Stocking stuffer?

Take a picture with Mr. Burns. 

It's not too late to stop by Hartman Gallery and snap a photo with Owen Burns!  

While you're there pick a historical photograph or map 

for a perfect gift and don't forget - a copy of Jeff LaHurd's book - 

"Owen Burns, The Man who Bought and Built Sarasota"

Happy Holidays to all!

Buy local!  Support a cause!  Give a gift of history!

The first bridge to link Lido to Sarasota's mainland was built by Owen Burns.

Come meet the man, well.... his image!

Take your picture with him!!!

Give a gift of history this holiday season!

Jeff LaHurd's just released book -

Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota

or a historical photograph or map of Sarasota.

Friday, December 10 from 4 - 6pm

Meet the author - have your books autographed

and browse the exceptional collection of historical photographs on display and for sale.

William Hartman Gallery

48 S. Palm Avenue

Sarasota, Florida

All sales of the book benefit the projects of the Friends of the Sarasota County History Center, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organized to preserve and record Sarasota's history.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Thank You Owen Burns Supporters

THANKS to the local merchants, businesses and individuals who gave their support to Owen Burns Week. This is such a wonderful community!

Adams and Reese LLP, The Argus Foundation, August Third-Shells and Coral, Ball Construction Inc., Judy Ball, Beauty & the BEADS, blonde cow photography, Hope Black, Blue Dolphin Cafe, Bungalow Builders, LLC, Cambridge Christner Fine Art, Caragiulos, Channel 7, Circle Books, Cinco de Mayo, Citrus Cafe, City of Sarasota, Clothesline, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Mariana Cotton, Courtesy Cleaners, Cupcakes a Go-Go, d.a.gordon dart, The DAR-Sarasota Chapter, D.N.D. Construction of Sarasota, France Engels, Florida Ever-Glides Segway Tours, The Friends of Sarasota County History Center, Galleria Amadoure, Rick Garfinkel AIA, GFP Properties Inc., Goodwill Industries, Graham Interiors, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, The Harrison Family, Joyce and Jeff Hart, William Hartman Gallery, The Herald Tribune, Historic Burns Square, Hukilau Hut, Influence on St. Armands, IOPTICS Eyewear, Drs. Allen & Mary Jelks, Denise Kowal, Jeff LaHurd, Laurel Park Historic District, Madeby Gallery-Ringling College of Art + Design, Mattison's™ Restaurants, Model A Restorer's Club-Sara-Mana Chapter, Nancy and David Morgan, Lorrie Muldowney, Nancy's Bar-B-Q, Northern Trust, Old Citrus Land Company LLC, One Design, Out-of-Door Academy, Owens Fish Camp, Roots Salon and Spa, Ringling Museum of Art, The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, Sarasota Architectural Salvage, Sarasota County Government History Center, Sarasota Hardware & Paint Company, The Sarasota Historical Society, Sarasota History Alive, Sarasota Trading Company, Seibert Architects P.A., Scope, Scott Thomas Salon, Sheri Nadelman, Shrode Jewelers, Signs by Tomorrow, Spotlight Graphics, St. Armands Gifts & Winery, Time Sifters, Mr. & Mrs. Lorin Stieff, Suitcase Full of Blues-Jimmie Fadden and Al Fuller, Video Renaissance, Jack Vinales Antiques, Deborah Walk, Observer Newspaper

Photography Exhibit

Don't miss this exceptional show!  It will hang through November.  The gallery is open Monday - Friday, 10-5.

Thank You Mr. Burns

It was a beautiful afternoon and evening for the party in Burns Court. The special tribute to Owen Burns included his daughter Harriet, his great grandson and great grandaughter as Mayor Kelly Kirschner read the official city of Sarasota proclamation thanking Mr. Burns for the tremendous contributions he made to the community we all love.

