Flashback
Flashback: Venice Orchestra, 1926
Back in the Florida boom of the 1920s, Venice was a lively musical spot.

PHOTO COURTESY OF venice museum and archive
Back in the Florida boom of the 1920s, Venice was a lively musical spot, hosting a permanent orchestra at the brand-new Hotel Venice downtown. Conductor Anthony Lopez and his Famous Orange Grove Serenaders played for guests throughout meals, as well as at patio dances on Wednesday and Saturday nights. They took their name from the hotel’s courtyard, which was lined with orange trees illuminated by small orange globes in the branches. Judging from this photo, they dressed with style.