08.10.11
Interview with Jeff LaHurd
If you drive east on Bahia Vista Street until you can go no further – just after crossing Cattlemen Road, then take a right on Packinghouse Road, you will see a one story, nondescript building at 6062 Porter Way. Ironically inside this mundane building you will find some of the greatest historical treasures in our community.
In fact on many days, one of them will greet you when you walk in. His name is Jeff LaHurd, and his title is Sarasota County History Specialist. Mr. LaHurd has written thirteen books on the history of this area. He is working on number fourteen. The building in which he works is the Sarasota County History Center, a perfect setting for a man who has maintained a passion for local history that started in his childhood, and if anything has only grown stronger over the years.
Mr. LaHurd has been called a stand-up historian, a local treasure, and a walking encyclopedia of Sarasota history. His knowledge, and eagerness to impart it make him a favorite choice on the local speaker circuit. When you meet him, his modest manner conceals a man with a lifetime of information, and a willingness to share it.
The History Center and its archives contain a panoply of Sarasota history – obituaries, bound newspapers, historic photographs, government records, and archaeological treasures. They currently have on display a room devoted to books and items from the library of Pulitzer-prize winner and long-time local MacKinlay Kantor. Mr. LaHurd is surrounded by history and loving every minute of it. “It’s like getting paid to play golf.” he said
I asked about the large number of books he has written. “I started in 1990 and they just kept coming.“ he stated with a casual shrug that belied the significance of his contribution to local history. His first book was “Quintessential Sarasota”. Since then he has written books about this area, from the old Lido Casino to baseball spring training. His most recent publication is “Owen Burns – The Man Who Bought and Built Sarasota” Burns was a contemporary of John Ringling and the two were responsible for much of the construction and development of the area in the 1920’s. Jeff is not much for publicity, or promotion. He likes to do research and write. His books are available at local bookstores, and if you visit him at the history center he will happily sign them.
His next book is scheduled for a fall 2011 publication. The title is “John Hamilton Gillespie – The Scot who saved Sarasota” and the release is scheduled to coincide with the City of Sarasota’s John Hamilton Gillespie Week, October 24-30. The local Owen Burns Committee is involved in the events planned for this week of historical celebration.
Gillespie came to the area back in 1886. He cleared and defined Main Street, built a wharf on the bay, and was our first mayor. He died on the golf course he created, playing the game he introduced to Sarasota.
Jeff LaHurd seemed unsure of what was next. “I have to finish this one before I can think about it.” said this humble man whose passion for the history of this area has benefited Sarasota perhaps even more than some of the people he has written about.
