Nathan Stone built the Blackstone Hotel in 1930. It provided a place for Jews to stay at a time when "Restricted Clientele" signs were prevalent elsewhere along the Beach. In 1954, under the management of Nathan's son Alfred, the hotel broke the color barrier by hosting a black Baptist convention. Richard Stone, Alfred's son, served as Florida's Secretary of State (1972-1974) and U.S. Senator (1974-1980).

Information courtesy of Florida Division of Historical Resources, a division of Florida Department of State.