2 100 145 https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/22cd17b04b165cff55fe251488e80029.jpg dec105f3facc5d83c4129119fb2497cc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Hand-written Note Admitting Becky Young into Weeki Wachee Springs for Interview Alternative Title Hand-Written Note from Genie Young to Pat, Requesting Becky Young's Admittance into Weeki Wachee Springs for Interview Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Hand-written note from mermaid manager Genie Young to Pat, requesting Becky Young's addmitance into Weeki Wachee Springs. The note reads, " Pat, Please admit Becky- She is a try-out and hopefully trainee." Becky was interviewing to become a mermaid. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Abstract Hand-written note Type Still Image Source Original note written by Genie Young, February 20, 1973: Private Collection of Becky Young. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Has Format . Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Creator Weeki Wachee Spring State Park Young, Genie Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1973-02-20 Date Copyrighted 1973-02-20 Format image/jpeg Extent 26 MB Medium Hand-written note on paper Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Rebecca Young and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Private Collection of Becky Young. External Reference Allman, T.D. Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. “Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions.” The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, (1998): 238-259. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. Weeki Wachee Mermaids. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. Glass Bottom Boats and Mermaid Tails: Florida’s Tourist Springs. Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Dan and Maryan Pelland. Images of America: Weeki Wachee. Mount Pleasant: Arcadia Publishing, 2006. Revels, Tracy J. Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu. Weeki Wachee City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida’s Oldest Roadside Attractions. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Is Format Of Digital Reproduction of nd-written note: Becky Young, 1973. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida Provenance Originally created by Genie Young, owned by Rebecca Young, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Becky Young Brooksville Florida tourism Genie Young mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rebecca Young roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/35a8e64dec7a0c5eda53d52016a1ef00.jpg 332a45b957c60a413fbce5988f5867d2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Newspaper Article Announcing the Employment of Rebecca Young as a Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Alternative Title Marshalltown Times-Republican Article Announcing Rebecca Young's (then Stahlhut) Employment as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description A newspaper article published on February 22, 1973, in the Marshalltown Times-Republican announcing Rebecca Young's (then Rebecca Stalhhut) employment as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The article reads, "Becky Stahlhut, a mid-term graduate of Marshalltown High School has been accepted to swim as a mermaid in the world famous Spring of Live Mermaids at Weeki Wachi [sic], Fla. She was a member of the MHS girls swim team, synchronized swim group, intructor and life guard at the YMCA and on the Y swim team. Becky is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Stalhhut of St. Petersburg, Fla., formerly of Marshalltown." Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Abstract Newspaper article Type Still Image Source Original Newspaper Article: "Miss Stahlhut To be 'Mermaid'", Marshalltown Times-Republican article, February 22,1973: Private Collection of Becky Young. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Creator Marshalltown Times-Republican Publisher Marshalltown Times-Republican <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1973-02-22 Date Copyrighted 1973-02-22 Format image/jpeg Extent 21.1 MB Medium Newspaper article cut out and taped together. Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Marshalltown Times-Republican, owned by Rebecca Young, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by the Marshalltown Times-Republican and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Private Collection of Becky Young. External Reference Allman, T.D. Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. “Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions.” The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, (1998): 238-259. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. Weeki Wachee Mermaids. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. Glass Bottom Boats and Mermaid Tails: Florida’s Tourist Springs. Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 2006 Pelland, Dan and Maryan Pelland. Images of America: Weeki Wachee. Mount Pleasant: Arcadia Publishing, 2006. Revels, Tracy J. Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu. Weeki Wachee City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida’s Oldest Roadside Attractions. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Is Format Of Digital Reproduction of original ticket: Becky Young, 1973. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Becky Young Brooksville Florida tourism Genie Young Marshalltown, Iowa mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rebecca Young roadside attractions roadside tourism St. Petersburg, Florida tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/bfe8789109f66dcc1558203135d3e329.jpg 562e4c0597638abbf7662b90bf052fce Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Courtesy Admission Ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs Alternative Title Courtesy Admission Ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs, given to Rebecca Young on February 20, 1973 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description A courtesy admission ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs, good for one free viewing of an underwater show. The ticket was given to Rebecca Young (then Rebecca Stalhart) on the day of her pre-employment interview and water test, February 20, 1973. Rebecca was interviewing for a position as mermaid Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Abstract Courtesy Admission ticket for Weeki Wachee Springs. Type Still Image Source Original admission ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs, February 20, 1973: Private Collection of Becky Young. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Creator Weeki Wachee Spring State Park Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1973-02-20 Date Copyrighted 1973-02-20 Format image/jpeg Extent 9.08 MB Medium 3.5 x 2 inch ticket with teal lettering. Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Rebecca Young and is provided here by RICHES for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Private Collection of Becky Young. External Reference Allman, T.D. Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. “Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions.” The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, (1998): 238-259. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. Weeki Wachee Mermaids. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. Glass Bottom Boats and Mermaid Tails: Florida’s Tourist Springs. Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Dan and Maryan Pelland. Images of America: Weeki Wachee. Mount Pleasant: Arcadia Publishing, 2006. Revels, Tracy J. Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu. Weeki Wachee City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida’s Oldest Roadside Attractions. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Is Format Of Digital Reproduction of original ticket: Becky Young, 1973. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Newton "Newt" Perry, owned by Rebecca Young, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Becky Young Brooksville Florida tourism Genie Young mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rebecca Young roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/508614ab440eeea12b4a652f5d124b59.jpg c76dbeff6945940cc9aba22badcdfce5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Note from Manager of Weeki Wachee to Becky Young Requesting Interview Alternative Title Typed Note, Written by Weeki Wachee Employee to Becky Young Requesting Interview, 1973 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description A typed note on card stock the size of a business card sent to Rebecca Young from Weeki Wachee Springs, requesting her to come by for an interview. Text reads, "Rebecca: Come up as soon as you can for water test and pre-employment interview." The name of the person who sent the note is obscured. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Abstract Note inviting Rebecca Young to interview at Weeki Wachee Springs. Type Still Image Source Original note from Weeki Wachee Springs to Becky Young, 1973: Private Collection of Becky Young. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Creator Weeki Wachee Spring State Park Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1973 Date Copyrighted ca. 1973 Format image/jpeg Extent 2.67 GB Medium 3.5 x 2 inch note on card stock Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Becky Young and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Private Collection of Becky Young. External Reference Allman, T.D. Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. “Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions.” The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, (1998): 238-259. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. Weeki Wachee Mermaids. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. Glass Bottom Boats and Mermaid Tails: Florida’s Tourist Springs. Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Dan and Maryan Pelland. Images of America: Weeki Wachee. Mount Pleasant: Arcadia Publishing, 2006. Revels, Tracy J. Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu. Weeki Wachee City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida’s Oldest Roadside Attractions. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Is Format Of Digital Reproduction of original note: Becky Young, 1973. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Accrual Method Donation Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Becky Young Brooksville Florida tourism Genie Young mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rebecca Young roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/b19c7b3ef5107c9188727809004cf213.jpg b3ebc16fc8593f29c7a369f1f33d14e6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Stock Letter for Those Interested in Becoming Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids, sent to Becky Young in 1972 Alternative Title Letter Becky Young Received from Weeki Wachee Springs with an Application Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description A typed stock letter sent to Becky Young in 1972 alongside an application for a position as a mermaid. The letter is typed on Weeki Wachee letterhead, which has an image of two performers in a pose underwater as the background. Signed by the Mermaid Supervisor Genie Young, the letter thanks applicants for their interest in the position and gives an overview of the job description and pay schedule. The letter ends asking applicants to send the application and a photograph of themselves back to Genie Young. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Abstract Letter inviting prospects to apply to Weeki Wachee Springs. Type Still Image Source Original letter from Genie Young to Becky Young, c.1973: Private Collection of Becky Young. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Young, Genie Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1973 Date Copyrighted ca. 1973 Format image/jpeg Extent 96.3 MB Medium 8 x 11.5 letter on green Weeki Wachee letterhead Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Becky Young and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Private Collection of Becky Young. External Reference Allman, T.D. Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. “Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions.” The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, (1998): 238-259. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. Weeki Wachee Mermaids. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. Glass Bottom Boats and Mermaid Tails: Florida’s Tourist Springs. Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Dan and Maryan Pelland. Images of America: Weeki Wachee. Mount Pleasant: Arcadia Publishing, 2006. Revels, Tracy J. Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu. Weeki Wachee City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida’s Oldest Roadside Attractions. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Is Format Of Digital Reproduction of original letter: Becky Young, 1973. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Becky Young Brooksville Florida tourism Genie Young mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rebecca Young roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/5204efd433493b5e2955e124583066fc.jpg 7398a1dd6a2bc0729a0e721257b69899 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Newton "Newt" Perry Filming Underwater Alternative Title Newton "Newt" Perry with Underwater Camera Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Motion pictures--Production and direction Underwater photography Florida--In motion pictures Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Underwater cinematography--Equipment and supplies Diving Diving suits Description A photograph of an underwater filming scene showing Newton "Newt" Perry in a diving helmet at an underwater camera, some time between 1950 and 1970. This photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an underwater filmmaker. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original photograph of underwater filming scene, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of underwater filming scene, ca. 1950-1970. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Perry, Newton Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1970 Date Issued ca. 1950-1970 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1970 Format image/jpeg Extent 1.59 MB Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Newton "Newt" Perry, owned by Delee Perry, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Delee Perry and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Kephart, Anna Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. Delee Perry diving Florida tourism mermaids natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism swimming tourist attractions underwater filmmaking underwater photography Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/c5e75d534f461cafb5464ee40df54596.jpg 3e9e020ef1ce0d806e4302fad0500a37 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Swimming Area at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Alternative Title Swimmers at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Description A photograph of a swimming area with bathers in front of a building at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Florida, around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original photograph of swimmers at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of swimmers at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Perry, Newton Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950 Date Issued ca. 1950 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950 Format image/jpeg Extent 1.63 MB Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Newton "Newt" Perry, owned by Delee Perry, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Delee Perry and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Kephart, Anna Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. Delee Perry Florida tourism mermaids natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism swimming tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/cf280cab2ba2c7017b7e0ad82f65906a.jpg 78be25f869693dec08110409f3bc51a2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Underwater Diver in Diving Suit Alternative Title Underwater Diver Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Motion pictures--Production and direction Underwater photography Florida--In motion pictures Diving Diving suits Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Underwater cinematography--Equipment and supplies Description Photograph of underwater diver in diving suit with a sunken treasure chest, some time between 1950 and1970. The photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an underwater filmmaker. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original photograph of underwater diver in diving suit, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of underwater diver in diving suit, ca. 1950-1970. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Perry, Newton Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1970 Date Issued ca. 1950-1970 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1970 Format image/jpeg Extent 1.47 MB Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Newton "Newt" Perry, owned by Delee Perry, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Delee Perry and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Kephart, Anna Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. Delee Perry diving diving suits Florida tourism mermaids natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism swimming tourist attractions treasure chest underwater filmmaking underwater photography Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/a463f29e15f3945c5d0167bb7c7c55d2.jpg 3bd76f8b9067e783faa1fb9049a63e61 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Mermaid Swimming in Front of an Underwater Filming Tank Designed by Newton "Newt" Perry Alternative Title Underwater Filming Tank Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Motion pictures--Production and direction Underwater photography Florida--In motion pictures Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Underwater cinematography--Equipment and supplies Description A photograph of a mermaid swimming in front of an underwater filming tank created by Newton "Newt" Perry some time between 1950 and 1970. The photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an underwater filmmaker. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original photograph of underwater filming tank, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of underwater filming tank, ca. 1950-1970. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Perry, Newton Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1970 Date Issued ca. 1950-1970 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1970 Format image/jpeg Extent 2.12 MB Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Newton "Newt" Perry, owned by Delee Perry, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Delee Perry and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Kephart, Anna Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. Delee Perry diving Florida tourism mermaids natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism swimming tourist attractions underwater filmmaking underwater photography Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/c245179210ab4bd4ad76d8bb9273de41.jpg c85bc09d5f0e0d3a4e8c0d71ef1ae819 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Exterior of Underwater Theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Alternative Title Underwater Theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Description An exterior photograph of the underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Florida, around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original photograph of underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Perry, Newton Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950 Date Issued ca. 1950 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950 Format image/jpeg Extent 1.77 MB Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Newton "Newt" Perry, owned by Delee Perry, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Delee Perry and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Kephart, Anna Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. Delee Perry Florida tourism mermaids natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions underwater theater Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/da166dbaf327eeb32b1a186bf2c36232.jpg 4b8dc539d3a5ffe84627d4a40efc54b8 https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/2128feb503193a51806eac496ec65c3b.jpg df59e91a83a945827a006370d8e6ba04 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Eileen Perry Hogshead Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Mermaid Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Underwater photography Description A signed photograph of Eileen Perry Hogshead, the daughter of Newton "Newt" Perry, aged fourteen, as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The photograph was taken by Newton Perry around 1950. On the reverse of the photograph is a hand-written caption by Newton. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter, Delee Perry, took over Perry's swim school following her father's death in 1987. It was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Images Source Original photograph of Eileen Perry Hogshead, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of Eileen Perry Hogshead, ca. 1950. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Perry, Newton Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950 Date Issued ca. 1950 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950 Format image/jpeg Extent 2.26 MB 2.28 MB Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Newton "Newt" Perry and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Delee Perry and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Kephart, Anna Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry. External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. Delee Perry diving Eileen Perry Hogshead Florida tourism mermaids natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism swimming tourist attractions underwater photography Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/3a5cb89f496ca88982fad79f8b0a04e2.jpg 571bdd1d70444d822ef016b9ec629f03 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weekiwachee Spring Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Spring Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Underwater photography Description Advertising card for Weekiwachee Spring from around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter, Delee Perry, took over Perry's swim school following her father's death in 1987. It was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original Weeki Wachee Springs State Park advertising card, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original advertising card for Weekiwachee Spring, ca. 1950. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950 Date Issued ca. 1950 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950 Format image/jpeg Extent 1.01 MB Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, owned by Delee Perry, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Kephart, Anna Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. advertising Delee Perry diving Florida tourism mermaids natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism swimming tourist attractions underwater photography Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/fe5f57a36eba5daac91eb181f5ee9ca2.jpg 8698cafa30b398a4f4d8ae0f2c03c0ee Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from Val Darling to Newton "Newt" Perry (March 26, 1981) Alternative Title Letter from Darling to Perry (March 26, 1981) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Sports--Florida Athletes--United States Swimming--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Description A letter dated March 26, 1981, from the Acting Chairman of the <a href="https://flasportshof.org/" target="_blank">Florida Sports Hall of Fame</a>, Val Darling, to Newton "Newt" Perry, informing Perry of his selection to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame for his "immense contributions to the world of sports" and inviting him to an induction ceremony on April 17, 1981. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Text Source Original 1-page letter from Val Darling to Newton "Newt" Perry, March 26, 1981: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original 1-page letter from Val Darling to Newton "Newt" Perry, March 26, 1981. Coverage Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Cypress Garden, Florida Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Darling, Val Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1981-03-26 Date Issued 1981-03-26 Date Copyrighted 1981-03-26 Format image/jpeg Extent 997 KB Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Val Darling, owned by Delee Perry, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Val Darling and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Kephart, Anna Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. athletics Delee Perry diving Florida Sports Hall of Fame Florida tourism mermaids natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism swimming tourist attractions Val Darling Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/46448d2b6608e6cb8acaa909990c5639.jpg 5e2ff9aced7ecc9017fa6fac50a92be4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from Gaye Guinta to Delee Perry (March 31, 1997) Alternative Title Letter from Guinta to Perry (March 31, 1997) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Motion pictures--Production and direction Underwater photography Florida--In motion pictures Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Description A letter dated March 31, 1997, from the director of the <a href="https://museumoffloridahistory.com/" target="_blank">Museum of Florida History</a>, Gaye Guita, to Delee Perry. In the letter, printed on <a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/" target="_blank">Florida Department of State</a> letterhead, Gaye Guita invites Delee Perry to attend the opening reception for an new exhibit about Florida's film heritage at the Museum of Florida History on April 6, 1997. This exhibit featured and was dedicated to the memory of Perry's father, Newton "Newt" Perry, and Guita thanks Perry for her assistance with the exhibit. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Text Source Original 1-page letter from Gaye Guinta to Delee Perry, March 31, 1997: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original 1-page letter from Gaye Guinta to Delee Perry, March 31, 1997. Coverage Museum of Florida History, Tallahassee, Florida Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Guinta, Gaye Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1997-03-31 Date Issued 1997-03-31 Date Copyrighted 1997-03-31 Format image/jpeg Extent 971 KB Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Gaye Guinta and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Delee Perry and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Kephart, Anna Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal collection of Delee Perry External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. Delee Perry diving Florida tourism Gaye Guita mermaids Museum of Florida History museums natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism swimming tourist attractions underwater filmmaking underwater photography Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/518a6057f3a73a7010b3258d2bcdaf1d.jpg 5bf74b6b75edc4b0619137ce2a90f405 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Live Mermaids Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Description A small poster for Weeki Wachee Springs. The background of the poster is black, featuring a cartoon mermaid and three fish. The text reads, "Weeki Wachee Live Mermaids. U.S. 19 and Florida 50." Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original color poster: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original color poster. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Format image/jpg Extent 146 KB Medium color poster Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Sawhney, Sabrina Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Florida Department of State. Division of Historical Resources. "<a href="https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/national-register/national-preservation-month-2020/weeki-wachee-springs/. Accessed May 15, 2020. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida State Parks. "<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee</a>." https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/history-weeki-wachee. Accessed May 15, 2020. Rizzo, Marian. "<a href="https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS" target="_blank">'Human Fish' Had a Life Filled With Aquatic Exploits</a>." Ocala Star Banner. August 14, 2013. https://www.ocala.com/article/LK/20130814/News/604145183/OS. Accessed May 15, 2020. Schwandt, Rebecca. "<a href="https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189" target="_blank">Revisiting Roadside Attractions: A 'Deep Dive' into Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 (6189), 2018. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/6189. Turtle, Howard. "Kansas Citians Stage Shows in Deep Water in Florida." Kansas City Star. March 7, 1948. advertising Delee Perry diving Florida tourism mermaids natural springs Newton "Newt" Perry parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism swimming tourist attractions underwater photography Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/736e40877eaebb5b48ee177ae6c65e8f.jpg c8d8e728d1349dcc027ae2e1ea3ecd8d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title May Museum Exhibit Alternative Title Bug Exhibit at the May Museum Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Buildings--Florida Entomology Description The original interior of the May Museum of the Tropics. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage May Museum, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1954-1964 Format C Extent 179 KB Medium black and white photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Sawhney, Sabrina Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism insects John May May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/169150968dff30857c0bc9aa5ec23094.jpg a15a21cad6cbfb0a8ff1f6551490546d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from John May to Joe and Martha Seltzer (February 25, 1962) Alternative Title Letter from May to the Seltzers(February 25, 1962) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Buildings--Florida Entomology Description A letter from John May to Joe and Martha Seltzer, the management of Weeki Wachee Springs. The letter details May's sadness that Seltzer was resigning. May expresses that he hopes to remain in contact and that Seltzer and his wife can leave their things in a back room in the museum temporarily while they look for a new place. