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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 December 25, 2005

Dec. 27, 1924: Auto dealer injured in freak gas explosion

CLEARWATER - James Davis of the firm of Davis & Dalby, well-known automobile men of South Garden Avenue, was the victim of a peculiar accident early in the week.

He made his first public appearance since that time this morning, when he appeared at his place of business on crutches.

Asked to tell what had happened to him, "Jimmy" said that he had been called to the dock to look over an engine for Mr. Driscoll's speed boat. A leak was found in the gas tank before the motor was installed and the tank was still on the wharf.

Davis left for a few minutes to get a blow torch for soldering the tank, which he left empty. In his absence, a boatman came along with some gasoline he did not need, and with the best intentions in the world, placed it in the tank Davis was to fix.

When the flame of the torch was applied to the tank, an explosion resulted, blowing Davis off the dock and severely injuring his ankle. The unsuspecting victim of the explosion escaped death by a narrow margin. He thinks he will be able to attend to business in a few days.

CLEARWATER - The Florida selective service headquarters in St. Augustine has ordered the re-classification of all men from 28 to 35, said R.L. Turner, secretary of the draft board for the upper Pinellas area.

Previously, the men had been placed in 1-H, which means they were deferred because of age.

The board also received orders to reclassify all men in class 4-EH, which consists of conscientious objectors, but Turner stated there are none in the older age group from the local board.

Some of the men in the 28-to-35 age group may be called to service next month since at least one large draft call is expected in addition to those already ordered.

The board here is also re-investigating the cases of those deferred because of dependents or physical disabilities. Some who had been deferred because of minor disabilities have already been re-examined and may be called soon.

CLEARWATER - The radio code school being organized for defense purposes won't be easy and only those who can "take it" need apply, according to instructor Charles Crowley.

"We want those who will stay with it for the entire six months," Crowley said.

More than 25 have applied, and classes will be held at the senior high school every Monday night at 7:30.

CLEARWATER - The Clearwater Rifle Club will give instructions to those interested in learning how to shoot.

Those interested are invited to visit the Marymount range. The lessons are free and will be given each Sunday until further notice.

CRYSTAL BEACH - The Faith Mission Little Symphony Orchestra, composed of 17 of the Faith Mission children, has been rehearsing for the past few weeks for holiday concerts at Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Tampa, New Port Richey and Tarpon Springs.

The orphanage's children will give a concert Friday evening at the Dunedin Tourist Club. Sunday afternoon, they will entertain at the mission for a group of friends from St. Petersburg and neighboring communities.

CRYSTAL BEACH - A pageant called The Quest of Christ will be performed at the Faith Mission tomorrow afternoon at 3 by 35 orphans from the mission. The public is invited to attend and a repeat performance will be given Sunday, Dec. 28. The mission, which moved to Crystal Beach in 1928, has attracted unusual interest from visitors because it depends entirely on faith for its source of income.

Theresa Blackwell compiles the history column. You can reach her at 727 445-4170 or tblackwell@sptimes.com

[Last modified December 25, 2005, 00:03:05]