In
1843, a young adventurer named
William Whittaker settled in the Sarasota area, and gradually the area was built
up by hardy colonists, including a ship of settlers from Scotland. Among these
was a man named John Hamilton Gillispie�who later introduced golf to
Sarasota, building
Florida�s first
golf course.
An influx of wealthy socialites
settled in the area starting in 1910, setting the tone for Sarasota as a winter
location for the cultured crowd which continues year-round to this day. In
fact, performing and visual arts in Sarasota had been established before most
Florida cities had post offices.
During a real estate boom in the
20�s, circus magnate, John Ringling and his wife Mable constructed their
magnificent winter residence �Ca�d Zan (�House of John�), and a museum to house
their extensive art collection. The mansion, modeled after the Dode�s Palace in
Venice reflects Ringling�s interest in Italian Art and Architecture and the
museum has one of the largest Baroque collections in the world. Ringling also
made Sarasota the winter headquarters of his world-renown Ringling Brothers
Barnum & Bailey circus.
The beaches of Siesta Key are
world famous. The pure quartz, pulverized to a fine powder, has a magical
quality. There is no sand quite like Siesta�s anywhere.
If you have questions about
anything in the Sarasota area, please contact us and we�ll attempt to find an
answer.
Troy Scott phone: (941)
379-3023 e-mail:
entscott@comcast.net
Keith Arndt phone: (941)
776-8416 e-mail:
kmaba12@aol.com
