During the war years of the 1940s, the Army Air Corps had bombing targets set up near here and pilots in training from many bases in Florida took turns shooting at targets set up near the beach. Later on, they tried skip bombing techniques and . . . — — Map (db m79431) HM
Sarasota County purchased this ten-acre property in 1964. Although the park name is Indian Mound, the actual archaeological site is named Paulson Point Midden. We invite you to explore the park and learn about the people who once called this . . . — — Map (db m264764) HM
During the heyday of land speculation in the 1920s, a development of slightly less than 100 acres was planned west of (now) Old Englewood Road at N. Indiana Ave. Designed as a mecca for vacationing stars and the wealthy, it was to be called Hygeia. . . . — — Map (db m290368) HM
This marks the location of the Post Office established July 3, 1888 to serve the pioneer community of Horse and Chaise, begun in 1868 by Jesse and Caroline Varn Knight on high ground east of Dona Bay near Shake It Creek. The Post Office was named . . . — — Map (db m146019) HM
Prehistoric Man Lived Here
More than 10,000 years ago prehistoric man, sabre-tooth cats, giant sloths, mammoths and mastodons lived in this area of Florida which eons later became a part of Sarasota County. Warm Mineral Springs, here, and . . . — — Map (db m128664) HM
Dr. C.B. Wilson was one of the first doctors to establish residence and practice medicine in Sarasota. His practice was established in 1906 and he served the community as a doctor until his death in 1941. The late 1800s and early 1900s saw great . . . — — Map (db m218558) HM
The first church in Sarasota County was organized by John Hendry July 6, 1875. Charter members of the Friendship Baptist Church were E.R. and Emiline Foster, Rebecca Lowe, Mrs. L.F. Rawls, Martha Reaves, I.A. and Eleanor Redd, John Tatum, Serene . . . — — Map (db m128653) HM
Decades after conception, St. Armands Circle has fulfilled John Ringling's dream of a premier shopping district. Conceived during Florida's real estate boom, St. Armands was part of the John Ringling Estates Development and the jewel of Ringling . . . — — Map (db m97109) HM
Honoring outstanding circus performers, owners and animal trainers
Founded in 1986 by
Larry Marthaler
Executive Director Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau 1982-1998
Wagon wheel symbol designed by
Artist Frank Hopper with research . . . — — Map (db m147025) HM
Just east of this marker was the Winter Quarters of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus, a favorite winter attraction for tourists. Occupying what was previously the County Fair Grounds, the show spread over many acres with its "Big Top", . . . — — Map (db m101388) HM
Side 1 Beneath the ground where you stand lie the remains of a large Native
American village that once extended along these shores.
The people
were drawn here by elevated land, freshwater springs, a bay teeming
with fish and shellfish and . . . — — Map (db m305573) HM
John D. MacDonald
1916-1986
During his years in Sarasota, John D. MacDonald became one of America's great writers. He published sixty-seven novels, five nonfiction works, more than five hundred short stories, and received numerous . . . — — Map (db m97322) HM
New Edzell Castle: 1914-1959
The first mansion built on Bird Key was New Edzell Castle, named for Davidella "Davie" Lindsay Worcester's ancestral home in Scotland. Coming to Sarasota for health reasons in 1905, Davie saw Bird Key while boating . . . — — Map (db m156532) HM
(side 1)
Dearborn Street began as a path and oxen trail worn by the William and Mary Goff family that moved to Lemon Bay in 1878. When Herbert, Howard, and Ira Nichols platted Englewood in 1896, they used the trail as the southern boundary . . . — — Map (db m290046) HM
The Osprey School served the Osprey and Vamo communities from 1927 through June 1976. It was one of four boom-time schools which were designed by Tampa architect M. Leo Elliot and built along the Tamiami Trail between 1926 and 1928.
