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 20, 2004
June 9, 1919: Peanut eating is a risky business in Clearwater
CLEARWATER - St. Petersburg residents who visit Clearwater would do well to restrain their appetite for peanuts while sojourning in the county seat.
The officials of that city abhor a mess of peanut hulls on the sidewalks or around the railroad stations. Three youths from St. Petersburg found this out yesterday, and it would be hard to find three sorer young men.
They went to Clearwater Beach yesterday and after a swim went to the A.C.L. depot to catch the night train for home. While waiting for the train, they talked to a young man who lives in Clearwater. One of the four had a bag of peanuts and the young men ate the nuts. A citizen approached them and asked if they knew it is against the law to throw peanut hulls on the platform. The visitors answered they did not.
The citizen then found a policeman and the three visitors were arrested. Each had to put up $6 bond for appearance in city court this morning to answer to the charge of obstructing traffic or something like that. The three say that the Clearwater youth was not arrested, though he also had eaten peanuts.
June 12, 1919: Big Fourth of July celebration is to be pulled off at Oldsmar
OLDSMAR - A big old-fashioned public celebration of the Fourth of July will be held in Oldsmar, and they have invited the people of Tarpon Springs, Wall Springs, Crystal Beach, Sutherland, Ozona, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Green Springs, Dellwood, Bay View, Coachman, Bridgeport, Citrus Park, Keystone Park, Tarpon Junction, Largo, Clearwater and other towns to join in one monster big time. This is designed to be a celebration for the northern part of Pinellas and the western part of Hillsborough.
The festivities will start at noon with an old-fashioned family basket picnic. At 1 o'clock, the real excitement begins with a big program of sports, a comical clown and athletic stunts, including the good old-time event of climbing a greased pole and chasing a greased pig. Prizes will be offered and the contests are free for all.
At 2 o'clock, the trouble gets worse, for at that moment there will be a terrific baseball contest between the Oldsmar fat men and the Oldsmar lean men. This is expected to prove one continuous round of pleasure, and some special surprises are being planned for the umpire and the spectators. Admission is free.
At 4 o'clock, there will be interesting water sports and aquatic races on the bay in front of Oldsmar, close to the shore.
From 6 to 9 o'clock, the Woman's Club of Oldsmar will conduct a wonderful lawn carnival and there will be a dancing party in Assembly Hall from 8 p.m. to midnight. There will be a grand display of fireworks and pyrotechnic exhibitions from time to time during the night and the fun will close at midnight, making 12 hours of solid joy.
A band will be in attendance throughout all these festivities, playing whenever the fun is thickest. This celebration will be held by the Oldsmar Board of Trade, the Woman's Club of Oldsmar, the Oldsmar Hunting and Fishing Club, Oldsmar Automobile Club, Oldsmar Fat Men's Club and the Ancient Order of the Sons of Joy.
Oldsmar people believe that there is more reason for a gigantic celebration of the Fourth of July this year than ever before during the present generation. American independence was saved by our victory in the world war and such an important event is well worthy of the most elaborate festivities on Independence Day.
June 16, 1941: Frederick Smith buys Cass estate
CLEARWATER - In an estimated $41,250 transaction, the Joseph K. Cass estate, an entire bayfront block between Turner and Rogers streets, has been sold to Frederick K. Smith, it was disclosed here through the filing of a warranty deed at the courthouse. Property involved in the deal includes six lots and a large two-story residence. The consideration was estimated on the basis of documentary stamps attached to the deed.
- Theresa Blackwell compiles the history column. She can be reached at 727 771-4305 or blackwell@sptimes.com
