Headlines through the years

By Compiled by CHRISTINE GRAEF

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 22, 2000

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.

Oct. 25, 1943

Site sought to house Bahamian citrus crews

CLEARWATER -- Sponsors of the idea to import Bahamian blacks as emergency workers in Pinellas citrus groves had planned to quarter the British subjects at the Largo fairgrounds. But on Friday night, Largo city commissioners denied the proposal, and will instead help the sponsors look for a more suitable location.

County Engineer W.A. McMullen Jr. suggested that arrangements might be made with the federal government for the establishment of a tent camp for the Bahamian workers at the Pinellas master airport, which has been leased by the Army Air Corps.

Whether the government would sanction the use of tents for this purpose inasmuch as other facilities are available was considered extremely doubtful.

It was pointed out, however, that some other arrangements might be made to quarter the British blacks in empty barns or warehouses in the north end of the county.

Oct. 21, 1943

Veteran of 2 war fronts home on leave

CLEARWATER -- Home from the wars on two fronts, Claude F. Hill Jr., gunner's mate second class in Uncle Sam's Navy, arrived yesterday to spend a brief leave with his parents.

Hill has a genuine hatred of Hitler's dive bombers.

The young man was below decks on a battle wagon when the Japanese delivered their sneak punch at Pearl Harbor, and that was pretty tough. But when a Nazi bomber sank the Clearwater sailor's ship right out from under him during the American landings in Salerno, carrying to the bottom the youngster's hard-earned bankroll, that was the straw that broke the camel's back.

Enlisting in 1939, Hill today is a unique veteran in that he has seen service in both the far Pacific and European theaters. He took part in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands shows in the Pacific, and had a grandstand seat when the Americans landed in Casablanca.

"Out of all I've gone through the dive bombings we took at Salerno were the toughest," said Hill. "They really gave us a pasting. And don't underrate the (Japanese). We will be fighting them a long time."

Hill is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude F. Hill Sr., who reside on Madison Street. He expects to return to active service at the conclusion of his furlough.

Oct. 15, 1947

Clubhouse to be converted to hotel

TARPON SPRINGS -- Sunset Hills Clubhouse property will be opened as a public hotel this fall under the name "Upham House," it was announced today by John Upham, manager.

"Work is being undertaken at once to place the property in operating condition," said Upham. "Orders have been placed for furniture and furnishings and deliveries are scheduled soon. My associates and I plan to make the Upham House one of the distinguished hotel properties of this area."

He said before he undertook the project, he made a careful study of the Southeast U.S. resort area and found the west coast, particularly the Tarpon Springs area, is "one of the best, if not the best, area of potential growth."

He hopes to share in the continued growth and development of Tarpon Springs.

"My family and I expect to make our permanent home here," he said. "In our operations here it is our plan to utilize local personnel to the maximum extent possible."

- The history column is compiled by Christine Graef. She can be reached at (727) 445-4229.

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