The land . . . — — Map (db m38423) HM
La Norma, a talented and daring aerialist on the high trapeze was a center-ring star with the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey and other leading circuses. Her act included a variety of risky stunts performed 60 feet aloft with no safety net below. . . . — — Map (db m147216) HM
Side 1
The Manasota Land and Timber Company purchased over 80,000 acres of land and the Gulf Coast Railway Company from Southern Investment Company of Baltimore, Maryland, in 1917. This land was south of the Palmer properties in Venice and . . . — — Map (db m156530) HM
(Side 1)
The St. Armands Residents Association expresses its appreciation to the following individuals and organizations for their generous contributions as Founding Supporters of "Save Our Statues”. This project was undertaken during . . . — — Map (db m218548) HM
History of Nokomis
The early community between Dona Bay and Roberts Bay was part of a larger community known as Horse and Chaise. The name came from clumps of trees that reminded sailors of a horse and chaise (two-wheeled horse-drawn wagon). . . . — — Map (db m124898) HM
Since the late 1800's the deceased loved ones of Englewood's pioneer settlers have been laid to rest on this high sandy ridge. The land for the cemetery was deeded to the citizens of the Lemon Bay area, by means of trustees, by John H. and Florence . . . — — Map (db m15669) HM
The naval stores industry provided employment for workers leaving the plantation system following the Civil War. Some laborers were leased by private companies from state or county prisons. This leasing system brought about conditions of peonage to . . . — — Map (db m11815) HM
The Miakka School House was built in 1914 by J.B. Rogers for $1,390. It was the first school in Manatee County to be built using school bonds authorized by the Legislature of 1913. This area was part of Manatee County until 1921.
The two . . . — — Map (db m97078) HM
Side 1
Knight Memorial
The original settlers of the area were Jesse and Rebecca Knight who came to the Venice area in 1868 with their children and 300 head of cattle. The Knight family settled south of Shakett Creek and north of . . . — — Map (db m146124) HM
The waters of this unusual archeological and paleontological site have yielded preserved human skeletal remains and artifacts dating from 10,000 to 3000 B.C. Animal fossils have also been recovered. Including species of extinct tortoise, sloth, . . . — — Map (db m128665) HM
In 1923 circus magnate John N. Ringling (1866-1936) purchased St. Armands Key, an uninhabited, 150-acre, oval shaped island. He planned a community of fine residences with a central circle park surrounded by shops. The park was named in memory of . . . — — Map (db m32407) HM
Side 1
One half mile south of this marker once stood a log structure where church services were held by circuit riding preachers. During the week the building was used as a school. William Rawls and A.M. “Gus” Wilson each donated land for what . . . — — Map (db m146194) HM
Artifacts recovered from the World Trade Center after September 11, 2001 courtesy of the Port Authority of NY & NJ and displayed in memory of the 2,752 victims, including:
343 NYC Firefighters
37 Port Authority Police Officers
23 New . . . — — Map (db m217070) WM
In honor of Reverend Hamel's service to his country during World War II, for his 36 years of outstanding community service, and having served as Chaplain to the Fire and Police Departments. Dedicated this 11th day of November 1996. Mayor Mollie . . . — — Map (db m218546) WM
The fragile lands surrounding this pass were settled thousands of years ago by prehistoric Indians. Over time, storms and currents changed the land, and the original Floridians' villages were lost. The 1851 U.S. Coast and Geodetic chart labelled . . . — — Map (db m32732) HM
(Side 1)
In 1925, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE), a labor union based in Cleveland, Ohio, purchased land to create the city of Venice. The BLE hired city planner John Nolen to complete the city design which he had already . . . — — Map (db m145507) HM
The first recorded flight into Venice brought a crate of fresh strawberries for the Hotel Venice. Pioneer pilot Capt. George Haldeman landed his plane on Nassau Street to make his delivery on January 13, 1927, not until the mid-1930s was a . . . — — Map (db m73678) HM
During Florida's Boom Period, 1922-1928, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) purchased 30,000 acres in Venice, believing it was a sound investment where "rail, trail, and water meet." They hired renowned city planner John Nolen to . . . — — Map (db m88716) HM
John Nolen, world-renowned city planner from Philadelphia, created the overall design for the City of Venice. Venezia Park Subdivision helped illustrate Nolen's concept for a model city.
