Two New Programs For Families: A Little History and Morning at the Museum

Children and their favorite adults are invited to the Tampa Bay History Center to enjoy A Little History and Morning at the Museum, two new monthly programs designed for families.

A Little History

On Saturday, January 16th the theme for A Little History is Big Movers: Trains, Planes and Ships. The History Center’s early childhood educators will entertain and enlighten with stories, crafts and other age-appropriate activities related to the History Center’s exhibits and galleries.

Held one Saturday per month from 10-11:30 a.m., A Little History is open to children ages 3 to 5 with an adult companion. Each session is $10.00 per child and $6.00 per adult. Members of the History Center receive a $2.00 discount.

Morning at the Museum

On Saturday, January 23rd, bring the whole family for Morning at the Museum, a before-hours exploration of the History Center. Our educators will lead a special “kid-friendly” tour, with hands-on games and activities in the galleries. Afterwards, enjoy guava pastries and other breakfast treats provided by the Columbia Cafe.

Morning at the Museum is held one Saturday per month from 9-10:30 a.m. and is open to children ages five and up with an adult companion. Each session is $10.00 per child and $14 for adults. History Center members receive $2.00 off child admission and $3.00 off for adults.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Jen Tyson at 813-675-8960 or jtyson@tampabayhistorycenter.org for more information or visit our website.

Why do they call it that? Bearss Avenue and Pinellas County | WTSP.com 10 Connects

Why do they call it that? Bearss Avenue and Pinellas County WTSP.com 10 Connects

Tampa Sports History, 12/29/79

This week 30 years ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made their playoff debut. Just 3 seasons removed from an 0-14 record, the Buccaneers captured the NFC Central Division championship with a 10-6 record. Still, the Buccaneers had much to prove to the odds-makers as they entered the game as an underdog to the Philadelphia Eagles.

To read more, check out the Tampa Sports History blog, or the December 25 print edition of La Gaceta newspaper.

Tampa Sports History, 12/16/84

This week 25 years ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers closed out a disappointing 1984 season at home against the New York Jets. The game -- John McKay's last game as head coach -- turned out to have one of the most memorable, and controversial, endings to a game in team history.

To read more, check out the Tampa Sports History blog, or the December 18 print edition of La Gaceta newspaper.

Why do they call it that? Ybor City and Davis Islands | WTSP.com 10 Connects

Some call it Davis Islands, while others leave off the "s". Even city signs have it both ways. So who's right, and who was Davis? Plus, the founder of Ybor City didn't exactly name the town after himself.

Why do they call it that? Ybor City and Davis Islands Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota WTSP.com 10 Connects

Tampa Sports History, 12/11/69

This week 40 years ago, the Tampa Boxing Commission voted unanimously to license a fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. News of a potential fight at Tampa Stadium involving Ali sent shock waves throughout the community and triggered a debate on whether to allow the controversial fighter the chance to resume his career in Tampa.

To read more, check out the Tampa Sports History blog, or the December 11 print edition of La Gaceta newspaper.

Audrie's Odds and Ends

Salt, lemon juice, and lying in the sun… Ahhh, the perfect recipe for... oh no, wait! I’m not enjoying a margarita. I’m talking about cleaning vintage tablecloths!

From wonderful kitschy heavy cotton "lunch cloths" to the most pristine whites, table linens of the Depression Era could be purchased for a mere pittance. Spending only a dollar or two, it was a great way for housewives to liven up their kitchens and raise the family's spirits. Today, the garish holiday-themed patterns and any of the “50 States” tablecloths (especially if found with the paper tag in place) are a collector’s dream and could cost as much as two or three hundred dollars. A true collector would not dream of putting one of these finds on the dinner table.

For many of us, however, these colorful cloths, tucked away in our servers, are like time capsules from our childhoods. We may remember our mother or grandmother chastising cousin Tommy for knocking over the cranberry sauce or clicking their tongues when uncle Harry, after "just one more sip", knocked over the best crystal goblet leaving the red wine in a puddle on Santa's face.

These Victory Women wasted no time at the end of the meal "clearing up". Food was wrapped and put away, dishes were washed, dried and placed in the cupboards, and the tablecloth was left to soak in the hottest possible water. With that, the blemished fabric could wait until the next day when they would agitate it gently with their hands so as not to damage the threads. They knew the most effective way to clean their textiles was to use a centuries-old method: a little lemon juice mixed with salt. The cloth was rinsed in extra-hot water, taken outside and stretched flat on the ground where sunlight combined with the water and grass would brighten and remove any stain naturally. Some refer to this age-old technique as "crofting" or "grass bleaching".

It did the trick back then and will still work today. What could be “greener”? You simply lay clean, damp linens out on a green, grassy lawn on a sunny day. The combination of sunlight, water, and grass causes a natural bleaching action to occur. If you try this method, make certain that you sun both sides equally and lightly spray with water periodically if necessary. Colorfast dyes were not used until after 1935 so you may want to spot-test the fabric first. When completely dry, wrap the cloth in acid free tissue before you stow it away for next year.

So, go find that bright red poinsettia tablecloth your mother got from your great aunt Mary's cousin Fred's wife and don't be afraid to use it this holiday season. And, with the left over ingredients, make yourself a margarita.

Audrie's Odds and Ends is an occasional column written by our Museum Store Manager, Audrie Rañon featuring tips on shopping and caring for vintage Floridiana.

Why do they call it that? Bearss Avenue and Pinellas County | Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota | WTSP.com 10 Connects

Why do they call it that? Bearss Avenue and Pinellas County WTSP.com 10 Connects

Tampa, Florida -- They're a pair of names whose pronunciation has puzzled people for decades. We have the stories behind all the different ways to say Bearss Avenue and Pinellas County.
Why do they call it Bearss Avenue -- and how do you pronounce it?

Each Wednesday the Saunders Foundation Curator of History at the Tampa Bay History Center answers the burning question, "why do they call it that?"

Tampa Sports History, 12/5/69

This week 40 years ago, the Brandon Eagles made a memorable run to the state Class AA football finals. An undefeated regular season set up a showdown with the 10-0 Clearwater Tornadoes at Tampa Stadium, a clash of styles between a stingy Eagle defense and a high-scoring Tornadoes offense.

To read more, check out the Tampa Sports History blog, or the Nov. 27 print edition of La Gaceta newspaper.

Tampa Bay History Center Receives Tampa Downtown Partnership's Urban Excellence Award

The Tampa Bay History Center was honored at the Tampa Downtown Partnership's Third Annual Urban Excellence Awards on December 2nd. The Urban Excellence Awards recognize individuals, businesses, organizations, projects and events that have made significant contributions toward creating a unique, vibrant and diverse downtown Tampa.

The History Center was among seven winners selected from 28 finalists. Other winners included Park(ing) Day/SuperTest, The Arlington, Healthy Together, Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Institute and Picnic in the Park. In addition, Walbridge, the lead contractor for the History Center, was presented with an Excellence Award.

The History Center is proud to be recognized with this honor and we congratulate all of the nominees and winners. Together, we're helping to make Tampa's downtown a vibrant place to live, work and play.