Andrew McAnsh facts for kids

Andrew McAnsh (born 1874, died 1946) was a businessman from Scotland who later became an American citizen. He spent most of his life living and working in the Chicago area. Andrew McAnsh became very important in developing the city of Sarasota, Florida, especially by building new properties.

Early Life and Business Career

Andrew McAnsh was born in Scotland in 1874. His parents were John and Christina McAnsh. When he was about 5 or 6 years old, his family moved to North America. They first lived near Toronto, Canada, and then moved to Chicago, USA, two years later. Chicago became his home for most of his life.

He went to public schools and a business college to get his education. Andrew first worked in the clothing business, selling men's accessories. Later, he moved into the grocery and restaurant businesses. He also got involved in politics. He worked in the Chicago city assessor's office, which helps decide property values for taxes. He also worked for the Governor of Illinois, John Riley Tanner.

Later, he started making furniture. He opened factories in several states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and North Carolina. Eventually, he also started working in construction and real estate, building and selling properties.

Developing Sarasota, Florida

In 1922, Andrew McAnsh moved to Sarasota, Florida, from Chicago. People there gave him a warm welcome because they knew he was a successful businessman. He started a company called the Mira Mar Corporation.

He quickly began building important places in Sarasota:

• The Mira Mar Apartments were built in less than sixty days.
• The Mira Mar Hotel was built in less than a year.
• The Mira Mar Casino was also built by him.

McAnsh made a special agreement with the city of Sarasota. His hotel, apartments, and casino received free power and water for ten years. They also didn't have to pay property taxes for that time. He was able to get this deal because a famous person named John Ringling had turned down a similar offer before.

Andrew McAnsh was married to Bertha Deegan McAnsh, and they had two children. His wife passed away on June 10, 1945. Andrew McAnsh was also a 32nd Degree Mason, which is a high rank in a fraternal organization. He continued to spend his winters in Sarasota until he died on October 23, 1946, in Chicago.

He is recognized as a Great Floridian for his contributions to the state.