Thank you to all of the supporters of the Owen Burns Celebration especially Debbe Dart, without whose vision, creativity and tireless dedication this week wouldn't have been possible. 
In the words of the author Jeff LaHurd, "Burns's legacy is that he laid the foundation for the Sarasota we enjoy today."
 
Thank you Mr. Burns and thank you city of Sarasota for tipping your hat to a great man.

Sunday Nov. 14 Will Be Busy

10:00am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Trolley Tours of Owen Burns's Sarasota - SOLD OUT!
Departs From: The north intersection of Burns Court and Pineapple Avenue Donation: $19.00 Special Features: Walk-through a St. Armands Key home and a Pineapple Building apartment built by Mr. Burns. Seating is limited, for reservations contact the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation at (941) 953-8727 or miggie9@verizon.net. Host: Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation

Self-Guided Tour

The new book, "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota", includes a map locating many of Mr. Burns's contributions making it fun to take a self-guided tour by car, bike or on foot. The book will be on sale during the street party – Meet the author and get your copy signed!

10:00am – 6:00pm
Pineapple Apartment Building – Apartment Tour
The owner of the building is graciously offering tours of the 2nd floor apartment in Mr. Burns' building originally named the Pineapple Apartment Building at the intersection of Orange & Pineapple Avenues. Interesting Fact: The intersection park was officially named Owen Burns Square in 2000. The tour cost is $5.00. Host: Denise Kowal, 540 S. Orange Avenue

12:30pm
Tour Owen Burns's Sites by Segway
A unique and fun way to tour the contributions of Owen Burns to downtown Sarasota. The 2½ hour tour is limited to 10 guests and departs from 1370 Boulevard of the Arts. The cost is $65 per person and includes refreshments. Call Florida Ever-Glides (941) 363-9556 and specify “The Owen Burns Tour” for reservations.

3:00 – 7:00pm
Burns Court Street Party - Check the Street Party page for details
Featuring live music, vintage cars, antiques, Bar-b-que, shaved ice, cupcakes, beer, wine. Many shops in Burns Court will be open for business. Hosts: Owens Fish Camp & The OBC Committee, in and around Burns Court, Burns Lane and S. Pineapple Avenue.

☞ DON'T MISS the book signing at the Friends of the Sarasota County History Center exhibit. Purchase the new book, "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota", at the exhibit and meet the author and local historian Jeff LaHurd.

4:00pm - Street Party
Official City of Sarasota Proclamation

A Special Tribute to Mr. Owen Burns with Special Guests Mayor Kelly Kirschner and Burns family members. 516 Burns Lane
 

5:00pm - Street Party

Special Acoustic Blues Performance by "Suitcase Full of Blues" band – Jimmie Fadden of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame and Al Fuller.

Free parking at 400 S. Orange Avenue and on streets surrounding Burns Court.

Hartman Gallery Opening

The opening night of "Mr. Burns's Sarasota" Photography Exhibition at the William Hartman Gallery was a rousing success. Fans of vintage photography, Sarasota history and Owen Burns crowded together to view the impressive show, on view through November 19.

Citrus Cafe Serving Owen Burns Menu Specials

Historic Pineapple Apartment Building, Burns Court, 1960

THEN  
On December 15, 1926 the Sarasota Herald wrote: “Pineapple is Apartment Gem – Desire to provide adequate housing facilities for Sarasota and his unflinching faith in the future of the city moved Mr. Owen Burns to build the handsome $75,000 Pineapple apartments at the intersection of Pineapple and Orange Avenues at Oak Street, known as Herald Square.”

NOW  
November 12–13, 2010 Citrus Café, on the first floor of the historic Pineapple Building in Burns Court, will serve special menu items inspired by foods Owen Burns enjoyed in the 1920's, with a little creative license!

