Preservation group hosts “Know Your City” tour

Kathy Schirmacher has invited Historic City News readers to join Citizens for the Preservation of St Augustine when they sponsor a “Know Your City” tour; promising to be a fascinating and entertaining glimpse into St Augustine’s past.

Many people on the First Coast have visited the Nation’s Oldest City and they are familiar with the more famous sites and attractions — but what about the areas beyond the boundaries of the immediate historic neighborhoods and shopping areas?

Conducted by local historian, David Nolan, in recognition of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “National Preservation Month” and under the sponsorship of Citizens for the Preservation of St. Augustine, this tour will be offered on Saturday, May 5 at 9:30 a.m. and again at 12:00 noon.

Advance reservations are $15.00 per person and required, as space is limited. Proceeds will help to support various preservation projects in St. Augustine. Reservations may be made by calling (904) 808-1886.

Some of the lesser-known sites of the city will be highlighted, such as:

The “Streetcar Suburbs” from the trolley age of nearly a century ago

Old plantations that have been turned into subdivisions

Henry Flagler’s first train station

The last remains of his mansion “Kirkside,” which was demolished in 1950

Hidden hotels from the Flagler Era

The home of TIME Magazine’s Man of the Year for 1929

Also highlighted will be endangered sites, in need of preservation, and other sites where magnificent buildings once stood but have since been demolished.

Tours will leave from and return to the parking lot of The Old Jail Museum, 167 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, with transportation sponsored by Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine, Historic Tours of America.