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"Stormy Weather" was not just a dazzling song sung by Judy Garland, but it is a reality on this coast during hurricane season. Why even today we have a storm heading our way. Be sure and check out Lee's take on hurricanes, while you still have power to your computer..
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Tales of Sarasota

Out and About

Another one of my favorite buildings in Sarasota is the Woman's Club on the corner of Cocoanut and Palm Aves. It was built in 1915 and served as the Woman's Club throughout most of the 20th Century. It now belongs to the Florida Studio Theater. A couple of reasons come to mind as to my attraction to this building; first, in among all the Mediterranean Revival architecture styles around town, here was a little building that was more English Tudor in design. What was that about? It certainly stood out and was unique among all the red tiled roofs and quatro foil designs with its half timbered exterior walls and diagonal mullioned windows (or perhaps leaded glass). Of course, it was not strictly English Tudor but certainly enough so to distinguish it from all the Mediterranean buildings that prevailed in Sarasota. And second, but certainly not lesser in importance to us, it was where our wedding reception was held more than 53 years ago.

Posted by: Diane Esthus @ Sunday, August 17, 2008 - 6:59:05 pm Comments (0)

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Where Am I?

I am attached to a building that is quite important to all of us in Sarasota County. The name in the photo of this cornerstone is known to many who appreciate architecure of the 1920s. Let 'justice' prevail when you guess my location, and look for me in person the next time you visit me.

Need help? Click here, or on the photo for my location.

On This Day in History

On This Day in 1909
The George W. Blackburn hardware store on the corner of Main and Palm (now the 1350 Main Street Condominiums) was destroyed by fire despite the efforts of Sarasota's new fire department. The fire began in a bakery occupying the back of the hardware shop.


Stories by Jeff LaHurd

A Sarasota Romance
Nearly a century ago, two lovers built a grand castle on the island we know as Bird Key.

 


Journals of Yesteryear

First Baptist Church is a Sarasota Landmark

Religion has always played an important part in the development of Sarasota. Even though the population was small, several denominations were organized in the late 1890s and early 1900s.

The First Baptist Church was organized on March 23, 1902, with five charter members: the Rev. Henry Messer, James Bates, Nathan Hayman, Mrs. Kiziah Messer and Patsy Dancy. The Rev. P.O. Miller was the first regularly elected pastor and James Bates was the first clerk.


Historical Marker

Edwards Theatre
The Edwards Theatre was the dream of Sarasota County's native son and the City's first Mayor, Arthur B. Edwards, who dedicated himself to the proposition that a modern city be built on the shores of Sarasota Bay. He was born October 2, 1874, and died November 14, 1969. He served the community as County Road Supervisor and first Tax Assessor. In the business world he was active in Insurance, Real Estate, Promotion of Winter Tourism, Banking and Abstract of Title Records.