Recently, Seaside co-founders Robert & Daryl Davis, Vice President and General Manager Pam Avera, Seaside staff, merchants and homeowners, architects, community members and many friends of Seaside gathered to commemorate the past 35 years of the vibrant community and to help celebrate its success.
“It’s fitting that this is a foggy morning because in 1981, the economic horizons were pretty foggy,” said Robert Davis during his opening remarks at the ceremony.
The people who love Seaside gathered in Cinderella Circle for the champagne-and-cake party to reflect on the last 35 years, as Seaside has become important to each of them.
Along with Robert & Daryl Davis, it’s the people who live, work and visit Seaside who helped to give it life — now several generations who caught Robert & Daryl’s vision and want to continue the legacy. It’s hard to imagine that Seaside started as just a dream that began with Robert’s grandfather, J.R. Smolian. But Robert caught the magic and shared his grandfather’s dream and in 1981 Seaside was born. Since then, each “Seasider” has played an important role with his or her contribution, helping establish Seaside’s personality and make it what it is today.
Not only has this New Urbanist community had far-reaching impact worldwide, but also in all of our hearts. Probably most can remember a time when Seaside made a difference in your life.
Micah Davis with Seaside founders Daryl and Robert Davis
On the day of the ceremony, attendees were invited to share their experiences by sharing a fond memory or story. Robert Davis, spoke and led all in a commemorative champagne toast.
Readers can continue to celebrate Seaside’s 35 years in several ways:
• Purchase a 35th anniversary commemorative stamp, available by the sheet or half sheet at The Seaside Post Office.
• Read the three-part series in The Seaside Times on Seaside’s history and anniversary
• Visit Seaside’s new Visitors Bureau, which showcases Seaside history and milestones, located at 121 Central Square, Holl Bldg., next to Modica Market
It’s fitting that the longest-running Seaside restaurant, Bud & Alley’s, would offer champagne for a toast. Here Robert Davis salutes Seaside’s 35 years.
Sweet Henrietta’s made a commemorative cake and small cakes that tasted as scrumptious as they looked.
