This week in history 9.10.15

Sept. 11, 1975

Meet Gulliver: the new Siesta Key Village Logo
Behold the winning entry in the logo contest for the Siesta Key Village Merchants Association, now known as SKVA. The 2-by-3-inch watercolor painting of a seagull was submitted by artist Richard Capes. The design features a seagull outfitted with a fishing pole, a top hat and a pail filled with a shovel, net and sun lotion. Below his wing he’s clutching a key to Siesta Key Village. Dale Six, owner of Rain Forest and ran the SKVMA logo contest presented Capes with a check for his winning design alongside Don Leitgeb, SKVMA president and owner of Sunflower Boutique. When Capes looked closer at the piece of paper being handed to him for the photo he noticed that it wasn't the $100 check he was expecting, but rather, a coupon that read "10% off on any bathing suit of your choice at Sunflower Boutique." 

Capes, then a bachelor, commented that he would have more use for $100 than for "one of Don's already notorious bikinis." He did, eventually, receive his prize of $100 — but not before Leitgeb said, "It might come in handy. Someday, you my not be single."

Sept. 9, 1993

This political cartoon appeared below an editorial in September 1993, applauding redevelopment efforts by the city of Sarasota along the bayfront. Improvements included removing rubble from the shoreline along the Van Wezel property and installing limestones in its place. Changes extended to helping remove the oily sheen that once covered the boat basin after heavy rains. This was done with extending the pipe that carried runoff from downtown Sarasota to a basin eliminating any storm water runoff from entering the bay. The editorial ended by congratulating the City Commission and staff with, "Keep up the good work."

Sept. 14, 2000

The Messerschmitt Kabinernroller pictured has its roots in aircraft history. It was made from designs by engineer Fritz Fend, who had worked for Willer Messerschmitt's aircraft factory during World War II. They were built at that factory during a period in which the victorious Allies prohibitted any German airplane manufacture. This Messerschmitt is a 1961 UR 200 owned by Michael Vinhage that was featured in a 2000 St. Armands antique car show.