Chef Michael is making an "Owen Burns Salad" for the Friday and Saturday Lunch Special, composed of fresh red grapefruit, fresh orange, red onion, shrimp and avocado, served over arugula and spinach with a house-made citrus vinaigrette. Friday Dinner Specials will be "Florida Cracker Brisket"– a citrus and spice marinated smoked beef brisket with citrus BBQ sauce; "Long Beach Stuffed Shrimp"– crabmeat stuffed Jumbo shrimp with lemon cream sauce; and "Ybor City Chicken"– spicy Mojo marinated chicken breast with tropical fruit salsa.

Lunch Friday and Saturday 11-3pm; Dinner Friday 5-8:30pm
Citrus Café, 543 S. Pineapple Avenue, Burns Court, Sarasota, FL, 941-957-0432 www.citrussarasota.com

SOON

Sunday November 14

10am – 6pm, Pineapple Apartment Building – Apartment Tour, The owner of the building is graciously offering tours of the 2nd floor apartment in Mr. Burns' building originally named the Pineapple Apartment Building at the intersection of Orange and Pineapple Avenues. Interesting Fact: The intersection park was officially named Owen Burns Square in 2000. Tour cost is $5.00. Host: Denise Kowal, 540 S. Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL   

3 – 7pm, Burns Court Street Party – See the Street Party page for more information.

Hartman Gallery Vintage Photography Show Tonight

Join us tonight from 5-8pm for the opening reception of "Mr. Burns's Sarasota" at the William Hartman Gallery in downtown Sarasota. Featuring photos from 1910 - 1940 with special guests Pete and Diane Esthus from the Friends of the Sarasota History Center. The new book, "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota" by historian Jeff LaHurd will be available at the show.

"Mr. Burns's Sarasota" will be on view through November 19, 2010.
Free Event. Cash Bar by Caragiulos Restaurant
William Hartman Gallery, 49 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL

Thousands of coconut palms were planted on Lido Key in 1923.

Owen Burns Book Now On Sale

Jeff LaHurd's new book, "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota" is available at the following locations.

Sarasota Visitors Center Gift Shop
701 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 800-800-3906

Circle Books

478 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands, Sarasota, FL, 941-388-2850

Borders (LOCAL section only, not online)

3800 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 941-366-7970

Media on Main
1341 Main Street, Sarasota, FL, 941-914-9411

Book sales will also be at the following Owen Burns Events:

Thursday, November 11, 2010
"Mr. Burns's Sarasota" Photography Exhibition and Reception

 5:00 – 8:00pm
Featuring images of Sarasota from 1910 – 1940, on view through November 19, 2010.
William Hartman Gallery, 48 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Author Lecture, Reception and Book Signing 
1:00pm
DAR Chapter House, 1232 12th Street, Sarasota, FL

Sunday, November 14, 2010  

Burns Court Street Party - Author Book Signing
3:00–7:00pm
Burns Court Historic District, S. Pineapple Avenue and Burns Lane, Sarasota, FL

Owen Burns - A Prolific Dredge-and-Fill Man

Mr. Burns and the Burns Dredging Company is responsible for joining the myriad of small islands in Sarasota Bay to form St. Armands and Lido Key. The dredge named the Sand Pecker was used to create Golden Gate Point and became the starting point of the first John Ringling Bridge which the Burns Construction Company built. Today one of Burns's dredges is sunken yet partially visible in the channel behind Otter Key.

Owen Burns's Dredge the Sand Pecker.

Monday Night New Owen Burns Book Release Party

There was a great gathering tonight of friends for Jeff LaHurd's new book "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota" at Mattison's™ City Grille in downtown Sarasota. Diane and Pete Esthus, from the Friends of Sarasota County History Center, took care of the book sales while Jeff autographed copies for his many fans. And everyone happily posed for photos with Mr. Burns.

Owen Burns Kick-Off Party and Book Signing Today

Come Meet Owen Burns!
100 years ago Mr. Burns stepped off the train in this very location, catching the first glimpse of the town he would make his home.

Join us downtown today at Mattison's™City Grille for the official beginning of Owen Burns Week in Sarasota. Featuring the new book release and book signing of "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota" by Jeff LaHurd. Free Event. Cash Bar.

