Ramon Sr., Irene Gonzalez Espana, Ramon “Monchis” Espana Jr., Gladis Espana Anastasini, Carolina Espana Nock, Irene Espana, Noe Espana and Ivan Espana. Innovated by Ramon Espana Jr., The Flying Espanas debuted their legacy in1975 with . . . — — Map (db m147137) HM
For over 40 years they thrilled audiences with their sensational performances on the flying trapeze. Originating the act in Mexico in 1940, brothers Jose, Lalo and Raul and sister Irma burst on the American scene with Ringling Bros. in 1952. For . . . — — Map (db m147053) HM
Famous as Risley Performers, this family dates their act to Germany in the 1930s. Following dates with the Bertram Mills at the Olympia in London 1950-51, they came to RBBB, being featured in the movie The Greatest Show On Earth. From ’57 . . . — — Map (db m147111) HM
In the history of equestrian performing arts, the bareback riding Hannefords have long been pre-eminent. They began performing some 300 years ago in their native Ireland. Succeeding generations of the family have carried on the Hanneford . . . — — Map (db m147079) 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
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
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
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
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
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
During the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s this English family’s highly charged dog act became one of the most popular attractions ever to command center ring on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. In addition to Lucy, the family’s matriarch, the act . . . — — Map (db m147502) HM
High energy bicycling French family, they were the first European act brought to the U.S. by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey after World War II. The fast pace of their act, their acrobatic tricks, flashy costumes and comedy antics of Mauris . . . — — Map (db m147362) HM
Having assumed ownership in 1975 of the then 87-year-old Circo Atayde Hermanos, Andres, Alberto and Alfredo have perpetuated the legacy of this cherished Mexican institution while diligently maintaining its standing as one of the preeminent . . . — — Map (db m147448) HM
Tourism has long been important to Sarasota's history and economy. Winter visitors began coming to the area in the 1880s with some staying in Sarasota's first hotel, The DeSoto Hotel, which was completed in 1887. Tourism increased in the 1920s as . . . — — Map (db m217051) HM
The Wallenda Troupe headed by the great Karl Wallenda, presented the most thrilling of all highwire acts – a human pyramid of seven performers balanced on a slender cable 40 feet in the air. This and other spectacular feats by the troupe have . . . — — Map (db m147068) HM
The Wallenda circus troupe originated in Germany, where its members developed a daring highwire act. Early in their careers they achieved some fame touring with different circuses in Europe, but Karl Wallenda became convinced that circus . . . — — Map (db m92848) HM
Few if any have ever matched the equilibristic talents of John and Walter Yong. In their most astounding feat, John performed a free handstand, balancing only on his head, unaided by his hands, while Walter simultaneously executed his own free . . . — — Map (db m147074) HM
The 7 Zacchini Brothers perfected the single and double human cannon ball act which made its debut with the Ringling Circus in 1929. This spectacular act set a record when the Zacchini Cannon propelled a human bullet through the air at a height of . . . — — Map (db m147664) HM
In memory of all veterans of the Third Infantry Division. Dedicated by Outpost 2 Society of the Third Infantry Division United States Army — — Map (db m241683) WM
Tim Holst joined the Greatest Show on Earth in 1972 as a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College graduate, he eventually became the 21st Ringmaster in Ringling Bros. history and then went on to be performance director for the Red Unit. . . . — — Map (db m147371) HM
From his successful re-creation with class of seven-person pyramid that had tragically collapsed on the highwire 36 years earlier, to his spectacular skywalks and the winning of the Silver Clown Award at Monte Carlo he has become one of the . . . — — Map (db m147488) HM
In his execution of the triple somersault on the flying trapeze, he has few peers. His charismatic style, grace and beauty being compared to that of the legendary Alfredo Codona. With his father, Victor, as catcher, Tito, his sister Chela, and . . . — — Map (db m147195) 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
In the second half of the 20th century he was in the top rank of the world’s flying trapeze elite. During a flying career that began at age 15 and has continued well into his 70’s he was the first in history to complete such tricks as the Double . . . — — Map (db m147451) HM
Ursula is remembered and revered for her incredible, stunning performances with a ring full of the world’s most magnificent animals, polar bears. Her diminutive size at 5’1”, paired with the enormity of these gigantic creatures, thrilled . . . — — Map (db m147110) HM
A remarkable combination of showmanship, endurance, grace and beauty, with the one arm giant swing, made "La Toria" an acknowledged superstar, who remained high above the center ring for her entire performing career.
