Venice Museum & Archives 2019 Annual Report

A Very UnAnnual Report I don’t know about you, but I have a very mixed view on annual reports. As a historian, they are a great resource to gather information on the accomplishments of an organization. As a reader, nothing can be drier than a laundry list of activities. As a stat nerd, I love looking at the numbers, charts, and graphs. So with that in mind, the Venice Museum & Archives will provide you with our very unannual annual report. The following pages will provide stories and snippets of what happened over the course of 2018. The year marks the first complete calendar cycle for Jon Watson and myself. With Rhonda anchoring this institution, we have all become well versed and well-grounded in this community. Add to that our cadre of talented and dedicated volunteers supporting us, it has been a year of memorable moments, rising spirits, and creating a culture of outreach and purpose with our community. As I like to tell the staff and volunteers here, if you’re working in a museum you should have fun doing it. What follows is some of the fun we had. Enjoy the highlights from 2018 as we move ahead to more fun in 2019. Come on by and see what we’re up to. If you’ve been here before, return to view new exhibits or partake in Venice Museums Day. If you’ve not been here before or it’s been a while then shame on you; but we’ll forgive you when you walk in the door. Jon, Rhonda, and I are proud to be your Division of Historical Resources. I hope you will see that we are striving to achieve our new vision of serving as a critical community asset that preserves the past and prepares the present to meet the future. With warm regards, #37 2 # 6 HHiasrtroyriKclailnRkhesaomuercr,es Manager FForUYoNurTNRexItVpaIrAty 3,770 people visited the museum in 2018. “You Like Us! You Really Like Us!” At 1,626, That’s more than 17 times the number of homes built in Venice last year. we have more followers on Facebook than Bertha Palmer, Joseph Lord, and John Nolen combined. Who’s on History? Playing off the old Abbott and Costello comedy bit, it can be a bit confusing knowing who is doing history here in Venice. The Venice Museum & Archives is part of the City of Venice’s Division of Historical Resources and is located at the Triangle Inn. Venice Heritage, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve Venice history. They support the VMA and are working in partnership with the City to restore the Lord-Higel House. Venice Area Historical Society is a nonprofit that runs the museum at the 1927 Historic Train Depot. The county owns and operates the Depot. The Society has an excellent speaker series every year. Venice Main Street has as part of its charge to preserve the buildings in the downtown area.

The Tales of Venice We Told in 2018 by Jon Watson Our Seasonal Exhibit Room was host to two different exhibits. We change this space out annually to focus on a particular topic in Venice’s history. In the beginning of the year we showed Venice-Nokomis Woman’s Club: Over 90 Years Serving the Community. The Venice-Nokomis Women’s Club is one of the oldest clubs in the area and was started by one of Venice’s most famous residents, Mrs. Louella Albee. This exhibit explored the club’s contribution to the area through their longtime community service and support such as collecting the first books that eventually would become the initial core collection in the Venice Library. It ran from March 12th, 2018 – July 25st, 2018. That exhibit was replaced later with Snook Haven: The History of Movies, Snook Haven Mischief, and Music on the Myakka. Our second temporary exhibit of 2018 focuses on the largely undocumented and truly unique history of the area today known as the Snook Haven Restaurant and Waterfront Park. Stories of movie stars, gangsters, “killer turtles,” and a 30-year-old music society are all highlighted showcasing the wonderful history that occurred on the banks of the majestic Myakka River shortly outside the city’s downtown limits. This exhibit is currently running October 8th, 2018 – July 31st, 2019. #39 Being creative with our limited space, we utilize the hallway as an area to display photo exhibits on Venice history. From October 2nd, 2017 FForUYoNurTNRexIt VIA - January 30th, 2019 the hallway housed Venice’s Historic Waterfront. This exhibit featured a photographic tour of Venice’s ever changing party waterfront including areas such as the pier, beachfront, and jetties. You could even find remnants of one of Venice’s oldest water resident, a 2018 saw the same prehistoric shark! number of research In 2018, the VMA also presented four permanent exhibits for the public requests as there have been to enjoy. The featured exhibit, Venice’s Inhabitants: The Unique Cultural presidents of the United States. Heritage of the Land on the Gulf, describes the story of the creation of the city’s rich cultural identity. The museum’s loggia features The Story of the Historic Triangle Inn. Here you can find the story of how the historic building that houses the VMA, was used, persevered, and moved to its current location. Down the hallway visitors can enjoy Dr. Fred H. Albee: A New Beginning for Nokomis and Venice and Fossils: Venice’s Land Before Time. Learn about the life of Dr. Albee, a world- renowned orthopedic surgeon and check out over 365 fossils on display from Sarasota and Charlotte counties. Volunteer Milestones Mary Charles is in her 24th year at VMA. Until a few months ago, she was coming in two days a week. On Wednesdays, Mary tallied and processed donation box proceeds and gift shop income. She has since passed that baton to Sam Humphreys who has taken on the challenge. Sam, like Mary, is determined to see that everything balances to the penny. On Thursdays, Mary works upstairs in collection management carefully accessioning items. She really knows her stuff! ~2~