Dr. Fred Albee, early developer, commissioned Nolen's . . . — — Map (db m32558) HM
Originally known as "Horse and Chaise", early settlers renamed this area Venice in 1888 in recognition of the many natural waterways which abound here. As a city, Venice became a realty when the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (B. of L.E.) . . . — — Map (db m20405) HM
John Nolen, world renowned city planner, designed the City of Venice so residents could work and relax in harmony with nature and with each other. A central business area, outlying farms, open green spaces, and a wide variety of housing choices . . . — — Map (db m32702) HM
Manatee photo-identification is a research technique that uses the unique pattern of scars and mutilations on a manatee’s trunk and tail fluke to identify an individual animal over time.
In Florida, the scars are primarily a result of . . . — — Map (db m106500) HM
No one in the past half century has been a champion of downtown Sarasota and contributed more to its successful revitalization and redevelopment than Paul N. Thorpe Jr., thereby earning him the nickname of “Mr. Downtown.” Born and . . . — — Map (db m153369) HM
The village of Sarasota's earliest church was chartered in 1891 as the Sarasota Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Manatee Village circuit rider Rev. E. F. Gates brought recently ordained Rev. William B. Tresca to be founding minister. 'Will' had . . . — — Map (db m97111) HM
John Ringling (1866-1936) foresaw a people-friendly place of broad boulevards, beautiful homes, classical statues, lush landscaping, elegant shops and restaurants, and a central park for musical performances. His travels to the Renaissance cities . . . — — Map (db m218547) HM
Loring Lovell exemplified a dedication to the preservation of Florida's water resources, environment, and rich cultural heritage. In recognition of his wisdom, foresight and efforts to provide potable water for Sarasota County residents, the Loring . . . — — Map (db m4882) HM
Born in Michigan in 1913, artist Robert Sailors purchased this property in 1974 for his home and studio. A renowned master weaver, Sailors founded a textile company in 1949 which gained national recognition. His works are held in respected . . . — — Map (db m303760) HM
As graduate and teacher of its famed Clown College, Chucko was named “The youngest boss clown in history” by RBBB, touring North America and Japan. After appearing for ten years in various capacities in Japan, he returned to Sarasota to become . . . — — Map (db m147114) HM
She had a distinguished performing career aloft on the ground. Starred as the top mounter on both the Wallenda’s original seven-person pyramid on the highwire and on the Zoppe bareback riding act on which she appeared in the film, “The . . . — — Map (db m147546) HM
Prior to arriving in the United States, The Rodos Tumbling Troupe, headed by Bruno Rode and Eva Kuhn, traveled all over Europe and South Africa. In 1960 they arrived in the U.S. they traveled North America with the Hamid Morton Circus, Ringling . . . — — Map (db m244535) HM
Known as "The High Priestess Of Rhythm Aloft," it was with the physically demanding one-arm swing that she gained her fame. An established star in Europe, she came to the attention of U.S. audiences at San Francisco’s 1939 World’s Fair and made . . . — — Map (db m147245) HM
Dedicated To You, A Free Citizen In A Free Land
This reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of
Arizona
by direction of
The Honorable John W. Snyder
Secretary of the Treasury
As the inspirational . . . — — Map (db m27632) HM
This building was constructed by Marie and William G Selby in 1921 and became their principal residence in the Sarasota area. In her will, Mrs Selby, a woman of vision and generosity with concern for the land, bequeathed her home and its waterfront . . . — — Map (db m241117) HM
Burials from 1788. Located on trail of Burgoyne’s 1777 march to Sarasota. Rev War & other veterans. U.S. Representative Henry Martindale buried here. — — Map (db m248957) HM
