Five Points Intersection Circa 1905

This is a 1905 photo of the Gillespie Block building at 300 Main Street, Sarasota, Florida. A water trough is in the center of the intersection at Five Points. The entrance to the Bank of Sarasota is in the front corner facing Five Points. Streets are comprised of sand. One-of-two electric street lights in Sarasota is in the top center of the image.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota County History Center Collection.

Gillespie Fountain at Main Street and Palm Avenue

This photo of downtown Sarasota, Florida in 1901 shows the northeast view of the intersection of Main Street and Palm Avenue. The fountain was presented to the town by Colonel John Hamilton Gillespie. Cows and other farm animals roamed freely in the streets and obviously enjoyed refreshing water breaks. The building in the background was The Inn and later became the Bay Villa.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota County History Center.