Bring your camera and take your photo with Owen Burns! White fedoras will be on sale to complete your Mr. Burns look.

All proceeds benefit the projects of the Friends of the Sarasota County History Center, a designated 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.

Links:
ABC Channel 7's Linda Carson interviewed LaHurd November 8 on "Noon Top Stories". The interview video starts at 1:09 minutes. http://www.mysuncoast.com/mediacenter/local.aspx

Reception and NEW Book Release
4:30 - 6:30pm
Mattison's™City Grille
N. Lemon and Main Street
Sarasota, FL

Jeff LaHurd giving an interview to Channel 7's Linda Carson.

Owen Burns History Cruise

The Historical Society of Sarasota County's 18th annual cruise on Sarasota Bay celebrated Mr. Burns. Narrator John McCarthy told fascinating stories about the legendary Owen Burns while Mr. Burns's youngest daughter, Harriet Stieff, added colorful details. 

Harriet will take part in the discussion about the family side of Owen Burns on Saturday Nov. 13 at 1pm at the DAR Chapter House, 1232 12th Street, Sarasota, FL. She'll also be attending the Burns Court Street Party on Sunday Nov. 14 at 4pm along with Sarasota's mayor Kelly Kirschner.

Now: Harriet Stieff, Owen Burns's youngest daughter

Then: Mother Vernona with the Burns children: Owen Jr. left, Leonard right,
and the girls Vernona “Sug” left, baby Harriet center, and Lillian right.

The Owen Burns Signs are UP!

Can you find all 32 signs posted around town? The signs mark the property locations Mr. Owen Burns developed in our community. You can use the special map in the new book "Owen Burns The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota" by Jeff LaHurd as a guide. Pick up your copy at the book release party Monday Nov. 8 from 4:30 - 6:30pm at Mattison's™ City Grille.

Vintage Sarasota Photo Exhibit and Reception

Thursday November 11

You're invited to the William Hartman Gallery in downtown Sarasota for "Mr. Burns's Sarasota", a photography exhibition featuring images of Sarasota from 1910 - 1940. The free opening reception is on Thursday November 11 from 5 - 8pm with a wine and beer cash bar by Caragiulos Restaurant.

The show will be on view through November 19, 2010.

William Hartman Gallery
48 South Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL

Plan to stay for dinner - Caragiulos Restaurant is across the street!

Jeff LaHurd's New Book About Owen Burns Gathers Media Attention

Historian's Book Honors Local Visionary Developer

The author and historian Jeff LaHurd was interviewed by The Observer today about his new book, "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota". The book will be officially released to the public at a special book signing party on Monday November 8, 2010 at Mattison's™ City Grille in downtown Sarasota from 4:30 - 6:30pm.

Read the complete interview at www.yourobserver.com

Baseball in Sarasota

In Owen's Backyard

In 1927 citizens and visitors gathered at the corner of today's Tamiami Trail & 1st Street to listen to the radio broadcast of major league baseball. Did you notice the scoreboard on the 3rd floor roof? Did you notice what people are sitting on? The Houle Block Company was across the street and blocks were dragged across the street to use as seats.

The Owen Burns residence is on the right.

In the 1920's Owen Burns built a home for John J. McGraw, manager of the New York Giants on Sarasota’s bay front. The residence was designed by Thomas Reed Martin.

Happy Birthday Owen Burns!

Mr. Owen Burns would have been 141 years old today. My, oh my, that's a lot of candles! Happy Birthday Mr. Burns and Happy Halloween! You treated Sarasota well. We promise that our celebration of your steller life November 8 - 14 won't be tricky. It's just a great way for Sarasota to say "THANK YOU".

Owen Burns Slept Here

Owen Burns purchased the Halton Sanitarium for his residence in 1910 shortly after staying there as a guest.

