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SARASOTA
ROARING THROUGH THE 20S
By: Jeff LaHurd
This book is a delightful
photographic and illustrated non-linear journey
highlighting the changes in Sarasota during the Roaring
Twenties. The book contains wonderful newspaper ads,
cartoons, and actual photographs, many of which were
obtained from the Sarasota County History Center
(courtesy of Pete Esthus). As part of telling the story
of Sarasota, the author identifies specific historical
buildings and shares interesting facts about these
landmarks, as well as the roles played by important
people of the times. The book is divided into several
chapters: Electric With Excitement (the development of
the city); Personalities (Important sports, business,
and government figures); Entertainment (Music, theatre,
dance, sports, bathing, radio, movies); and It’s Over
(the end of the land boom).
In the mid-1920s, businessmen and regular folks looking
for a new place to live inundated the area. By 1927
Sarasota was transformed from a fishing/agriculture
village with little to recommend it save its tropical
beauty and inviting climate, into one of the most
desirable resorts in Florida. Whereas many Florida
communities offered very little, Sarasota had all the
necessary ingredients to blossom into a thriving city.
Sarasota was literally swarming with real estate agents
during the housing boom. The city directory advertised
over forty agencies, with only one represented by a
woman: probably the forerunner of our own Michael
Saunders.
Between 1924-25, Burns Court was built to meet the ever
increasing demand for suitable living accommodations
near the heart of the city. Today most of the units have
been converted into offices, restaurants, and retail
establishments. Photographs of the Five Points show that
even back in 1928, parking was difficult to find, and
there was no valet service. The Ponce de Leon Restaurant
was located where First Watch is today. Then a patron
could purchase an 8-course meal for only $0.75.
The Sarasota County Court House was considered one of
the most beautiful public buildings ever constructed in
Florida. It was designed by Dwight James Baum who also
designed Ca’d’Zan for John Ringling. At the end of 1927,
Sarasota became “The Circus City” when the Ringling
Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows moved their
winter quarters here from Bridgeport, Connecticut.
There were many famous individuals who made their
contributions to the development of Sarasota. Some of
the individuals described in the book include Bobby
Jones, John Ringling, Owen Burns, and William and Marie
Selby.
By the end of the Twenties, construction in Sarasota
virtually came to a standstill in the way of new
buildings. Newcomers slowed to a trickle by the end of
the decade, and improvements and maintenance nearly came
to a halt for lack of funding. However, no other era
generated the excitement of the Roaring 20s when all of
Sarasota seemed to come together as a community of
“glorified opportunity”.
I found this book to be enjoyable and crammed with
interesting facts about the history of Sarasota. It
would make a perfect gift or a welcome addition to any
home library.
For information on how to pick up your signed copy of
Jeff LaHurd’s book, please give The Pepper Tree office a
call at: 941-922-2662.
www.peppertreepublishing.com
Book Review
by: Stephen M. Horowitz
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