Saint John the Baptist Basically Saint John Newfoundland

     Crow’s Nest Restaurant in Venice, Fl has been a waterfront landmark since 1976, evolving from a small sandwich shop into a signature  dining and marina destination.

     Origins in the 1970’s

The property was originally part of the Tarpon Center Marina on the South Jetty.   The future aowner of the Crow’s Nest, Steve Harner, attended a college in.Michigan. He worked  in the restaurant business , bar tending and running a bar and grill. On July 4 ,1976, Steve Harner,  moved  his family to Florida. He became aware of restaurant space on the second floor of the marina..  He  and his wife Janis Payne, his father, Harp Harner and a Detroit friend Larry LaRoca entered in a 4 year lease for the property.–1500 square feet on the second floor.  

  Previously,  waterfront  restauants in Venice were Happy Land Seafood Restaurant and and Johhny Walker’s Fish Camp and Admiral’s Wardroom. 

  Mr. Harner opened a small sandwich shop with a temporary menu that included items like grilled cheese for 85 cents and a Traditional Club sandwich with fries for $2.75  The menu promised a ” wide selection of beer and wine” and reflected  Harner’s early commitment to hospitality. ” Enjoy your meal and please stop back”

     Early Years and Growth

The restaurant opened 10 weeks after the leased was signed..  They put in a kitchen and worked with.3 employees. His Wife Janis Payne waited 40 seats and a handful.of bar srools overlooking.the neglected marina

   It quickly became a local favorite, serving the now famous Fish Sandwich, classic Reubens, burgers, and 50 cent beers.  Venice in the 1970’s was a smaller, more laid back community and the Crow’s Nest was one of the few waterfront dining spots alongside other early establishments werthe Buoy Bar (today’s Pop’s Sunset Grill) Fisherman’s Wharf (now Dockside Waterfront Grill) and Admiral’s Wardroom (now Pelican Alley). 

     In 1981, Harner purchased a 99 year lease for the building and the marina

     Evolution Over Four Decades

Over the  Crow’s Nest has expanded from.a modest sandwich shop into a full service waterfront dining and marina.  It now features: 

     Upstairs dining room and porch/bar with views of the  Inlet  

     Downstairs Tavern with a raw bar and a pub style menu

     Full service marina offering overnight dockage, gas/diesel pumps, supplies and rentals like paddleboats, kayaks, and bicycles

    Initial seating only 45 guests,the restaurant has grown to accommodate  around 150 patrons across two floors, retaining its charm and waterfront aooeal.

     Continuing Legacy

     Today’s Crow’s Nest remains committed to hospitality, providing memorable dining experiences and maintaining its historic position as Venice’s premier waterfront restaurant and marina.  It reflects a balance of tradition  and evolution, , combining decades of local heritage with modern dining and marina amenities.

     In 2017, Harner sold the business to buyers Alain Tall are and Phil Roux.

Signal National Historic Site is a landmark of Saint Johns , Newfoundland.  It is recognized for its crucial roles in military defense and communication  history from 17th century fortifications  to Marconi’s first transatlantic wireless signal.

      Early Military Significance

Signal Hill overlooks the narrows , the only entrance into Saint John’s Harbor , making it strategically important from the mid 17th century onward. This hills prominence allowed. for early fortifications and defensive posts to be constructed to protect the city.

     The first batteries along the narrows date back to the 1600’s and throughout the 1700’s

     Signal Hill saw several militia engagement between British and French forces.  Most notably, the Battle of Signal Hill in 1762_was the final engagement of the Seven Years War in North America where the British Soldiers under Lieutenant Colonel Amherst captured the hill and renamed it Signal Hill and established flag signalling from the hill.

     During the 18th and 19th Century, Signal Hill served as a citadel and was actively manned during the Napoleonic Wars and Civil War.

     Defensive structures  such as the Queen’s were constructed and upgraded over time to protect the harbor, although the guns were never engaged in actual battle.

    During World War I I, Signal Hill hosted American Anti Aircraft Defenses and batteries, including 8″ railway guns and 155 millimeter guns on Panama months further underscoring its  ongoing military significance.

