Since its early days as a boomtown on the Florida frontier, Tampa has had a lively history rich with commerce, cuisine, and working-class communities. In From Saloons to Steak Houses, Andrew Huse takes readers on a journey into historic bars, theaters, gambling halls, soup kitchens, clubs, and restaurants, telling the story of Tampa's past through these fascinating social spaces-many of which can't be found in official histories.Beginning with the founding of modern Tampa in 1887 and spanning a century, Huse delves into the culture of food and drink in the city and traces the struggles that have played out in public spaces. He describes temperance advocates who crusaded against saloons and breweries, cigar workers on strike who depended on soup houses for survival, and civil rights activists who staged sit-ins at lunch counters. These stories are set amid themes such as the emergence of Tampa's criminal underworld, the rise of anti-German fear during World War I, and the heady power of prosperity and tourism in the 1950s.Huse draws from local newspaper stories and firsthand accounts to show what authorities and city residents saw and believed about these establishments and the people who frequented them. This unique take on Tampa history reveals a spirited city at work and play, an important cultural hub that continues to both celebrate and come to terms with its many legacies.

About the Author
Andrew T. Huse is the author of The Columbia Restaurant: Celebrating a Century of History, Culture, and Cuisine. A librarian with the University of South Florida's Special Collections department, he lectures across the state about Florida history and foodways.

Reviews
Deeply researched. . . . There's plenty of fascinating Tampa history on the menu in From Saloons to Steak Houses." -Tampa Bay Times



Book Information
ISBN 9780813066400
Author Andrew T. Huse
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint University Press of Florida
Publisher University Press of Florida
Weight(grams) 528g