History buffs kick off Bertha Palmer centennial

+ History buffs kick off Bertha Palmer centennial
Chicago historian Sally Sexton Kalmbach, author of “The Jewel of the Gold Coast: Mrs. Potter Palmer’s Chicago,” helped the Historical Society of Sarasota County kick off the Bertha Palmer Centennial Year Jan. 12 with a special slide presentation and book signing.

“The Palmer house was called a monstrosity,” Kalmbach said. “Not only was the house constructed without exterior doorknobs or locks, but anyone wishing to enter had to pass through 27 butlers.”

The historical society will honor the past with the Bertha Palmer Centennial Antiques Show and Appraisals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29 through Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Edson Keith Mansion at Phillippi Park. The History Day in the Park has been rescheduled to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31. The original date was Jan. 30.