For seven decades, he has performed in and produced some of the world’s most exciting thrill acts. While he is widely known for the motorcycle incline, the Winn repertoire has included more than a dozen sensational aerial and ground acts, all of . . . — — Map (db m147428) 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
On a thin sliver of wire, 60 feet above the ground he performed more near-suicidal feats than any other wire walker in circus history. With the Ringling Show he danced, skipped rope, and walked where angels fear to tread, flirting with death twice . . . — — Map (db m147685) HM
Along with his brother, Ring of Fame inductee John Ringling North, he was co-owner of the RBBB Show from 1936-1967, overseeing much of the management of the circus, and acted as consultant to the show after its sale to the Felds. He deferred the . . . — — Map (db m147162) HM
Often billed as “The Bouncing Twisting Titans of the Teeterboards”, the Troupe filled audiences around the world. German-born Lisa, (who first performed in 1945 at age 7 in Nuremberg) and Cuban-born Manuel, (who first performed in 1944 at age 13 in . . . — — Map (db m244539) HM
Historic
Palm Tower
From livery stable, fish house and pool hall in the 1800’s to
Sarasota’s First “Skyscraper”
Construction began in 1924, was completed in 1925, expanding upwards from a 2-story boarding . . . — — Map (db m148205) HM
His life-long enthusiasm for the patronage of the circus arts culminated in his founding of the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. Unsurpassed in its grandeur, this annual event has become the world’s largest and most prestigious . . . — — Map (db m147339) HM
Princess Stephanie began producing the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo in 2005, carrying on the legacy of her father Prince Rainier III. The World Circus Federation was founded in 2008 under her patronage to further promote circus arts . . . — — Map (db m244705) HM
His dazzling performance on the tightwire won him center-ring stardom with “The Greatest Show On Earth.” He began his act impersonating a drunken man who, after staggering and stumbling on the wire, accomplished feats which only a . . . — — Map (db m147031) HM
A highly respected showman, circus owner and animal trainer. He took over a struggling Garden Bros. Circus following his father’s death and built it into an entertainment giant and Canada’s foremost major circus that rivaled Ringling Bros. in some . . . — — Map (db m147354) HM
In loving memory of Sue Anna Kauffman, Selby Gardens' first volunteer and original editor of the Selby Gardens Bulletin, we dedicate the 2008 renovation of the Koi Pond in her honor. — — Map (db m240808) HM
(side 1)
5,000 years ago, prehistoric Indians seasonally came to these shore, drawn by freshwater springs, bays teeming with fish and shellfish, and woods rich with game. By 1000 A.D. their middens, ceremonial mounds, and a village plaza . . . — — Map (db m60327) HM
Father and son owners of the Greatest Show On Earth, Irvin Feld and Kenneth Feld rebuilt the circus in America. Irvin acquired a faltering Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in 1967, restored it to glory and secured its status as the longest . . . — — Map (db m147056) HM
Italo Fornasari, one of the circus world’s most esteemed comedic talents, and his family have influenced the art of clowning in virtually every field of entertainment. Benefiting from Italo’s comical antics, the family, including Italo’s wife, . . . — — Map (db m147549) HM
Trapeze artist extraordinaire, French-born Jacqueline is known for her spectacular heel catches and one toe hangs, all without safety devices. Her versatility extended to training and presenting eight species of animals, including her fantastic act . . . — — Map (db m147346) HM
Foremost circus manager of all time began his career as a bill poster. He rose rapidly in the circus world and became the leading challenger to the mighty Barnum. In 1880, Bailey joined Barnum to create “The Greatest Show On Earth”. A . . . — — Map (db m147033) HM
Swinging into the ring, attired in a loincloth, he was “Tarzan Zerbini, Lord of the Jungle” in one of the most innovative and crowed-pleasing wild animal acts of the 20th century. His dedication to the circus led him in 1980 into . . . — — Map (db m147447) HM
Jeanette represents the eighth generation of Germany’s Circus Williams family. She came to America when her mother Carola brought all their animals to RBBB to open their second unit in 1969. She worked an eighteen horse liberty act, and still . . . — — Map (db m243679) 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
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
(side 1)
“The Father of Sarasota,” John Hamilton Gillespie, was born in 1852 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He arrived here in 1886 to assist the failing Florida Mortgage and Investment Company, a development company partially owned . . . — — Map (db m146104) HM
Though British by birth, he lived the American dream of rising from minor performer to become owner of the circus for which he worked. As owner of the mighty Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus, few have done more to preserve the traditions of the . . . — — Map (db m147490) HM
John Ringling North, nephew of the Ringling Brothers was president and producer of the circus for many years. He staged the most lavish spectacles in Ringling history and acquired “Gargantua”, the gorilla, he became the best known . . . — — Map (db m147064) 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
One of the circus world’s foremost entrepreneurs whose remarkable circus career began at age 4 and still flourishes three-quarters of a century later. In those 75 years, he has been a featured swaypole performer and has become a talent agent, . . . — — Map (db m147431) HM
A daring aerialist whose heart stopping performances made her one of the most accomplished highwire artists of the Post-World War II era. She was the first woman to begin and end her act by climbing to, and descending from, the highwire on the . . . — — Map (db m147255) HM
