The Municipal Auditorium was the result of the combined efforts of civic leaders, civic organizations, and the City of Sarasota. A group of prominent Sarasota businessmen contributed $10,000 for the project.
It was a major event for Sarasota in the 1930s. The dedication of Sarasota's new post office (The Federal Building) on South Osprey Avenue rated the lead story of the Sarasota Herald on February 15, 1935.
By 1933, Southside and the rest of the city's schools were closed for lack of money. Only those students who could afford tuition were allowed to return. Enterprising students developed money-making schemes. Coat hangers and cola bottles were collected, and odd jobs were sought.
On May 12, 1941, the cornerstone was laid for Sarasota's first public library building. It was the second major structure to be built in the WPA developed Bayfront Park between what are now Sixth and 10th streets, west of North Tamiami Trail.
MURDER MOST FOUL!! This week, our host, Lee visits the Bidwell-Wood House - where the plot to murder Sarasota's first postmaster was hatched.
Established in 1899 the Sarasota Times was the only Paper at the turn of the century in Sarasota. It moved from its original location on 241 Main St. to 1216 1st Street in 1926.