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 Times Staff Writer
Published June 8, 2003
June 6, 1924: Voters more curious about moonshining
CLEARWATER - People of middle Pinellas are now inquiring about distilling. The subject appears to be only second in importance to the primary election tomorrow.
Several attorneys, a number of citizens and a mere newspaperman recently gathered in an office of the county temple of justice. One citizen wondered why a man could be sent to jail for making a copper still, but whenever he went to a barber shop and had to wait for flappers to have their hair pruned or matrons to have their tresses tomahawked, he picked up a certain publication with many illustrations of distilling apparatus in connection with bourbon, rye, gin, scotch and brandy.
This man said he once saw a schoolgirl reading with great interest a display ad offering "everything in copper goods for the home." This girl was evidently completing her education in distilling while seated in a barber shop between one man who was apparently comfortably full of the products of the still and another who looked as though he might be engaged in moonshining. A portable gasoline furnace pictured in this advertisement was guaranteed to heat a 50-gallon tank, presumably of mash, to the boiling point in 40 minutes.
These stills are made in various sizes, the smallest capacity being 5 gallons and costing $5.75, while a 10-gallon still sells for $8.48, and so on up.
It seemed strange to the layman that a fellow might be arrested for purchasing goods advertised in the mail order catalogs.
And there is still more comment on the streets about moonshining. People do not seem to be able to understand why some confessed moonshiners are allowed to go free, while others are this morning at work repairing the roads of an adjoining county. It is hard to make some folks understand things anyway.
One thing is certain: the manufacture of moonshine stills is a hazardous occupation.
May 30, 1924: New moving picture house on the way
CLEARWATER - The county seat is to have another fine moving picture theatre, according to an announcement made yesterday.
Mayor-Commissioner Frank J. Booth declares that he is preparing to build another theatre on the site formerly occupied by the chamber of commerce and later by Bass Brothers real estate office on the corner of Laura Street. The location is central, being opposite the Sheridan building, which will soon be transformed into a hotel for Bass Brothers.
Manager Pitman, lessee of the Capitol theatre on Cleveland Street, one of the most attractive moving picture houses in the state, will operate the new screen palace.
Mayor Booth and Manager Pitman departed yesterday on a motor trip to the east coast, where they will inspect picture houses in West Palm Beach and Miami in an endeavor to secure ideas which will place Clearwater's newest theatre ahead of all of them.
The new Booth building for the silver screen will be devoted to less expensive pictures at popular prices.
Clearwater is thought to have become a real city when two large movie showplaces are required. The Capitol theatre, built by Senator John S. Taylor, has been a big success, and it speaks well for the town when the manager of this house sees the necessity for another like establishment.
May 29, 1958: Plush Tarpon motel may open in July
TARPON SPRINGS - A July opening seems likely for the new Gondolier Motel that will offer plush accommodations overlooking Spring Bayou.
The 28-unit split-level structure is going up on the site of the old Tarpon Inn hostel, which burned to the ground in 1926 and has remained an open cavity in the town's face ever since. Its location at Tarpon Avenue and Spring Boulevard puts it less than a cross toss from the site of the famous Epiphany Day event that draws thousands to the city.
Owners of the new motel are James M. Stevens, Michael L. Pappas, Lucas L. Pappas, Jack L. Pappas and Abe L. Tarapani Jr.
Barney Larsen is the motel contractor and it was designed by Regan and Associates, St. Petersburg, architects and engineers. Glass and antique brick dominate the exterior of the motel, which is built on a pair of two-story sections on two levels.
- Theresa Blackwell compiles the history column. She can be reached at 727 445-4229 or blackwell@sptimes.com
