~The Tempting Blog~

The Temptation
One of the pleasant things the teenagers enjoyed doing during their short Spring Break in the 1950’s was to gather at the Temptation restaurant before cocktail hours. Dora and Homer Addison owned the “Temp” at that time. The main attraction was Dora Addison’s piano playing, often accompanied on a homemade “gutbucket” bass by a young sailor who was stationed at the Coast Guard quarters down by the Boca Grande lighthouse.

He constructed the instrument by connecting a bass G-string to the center of a large turned-up-side-down galvanized washtub. A broom handle, conveniently cut to the proper length, had a groove made on one end to fit on the washtub rim, and the G-string was attached to the other. It took some talent to apply the right pressure to the stick and pluck the string so the required “notes” could be achieved, and the resulting combo was the perfect accompaniment to energetic dancing by the young folks! The soft lights reflecting on Deo Weymouth’s murals (very new at that time) created a charming scene.

Dora always called an immediate halt to the festivities when the adult customers began to arrive and shooed the dancers out. Mrs. Pickman and her attractive daughters, C.Z. Cochrane Guest and sister Nancy, were usually among the first diners to come in.

Tudie, my wife, wanted to help me celebrate my 60th birthday in 1973 by having such a large group of friends for dinner that our house couldn’t accommodate them all. April 15 fell on a Sunday that year and most of the local restaurants were closed. The problem was neatly solved by Jean Montgomery, at that time the chef and majordomo of the Temptation. Thanks to her executive ability, Jean was able to gather up helpers to bartend and wait on tables; even the butcher from Harry Whidden’s grocery store came over to carve the legs of lamb!

It was a delightful party, enjoyed by all, especially the 60-year-old birthday boy. Thanks to John and Jean and the volunteers.