     Communication and Maritime Significance

From 1704–to the late 1950’s Signal Hill functioned as a key signalling station.  Flags,, canons and other signalling mechanisms conveyed messages to ships and alerted the town about approaching vessels.

    Noon Day Gun

Is a gun fired on a platform next to the Cabot Tower daily at noon.  This was tradition for 150 years

     The site gained international prominence in communication transmissions when Marconi receive the first transatlantic wireless signal there on December 12, 1901 using kite mounted antenna.  Marconi picked up a Morse code letter as transmissions from  transmitters in Poldhu, England .  This was a transformative in global telecommunications.

     Cabot Tower and and Commerce give History

Cabot tower, completed in 1900 ain late Gothic Revival style commerates Queen Victoria’s  Diamond Nubiles (1897) and the 400th year anniversary of  John  Cabots landing in 1497.

     Originally used for flag signalling and Marconis wireless station, the tower now houses exhibits on communication history and features active amateur radio stations.

     

    

    The Big Four Bridge is a historic former railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky and Jeffersonville, Indiana. It has now been repurposed for pedestrians and bicyclists.

     History

The Big Four Bridge was originally constructed in 1895 as a railroad.bridge for the Cleveland, Cincinnati ,Chicago and Saint Louis Railroad, commonly called the “Big Four Railroad.” The bridge played an important role in regional transportation  facilitating freight and passenger train service across the Ohio River.

     Structure

The bridge is a through truss structure with multiple spans designed to accommodate heavy railroad traffice .  It is known for its imposing  steel frame work , characteristic of late 19th century industrial engineering.  Originally, the bridge included a swing or draw span to allow river traffic  to pass which was critical  for commercial navigation along the Ohio River

    Conversion to pedestrian and bicyclist use

After  rail service ended in the early 1960’s, the bridge remained largely unused for decades.  In the 21st century, it was renovated and repurposed as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge reopening in 2013.  Today the bridge serves as an iconic and urban  connection between downtown Louisville and Jeffersonville providing scenic views of the Ohio River and access to waterfront parks on both sides.

     Significance

    The Big Four Bridge has become a cultural and tourist landmark  for Louisville and southern Indiana.  It reflects early American railroad history and modern urban redevelopment symbolizing the adaptive reuse of historic infrastructure.

     Visitors can access the bridge from the Louisville Waterfront Park on the Kentucky side and from Jeffersonville River Stage Area on the Indiana side offering panoramic views of the Ohio River and the Louisville Skyline.

     In.summary, the Big Four Bridge stands as a historic landmark that successfully transitioned from a railway artery to a vibrant pedestrian and cycling path providing both historical context and recreational value.

     Margie’s  Candies is a historic family owned candy and ice cream parlor in Chicago celebrated for its home made ice cream, towering sundaes, and nostalgic mid century atmosphere since 1921.

History and Legacy

    Founded in 1921 by Greek immigrant Peter George Poulus, originally called Security Sweet Shop

     Renamed Margie’s Candies by George Poulus in honor his wife , Margie

     The shop gained fame hosting celebrities including All Capone, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones

     Margie herself worked in the store for decades, running the business for 15 hour days until the 1960’s

     The original location in Bucktown retains much of its original decor, Tiffany lamps,marble soda fountain and vintage booths, creating nostalgic experience.

The building was 12 stories. It was designed in the Gothic Revival Architectural Style with architectural terra cotta cladding.It was completed in 1927. The architect was Jens J. Jensen.  Main Contractor was McLennan Construction Company.

The BreakfastHouse is a highly.rated breakfast and lunch spot located in a charming historic style cottage at 1817 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, Fl..  It is known for its cozy island vibe, scratch made comfort food, and spacious covered outdoor patio.

     The history of the Breakfast House spans over a century of Sarasota Heritage evolving from 1920’s circus housing community into a beloved culinary staple.

