Newsletter Archive

What’s in your diaper? Only a doll can answer that question. Another small home makes the ‘Drive by Gem’ cut; Judy Garland needs to see the postcard of the week; the Symphonia was as pretty as it gets; a troop loves his girlie magazine; what fanciful Florida looked like in the 1920s; 'Just Jane;' Tip Riley’s demise; and the ever-challenging 'Where am I quiz.'

Hurricane season is upon us, so have a look at our video about the 1921 hurricane, before storms were named. We also have in store for you our very first ‘editorial’ (a.k.a. a missive on traffic congestion), a souvenir plate, a cool (extant) ‘Drive by Gem,’ a mobile log cabin, our original fair grounds built in one day, The Granada Apartments, the Mira Mar Hotel, John Burket, an ephemera painting by Richard Capes, the first Ringling Causeway Bridge, and ‘Just Jane.’ Wow, that was a mouthful.

Stories galore are in store this week for your reading pleasure. Let’s not forget the Sarasota Army Air Base drag show, a backyard jungle, the Florida Theater, a small but tasteful “Drive by Gem,” a fantasy about returning to the beginning of the 20th century, a poignant letter-to-the-editor, the Dutch Pantry (and subsequent gay bar), “Just Jane,” and the ever-quizzical “Who am I?” quiz. That should be enough to pique your interest, right?

Are you happy with the decision about affordable housing near downtown? What about a bright canary-yellow home with faux gables? Can you identify a 1937 mystery home or apartment on Siesta Key (sure would like to know if it still exists)? Can you imagine a little girl wearing button-up shoes? Three kids ‘steppin’ out’ or just going to church is the question. A nationally publicized murder right here in Sara Sota, and the Twin Hemispheres circus wagon are part of the newsletter, too. Of course, there is Just Jane, the perplexing “Who am I?” and last but not least a golden girl dressed in a grass skirt, leis, and a straw hat on Hillview Street. What could be more intriguing than that?

This tiny charmer is ‘East of the Trail’ and it looks to be a one bedroom, one bath. This is delightful to see in a neighborhood that has much larger homes.

Okay, folks – I know I don’t normally include historically designated homes in my 'Drive By Gem' category, but it’s Spring and who knows what might happen? Anyhow, I could not resist this lovely pathway to the side yard of this spectacular home on St. Armand’s Key. It looks so inviting and creates suspense, which is an important element in any landscaping plan. I’d love to see their backyard which is on the water.

I normally present you a home or building that is at least 50 years-old, and characterized by true vintage charm. Today, I am veering away from that premise and showing you the result of tearing down a lovely heritage home, West of the Trail, and what replaced it.

Gotta love all those casement windows! I grew up in a house that had them, and though they were always a chore to deal with, I still liked the way they looked. This well-kept home is in the Cherokee Park neighborhood – do take a Sunday drive there; you won’t be disappointed.