Ordinances Give Insight Into 1903 Sarasota

In 1903, there was of yet no Fire Department and fire was a major threat to the community. Anyone convicted of entering with an open or uncovered light, a stable barn or building that stored combustible material could be fined up to $50 or "imprisoned in the common jail or calaboose" up to twenty days. The same consequences faced any merchant who in any manner exposed for sale any "powder, kerosene oil, turpentine or any other combustible or explosive liquid, after early candle light."

The Town Marshall and police officers had the duty to regularly examine the condition of stove-pipes, flues, chimneys, and all lamps (kerosene, candle, gas or other). If such materials were considered to be a fire hazard, the owner was given twelve hours to correct the problem or face a fine of no more than $50 or imprisonment up to thirty days.

The absence of a sewer system and the presence of farm animals in the town back then, necessitated laws that seem unusual today. The Town Marshall was instructed to examine all privies to enforce the requirement that they all be equipped with large zinc buckets or water-tight wooden boxes which must be emptied at least once a week. The contents were to be "removed and buried in a manner and place that will not be injurious to health or offensive to neighbors." Failure to comply could land the offender in jail for thirty days with up to a $50 fine.

It was unlawful to bury a horse, mule, ox, cow or other animal of such size within the town limits without permission from the Mayor. Read more...

(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.

Also, be sure and check out Whit's website at: www.ChickenHillNC.com.

This upcoming Tuesday, in 1917, as Harry Higel and his family watched helplessly from their home on the mainland, the Higel Hurst Hotel on Siesta Key burned to the ground. Tragically, the bridge to the key over which firemen might have reached the structure in time, was completed only one month later.

(photo credit: Sarasota County History Center)

History Locator

This week we are honoring the marker at Herald Square dedicated to a man of major importance to Sarasota's development, Owen Burns. It reads: Owen Burns was one of Sarasota's most distinguished citizens and connected with virtually every early development of the city. He first came to Sarasota on vacation from Chicago in 1910 and decided to make it his home. He purchased more than 75% of the land area of the city, making him the largest landowner.

Burns helped organize the Sarasota Board of Trade in 1911, was instrumental in founding the first locally owned bank, and was a leader in the push to divide Sarasota County from Manatee County in 1921.

His other activities included the effort to have the city's first streets paved and the construction of Sarasota's first seawalls. He oversaw the development of the bayfront subdivisions of Cedar Point and Sunset Park and of Washington Park, just east of this site. His Burns Construction Company built the Ringling causeways connecting Sarasota to St. Armands Key, and Lido Key. At one time, he owned all of Lido Key. He was initially involved with John Ringling in the development of St. Armands and John Ringling Estates. During the 1920s, his construction firm was responsible for the construction of some of Sarasota's most notable buildings, including John and Mable Ringling's home, Ca'd'Zan. Read reverse side...

Where Are We?

This has to be the easiest question we have come up with yet. Are these men going on Safari, where the pith helmet would come in quite handy?

But key chains would not be necessarily needed in the jungle. Hmmm...think about their uniform and then you will know their location. Hint: The structure is being considered for historical status.

Still haven't figured it out? Click here for the answer.

(photo credit: Sarasota County History Center)

The Sarasota County History Museum Now Open

This past Friday evening, March the 20th, the recently renovated History Museum was previewed by many of Sarasota's historical groups and representatives of local government.

The museum, which is located in the former Chidsey Library, now houses many well-appointed vingettes that showcase, Col. John Hamilton Gillespie, Bertha Palmer, and Whitaker family artifacts. There are also many professional displays that dignify our past and encompass pre-historic archeology to the Sarasota School of Architecture.

The museum shares space with the Sarasota County Vistors and Convention Bureau, located at 701 North Tamiami Trail. Museum hours are from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.