Judah P. Benjamin, later considered "the Brains of the Confederacy," was an American lawyer and statesman. He was born on Saint Croix Island in 1811, grew up in South Carolina, and was educated at Yale College. He practiced law in New Orleans, . . . — — Map (db m65418) HM
Arguably the most famous elephant in history was brought to America from England by none other than famed showman P.T. Barnum in 1882. Cared for by trusted companion and keeper Mathew “Scotty” Scott, Jumbo was an African bush elephant . . . — — Map (db m147302) HM
A circus musician and bandleader, he began a ten-year career as a Windjammer at 18, trouping with and conducting the bands of some of the finest circuses including Barnum & Bailey. A prolific composer of music for the circus, his works capture the . . . — — Map (db m147682) 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
Side 1
After World War II, Sarasota experienced an influx of new residents, creating a housing boom. Martin Paver, retired from his business in New York, was on a pleasure cruise in 1949 when he and his wife Mildred docked in Sarasota to buy . . . — — Map (db m170464) HM
The King Charles Troupe, a group of young men and women originally from the South Bronx, New York, play an unbelievable game of high energy basketball on unicycles. In 1958, Jerry King founded the troupe with the support of his wife, Alma, as a . . . — — Map (db m147085) 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
Of the few women to perform on the bounding rope only Tosca Canestrell ever executed the backward double somersault. Born to a famed circus family, she debuted at nine on Ringling Bros. At 16, she was crowned “Queen Of The Circus” by . . . — — Map (db m147222) 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
On December 23, 1885 a number of Scottish families came ashore on or near this spot to settle land they had purchased for their homes in a new country. They met wilderness and hardship instead of the established town promised them; causing many to . . . — — Map (db m97100) HM
Lido Beach Casino
For nearly thirty years the Lido Beach Casino attracted residents and tourist for pool and gulf swimming, dining, dancing, shopping, and enjoying the beach. Activities such as swim meets, beauty pageants, and school and . . . — — Map (db m146244) HM
Lillian Leitzel a superb aerial artist was known throughout the 1920s as “The Queen Of The Circus”. She was acclaimed not only for her difficult feats performed high in Ringlings Big Top, but also for her dazzling personality. Her . . . — — Map (db m147206) HM
Side 1
In 1915, Bee Ridge, then part of Manatee County, supported a train station, post office, hotel, general store, and school. A second wave of settlers who moved into Bee Ridge desired a church in their community. In January, 1917, the . . . — — Map (db m135978) HM
Renowned as sixth-generation circus artist from Madrid, Spain, the troupe was comprised originally of brothers Angel, Vincente and Roberto, and their sister Mari, all trained by patriarch Vincente Quiros, Sr. Their high-speed dancing on the . . . — — Map (db m147080) 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
Lynching in America. Racial terror lynchings between 1865 and 1950 claimed the lives of at least 6,500 Black people and terrorized millions more. Racial hierarchy persisted after the Civil War and Emancipation, resulting in . . . — — Map (db m246801) HM
No animal trainer has created the same element of suspense as Mabel Stark did when she entered the steel arena, carrying only a small buggy whip and a short stick. The authority of her voice and force of her personality controlled 21 tigers and . . . — — Map (db m147231) HM
Side 1
Mable Ringling Memorial Fountain
Mable Ringling, born Armilda Burton on March 4, 1875, married John Ringling on 1905 and became a Sarasota winter resident in 1911. Mable, an avid gardener, created the formal Ca'd'Zan rose garden. . . . — — Map (db m121011) HM
Protégé of the legendary Clyde Beatty, his 40-year circus career included stints as a wild animal trainer, trainmaster on the Ringling-owned Monte Carlo Circus, tent boss for Circus Vargas, transportation boss for Ringling’s Blue Unit and as a key . . . — — Map (db m147467) 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
Born in Australia May Wirth’s acrobatics on horse-back earned her center ring stardom with Barnum & Bailey. She was the first woman to somersault from one horse to another. From 1919 to 1929 she reigned as Ringling’s "Queen of Equestrian Artists". . . . — — Map (db m147684) HM
In 1973, Sir Frank Taylor of Taylor Woodrow
Construction purchased the Newburn Ranch in
unincorporated Sarasota County. On November 14,
1974, Sarasota County approved the development
plan for The Meadows. The Meadows was one of the
first . . . — — Map (db m305962) HM
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
Merle Evans, the most famous of Bandmasters, cued the acts for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey for 50 years without missing a single performance. As a conductor and composer he became known as “The Toscanini of the Big Top.” . . . — — Map (db m147054) HM
L'Aria della Figlia Muta, known as The Mermaid Fountain, was created by Nancy Goodheart Matthews in 1993. In 1995 the Smithsonian Institution chose to register this artwork as a sculpture in their inventory of American artists in public and private . . . — — Map (db m277827) 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
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
One of the greatest flyers of all time, he astounded the circus world when, in 1981, he accomplished a feat that had eluded every human and which was universally deemed to be impossible. It was the legendary “Quad”, four somersaults in . . . — — Map (db m147351) HM
Support
When our mom deployed
and we lived with our grandparents
we lived in a town that did not have
military parents.
