This full-page advertisement in the Sarasota Herald (Left photo above) of a young seductress beckoning for newcomers to come to and enjoy the pleasures of the Sunshine State, seems to have with it a warning. Note the scythe in the hand of the scantily dressed temptress. She seems to imply you can have a good time but be careful how much fun you try and have.
As early as 1901, the publisher of the Sarasota Times, Cornelius Van Santvoord Wilson editorialized for the need of a board of trade or a chamber of commerce to boost the small community’s fortunes. As he was quoted by historian Karl Grismer, “Hotels on the Manatee River are filled with northern visitors. Here in Sarasota, our hotels are empty. The reason is simple—we do not advertise. What Sarasota needs more than anything else is a progressive Board of Trade or a Chamber of Commerce which will concentrate on telling the nation about our superb attractions.
When the Chamber was organized as an offshoot of the Board of Trade in 1920, among its first members was John Hamilton Gillespie, considered the Father of Sarasota (Right photo above).
(c) La Hurd, Jeff
