Source: The Lewis Publishing Co., Vol. III pg.127 1923
Author: The History of Florida: Past & Present
DANN, HERMAN ANSON. Few names are better known
in business circles of Saint Petersburg than that of HERMAN ANSON DANN,
not alone because of his connection with several large business
enterprises, but by reason of his presidency of the Saint Petersburg
Chamber of Commerce. A man of energy and public spirit, while he
has been building up his own fortunes he has found time to devote to
the interests of his community, and no movement is considered that does
not have his support and cooperation.
Mr. DANN was born at Titusville, Pennsylvania,
September 18, 1889, and is a son of PHILLIP and IDA (MEEKS) DANN, the
former a native of Denmark and the latter of Kentucky. The only
child of his parents, his boyhood was passed at his native place, where
he attended the public schools. Later he entered Lafayette
College at Easton, Pennsylvania, from which institution he was
graduated in 1912, with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy.
Almost immediately thereafter he came to Saint Petersburg and became
identified with the Saint Petersburg Investment Company, with which he
remained until 1914, then buying a controlling interest in the Southern
Construction Company, a corporation, of which he was made
president. In 1916 he bought out the building supplies business
of W.S. McCrea & Son and incorporated the Dann-Gerow Company, Inc.,
of which he has since been president. This company does a general
retail business in all kinds of building supplies.
Mr. DANN has various other interests, being treasurer of the
West Coast Telephone Company, a director in the Central National Bank,
a director in the bond and Mortgage Guarantee Company, vice president
of the Scanlan Company, proprietors of a large department store,
etc. His connection with these concerns has contributed to their
growing success, as his business judgment and acumen are acknowledged
to be of a high order and his progressive spirit and natural energy are
factors not to be overlooked in the management and direction of
important business enterprises. Recognition of his abilities has
been granted him by his fellow business men in his election as
president of the Saint Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and vice
president of the Saint Petersburg Rotary Club, and every movement
tending to advance the interests of his city has his unqualified
support. Mr. DANN belongs to the Saint Petersburg Yacht Club, is
a Knight Templar Mason and a charter member of the local Mystic
Shrine. He has not found time to engage in politics, but takes a
good citizen’s interest in city, state and national affairs.
In 1916 Mr. DANN united in marriage with Miss HELEN
THOMASSON, of Saint Petersburg, and they are the parents of three
children: PHOEBE, THOMASSON and NANCY.