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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 Times Staff Writer
Published March 13, 2005

March 31, 1938: False teeth may be set lost two decades ago

CLEARWATER - Clearwater residents are speculating on the possibility that a set of gold-plated false teeth, valued at $200 or more, found in the surf at Clearwater Beach last week by W.L. Reed, a Chicago attorney visiting Dunedin, were dropped overboard by an Iowa senator 24 years ago.

Reed said yesterday that he has received a letter from Mrs. W.O. Towne of St. Petersburg, a winter visitor from Portland, N.Y., in which the writer states that the senator, whose name she does not remember, lost his teeth off Clearwater Beach almost a quarter-century ago during an attack of seasickness. The senator, according to Mrs. Towne, was 60 years of age at that time.

CLEARWATER - It was virtually a certainty today that county commissioners at their next meeting will resume negotiations for acquisition of voting machines in use in Pinellas County's 1938 election.

Commissioners were faced with the strong possibility, however, that the delivery of the devices cannot be obtained before the first primary on May 3.

Commissioners were informed as far back as Jan. 20 by the Automatic Voting Machine company that "prompt action" was necessary if the machines are to be delivered and set up before the first primary. Since that time more than two months have elapsed.

Commission Chairman W.J. Christie said commissioners only need to sign a contract offered by the voting machine company in order to obtain the machines for experimental use by the county without charge.

Except for Commissioner Ed H. Beckett, who has clearly indicated he does not favor buying or renting the machines and believes a majority of voters are with him, commissioners indicated their willingness to consider the experimental use of the machines when they meet April 5. A special meeting, despite the fact that the first primary is only slightly more than a month away, is unlikely.

CLEARWATER - Remarkable progress is being made in the erection of Clearwater's new post office, the Scranton arcade, being building by Hanner Construction company of Orlando.

It is beginning to be seen what a great transformation will take place on the former site of the Phoenix hotel. S Garden Avenue, an unfrequented thoroughfare only a few months ago, is now taking its place as one fo the important business streets of the city. With the removal of the post office to this avenue, more changes will develop.

A three-story business building is promised for the south side of Park Street where Garden Avenue crosses, and another brick apartment house is to be erected just west of the Williamson apartments, which are always filled and which have proven a bonanza to the owner, J.W. Williamson.

Theresa Blackwell compiles the history column. She can be reached at 727 771-4305 or blackwell@sptimes.com

[Last modified March 13, 2005, 00:30:01]