Volunteer Stories by Rhonda Rogers #23 Volunteer Orientation in the Park FForUYoNurTNRexItVpaIrAty There are currently With all of our snowbird volunteers back in town, it was time for Volunteer 22,750 records in our Orientation. And what better place than outdoors in the park in the collections management middle of January. Only in Florida, right? Eighteen volunteers learned software. That’s almost new museum policies and procedures and brushed up on some old ones. enough items for every man, They were brought up to speed on all of the latest local history scoop. The woman, and child in Venice. Venice Fire Department provided instruction on fire extinguisher use, what to do in the case of an active shooter, and gave a brief overview of an AED (automated external defibrillator.) Everyone went home happy with their very own swag bag! We Appreciate our Volunteers! Each year toward the end of season, staff and volunteers get together for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. What fun to meet fellow volunteers, swap stories, take photos, and enjoy an excellent meal. This year, we split into teams and things got serious when a timed brainteaser game was announced. Our volunteers are smart and competitive! As stated on the custom Tervis tumbler everyone took home, “Our Volunteers are Rock Stars!” Our Unpaid Staff What would an Unannual Report be without mention of our unpaid staff? Thanks to all the following talented folks in 2018 who ensured that we were open to the public, processed new collections, aided researchers, and put on fun events. Clarke Pressly Carol Bailey Mary Decremer Wendell Kapustiak Trisha Resevic Tina Bird Michael Downey James Kim Sallie Rice Edy Browne Tiffany Fernandez Patricia McManus Georgene Rivers Sandie Carter Alice Haber Mary Merrick Elizabeth Roop Mary Charles Gerri Hallgren Toni Minnick Laura Scott Nick Ciavolella Sam Humphreys Jim Nemec Debb Thompson Linda Dalton Peg Kapustiak Randy Pearson Thomas Van Dyke Interesting Collection Additions by Jon Watson In 2018, the VMA accessioned 371 new objects in the museum’s collection. We were very careful that each item represented a piece of the Venice area’s unique history. Here are a few of my favorites. Refurbished bullet and casing from Venice Army Air Base’s firearm training. It was found on Caspersen Beach in 2016. According to the markings on the bottom of the bullet, “DM 43” refers to a military production company named Des Moines Ordnance Plant in Ankeny, Iowa. The company mass produced these bullets in 1943 during World War II. ~3~

Interesting Collection Additions continued by Jon Watson 2018.29.04 and 2018.29.03 2018.45.01: KMI Pocket knife, Cookbooks compiled by the Junior unknown date. Division of the Venice-Nokomis Woman’s Club and the Venice Benevolent Patriotic 2018.35.01-2: A Kentucky Military Institute (KMI) Parade Order No. 141 from the 1990s. Uniform in the style of a “West Point Blouse” from the 1930’s-40’s. This style of uniform can be seen in some early KMI photos of cadets marching in what is now Centennial Park in downtown Venice. VMA’s Bell Restoration This year the VMA embarked on a bell restoration project to return our Woodmere Lumber Company/ Eagle Point Bell back to its original glory. Our local Quester group (Historic Spanish Point Chapter #1477) generously picked the bell, which was in need of some major TLC after over a century in the Florida sun, as a fundraising project. In the spring of 2018, they held a tea fundraiser at the Venice Yacht Club and were able to raise the proper funds to have the bell refurbished. The process entailed sanding the bell down to its original bronze finish and coating it with a weather resistant lacquer. The funds also allowed for the repainting of the bell’s post, building a roof to protect it against the sun and the printing of new interpretive panels to tell its story. Go check it out in front of the entrance to the VMA and ring that bell! #162 FForUYoNurTNRexItVpaIrAty We raised $4,850 The bell being restored at American Metal Questers from Historic Spanish Point through your generous Restoration in Treasure Island, FL. Chapter #1477 presenting a check to the VMA for the Bell Restoration Project on donations in the ~4~ April 24th, 2018. donation box. Enough to buy Historical Resources its own draft horse to travel around the city.