Mrs. Burns described their home to the Sarasota Herald Tribune as "delightful in its early days with the view of the bay unparalleled. Downstairs, it had a large living room and on either side a sun room and music room. Upstairs there were eight bedrooms and two baths. On the third floor there were three bedrooms and a bath."

The house sat on the northeast corner of Tamiami Trail and Gulf Stream Avenue where One Sarasota Tower is now located.

Halton Sanitarium

After Mrs. Burns sold the property it became a rooming house and motel named The Admiral. After its demolition in 1961 many long-time residents still remember it well as the Kiwanis Christmas Tree Lot.

The Admiral - Looking closely you can see the the brick patterned sidewalk and brick paved street that the Burns & McAlpin Company laid throughout the city.

Building Cà d'Zan

In 1925 Owen Burns built Cà d'Zan, John and Mable Ringling's home, and was responsible for the remarkable and swift construction of less than a year. The mansion was built from terra cotta "T" blocks, concrete, and brick, covered with stucco and embellished with glazed tile. The original roof was made of 16th century Spanish tiles imported by Mr. Burns. The spectacular terrace on Sarasota bay is made of domestic and imported marble. The Venetian Gothic residence is five stories, 36,000 square feet, with 41 rooms, 15 bathrooms, a full basement and an 81-foot Belvedere tower. 

In April 2002, a six year, $15 million comprehensive restoration and conservation was completed.

Owen Burns - Developer Extraordinaire

Owen Burns developed Sarasota's most significant properties:

• Cá d'Zan

• Burns Office Building / Bickel House

• El Vernona / John Ringling Hotel

• Burns Court

• Washington Park

• Ringling Estates

• Gillespie Park

• Pineapple Apartment Bldg. / Herald Square

• Sarasota's seawall

• The Ringling Causeway

• St. Armands

• Golden Gate

• Lido Beach Pavilion

• Citizens Bank

• Sunset Park

• Cedar Point

• Inwood Park Subdivision

• Ritz-Carlton Longboat Key

• Payne Terminal

• El Vernona Apartments / The Belle Haven

and

• nearly every brick street and sidewalk in the city!

Veterans Day Flagpole Dedication at Five Points

Don't Miss This Special Ceremony During Owen Burns Week!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

10:00am

Five Points - intersection of Pineapple Avenue, Main Street and Central Avenue

Sarasota, Florida

Veterans Day will be celebrated with a parade paying tribute to Sarasota’s longstanding history of honoring military personnel and this year with a special flagpole dedication at Five Points. The guest speaker will be Jeff LaHurd, author of the soon to be released book "Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota".

  

Take a glimpse of Five Points shortly before Owen Burns arrived in Sarasota. The trough in the center of Five Points was replaced in 1917 with a flagpole. The rusticated block Gillespie Building on the corner (where Zenith is today) was acquired by Mr. Burns in 1910.

"Suitcase Full of Blues" to Perform at Burns Court Street Party!

Jimmie Fadden of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame and Al Fuller will be performing sensational acoustic blues as the Suitcase Full of Blues Band at the Owen Burns Celebration Street Party Sunday Nov. 14, 2010.  Come enjoy the sounds by these talented performers beginning at 5 pm.

Jimmie has graciously agreed to fly back from touring with the NGD Band just to do this gig for Sarasota. The band is currently on a major, cross-country tour as their most recent album Speed of Life climbs the charts to #10.

The Burns Court Street Party will run from 3 to 7pm with food from Owens Fish Camp, Nancy's Bar-B-Q and Hukilau Hut Shaved Ice. Featuring antiques, vintage cars and photographs, a special tribute to Mr. Burns and reading of the Official City of Sarasota Proclamation by Special Guests Mayor Kelly Kirschner and Burns family members.

Owen Burns in Rosemary Cemetery

Owen Burns died Aug. 28,1937 and was buried in Rosemary Cemetery.  The two acre cemetery, platted in 1886 was donated to the town of Sarasota by the Florida Mortgage and Investment Company in 1903. The cemetery is located on Central Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets and is the resting place for nearly all of Sarasota's pioneers. The cemetery is both a National Register and locally designated historic site. 

