This week in history 10.8.15

Oct. 11, 2001

It was a close call when a car nearly plowed into Bob's Place on Central Avenue. The cutlines for the photo reads,"Pelican Press sales people are always telling businesses how our advertising can help them grow. Now it appears they'll also be able to say we protect their businesses too..." Skid marks on the sidewalk lead a trail to the smashed box that blocked the building from any further damage then a crack. 

Oct. 7 1976

Come sail away 

Perhaps you're familiar with the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. What about the Sarasota Sailing and Sinking Society? In the early 1970s a group of women formed the society that was also known as the Luffing Lassies. They grew to include more than 30 women and met every week near the radio tower on City Island to race sailboats. If there wasn't any wind, no problem there was plenty of coffee at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron Club House. 

'Lonesome' no more

The lagoon behind Whispering Sands condominium on Ocean Boulevard was the setting for a story of love and loss in 1976. A swan

by the name of Sam lost the love of his life Sarah in the spring and spent the the summer mourning her loss. 

It was rumored that the Sarah, a royal mute swan, had inhabited the lagoon since 1926 with her first mate. Fifty years was not unusual for that breed of swan to live. Sometime in the 60s her beau was killed, possibly by a bow and arrow. She spent the next 10 years alone. Resident bird watchers would spot her on her migratory patterns until one day she never returned. A search was underway when she was spotted at the lake at Jungle Gardens. 

The reason for leaving home was suspected to be loneliness and a new search was started but this time to find Sarah a lover. She was returned to her home behind Whispering Sands where a one-year-old swan named Sam would be transported. The were an instant match. 

Although two nests were made and eggs were laid, they were tampered with and there weren't any hatchlings. The third nest was hidden well and the pair spent time protecting the three eggs. Before the eggs could hatch, Sarah died. An autopsy revealed a hear condition. 

Without Sarah by his side Sam wasn't able to hatch the eggs. 

Residents wanting to see Sam happy, made plans to bring him a friend and possible mate. In June Suzy, a six-week-old swan was found through the Great Oaks Swan Farm in Chestertown, Maryland. She was flown down from Rhode Island. 

Sam was thrilled and helped the fledgling cygnet under his wing. The two ruled the lagoon and were expected to live happily every after for 50 more years. 

Today the lagoon is still behind the Whispering Sands condominiums, but the swans are no where to be found. If you have any information about the what happened to Sam and Suzy please contact Amanda Morales at [email protected].