Getting Out and About It was a fun year of trying some new activities and sharing Venice’s history in different ways. Starting already in January, the VMA partnered with architectural historian Sebastian Liseo for a season-long series of walking tours highlighting the beautiful architecture of Venezia Park. For those who prefer to pedal rather than walk, we worked with the City’s Bicycle Pedestrian Program Coordinator for some packed historic biking tours that covered places such as the Hyperbolic Parabola and Nolen Greens. Historical Resources came out to the annual Old Timers Picnic where we shared some history and collected some as well. May was a great time to be a museum. VMA, the Venice Area Historical Society, and Venice Heritage worked together to celebrate our historic sites. A trolley shuttled attendees between the Venice Museum & Archives, Lord- Higel House, and the 1927 Historic Train Depot. Each site offered families a chance to learn about Venice history through fun activities. Bertha Palmer, John Nolen, and Dr. Fred Albee may have been described in many ways, but I’m sure they were never called obstacles to progress until the Bar Stool Open this past August. Venice Heritage and VMA were the 9th hole at the gazebo for Venice Main Street’s inaugural mini golf event. Hundreds learned about these three individuals along with the Lord-Higel House and Triangle Inn as they putted their way past them to the hole. We followed this up with participating in Celebrate Venice with Venice Newcomers where we played tour guide to several packed tours. In October, Snook Haven and VMA celebrated the opening of Snook Haven in our seasonal gallery with some fine barbecue and live music. Throughout the year, Jon and Harry spoke to different clubs and community organizations about Venice history. This was a great chance to expose people to our city’s great past and what we all have to offer at Historical Resources. And of course we wrapped up the year with our traditional Open House that we coincided with the Venice Area Beautification’s Annul Tree Lighting in Monte Andrews Arboretum across the street. A New Home for Venice History This past year saw a lot of activity at the forthcoming Dale Laning and Julia Cousins Laning Archives & Research Center, or LARC as we are fondly calling it. Working with Fawley-Bryant Architects and Norman Alexander Contractors, the building across the street will allow us to gather the city’s collection of archives and artifacts in one place. Stackable shelving (shelves on tracks that can be “stacked up” next to each other to allow for more shelving) will provide a safe and secure location for Venice’s history. Just to dispel a big rumor out there, the LARC will be for collections storage and research; we will still be in the Triangle Inn for our offices and exhibits. Look forward to our opening this year! ~5~

Gift Shop Venice is the shark tooth capital of the world and it is only fitting that we showcase some of those mega-Megalodon teeth in the VMA Gift Shop. Believe it or not, shark teeth are becoming more difficult to find, especially anything larger than a quarter. The jumbo teeth in the display cases were found by divers off the Venice coast. Our gift shop is one of the few local places to purchase these sizable fossils. Also new to the Gift Shop are the Vintage Venice Note Card sets. Each set contains 10 cards of 5 images selected from our very own collection. Available only at the VMA, they make a unique gift. #87 FForUYoNurTNRexItVpaIrAty Volunteers worked more than 2,350 hours in 2018. That equals the work of one person and the feet and ankles of another. Thanks a Million, Ms. Julia! In September we recognized Julia Cousins Laning for her time and generous support throughout the years. The Julia Cousins Laning Appreciation Plaque is prominently displayed in the museum just outside what was once Julia’s childhood bedroom. How cool is that? It’s our way of formally thanking Julia. The plaque, in part, reads: Julia Cousins Laning is an ardent supporter of preserving Venice’s history, in particular this structure—the Triangle Inn. Her personal history and that of the city have been intertwined for nearly a century. Inspired by the memory of her late husband, Dale Laning, Julia’s philanthropy has ensured the protection, enhancement, and appreciation of cultural treasures throughout Venice. Be sure to stop in to read the rest of the plaque! ~6~