It was hard not having
other military kids around.
Military kids know how it feels
when a parent . . . — — Map (db m242846) WM
Mr. Grover Yancy was the Selby's gardener for more than fifty years, during which time the banyan trees and bayside bamboo were planted. After Mrs. Selby's death in 1971, Mr. Yancy continued his work and became Selby Gardens' first employee. Upon . . . — — Map (db m240836) HM
(side 1)
In 1936, the City of Sarasota acquired approximately 40 acres of land for a bayfront civic center. It was located just south of (now) 10th Street and between (now) North Tamiami Trail and the bay. Mayor E. A. Smith announced . . . — — Map (db m217065) HM
With willing hearts and skillful hands the difficult we do at once the impossible takes a bit longer
Seabees can do
We Build We Fight — — Map (db m240798) WM
Arthur Sara Warren, Six Daughters and one son were outstanding acrobats noted for their “Risley Act” and performed with the major circuses of the time, four members of the family married circus performers whose skills have been passed . . . — — Map (db m147194) HM
Their circus roots date back to 1840 in their native Switzerland where the family owned a circus. They first thrilled American audiences with their daring swaypole routine in 1954. Since then, they have thrilled millions worldwide. Their troupe, . . . — — Map (db m147675) 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
Understanding the importance of early education for the young children of their community, several African-American women organized and founded the Newtown Day Nursery. This grassroots organization, established around 1930, included . . . — — Map (db m146223) HM
Side 1
The Robert L. Taylor Community Complex grew out of the "Colored Service Men's Club" building that had served black soldiers during World War II. Newtown resident John Floyd supervised construction of the wood frame structure. . . . — — Map (db m146086) HM
Walking in his family footsteps, Nik has become one of the most decorated aerialists in history, earning 13 Guinness World Records, an Emmy Award, Cable TV’s Personality of the Year Award, and the highest-rated show in the history of Discovery . . . — — Map (db m243769) HM
Remarkable circus family headed by the renowned Ben, owner of the giant Dailey Bros. Railroad Circus and the largest herd of elephants in the country. Daughter, Norma, was billed at 10 as the world’s youngest elephant trainer. She devoted her life . . . — — Map (db m147614) HM
The Florida Mortgage and Investment Company deeded five acres in 1905 to Trustees John Mays, Willis G.P. Washington, Lewis Colson, Campbell Mitchell and J.P. Carter for a "colored" cemetery. The land was platted in 1910 as Oaklands Cemetery. For . . . — — Map (db m92862) HM
Spent his early years with a troupe of bareback riders. When an accident forced his retirement from the act he became a Tramp Clown whose sad and sassy antics were a hit with circus audiences. His classic routines and gift for pantomime made him . . . — — Map (db m147041) HM
Owen Burns (1869-1937)
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 . . . — — Map (db m277723) HM
With the guiding hand of Pablo Rodriguez, he and his family formed what became one of the most accomplished family aerial acts of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Their aerial bar act and double and triple-wide flying trapeze-wide acts were among the . . . — — Map (db m147375) HM
After her visit to Sarasota in 1910, Mrs. Potter (Bertha) Palmer and family began buying thousands of acres in the region. One large segment extended from their Sarasota-Venice Company's Bee Ridge development south to Laurel. The present 10,000-acre . . . — — Map (db m125021) HM
He was founder of the Big Apple Circus and the guiding genius behind its success during its formative years and beyond. Under his leadership, Big Apple became one of America’s greatest circuses that rivaled in quality older, more traditional . . . — — Map (db m147361) 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
Side 1
Payne Park was host to many of Major League Baseball's most renowned figures from 1924, when the reigning champion New York Giants of the National League opened spring training, until 1988, when the Chicago White Sox of the American . . . — — Map (db m146026) HM
A spectacular aerial performer, he cofounded Circus Sarasota and became the driving force behind its emergence as one of the country’s elite circuses. By presenting top quality performances and conducting a highly regarded community outreach . . . — — Map (db m147501) HM
Following the 2nd World War, Rudolf Mootz, his wife Gerda, his brothers Peter and Wilhelm, along with Beppo Wallenda formed the Wallenda/Mootz Highwire Troupe, performing in Europe. After disbanding that group, Rudolf and Gerda, along with daughter . . . — — Map (db m147163) HM
Peggy Williams performer, director/manager and educator with RBBB for over 48 years, became the role model for all women in the circus industry. She was the first female Clown College graduate, Class of 1970, to appear with the Greatest Show on . . . — — Map (db m243761) HM
