Moments in Time

1984: The United States Marine Corps selected 24-year-old Siesta Key resident James Schmidt for honor guard duty at Camp David and the White House. The prestigious selection serves ceremonial and protective purposes, and Schmidt was one of only two Marines selected for the position that year.

Schmidt traveled to Marine headquarters in Washington, D.C., to learn protocol and etiquette and then spent a six-month, breaking-in period at Camp David. Selected immediately after boot camp, Schmidt’s appointment to serve President Reagan was uncommon. Selected Marines are typically older and more experienced.
— According to the July 25, 1984, Observer archives

1977: Siesta Key residents with a sweet tooth could also get a show if they stopped by Richard Webb’s Southgate Mall ice-cream parlor. In addition to serving up small-batch ice cream without artificial flavors or coloring, Webb provided family entertainment in the form of his clowning character, Mr. Wabbit. The magician and entertainer would dress in face paint and costume to provide entertainment for his customers.
— According to the July 28, 1977, Observer archives

Contact Nick Friedman at [email protected].