Victoria’s incredible . . . — — Map (db m147246) HM
Lured by the siren call of the circus, he joined Dailey Bros. at age 15, thereby embarking on a notable six-decade career in which he has enthralled, mystified, educated and seduced millions of circus- and fair-goers who were drawn to his bally . . . — — Map (db m147449) HM
The brainchild of Harold Ward and Gus Bell, it became one of the most acclaimed flying return acts of its day. At its peak in the 1950s, it included nine members performing three abreast on triple wide rigging. In a demonstration of high . . . — — Map (db m147259) HM
For over five decades, Wayne has entertained millions of families by producing premiere performances for Shrine circuses, amusement parks, and introducing the circus concept to fairs nationwide. He became the President and CEO of the Eastern States . . . — — Map (db m244701) HM
Whitaker Cemetery
1232 12th Street
The Oldest Cemetery
In Sarasota
First Internment 1879
Maintained By The
Sara De Soto Chapter, NSDAR
Historically Designated
January 20, 2004
By The City Of Sarasota, . . . — — Map (db m148169) HM
Whitaker Family
William Henry Whitaker arrived in Sarasota Bay in the early 1840s. He built a cedar log cabin at “Yellow Bluffs,” part of nearly 200 acres he would acquire along the bay between Hog Creek and today’s Indian Beach . . . — — Map (db m97093) HM
Although comparatively unknown to the general public, he is a legendary figure of the circus who mechanized and modernized many of its daily operations. His inventions helped the circus move from town to town on schedule and with fewer laborers. For . . . — — Map (db m147036) HM
Over a 50-year career devoted to working with elephants he has become one of the most highly regarded trainers in circus annals, thereby furthering the legacy of his father, famed Elephant Man, William Woodcock, Sr. For 25 of those years, this . . . — — Map (db m147205) 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
The Wilson House is significant as an example of early Sarasota architecture and as the home and medical office of C.B. Wilson.
In 1877, A.M. “Gus” Wilson settled in Miakka, then part of Manatee County. He served the community as . . . — — Map (db m136015) HM
Born in France he learned the skill and patience of animal training from the great Alfred Court. In 1939, Storey came to America with Court’s animal act and appeared in the Ringling show. In 1957 he became talent coordinator for several circuses . . . — — Map (db m147229) 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
Worth’s Block
Built 1913
H.B. Westbrook
Builder
Has been placed in the
National Register Of Historic Places
&
Designated A Historic Structure By
The City Of Sarasota, Florida — — Map (db m148218) HM
This area, so named for its outcroppings of yellow limestone, was the home of Sarasota's first inhabitants-the pre-historic and Calusa Indians. Yellow Bluffs later became the homesite of William H. Whitaker, Sarasota's first known white settler. It . . . — — Map (db m41293) 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
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
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
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
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
Beverly Peeper began her artistic career but turned her attention sculpture after to Angkor Wat in 1960. The effect of time on the Cambodian temple, which appeared to grow with the surround. This is trueing banyan trees had a profound effect on . . . — — Map (db m240967) 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
(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
(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
(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
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
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
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
Siesta
Present Siesta Key appeared on early maps as Clam Island, "Muscle" Island, and Palm Island. Fishery Point lay along the prominent channel of Big Sarasota Pass, called Boca Sarazota in the 1770s, the entrance to Sarasota Bay. The site . . . — — Map (db m170470) HM
"It's a mammoth," voiced Dr. J. W. Gidley, Paleontologist of the Smithsonian Institute, 15 minutes after he first saw the fossil tusks and jaw bone of the prehistoric monster found in Venice. The size of the tusks indicates that it probably stood 14 . . . — — Map (db m32747) HM
Venice Army Air Field opened during WWII, on July 7, 1942. In June of 1943 the first combat aircraft operated from the field. By March 1944 the base was moved to this location. In all nine groups were trained for combat, with the 337th being the . . . — — Map (db m32690) HM
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
Clyde E. Lassen
Commander, U.S. Navy
1942 - 1994
Navy Medal of Honor
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as pilot and aircraft commander of a search and rescue . . . — — Map (db m148281) WM
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
(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
This building was built in 1926 by Stanton and Elizabeth E. Ennes during the development of the City of Venice by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers according to the 1925 Comprehensive Plan drafted by city planner John Nolen. This Mediterranean . . . — — Map (db m47287) 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
Gunther Gebel-Williams changed the face of the American circus forever, and is universally known as The Greatest Wild Animal Trainer of All Time. From Circus Williams in Germany to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Gunther . . . — — Map (db m4871) HM
William D. Schoolcraft and C. Paul Johnson, principals of Johnson-Schoolcraft, Inc., were the original owners of the Johnson-Schoolcraft Building, constructed in 1926. Mayor Ned Worthington led the dedication ceremony. Music was provided by Antonio . . . — — Map (db m47281) HM
Kentucky Military Institute, the nation's oldest private military preparatory school, wintered here from 1933 to 1970.
