Beaux Arts Place in History (Cultural Currency)
Built in early 1917 soon after draining the swamp, The Royal Palms Hotel became the spot to go for the natives and it drew a crowd from the north looking for adventures in warmer climes.
Crowds of tourists and settlers landed in Florida from years until the deadly storm of 1925 flooded Lake Okachobem flooding its banks and the housing built nearby. Many dreams of life in the tropics were dashed by the disaster. Investors left soon after, sinking the hopes of many as the land values the state had worked so hard to raise, plummeted.
People like Tom’s uncle stayed the course and transitioned into other businesses. The Royal Palms was known for its food and weekend entertainments. The hotel serve tea and hosted a marching band for the edification of the local citizenry, who took the train from St. Petersburg to dinner at the hotel…(more)
Working Timeline for Beaux Arts