His love of the circus came from his parents, both of whom were circus people. He began his career selling peanuts, popcorn and cotton candy under the big top and rose to become one of the youngest showmen ever to own a large show, Allan C. . . . — — Map (db m147040) HM
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, the live entertainment circus spectacular, was brought to the big screen by movie director Cecil B. DeMille in “The Greatest Show on Earth.” The winner of the 1952 Academy Award for Best Picture, the . . . — — Map (db m147378) HM
When he was ten, Ken was sure his life would be in the circus. A unique style of traditional white face clowning was the primary focus of his performing years. Starting with the Cristiani Bros., and also Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey . . . — — Map (db m147262) HM
Was hailed as the “Greatest Equestrian Act Ever Presented In The Ringling Circus.” Their most spectacular stunt came when the troupe mounted five horses to form a galloping pyramid of five sisters and two brothers. Although all were . . . — — Map (db m147043) HM
As the 1941 National YMCA Roman Kings Champion, Willie Edelston realized his love for performing. Following his service in the Army Air Corps he decided to follow his heart and in 1948 became a trapeze artist with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey . . . — — Map (db m244490) HM
South Creek Trestle
In early 1900 Seaboard Air Line Railroad (SAL) controlled 2,600 miles of track stretching from Virginia to Florida. In 1911 SAL constructed a 16.5-mile extension from Sarasota (Fruitville Junction) to Venice. The bridge . . . — — Map (db m125012) HM
The profound joy portrayed in this sculpture was prompted by the spontaneous surrender of the Japanese, thus ending World War II on August 14, 1945. Among the celebrants in Times Square in New York City were a United States sailor and a nurse . . . — — Map (db m218403) HM WM
Lt. Gen., U.S. Air Force. Led first U.S. bombing raids on Germany, 1943. Inspired Twelve O'Clock High, novel & film. Boyhood home 1/10 mi. S. — — Map (db m221774) HM
Coleccion de Orquideas
Fritz Hamer
Zona dedicada al Sr. Fritz Hamer
como un reconocimiento a su
investigación sobre las orquideas
en El Salvador. Nacio en Hamburgo
Alemania el 22 de noviembre de 1912
y murió el 13 de . . . — — Map (db m88385) HM
In 1921, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL) decided to relocate its depot in Riverland to Richloam. Soon after, in 1922, Postmaster Lucius Sidney "Sid” Brinson moved the Riverland Post Office to the growing community of Richloam and . . . — — Map (db m119132) HM
Bertha Palmer, born in Louisville, Kentucky, was a world-renowned socialite, art patron, successful businesswoman, early feminist, and philanthropist. She played a pivotal role in the creation of the City of Temple Terrace. In 1902, after the death . . . — — Map (db m101008) HM
There was a large dock at the end of Broadway for steamships like the Mistletoe which landed tourists and fishing parties from Tampa, then taking on vegetables at Corey's Landing further south, en route to Sarasota.
The dock was enclosed and . . . — — Map (db m290634) HM
Byron Corey was one of the first homesteaders to be awarded land by the U.S. Government on Longboat Key. He was given 154 acres of land on Sarasota Bay in 1895. Until 1921, he had some of the finest tomatoes, guavas, limes and other produce for . . . — — Map (db m79430) HM
The original Johnson Chapel building, located on Church Street in Laurel, was moved in 1947 from the Missionary Baptist Church in Osprey to become the sanctuary for the Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Laurel. Naming the church for their . . . — — Map (db m124875) HM
This house is the oldest home located in Southwest Sarasota County. Built in 1896 for Joseph H. Lord, the home was in the center of his ninety acre citrus grove, located at what is now Bay Shore Estates.
In 1905 it became the residence of his . . . — — Map (db m43542) HM
Rising nearly ten stories above the park, Columbia Carousel stands as one of the world's most iconic and celebrated carousels — a stunning tribute to American craftsmanship and design.