(side 1)
Peter Crocker
Peter Crocker was born in Wheeler, Stuben County, New York, on July 16, 1843. When he was 18 years of age he enlisted as a private in the Volunteer Union Army and served two three-year terms. During the Civil . . . — — Map (db m260761) HM
One of the great performers in the history of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. She brought a combination of beauty and an uncanny sense of balance to the Big Top in the 1950s, her specialty was a spectacular routine in which, without a net and . . . — — Map (db m147363) HM
He was the first American showman to gain international fame with Tom Thumb, the world’s smallest man and Jumbo, the world’s largest elephant. With James A. Bailey he launched the Barnum & Bailey Circus whose success was largely due to Barnum’s . . . — — Map (db m147048) HM
The railroad came to Venice in 1911 at the request of Mrs. Potter (Bertha) Palmer. The Seaboard Air Line (SAL) Railway extended its line from Fruitville through Bee Ridge, where the Palmer's Sarasota-Venice Company was developing land, to the . . . — — Map (db m124900) HM
Reggie Armor (1929-2010) was one of the great trapeze flyers of the 1960s and ‘70s. He consistently performed the triple somersault, at a time when very few flyers were mastering the feat. His inspirations were Alfredo Codona and Fay Alexander. . . . — — Map (db m147138) HM
Individual Variation
As you walk through Rosemary Cemetery, examine each of the markers carefully. They offer clues about the former lives of the deceased and the thoughts of those who buried them.
(sidebar)
Rosemary . . . — — Map (db m148071) HM
The Reverend Father George G. Hogan, known affectionately simply as “Father Jerry,” was ordained in 1974 and served in the Archdiocese of Boston. He was assigned to the Circus Ministry by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1990. For nearly . . . — — Map (db m243752) HM
Hungary’s Richter Family and Germany’s Casselly Family represent two multi-generational circus dynasties dating from 1821. Both families embrace the concept of humans and animals or king side by side in the circus arts, for which they have won . . . — — Map (db m244492) HM
Side 1
Riverview High School originally consisted of modern steel and glass structures set among tall native pines in Sarasota's developing suburbs. When the school opened in 1958, it became known internationally for its innovative architecture, . . . — — Map (db m156534) 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
Rosemary Cemetery is burial place for many early Sarasota citizens, civic leaders, and entrepreneurs including Scotsman John Hamilton Gillespie, first mayor and local manager for Florida Mortgage & Investment Co., British land developers of the . . . — — Map (db m148054) HM
A Place for Remembrance
Rosemary Cemetery has been established place within the community since 1886, when it was included in Sarasota’s original town plan. The following year, an English settler named Tom Booth marked the first . . . — — Map (db m148068) HM
Presenting a half-dozen or more crowd-pleasing chimpanzees, they delighted European and U.S. audiences for three decades. After starring on such heralded European circuses as Knie, Krone, Williams, and Bertram Mills, their greatest acclaim came on . . . — — Map (db m147463) HM
Beginning in 1889, circuit-riding Jesuit priests served the pastoral needs of Sarasota's small, but devoted Catholic community. In 1912, after years of meeting in various homes, the congregation built a small wooden mission church at Adelia and . . . — — Map (db m97105) HM
Side 1
Sarasota's population was soaring by the early 1920s, the homes were needed to accommodate those moving into the area. The two parcels of land that would become the nucleus of San Remo Estates were originally purchased by business . . . — — Map (db m146023) HM
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
Citizens from Sarasota and Bradenton began work in 1939 to create a joint airport as two earlier unpaved Sarasota airports became obsolete. With development of the project by the Works progress . . . — — Map (db m146085) HM
(Front)
Sarasota County was formed in 1921, a year that coincided with the developing Florida Land Boom. Community leaders decided to call attention to the advantages of visiting and living in Sarasota by establishing a county fair and . . . — — Map (db m260670) HM
Side 1
On July 1, 1921, Sarasota County came into existence. Interest in breaking away from Manatee County had led to a series of public meetings the previous summer. Lack of good roads, inadequate representation in Tallahassee, and . . . — — Map (db m146106) HM
(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. . . . — — Map (db m217059) HM
Sarasota High School, in its prior location, had become
accredited in 1915, with its first graduating class of four women.
The Class of 1928 began its senior year here in the new, large
high school building. Since then the school has graduated . . . — — Map (db m306925) HM
