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 August 1, 2004
1, 1940: Wendell Willkie backers organize in Clearwater
CLEARWATER - Organization of the Clearwater Non-Partisan Willkie for President Club took place here last night, with Paul Randolph, Democrat, elected president.
Other officers are: Larry K. Sheldon, Republican, vice president; John J. Echart, Democrat, secretary; Tom Hisgin, Democrat, treasurer.
There were more than 100 persons present at the meeting, and it was estimated that 70 percent were Democrats.
Ed Busbee, president of a similar organization at St. Petersburg, took a prominent part in the organization, outlining purposes of the St. Petersburg club, and reading its bylaws, the Clearwater club being modeled after the lower Pinellas unit. Busbee presided while officers were chosen.
Ralph Blatchley, of Dunedin, a fraternity brother and college mate of Wendell Willkie, the Republican nominee, will attend the acceptance speech of Willkie, representing the new club.
The club will meet twice each month, the second and fourth Tuesdays. A telegram was sent to Willkie informing him of the club's organization and inviting him to Clearwater.
Aug. 1, 1940: Marriages up, but so are divorces
CLEARWATER - Pinellas County had 83 marriages and 48 divorces during July, while during the same month in 1939, there were only 58 marriages and 34 divorces.
Aug. 2, 1941: Art director goes north
CLEARWATER - The director of the Clearwater art museum, Henry White Taylor, will leave Sunday for the North to make arrangements for exhibitions to be held at the art museum this winter. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor plan to spend the rest of the summer and fall near Philadelphia, Pa.
Aug. 1, 1941: MacDill soldiers are entertained
CLEARWATER - The Clearwater recreation council, which entertains MacDill field soldiers here with special programs, would like to see St. Petersburg form a similar organization.
Mrs. Mary Crown, chairwoman of the council, says that maintaining the morale of the soldiers is very important. One way civilians can do this is by furnishing clean entertainment for them.
Several entertainments, including dances at the recreation center, Clearwater Beach, have been sponsored here. More than 70 attended last Saturday night. Girl volunteers also help.
Saturday night from 9 until 12 o'clock, the Women's Democratic Club will be host to soldiers at the recreation center, Clearwater Beach. Mrs. Joe Goldsby, chairman, will be in charge.
Aug. 2, 1941: Club will show health film
CLEARWATER - The motion picture Goodbye Mr. Germ will be shown at the Clearwater Lions Club meeting Tuesday noon, by Dr. W.D. Monroe of the Pinellas health department. R.L. Turner Jr. is program chairman.
Aug. 4, 1941: Sheriff will get delinquent list
CLEARWATER - County Tax Collector Jay Starkey will deliver the names of those who failed to pay their intangible taxes for the past year to the sheriff.
Under the new law, the sheriff is authorized to seize enough of the intangible property of delinquent taxpayers to cover the taxes, the cost of advertising and the sheriff's cost for execution. After proper notice has been given, the property will be sold on the steps of the courthouse.
Theresa Blackwell compiles the history column. She can be reached at 727 771-4305 or blackwell@sptimes.com
