North Trail in Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Sarasota Garden Club

Photographed by Dave W, February 25, 2023

1. Sarasota Garden Club Marker, Side One

Inscription.
(side 1)
The first garden club. known as the Founder's Circle, was organized on May 6, 1927, with Mrs. Mable Ringling as its first president. 1931 marked the circle's first flower show, which was held at the home of Mrs. Ellen Caples. Future shows grew in size and were held at a variety of sites including the Mira Mar Auditorium and the Municipal Auditorium. More circles followed and on November 14, 1933. the Federated Circles of the Garden Club of Sarasota was formed. In 1934, the Federation was instrumental in the development of Luke Wood Park. Architect Thomas Reed Martin drew the plans for the park, which included the Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain. Four concrete benches and a pair of marble lions flanked the fountain. Flowering hibiscus and bougainvillea surrounded it. Since its inception, the Sarasota Garden Club has been actively involved in civic beautification. One focus was curbing the placement and number of billboards in the city. Other projects included landscaping different areas of the city, providing flowers for the Chamber of Commerce, and supplying flowers to conventions. Local merchants were encouraged

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to beautify their stores and businesses. (Continued on other side) (side 2) (Continued from other side) Education of the public of all ages has always been an important Garden Club goal. Early in its history it organized the Junior Garden Club. In 1933, 300 children were enrolled in the program. The first Garden School was held in 1941. Since then, the Garden Club has offered not only classes available to the public, but also a variety of programs. During World War II, many activities focused on the war effort. Members knitted, rolled bandages, and made items from Red Cross materials. For over 30 years the Sarasota Garden Club did not have a permanent home. In 1955, the City of Sarasota approved plans for the Garden Club to build on city-owned property. Local architect John Crowell, of the Sarasota School of Architecture, was selected for the project. building. The building, set in a garden between Sarasota Bay and the Tamiami Trail was dedicated on March 31. 1960. In 1961. Bert Brosmith designed a Japanese garden house to complement the neighboring Blue Pagoda building. The garden house was a gift from Marie Selby. In 2009, the

Sarasota Garden Club Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, February 25, 2023

2. Sarasota Garden Club Marker, Side Two

Garden Club building was placed on the City of Sarasota's Register of Historic Places. A Japanese Lantern, a gift from Ellen and Ralph Caples in 1939, was restored by Sean Colson in 2014.

Erected by Sarasota County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is May 6, 1927.

Location. 27° 20.488′ N, 82° 32.85′ W. Marker is in Sarasota, Florida, in Sarasota County. It is in North Trail. It is on Boulevard of the Arts west of North Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1131 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota FL 34236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian

Sarasota Garden Club Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, February 25, 2023

3. Sarasota Garden Club Marker

Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Municipal Auditorium Recreation Center and Hazzard Fountain (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Black Community (approx. 0.3 miles away); A Resting Place of Pioneer Families and Hidden Histories (approx. 0.3 miles away); Rosemary Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Rosemary Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Edwards Theatre 1926 (approx. 0.4 miles away); John D. MacDonald 1916-1986/John D. and the Friday Liars (approx. 0.4 miles away); City of Sarasota (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sarasota.

Other markers no longer nearby. Judah Philip Benjamin (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Judah P. Benjamin Monument (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Sarasota Garden Club. (Submitted on February 26, 2023.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 356 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 26, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.