Nov. 13, 1928: Falling stovepipe makes big mess in Clearwater fire station

Some unexpected improvements have been made at the old fire station on N Fort Harrison Avenue, which is to be deserted by the Fire Department within a few days.

The long line of stovepipe that leads from the coal heater near the watchman's box began to leak sulfurous fumes, which wafted up the hole in the upper floor through which the firefighters slide to action. It made life unpleasant in the dormitory.

Fireman Fields thought this would not do, so he secured a coffee can, cut the bottom out and made repairs.

The long pipe came tumbling down, spreading consternation, soot and rusty stovepipe all over the place. The shining LaFrance trucks were plentifully bespattered with carbon from the pipe, and the station was filled with acrid smoke. It became necessary to run one of the fire engines out on the street and a call was sent for the most expert stovepipe engineer.

Electrician Dodson and firemen Wallace and Phillips responded and finally got the smoke-conveying line in commission again using a number of lengths of new pipe, hurriedly secured. Citizens attracted to the thrilling scene, at least those who had had experience with stovepipe installation, cheered the firemen for the exhibition of skill. It ordinarily takes years of experience, much manipulative ability and a great self-control to handle hot stovepipe.

Nov. 10, 1925

Motorists plunging off key bridge

CLEARWATER — Quite a number of cars have been driven off the long bridge between Clearwater and the key, but no one has yet been seriously injured through taking an involuntary bath in that manner.

Dr. H.A. Charlton, who resides in Clearwater Key, is no exception.

He went plunging off the bridge in his Maxwell sedan and escaped with slight bruises. His machine was pulled out by a wrecker little the worse for the wetting.

Charlton was returning from Clearwater to his island home. The automobile skidded on the wet planks of the bridge decking, knocked about 100 feet of the railing down and plowed over the side with the driver still at the wheel. He crawled out more scared and wet than hurt.

Nov. 10, 1925

Utility poles opposed on causeway

CLEARWATER — The City Commission went on record at last night's meeting as being directly and firmly opposed to the erection of electric light, telephone or any other kind of poles on the new causeway, with the exception of white way posts.

This was in response to verbal inquiry of officials of the Pinellas County Power company as to what stand the commission would take on the subject.

Nov. 2, 1925

City sees largest land deal in history

CLEARWATER — The largest real estate transaction consummated in Clearwater's history was closed the last of the week when B.L. McMullen leased Block 4 of the Sarah McMullen subdivision to J.K. Verbeck and C.E. McKillip, who announced that they bought the property for New York capitalists who promise to spend nearly $1-million in improvement of the tract.

The land in question has a frontage of 310 feet on E Cleveland Street and 438 feet on Prospect Avenue, containing a trifle more than 3 acres. Consideration given by the purchasers was said to be $1,600 per front foot.

The deal was handled through the McKillip office, the land being leased for 99 years, with an option to purchase for more than $1-million. It is stated that the only inducement that caused B.L. McMullen to lease the property was the promise that substantial improvements be made on the tract.

Verbeck and McKillip, who handled the transaction, emphasize that the New York capitalists who authorized the purchase have been greatly impressed with the wonderful development of Clearwater. One member of the group had been a guest last year at the Hotel Belleview.

Nov. 3, 1925

Club requests piano from Clearwater

CLEARWATER — City commissioners at their meeting last night received a request from a delegate from the Women's Club for a piano to be installed in the community house in the city park.

It appeared that the instrument now in the house set apart for the entertainment of visitors was in such condition that no acceptable music could be produced upon it, but that the tin-panny piano could be traded in on one that would be satisfactory to the women.