Owen Burns Kick-off Reception and Book Signing at Mattison's City Grille

Just Announced! On Monday, November 8th the Owen Burns Celebration will have an opening reception and book release party at Mattison's City Grille in downtown Sarasota, Florida.

Owen Burns stepped off the train in this very location 100 years ago, catching the first glimpse of the town he would make his home. Join us as we kick-off the week of events in his honor and celebrate the release of Jeff LaHurd's new book, “Owen Burns, The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota”. Free Event. Cash Bar.

November 8, 2010
4:30 - 6:30pm
Mattison's City Grille
1 N. Lemon Avenue 
Host: Chef Paul Mattison, Mattison's™ Restaurants & Catering

The El Vernona Hotel: Spanish Architecture at its Finest

The building of the El Vernona Hotel in1925 brought national fame for Owen Burns. The fanciful, six-story, 150 room hotel was touted as the purest example of Spanish architecture in Florida. It was designed to look as if it had been standing for centuries and the details were exquisite: the rough honey brown stucco walls showed snatches of brick; antique barrel roof tiles were imported from Seville; and colorful, hand-painted tiles from Europe decorated stair risers, walls, fountains and footpaths.

The El Vernona Hotel on Sarasota Bay

Owen Burns's Pineapple Apartment Building

NEW Event Added: On Sunday November 14, 2010 there will be a second floor apartment tour in the Pineapple Apartment Building, 540 S. Orange Avenue at the intersection of Orange and Pineapple Avenues. It is interesting to note that the intersection park was officially named Owen Burns Square in 2000. See the Event Calendar page for more details.

"On a humorous note, It may have been a daring venture to build that building where twice daily the steam locomotive came by belching black coal smoke into the open windows. And where was the clothesline for the lady of the house to dry the family's clothing?" — Pete Esthus

Pineapple Apartment Building 1960

El Vernona Hotel Opened in 1926

Owen Burns built the El Vernona Hotel in Sarasota, Florida that Dwight James Baum designed. It opened with a grand ball December 31, 1926. The hotel was later sold to John Ringling and renamed the John Ringling Hotel.

Laurel Park

Owen Burns was instrumental in the development of Laurel Park in Sarasota, Florida. He purchased considerable holdings of land in the area from John Hamilton Gillespie and developed Washington Park and the Owen Burns Subdivisions. The Burns & McAlpin Company laid most of the brick streets throughout the neighborhood. 

Laurel Park was awarded National Register distinction in February 2008.

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Burns and Baum - 1920's Design Build Team

In 1925 Burns built the El Vernona Hotel, naming it after his wife, Vernona Hill Freeman Burns. He and architect Dwight James Baum designed and built some of Sarasota's most important buildings in the 1920's including Cà d'Zan, the home of John and Mable Ringling.

Owen Burns, left, and architect Dwight James Baum in the courtyard of the Burns Office Building.

Join the Celebration!

The Owen Burns Celebration is one week for our community's residents and businesses to pay tribute to the man who changed Sarasota. Owen Burns is responsible for creating the unique city we live in today. 100 years ago he moved to Sarasota, became a welcome civic leader and the town's most prolific developer. The Owen Burns Celebration Committee encourages businesses, retailers and restauranteurs to take advantage of the celebration week by decorating storefronts in his honor, offering special menu items, even planning an Owen Burns Sale!

Join us in celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of one of our city's most significant civic leaders and developers.

Owen and Vernona

Vernona and Owen Burns on their honeymoon cruise to Europe 1912

Burns Court

Burns Court was developed by Owen Burns in the 1920's and designated on March 22, 1984 as a U.S. historic district. The district runs from 400 through 446 Burns Court and 418, 426, and 446 South Pineapple Avenue. It contains 24 historic buildings.