Land Boom Launched Yellow Cab

From 1923 to 1926 Sarasota experienced the hoopla and hype of the Florida Land Boom. Voluminous real estate sales resulted from the excited hope of novice and professional investors that an investment in land would soon turn a large profit. A single piece of property could change hands several times in a week, each time at a higher price, each buyer planning to sell before the full price had to be paid.

Sarasota's rapidly growing year-round and tourist population promoted the growth of new businesses. The Yellow Cab Company was one of these. Established by Vincent J. Lowe, it was one of three taxi services listed in the 1924 telephone directory. In spite of the admonition from the telephone company that "Telephone numbers should not be published...in advertising, on wagons..." Lowe boldly printed his easy-to-remember number on the front of his cab.

During the 1920s, taxi services centered on Main Street between Five Points and Palm Avenue. Lowe kept his cab on Pineapple just north of the intersection and Edgar C. Maus kept his to the south. Earl Taylor and George Warfield located their taxi stands at the Palm Avenue intersection.

With the collapse of the Boom the demand for taxi services appears to have diminished, and a trend that continued well after World War II. That trend was to associate the taxi service with another business. Only two companies were listed in the 1927-28 City Directory and Yellow Cab had become Yellow Cab and Baggage Company. It was not far from Union Bus Station, on Central north of Five Points. By the mid-1930s, Yellow Cab taxis operated out of the bus station and both functions were operated by Ernest "Red" Lord.

(photo credit: Sarasota County History Center)

Yesterday's Sarasota Calendar

Every day of the year we highlight what took place in Sarasota's history, thanks to Whit Rylee and Tom Payne's extensive research and sense of humor. Frequently check our website's homepage to find out what occured today.

(By the way, Whit asked if we'd share with you what he's up to now in North Carolina. We're happy to oblige; check out his website: www.ChickenHillNC.com)

For example, this coming Tuesday in 1910, Dr. Joseph (Doc Joe) Halton moved into his concrete mansion, built by E.C Maus. Dr. Halton was one of the pioneer physicians in Sarasota. His home, on the northeast corner of Cocoanut Avenue and Fruitville Road still stands today.

(photo credit: Sarasota County History Center)

History Locator

You know how it is when you are driving 40 mph and spot one of those green historical markers - you can't read them, and there is no parking to boot! Now, Sarasota History Alive! is going to spotlight them for you in our weekly e-Newsletters so you will finally know what they say.

This week we are honoring the Edson Keith Estate located on the Phillippi Creek and U.s. 41. This is a beautiful county park that should be a must to visit for residents and visitors. The text of the marker follows:

The Edson Keith estate on the south bank of Phillippi Creek, typical of the grand estate houses erected by the extensive Chicago coterie of friends in Sarasota, reflects much of Sarasota's most venerable history. The estate lies near the "rancho", or seasonal fishing camp, on the creek named for Felipe Bermudez. This ranch was first recorded by government survey in 1847. The Sarasota area was dotted with such Spanish camps, supplying fish to Cuba and the West Indies in the early 1800s during Spain's rule.

Part of public lands ceded to the state by the federal government upon admission to the Union, the Philippi parcel was a tiny portion of the 4,000,000 acres purchased by Hamilton Disston of Philadelphia in 1881 for $1,000,000. This purchase helped rescue Florida from bankruptcy after the Civil War.

In 1883, farmer and bee-keeper W.J. Drumwright purchased 40 acres of the parcel from Disston for $50, selling that and additional land in 1910 to George H. and C. Woodburn Matheny, who subdivided it as "Phillippi Park." In 1911, Chicago socialite Mabel Linn purchased the estate property from the Mathenys and began development of a homesite. Read reverse side...

Where Am I?

I am not in an obvious place on the building I am attached to, however you can see me from the street as you pass by in your car.

I stand over boys and girls and watch out for them, or at least I did in earlier days. My structure was built in the Boom Times, and has lasted through thick and thin; I'd say I'm even hurrincane proof, since my walls are so thick.

Furthermore, I have a twin located in Sarasota, too. Need help? Click here to find out my location.