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original letter from John May to Joe and Martha Seltzer, February 25, 1962: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original letter from John May to Joe and Martha Seltzer, February 25, 1962. Coverage May Museum, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator May, John Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1962-02-25 Format image/jpg Extent 104 KB Medium 1-page typed letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by John May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Sawhney, Sabrina Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism insects Joe Seltzer John May May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/30c762c07d76c697917440db000f1140.jpg 68833b4d81ca20af887e1fd4c2328c5b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Inside the May Museum of the Tropics Alternative Title May Museum of the Tropics Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Buildings--Florida Entomology Description The original interior of the May Museum of the Tropics in the 1950s. In the months following the photograph, several specimen began to droop and wilt in the cases due to humidity. The owner, John May, was forced to hand make new display cases out of metal and attach them to a dehumidifier. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by John May: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by John May. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator May, John Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1954-1964 Format image/jpg Extent 691 KB Medium black and white photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by John May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism insects John May May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/94d7eab0c4b87d89f85fd9cf5b1e5889.jpg 78f0569be5c7e6c87afa362c86d0207d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Entrance to the May Museum of the Tropics Alternative Title May Museum of the Tropics Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Buildings--Florida Entomology Description The entrance of the May Museum of the Tropics. Faux thatched roof, tiki sculptures, and a list of countries the insects in the collection came from adorn the space, giving it an exotic feel. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by John May: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by John May. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator May, John Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1954-1964 Format image/jpg Extent 2.24 MB Medium black and white photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by John May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism insects John May May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/162f78cb8b2649510c112b8cbea76778.jpg ca512be0fee326b8f9ab481e0de364e0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Construction of Hercules Beetle Sculpture at Weeki Wachee Springs Alternative Title Hercules Beetle Sculpture Lowered into Place at Weeki Wachee Springs Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Description A team of people guide the placement of a Hercules beetle sculpture in the 1950s. A crane lowers the sculpture in place near the May Museum of the Tropics at Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida. The large beetle sculpture served as an advertisement to attract visitors to the museum. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by John May: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by John May. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator May, John Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1954-1956 Format image/jpg Extent 3.54 MB Medium black and white photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by John May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. construction Florida tourism insects John May May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/df24536d16bde2057b8c41f232488fa8.pdf 2c5b0ed57c8d0e2da0f40a6ad1f78ef5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from Myrtle Colson to John May (February 11, 1961) Alternative Title Letter from Colson to May (February 11, 1961) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from the manager of the the May Museum of the Tropics, Myrtle Colson, to the owner of the museum, John May. The letter details concerns that the manager was having with an employee as well as her complaints about being excluded from certain business matters. As John May lived in Colorado and the May Museum of the Tropics was located in Florida, communication between employer, employees, and other staff at Weeki Wachee Springs was limited predominantly to letters of correspondence. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Table Of Contents Type Text Source Original 3-page letter from Myrtle Colson to John May, February 11, 1961: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original 3-page letter from Myrtle Colson to John May, February 11, 1961. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Colson, Myrtle Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1961-02-11 Format application/pdf Extent 10.6 MB Medium 3-page typed letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Myrtle Colson and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism insects John May May Museum of the Tropics museums Myrtle Colson natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/bcccd8c2c87461f9554f0790c15ff4a0.pdf 779c287e1f63eed0f658bee57326d5b6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Employee Rules and Regulations for the May Museum of the Tropics Alternative Title May Museum of the Tropics Employee Handbook Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Employee handbooks Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description Six pages of the May Museum of the Tropics employee handbook. The owner of the museum, John May, created the handbook for his employees to follow in the 1960s. The table of contents on the first three pages gives insight to what is included in the missing pages of the handbook. The other three pages explain how employees should approach the public, list what actions are and are not permitted, and provide instructions for handling an emergency. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Text Source Original 8-page typewritten handbook by John May: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original 8-page typewritten handbook by John May. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator May, John Publisher <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Date Created ca. 1963-07 Date Copyrighted ca. 1963-07 Format application/pdf Extent 12.3 MB Medium 8-page typed handbook Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by John May and published by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. employee handbook Florida tourism insects John May May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/5d8d39c02132950b682c38c6ff8d1026.jpg 018cf76a596f45b763f79d40b152b3a4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Sunbathing at Weeki Wachee Springs Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Springs Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Description A postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs sometime in the late 1950s. Louise Nan Steer mentions this postcard in her oral history interview because the blonde girl in the pink bathing suit in the center of the postcard is her twin sister, Lynda. The rest of the women are mermaids that worked at the park. Louise stated that several times during photoshoots, the photographer would gather whoever was available to fill the shot. This is how Lynda became a part of the postcard even though she was not a Weeki Wachee mermaid. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original 3.5 x 5 color postcard by Weeki Wachee Springs: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original 3.5 x 5 color postcard by Weeki Wachee Springs. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/" target=”_blank”>Weeki Wachee Springs</a> Publisher <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1963 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1963 Format image/jpg Extent 5.35 MB Medium color postcard Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created and published by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism mermaids natural springs parks Postcards Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/53adb0cf698f434c37d1b0445f5cab74.jpg 1bdc1e217930e4389b34661bd6d176d2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title John May Building the May Museum of the Tropics Alternative Title John May Building the May Museum Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Buildings--Florida Entomology Description John May at the foundation of the May Museum of the Tropics at Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida. The date written on the photograph is November 20th, 1953. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1953-11-20 Format image/jpg Extent 2.03 MB Medium black and white photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. construction Florida tourism John May May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/5dfeec3ce19e2c5128585f7718f7b670.jpg 18433e1f058f7f6265effaed939f466a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Orchid Gardens at Weeki Wachee Springs Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Spring's Orchid Gardens Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Buildings--Florida Entomology Description Orchid Gardens at Weeki Wachee Springs. The hothouse, which allowed visitors to view a variety of orchids, was one of the original attractions to join the mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by John M. May: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by John M. May. Coverage Orchid Gardens, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator May, John M. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca.1954-1964 Date Copyrighted ca. 1954-1964 Format image/jpg Extent 2.23 MB Medium black and white photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Provenance Originally created by John M. May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism John M. May natural springs Orchid Gardens orchids parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/69d441652490ca61aaa47ac114b9ad9d.jpg 68c797a3f26814874381057b9cd1461b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson (September 27, 1958) Alternative Title Letter from May to Colson (September 27, 1958) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from John M. May, owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, to the manager of the museum, Myrtle Colson, dated September 27, 1958. May reassures Colson that she is doing fine, expressing remorse for the losing an employee and hope that their replacement is a good fit for the position. May also mentions that he is working on creating a sculpture of a hercules beetle that he plans to place in front of the museum to help drum up business. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Text Source Original 1-page typewritten letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson, September 27, 1958: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original 1-page typewritten letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson, September 27, 1958. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator May, John M. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1958-09-27 Format image/jpg Extent 3.52 MB Medium 1-page typewritten letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Provenance Originally created by John M. May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism John M. May May Museum of the Tropics museums Myrtle Colson natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/0106e4f2aa5afe5e44d90dbb593c737e.jpg ebf0102ea32f83698f00bcbf5b4e5996 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May (June 1, 1958) Alternative Title Letter from Colson to May (June 1, 1958) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from Myrtle Colson, manager of the May Museum of the Tropics, to the owner of the museum, John M. May, dated June 1, 1958. Colson tells May about the increasing sales to the museum due to efforts of the new owner of Weeki Wachee Springs, and discusses a new employee. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Text Source Original 1-page typewritten letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, June 1, 1958: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original 1-page typewritten letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, June 1, 1958. