(The following report appeared on the Venice Gondolier website on October 13.)
VENICE, Fla. — George Ronald, a Venice resident, will accept the first Venice Legacy Award from the Venice Historical Commission on behalf of his late mother, Betty Arnall, at the Oct. 25 city council meeting. A second award will be presented in honor of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
Arnall grew up, married and raised her family in Venice. It was through her vision and commitment that the community’s archives were born. They were first housed in a closet in the Venice Public Library, then moved to larger quarters in Venice City Hall, where they became known as the Venice Archives and Area Historical Collection.
Arnall served as the first director of historical resources for the city of Venice, from 1987 to 1996, and as chairwoman of the Friends of the Library Historical Collection Committee from 1976 to 1991.
Arnall died in 1997.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers is recognized for its promotion and development of the Venice area from 1925 to 1928. Union president, Don Hahs from Cleveland, Ohio, will accept the award.
The wealthy and powerful railroad union invested considerable resources in developing the model city of Venice in consultation with city planner, John Nolen.
The BLE was responsible for building four hotels, several commercial buildings, an apartment district, Venezia Park and Edgewood residential neighborhoods, as well as numerous parks and more than 25 miles of roads and sidewalks. The union’s development efforts were terminated when the Florida land boom faltered. However, the unique historical character and community concept of Venice it fostered still endures.
The Venice Historical Commission plans to award the honor annually to individuals or organizations in recognition of their contributions to historical preservation or significant historical impact in the Venice area. Engraved paving stones acknowledging the recipients will be placed in a prominent area of the Lord Family House garden.
The public is invited to attend the presentation on Oct. 25 at 1:30 p.m.
in council chambers at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.