Headlines through the years

A look back at the events, people and places that made North Pinellas the unique place that it is. The information is compiled from past editions of the St. Petersburg Times.

By JULIE CHURCH, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published April 28, 2002

Lawman pours liquor in Clearwater sewer

CLEARWATER -- Sheriff Booth caused to be poured into the sewer yesterday what he described as "a big pile of moonshine liquor."

The pouring function took place, as usual, immediately back of the jail, where the big iron funnel previously provided was placed in a sewer manhole and the essence of trouble was dumped from bottles, demijohns, jugs, tin cans and other containers. It went to the maw of the disposal until hundreds of gallons had been disposed of.

May 2, 1940

Greek spongers cast ballots

TARPON SPRINGS -- Greek-American spongers this week cast 125 absentee ballots for the primary elections to be held next Tuesday -- and 125 were Democratic ballots.

County Judge Jack F. White said today that members of the crews on sponge boats, now putting back out to sea after casting ballots, did not cast a single Republican vote. More than one candidate is worried about the Greek-American vote, for 125 votes is a margin greater than that which may decide several closely contested races in Pinellas.

April 26, 1926

Station to air organ recitals

CLEARWATER -- Radio fans will be given the opportunity to listen to the beautiful organ in Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church this summer if present plans materialize, according to W. Walter Tison, director of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce broadcasting station WGHB.

The summer schedule of one-hour and half-hour programs three times a week begins next week. Owing to the shutdown for the summer, Graham Prince and his orchestra will not be on the air any longer this season.

To provide music for the station and especially to respond to many requests it has received, the management has decided to put on a series of 12 organ concerts. A special wire will connect the studio at the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin to the church in Clearwater.

The organ concerts will probably be given on Wednesday evenings, it was stated.

April 30, 1940

Honeymoon Isle gets new chapel

C.M. Washburn, the New York real estate promoter who sponsors the "Honeymoon Isle" venture, is building a chapel on the tropical honeymooners' paradise located north of Clearwater Beach.

Washburn announced that regular Sunday services, conducted by visiting ministers, will be held in the chapel after its completion. Twelve couples are now honeymooning on the island and others, including a couple to be selected by the Anderson, S.C., Independent newspaper, will be brought to the island during the summer for two-week honeymoons.

May 3, 1930

Commissioner's fishing trip called off

CLEARWATER -- County Commissioner Maurice B. Thayer made a date with his friend, Mr. Rushmore, to go kingfishing on the cruiser Fleur de Lis this morning. But circumstances over which he had no control have prevented Thayer from doing any angling today.

Commissioner Thayer and two friends drove to Tampa yesterday. As they were entering the city, they were attacked by another car, which came rushing out of a side street at a great rate of speed, and which tore a rear wheel from their Buick, nearly turning it over.

The drive of the other machine was one of the hit-and-run variety. It became necessary for Mr. Thayer to commandeer another car and give chase. He finally ran down the Tampa outfit and discovered that one of the men in it had been toying with John Barleycorn. He caused the arrest of the driver and the capture of his liquor. Thus it is necessary for the Pinellas Solon to appear in a Tampa court today to tell the judge about how he fared on a visit to the South Florida metropolis. Therefore, he will do no kingfishing today.

-- Julie Church compiles the history column. She can be reached at (727) 445-4229 or church@sptimes.com.

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