgow sarasota florida, 1884bound for here

[which] was believed to be the modern city of Sarasota. They got their ideas from pamphlets distributed by the Fla. Mortgage and Investment Co., who, in turn, blamed the people who had sold them the land.

From Yesterday’s Sarasota (A Calendar for 1993), by J. Whitcomb Rylee in conjunction with the Historical Society of Sarasota County, available for purchase in the Society’s Museum Gift Shop.

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Holiday Potluck with History-Loving Friends December 13

Historical Society of Sarasota County holiday pot luckJust got an email from our indefatigable Events Superhero, Jane, about our December get-together. Rather than a meeting with speaker, we opt for social flippancy and festive fun! Jane gives us all the details:

Pot Luck Supper… Tuesday, Dec.  13th At the DAR Headquarters on 12th Street, next door to the HSOSC ‘s buildings.  All Historical Society Members, Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation Members and D.A.R. Members are invited!!  Bring your favorite dish and your appetite! 

And, since we want to make your holiday gift-shopping green, local, easy, and supportive of the Historical Society, Jane adds:
Shop the HSOSC’s darling little Gift Shop, in the Bidwell House’s historic Kitchen from 5 to 6PM, then stroll next door for a delicious holiday meal at 6PM, with your history-minded friends.
The DAR building has plenty of room for all of us, so there’s no need to RSVP… just don’t forget to put this on your calendar. See you there, I hope!
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Pioneer Day in Pioneer Park Pictures

November 12 2011– Incredible talents showcased by our vendors in both the Crocker Church and outside under the trees during Pioneer Day in Pioneer Park. We thank each of these great supporters for their participation! Pioneer Day in Pioneer Park Sarasota FL 2011As you can see below, activities ranged from antique cars to spinning, children’s vintage games to the “ghosts” of Whitaker Cemetery, presented by our neighbor in the Park, the DAR Sara de Sota Chapter. And the music was fantastic!

Below are just a few of the volunteers whose hard work made The Historical Society of Sarasota County’s grounds and curated buildings shine for our Pioneer Day, our gift to the Sarasota community.

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Happy Birthday, Longboat!

My, how you’ve grown! Happy Birthday, Longboat Key!

In 1915, 14 families lived on Longboat Key.

40 years later, on November 14 1955, the Town of Longboat Key was incorporated.

In 2011, there are over 8000 homes and condo units on the island.

Click to learn about Longboat from their historic association web site.

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THE place to be this weekend in Sarasota.

Pioneer Day at the Historical Society of Sarasota County is for all ages!Just back from pricing (oh such great prices!) table upon table of

great books

at the Crocker Church, getting ready for tomorrow’s Pioneer Day at Pioneer Park, Saturday Nov. 12, 10 to 4. Vendors inside and out, history tours, food, live music, games for kids and so much more!

Historical Society supporters Ginger Mermin (an incredible artist, working in

oils and watercolors

) and celebrated craftsperson Marie Rowe (wonderful

hand-spun and hand-woven soft goods

) and so many more! (Perfect holiday gift-shopping!)

Musicians?

Our constant supporter, Robyn Blue, promises Sara Nelms, Sarah Loeser, James Cademan, Dean Johanesen – the Human Condition, Randy Tracy.

Crafts demonstrations.

Food

the tastiest from Nealski’s BBQ. The most incredible

soaps and candles, locally-made.

Games for the kids? Yup.

Old fashioned ones like 3-legged races, corn toss, sack races and more. Learning?

Docented tours

:CEMETERY Tour at 11AM and 1PM; docented HOUSE TOUR at Noon and 2 PM

Details, location, and the only thing you need to bring, click here.

PS Look for your beloved Editor in the straw hat, personifying 1915 Lizzie Webb Guptill, one of the first Sarasota pioneers. Tell her you saw this, and get a free hug!)

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A personal peek into a famous family

Don’t you love to see renowned people looking, well, regular?

MableRingling

Mable Ringling with her parrot and miniature dog. Don't you love how she's been careful to include her pretty hat in the photo?

The Historical Society’s November meeting Continue reading →

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Be a part of the Historical Society. Help make Pioneer Day a success!

Be a part of the Historical Society. Help out now.

We are so grateful to all our members and supporters who help us conserve and curate two of Sarasota’s oldest buildings in one of our pristine parks, and who participate in our monthly meetings, special events and fund raisers.

This month, we could use some specific help. They range from easy-as-pie to lace on your working shoes. Please choose Continue reading →

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All aboard the magical Sarasota Time Machine!

Narrated trolley tours of downtown Sarasota by the Historical Society of Sarasota CountyThe Historical Society’s Historic Downtown Trolley Tours are very popular, so be sure to make your reservations quickly! This year’s dates are on our Calendar of Events, which is here.

Have you ever wondered what Sarasota was like before now?

Where people gathered, how they lived, where everyone came from and what they thought and what was here when and what they did…

and why we are so different from the average Florida town?

Well, hop onto our Historic Downtown Sarasota Trolley Tour, AKA the Time Machine, and let our favorite tale-spinner tell you!

These tours are a must for native, resident, winter resident or visitor. A wonderful activity for house guests and business travelers, and part of their education for anyone who makes their living in Sarasota. If you haven’t been privileged enough to participate, do it now!

HISTORIC TROLLEY TOURS: Two hour Historic Trolley Tours. 10:00 AM – Noon. Depart from the Crocker Memorial Church at Historical Society of Sarasota County in Pioneer Park, 1260 12th Street (just east off Tamiami Trail). Parking is free. Seating on the Trolley is limited, so grab your spot now. Advance reservations REQUIRED: email hsosc1@gmail.com

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Showman: Ron McCarty on John Ringling (and Mable too of course)

ron mccartyHaven’t you always been intrigued by John and Mable Ringling, their magnificent home, their art gallery… and their influence on Sarasota?

Well, prepare to be excited and amazed at the stories Ron McCarty will tell at our November meeting on Tuesday, November 8, at 7pm. You’ll want to come grab a seat early for this presentation in the Crocker Memorial Church at the Historical Society in Pioneer Park.

Ron McCarty has been a member of the Curatorial Department at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art for the last 30 years. He is the Curator and Keeper of Ca’d’Zan, the 36,000 square-foot historic Venetian-Gothic mansion seated on Sarasota Bay.

In addition to being a world-renowned curator, Ron is an actor, playing John in a PBS presentation, a writer, and has been a professional painter specializing in watercolor since the early 1970’s. Read more about Ron’s love for Ca’d’Zan in this magazine article, and see some of his amazing art on his web site.

But above all, Ron is a raconteur sans pareil* and will keep us spell-bound.

Don’t miss this meeting, which is free and open to the public… and bring friends!

And, don’t forget that our Museum Gift Shop will be open for your shopping pleasure at 6pm that evening, and a gift purchased here is a gift not only to the recipient, but towards the upkeep and preservation of a home humbler than Ca’d’Zan, but just as important in Sarasota history!

* That’s French for as much fun as a three-ring circus.

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Long-range forecast: Perfect weather for the Historical Sarasota Bay Cruise!

If you missed your chance at a spot on the last

Sarasota Bay Historical Cruise

le barge and passengers

Grab a seat, enjoy the Bay, hear some local stories, and help the Historical Society preserve Sarasota’s past!

better mark your calendar now for the November cruise on Sunday November 4 2012,  from 11a-1p… we tend to fill up the comfortable LeBarge boat (ship?) fast! Everyone loves the weather, the ride, the narrated stories of Sarasota’s past, and the fruit and pastries.

Photo courtesy of LeBarge.

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