Across its two grand turntables, 106 meticulously recreated . . . — — Map (db m303490) HM
Near this site the Lindemann Brothers Circus gave its first performance in 1918. Well established by 1925, the Lindemanns adopted the name Seils-Sterling and their circus became one of the country's greatest motorized shows. In 1937 its 29-week . . . — — Map (db m109262) HM
Columbia is the world's grandest carousel. Standing as high as a ten-story building, every inch of this monumental carousel honors American craftsmanship. None so large or so elegant has ever been built.
On Columbia's two turntables, 106 . . . — — Map (db m231644) HM
Built around 1915, this house is most remembered for the McLeod family who lived here from 1941 to 1998. Oscar Penn McLeod was born to a pioneer family near Perry, Florida. He was awarded a teaching certificate in 1918 and married Mayo Artie . . . — — Map (db m117128) HM
Two hundred feet east of this highway is the tomb of
Mary Wyatt Whitaker
Born at Tallahassee, Florida, April 11, 1831; daughter of William Wyatt, member of the convention which gave to the state of Florida its first constitution; mother of . . . — — Map (db m97090) HM
Selby Gardens is the legacy of Sarasota resident Marie Selby, who left her home and property to the local community with the aim of forming a botanical garden "for the enjoyment of the general public." Since its establishment in 1973, Selby . . . — — Map (db m240801) HM
A product of Fresno State, he was drafted by the Royals in 1978. Johnson logged time in the Expos, White Sox and Tigers systems before hanging up his spikes with 22 big league games under his belt in 1985. He returned to the Kansas City organization . . . — — Map (db m279563) HM
(side 1)
Former Town of Fogartyville
This marker stands on the eastern boundary of Fogartyville, a town founded on land acquired under the Homestead Act after the War Between the States by Fogarty bros., Capt. Bartholomew (Tole), . . . — — Map (db m100901) HM
Marker Front:
In 1868, firearms manufacturer James Warner moved his family from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Manatee County, where he hoped to regain his health. He built a home on the shore of the Manatee River about half a mile east . . . — — Map (db m72427) HM
Curry Family
Roberts Bay was named for Robert Roberts, who arrived in the area in 1871 and acquired property at the mouth of the bay. His land extended southward along the coast to the southern limits of the present City of Venice. Curry . . . — — Map (db m124899) HM
It’s May 30, 1539…
Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto has arrived here in La Florida, Land of Flowers, and stepped ashore –
My men can now offload our nine ships. We have sailed with 500 tons of materials needed for our . . . — — Map (db m126569) HM
Front
North Florida’s urban clubs and rural roadhouses, including clubs that have operated at this historic Bradfordville location, have played an important role in the history of the Gulf Coast “chitlin circuit” for touring . . . — — Map (db m79458) HM
(side 1)
Edmund Lee Family Graveyard and the Lonesome Grave
According to local history, members of the Lee family are buried here. Rev. Edmund Lee, a Presbyterian Minister, his wife Electa, and their daughter Sarah, came to the . . . — — Map (db m112518) HM
Battles were not fought around the Manatee settlement, but the Civil War brought stress and stain none-the-less. Men went away to war. Union blockades meant that women and children only had flour occasionally – when it was smuggled in – and . . . — — Map (db m218513) HM
(Side 1)
Origin of the name CORTEZ cannot be proved but is thought to have begun with the inhabitants of a Spanish fishing "rancho" in this vicinity. The area was known as "Hunter's Point" to local residents until the 1880's. This is borne . . . — — Map (db m102971) HM
This bell was salvaged from a logging train used in Woodmere, a sawmill town south of Venice, on what is now Rt. 776. The abundant stand of pine trees in that area was dying from having been "bled" of their resin to make turpentine, a much valued . . . — — Map (db m47592) HM
This Shingle Style house was built 1890 for $8,500 by Constable Bros. for Frank Connell (1855-1917) and wife Electra Orton Connell (1854-1943) on property purchased 1889 from David & Susan Burger. An Ohio native. Frank Connell . . . — — Map (db m307175) HM
