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By CHRISTINE GRAEF
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 14, 2001
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.
CLEARWATER (March 14, 1946) -- One of Florida's little-known industries will, this year, bring into Pinellas County alone three-quarters of a million dollars from northern and middle western states.
Within the city limits of Clearwater, out on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, acres of gladioli wave their delicate green stems in the soft sea breezes.
A sightseer expecting to view millions of colorful flowers would be disappointed. They are never allowed to bloom but are cut just before the buds begin to open.
There are two gladioli farms in Clearwater, the only place where they are grown commercially in Pinellas County. The A&W bulb company, which has 150 acres in cultivation here with a planting this year of over 5 1/2-million bulbs, will cut approximately 7,000 dozen flowers a day at its peak season in April and May.
Next to the A&W farm is the gladioli planting of H.H. Constantine, a pioneer grower in the county. At present Constantine has only 35 acres in cultivation and is cutting now about 300 dozen flowers a day. Formerly he was one of the largest growers in the state but sold out in 1940. His son who was in the Army during the war is helping to rebuild.
Each gladiolus shipped out must have at least six buds, or florets, on the stalk and must be at least 24 inches long.
The first commercially grown gladioli in Pinellas County were planted by a man named Fairbanks who came here from the north. His first field was in St. Petersburg near Gulfport. That was in 1926.
A year later H.H. Constantine, then a citrus grower, became interested in the business and formed a partnership with Shelby Shanklin.
"There is something about gladioli growing that is like no other business on earth," Constantine said. "Growers are all enthusiasts. They love the business."
A year later, Fred Wesemeyer and Donald Alboard of Clearwater began growing the graceful flowers in the same location they now occupy.
Both concerns prospered until 1934 when a disastrous freeze nearly wiped them out. A&W alone lost $45,000 that year, all the bulbs that were planted, all the flowers that had been growing.
The largest part of A&W's planting is now in Fort Myers where the weather is four degrees warmer in mid winter.
Because gladioli in Florida are grown in fall and winter, reversing the seasons, gladioli bulbs have to be "fooled" into thinking that summer is really winter. Bulbs must have a "rest" period while the life force within quietly germinates. So they are placed in refrigeration, kept at a steady 38-degree temperature to hibernate. When they're brought out into Florida's warm sunshine and planted in the warm soil they go right to work. About 70 days later they are ready for the cutters.
CLEARWATER (March 15, 1946) -- Residents of the Carlouel section of Clearwater Beach were offered the opportunity yesterday by P.R. Palmer, head of the company owning the Carlouel Club, to buy the property, consisting of a clubhouse and cabanas with tennis courts and other facilities.
Palmer announced that the company would not operate the club after this season ending April 13, due to continued loss. It was suggested that residents buy the club and turn it into a community building.
- Christine Graef compiles the history column. She can be reached at (727) 445-4229 or graef@sptimes.com.