Preserving the Past This Past Year Board Members The year 2018 saw the Historic Preservation Board research, write and recommend to City Council a new tax ordinance. Jean Trammell, Chair Properties listed on the Local Register of Historic Places Frank Codella are now eligible for an ad valorem tax freeze for 10 years on William Jervey improvements to their properties that follow the Secretary of Joseph Neunder the Interior’s Standards and are approved by City Council. David Tschanz The board also started the work of drafting a new historic Mack Wittacker preservation ordinance in preparation for applying to be a Franklin Wright Certified Local Government with the National Park Service. Christopher Miscannon, Student Member Our Ambassador Lord-Higel House in Action No Longer Stuck In Park(ing) Our Historical Resources Ambassador – Old Betsy – Although you can’t tell by looking at the building, turned 92 this past year. She doesn’t look a day over the Lord-Higel House took a huge step forward 39, but age is slowing her down a bit. Earl Midlam when the issue of completing the parking lot was and his crew put hours and hours of TLC into her resolved. Completion of the parking lot will be part and it shows. This year Old Betsy represented the of a broader City Hall Campus project that will free up any need for planning exemptions or fundraising City and Division of Historical Resources at the for the lot. A small setback happened when termites First Responders event last March. She also was were discovered, but the partnership between the out on display for the annual Old Timer’s Picnic City of Venice and Venice Heritage was able to in Nokomis. The downtown beautification project debug that issue. Venice Heritage also provided meant limitations on her appearances, but she was several opportunities to explore the home during all decked out for the annual Holiday Parade. the Venice Garden Club annual House Walk and hosting Venice Museums Day. #43 Old Betsy traveled approximately 11 miles in 2018. At that pace, FForUYoNurTNRexItVpaIrAty it will take her 21,718 years to travel to the moon. ~7~

Venice Heritage Happenings by Jean Trammell The year 2018 marked a busy one for Venice Heritage, Inc., as we participated in events, promoted Venice history, and supported the work of the City’s Division of Historical Resources. With our team of dedicated volunteers, we were able to promote Venice’s past at events such as the January Craft Fair, March Art Classic, August Bar Stool Open, November Art Show, and several Saturday’s with our new neighbors: the Venice Farmer’s Market. We continued to offer packed trolley tours of Nokomis in spring and #97 Since 1994, fall, sharing the history of the first town called Venice in Florida. Venice We continue to raise funds and work with the City to complete the Lord-Higel House. We hosted the Venice Area Garden Club as one Heritage and of their tour stops and participated in the first Venice Museums Day at the house. And we wrapped up the year with a special members- FForUYoNurTNRexItVpaIrAty its predecessor only tour of one of the original homes on West Venice Avenue. In organizations 2019 we will continue to support and promote Venice history and have raised over $1.5 million dollars encourage you all to join us in our mission. in support of Venice history. The Future of the Past by Harry Klinkhamer I like to use a quote from Carl Becker, which ends with saying that history helps us “to meet rather than to foretell the future.” For Historical Resources and the Venice Museum & Archives there are many things we look forward to meeting in 2019. Such as: • The opening of the Dale Laning and Julia Cousins Laning Archives & Research Center. • Passing an overhauled historic preservation ordinance. • Completing the window replacements at the Triangle Inn. • Showing off Venice’s history by hosting a state Certified Local Government workshop. • Another successful Venice Museums Day and Holiday Open House. • Creating a Venice Sports exhibit. • More of our residents and visitors both at the museum and out at talks and events. • Approval of the Lord-Higel House Site and Development Plan and construction on the parking lot and on the grounds. • More partners in the community that we can work with together. • And of course serving the community so that we can all embrace the past and meet the future. 351 Nassau Street South • Venice, FL 34285 (941) 486-2487 • www.venicemuseum.org • facebook.com/veniceflarchives