Side 1
The Tresca home was established in 1946 at this location by Major Wm. Warren and Annie H. Tresca. They met in Oklahoma where Warren was recovering from serious injuries suffered while serving in France during WWII and Annie was serving in . . . — — Map (db m200403) HM
Dora Foster famously known all over the world as the “Baroness of Balance” who with her unique sword balancing act on a high swaying ladder amazed circus and variety audiences across all continents. Also known as one of The Famous . . . — — Map (db m147161) HM
Trained from age 13 at Karl Hagenbeck’s renowned Stellingen Zoo, Albert Rix became one of the World’s foremost authorities on the breeding, care and training of bears. He was featured for many years on Ringling Bros., beginning in 1950 when he . . . — — Map (db m147051) HM
Famed as the performer for whose services John Ringling North traded an elephant, he is the fabled patriarch of a family whose circus roots go back 160 years in Italy. His classic bareback equestrian act was featured in C.B. DeMille’s “The . . . — — Map (db m147566) HM
Marco and Paolo Lorador, amazing hand-to-hand balancers, are part of a multi-generational circus family from Portugal. As teenagers in 1979, they appeared in the Cirque De Demain Festival in Paris winning the gold medal, and in 1990 won the Silver . . . — — Map (db m243675) HM
Allen Bloom worked with Irvin Feld beginning in the 1950’s as his partner. During the birth of Rock and Roll prior to Feld’s ownership of Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, he was Vice President from 1967-95 responsible for marketing and . . . — — Map (db m147143) HM
Known as the “Queen of the Flying Trapeze,” she was the second woman to perform the difficult triple somersault. For many years she was the star female aerialist with the “Flying Concellos” who were considered to be one of . . . — — Map (db m147230) HM
Among modern-day circus clowns, he ranks in the very top echelon. As “Grandma,” an impish, red-attired solo clown, he has bestowed his feel-good merriment on 25 years of Big Apple Circus audiences and elevated physical comedy to a new . . . — — Map (db m147421) HM
Seventh generation member of one of the circus world’s royal families, his upswept red hair and daredevil aerial high jinks set him apart as one of the preeminent clowns in recent history. His mastery of such apparatus as the swaypole, highwire, . . . — — Map (db m147510) HM
As a rider and trainer of high school horses, he had no peer. A former Dutch Cavalryman, he came to the U.S. in 1936 to join Ringling Bros. where, his steed, Starless Night, he set new standards for presentation of the classic Spanish riding . . . — — Map (db m147047) HM
The only daughter of Helen and Karl Wallenda, she began performing at four years of age, and continued to eventually become the oldest performing daredevil in history. Carla thrilled audiences around the world throughout her 78-year career. She . . . — — Map (db m244507) HM
Catherine is a seventh-generation performer having started with her family at age five as a ballerina on horseback, under the watchful eye of her parents George and Vicky Hanneford, she not only trained elephants and horses in her teens, but also . . . — — Map (db m244637) HM
Creator of the world-renowned Universoul Circus, Cedric Walker is a preeminent pioneering force in urban influenced circus arts, theater and new generation, cutting edge productions. His skill, insight, diversity and veracity have earned him his . . . — — Map (db m147136) HM
Legendary highwire walkers who escaped war-ravaged Czechoslovakia during World War II and became some of the most innovative, daring and influential performers of the post-World War II period. Known for their imaginative, original routines they . . . — — Map (db m147372) HM
Few in American circus history have led as many circus bands in as many performances. Born into a musical family with ties to the circus, it came as no surprise in 1958 when he and his trumpet joined the Cristiani Bros. Circus Band. Three years . . . — — Map (db m147446) HM
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