Return of the ‘Boom & Bust’ St. Petersburg Preservation Lecture Series

boom-and-bust-lecture-seriesSeptember 17 marks the return of SPP’s popular 2014-15 Boom & Bust programs with an informative & fun topic, “Tin Can Tourists in a Roadside Paradise.” 

Following the collapse of the 1920s boom, Florida attracted a new breed of entrepreneurs who created legendary attractions and made tourism the state’s new economic fuel. The Sept. program features author and Floridiana collector Ken Breslauer who will discuss tourism’s role in the boom & busts and in the ‘Burg’s success. The program takes place inside Sunken Gardens, one of the historic roadside attractions! 

Speaker: Ken has a graduate degree in historic preservation and specializes in commercial archeology and the study of Florida’s roadside culture. He has authored several books, including, Roadside Paradise – The Golden Age of Florida’s Tourist Attractions and Historic Sites and Architecture of St. Petersburg, Florida. Read about Ken and his latest book in, I Love the Burg.

Reception with complimentary appetizers and cash bar at 6:30, program at 7 pm.

What: Tin Can Tourists in a Roadside Paradise
DateSeptember 17th 
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM
Where: Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg
Cost: Free, thanks to our sponsors!
Roadside Paradise Bus Tour! 
In conjunction with the program, SPP is offering a special “Roadside Paradise” bus tour on Saturday, Sept. 19. The tour will be like a step back in time as Ken Breslauer and SPP’s Emily Elwyn lead the group on a trip examining the Burg’s historic tourist attractions, mid-century beach motels, and preserved boom era signage. This special tour is a one-time opportunity and we expect it to sell out so make your reservation NOW!
DateSaturday, Sept. 19. 2015
Time: Depart promptly at 1 pm – Return 4 – 4:30 pm
Departure Location: Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N.
Cost: SPP members $25; Non-members $30 

Make Your Bus Tour Reservation

Funding for Boom/Bust was provided through a grant from the Florida Humanities Council with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and sponsor Estelia Mesimer. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of these organizations.

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