     1920’s Origin

    John Ringling connection

The bright yellow bungalow at 1817 Fruitville Rd. was buily in the 1920’s Florida land boom. Local history indicates it was part of a row of cottages built by circus tycoon John Ringling  to house circus performers

    

Early Beginning

     Breakfast House was Wendy Goldberg, who recognized the potential in a falling apart bungalow located on Fruitville Road.  In April, 2009, Goldberg spotted the For Rent sign on the house and envisioned it as a breakfast restaurant.  Despite initial skepticism from her daughter, she pursued the idea and opened the restaurant on December 14, 2009. The bungalow was built in the 1920’home.  It  a Key West style of home, maintaining its charm while Goldberg  has formed it into Breakfast spot.

     The Historic Downtown Village has an uncertain future.  A developer, Bristol Development Group is proposing to replace the entire area including the bungalows,small businesses and associated parking with a.five story, 324 unit apartment complex called 1899 Fruitville.    The project has been submitted to the city of Sarasota’ s Development Review Committee multiple times with the latest submittal in May 2026.

As of late April 2026, the city had not yet approved the plans and no final decision has been.made.

     The Original Rainbow Cone is a Chicago  ice cream institution  known  for its  cream  iconic five flavor cone,offering a unique and fun ice cream institution.

    Overview

Founded in 1926,  The  Original Rainbow Cone has been a lasting  Chicago favorite for nearly a century, famous for  its signature Rainbow Cone which stacks five distinctive flavors:  Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House( New York Vanilla with walnuts  and cherries), Pistachio, Almond, and Orange Sherbet. Each flavor is carefully sliced (not scooped) onto.a cone or servedn in a cup, creating  a visual and flavorful delight  for ice cream lovers

Chicago and nd Chicagoland location.   

     Original Beverly Location (flagship)9233 S. Western Avd. Beverly, Chicago–iconic pink building, serving the signature five flavor cone

     Other Chicago locations: Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile (inside Gino’s east), Wicker Park

     Suburban Chicago land locations includes Skokie (3754 W. Tough Ave, Harwood Heights  (7343 West Lawrence Ave),Mount Prospect (861:E. Rand Rd.),Orland Park (15711 Harlem Ave), Lombard (498 E. Roosevelt Road), Darien ( 7417 S. Cass),Lakewood (31500 N. US Hwy 1), Bolingbrook (303 S. Weber Rd), Glendale Heights)

     Other U.S. locations Florida,  Wisconsin, Indiana Michigan, California, Texas

     Sarasota Military Academy is  a tuition free, public charter school in Sarasota, Fl offering a military inspired, values focused education for students in grades.in grades 6-12. SMA blends rigorous academic programs –including  International Baccalaureate Diploma Programmers its military style structure through Army JROTC and leadership-oriented extracurricular activities  like Raiders, Rifle, and Drill teams. The academy emphasizes core values such as honor, respect, and integrity  while fostering both academic success  (with a a high college matriculation rate) and physical training.   SMA’s campuses continue the tradition of military education in.the Sarasota region, providing modern., structured opportunities for leadership development inspired by historical precedents in the area

    The Sarasota Military Academy operates two.separate campuses in.Sarasota.  1) Sarasota Military Academy High School located at 801 N. Orange Avenue. 2) Sarasota Military Academy Prep Middle School 3101 Bethel Lane. Serving grades 6 through 8

     Before Sarasota Military Academy occupied the property at 805 Orange Streer, it was the site of Saint Martha’s Elementary School Sarasota, with some of the buildings dating back to the 1950’s.

     Sarasota Military Academy Inc purchased the 4.86 acre site.from.the Diocese for $2.37 million in 2005 and used it as their downtown Sarasota Campus.for about 20 years.

     The 10.5 acre site at 3101 Bethel Lane is located just north of Fruit bills Road near Lakewood ranch in Sarasota.  Sarasota Military Academy acquired the property in 2016 for over 7.4 million dollars to house  the SMA Prep middle school campus, which opened with new facilities in 2014..

     Prior its purchase and development by Sarasota Military. Academy, the site was identified by county records as vacant land.