The campus consisted of the Venice Hotel (now Casa de Venice) which housed first year cadets, faculty and dining rooms; and . . . — — Map (db m43537) 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
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
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
May this piece of rubble from the attack on the Pentagon serve as a lasting memorial to those men and women who perished on 9.11.01 — — Map (db m218560) HM WM
This sculpture symbolizes the three crops – citrus, cattle and seafood – that sustained the first 19th century settlers in the Venice area. No roads penetrated the surrounding wilderness. Most contacts with the outside world were by . . . — — Map (db m25913) HM
This marker commemorates the men and women who achieved American independence. These Patriots, believing in the noble cause of liberty, fought valiantly to found a new nation.1775 - 1783 — — Map (db m218717) WM
The San Marco Hotel was built in 1926 by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) as part of the initial development of the City of Venice. The hotel opened in November of that year after only 90 days of construction. The hotel had a decorative . . . — — Map (db m88701) HM
The Calusa were native Florida Indians who dominated south Florida from their homeland on the southwest Gulf coast. They were formidable warriors, accomplished artists, and expert boaters. The Calusa did not farm, but instead prospered by fishing in . . . — — Map (db m23873) HM
Among the number of circuses that have called Sarasota County home, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (RBBB) is the largest and the one that has had the longest association with Venice. Its roots go back to a small show the five Ringling . . . — — Map (db m211950) HM
The Hotel Venice was built during the late 1920s development of the City of Venice by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, a labor union headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. It was the first building constructed by the Brotherhood in Venice and one . . . — — Map (db m38499) HM
In Memory Of Those Who Made
The Supreme Sacrifice In The
Service Of Their Country
Presented By
No-Vel Post 159 – American Legion
May 1954 — — Map (db m148283) WM
The Venice-Nokomis Bank was organized in 1925 in Nokomis and moved to a new building on Venice Avenue in 1927. This medallion was installed in the lobby floor of the bank building on Venice Avenue circa 1960. It was removed before the building was . . . — — Map (db m47657) 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
This structure is a replica of the Venice Army Air Base main entrance originally located at the intersection of The Rialto and San Marco. The base history began in May 1942 when surveyors from the US Army landed at the Venice Municipal Downtown . . . — — Map (db m32565) HM
The Venice Army Air Base was initially activated as a Service Group Training Center on July 7, 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the beginning of the U.S. role in World War II. The installation was originally created to train . . . — — Map (db m146022) HM
Venice Beach Pavilion
Constructed 1963 Dedicated February 8, 1964
The Venice Beach Pavilion has a hyperbolic paraboloid shape, which is a continuous, flowing, double-curved surface used mainly in concrete skin roofs. It appears . . . — — Map (db m148279) HM
July 4, 1976
Dedicated To
All Veterans of All Wars.
The Disabled And Those Who
Gave Their Lives In The Hope
Their Children Would Never
Need To Fight Or Give Their
Lives To Keep Our Country
Strong And Free, But Especially
Dedicated . . . — — Map (db m148280) WM
The first successful railroad into what is now Sarasota County came when the United States and West Indies Railroad and Steamship Company, a subsidiary of the Seaboard Air Line Railway (SAL), brought its first train into Sarasota in 1903. Two . . . — — Map (db m4876) HM
Although the “Sharks Tooth Capital of the World” has had few direct hits from a hurricane, this brief summary highlights some of the city’s least favorable history.
The hurricane of 1926 caused residents to evacuate to the San . . . — — Map (db m148278) HM
Welcome to Heritage Court
Here you will find recorded the origins of this city. On your left is a memorial to Dr. Fred H. Albee who owned the land on which Venice is built, and on your right is a memorial to John Nolen who conceived the . . . — — Map (db m20410) 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
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