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Colson, Myrtle Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1958-06-01 Format image/jpg Extent 3.48 MB Medium 1-page typewritten letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Provenance Originally created by Myrtle Colson and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism John M. May May Museum of the Tropics museums Myrtle Colson natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/a80486b145f9b8e991cdedfa354a881e.jpg 8d776f01758b9c1f7fcf15ac9ceee5bb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from John M. May to John T. Greighten (November 20, 1963) Alternative Title Letter from May to Greighten (November 20, 1963) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from John M. May, owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, to John T. Creighten, an employee of the Department of Entomology at the University fo Florida, dated November 20, 1963. replying to Mr. Creighten's interest in the museum and its collection. In response to Creighten's interest in the museum and its collection, May invited him to visit. May points out that the museum would close permanently that December due to decisions made by the owners of Weeki Wachee Springs. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Text Source Original 1-page typewritten letter from John M. May to John T. Greighten, November 20, 1963: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original 1-page typewritten letter from John M. May to John T. Greighten, November 20, 1963. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator May, John M. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1963-11-20 Format image/jpg Extent 2.59 MB Medium 2-page typewritten letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Provenance Originally created by John M. May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. entomology Florida tourism insects John M. May John T. Creighten May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions University of Florida Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/b5465c2c90b279d3e1c24898116b7f08.pdf 39d823aa90860689af327aadc16e38c3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May (February 25, 1959) Alternative Title Letter from Colson to May (February 25, 1959) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from Myrtle Colson, manager of the May Museum of the Tropics, to the owner of the museum, John M. May, dated February 25, 1959. Colson discusses a surprise audit from the owners of Weeki Wachee, The Florida Chain of Theaters. She writes that a comptroller visited the museum, inquiring about the museum's accounting books and records of business. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Text Source Original 2-page typewritten letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, February 25, 1959: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/acrobat/pdf-reader.html" target="_blank">Adobe Acrobat Reader</a> Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original 2-page typewritten letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, February 25, 1959. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Colson, Myrtle Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1959-02-25 Format application/pdf Extent 7.70 MB Medium 2-page typewritten letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Provenance Originally created by Myrtle Colson and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. accounting audit Florida Chain of Theaters Florida tourism integration John M. May May Museum of the Tropics museums Myrtle Colson natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/8c7a73eb55ce7750158f235cfef6435b.pdf 34567064cdc9c02557a411f706001069 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May (March 28, 1956) Alternative Title Letter from Colson to May (March 28, 1956) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from Myrtle Colson, manager of the May Museum of the Tropics, to the owner of the museum, John M. May, dated March 28, 1956. Myrtle writes that earlier in the day, she allowed an African-American couple to enter the museum, as he had instructed employees to do. Later in the day, after news spread to Joe Seltzer, manager of Weeki Wachee Springs, he reprimanded her and instructed her not to let any other African-Americans in the museum. He also told her to put up a sign that read, "We reserve the right to refuse admission to anyone". Myrtle writes that she tried to defend her decision, citing a Supreme Court decision, to which Seltzer replied that the decision did not apply to the Springs. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Text Source Original 2-page typewritten letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, March 28, 1956: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/acrobat/pdf-reader.html" target="_blank">Adobe Acrobat Reader</a> Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original 2-page typewritten letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, March 28, 1956. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Colson, Myrtle Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1956-03-28 Format application/pdf Extent 7.85 MB Medium 2-page typewritten letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Provenance Originally created by Myrtle Colson and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism insects Joe Seltzer John M. May May Museum of the Tropics museums Myrtle Colson natural springs parks racial discrimination Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism segregation tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/1b9b4aad159ed91c3014443c610cb112.jpg f7246c7720fdd407bffe4ba72d90969f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Letter from John M. May to Directors of St. Petersburg Springs Co (January 28, 1957) Alternative Title Letter from May to Directors of St. Petersburg Springs Co (January 28, 1957) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, to the directors of the St. Petersburg Springs Co., owners of Weeki Wachee Springs, dated January 28, 1957. May discusses his concerns with management and inquires about construction plans. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Text Source Original 1-page typewritten letter from John M. May to Directors of St. Petersburg Springs Co, January 28, 1957: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com//">May Natural History Museum</a> Colorado Springs, Colorado. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original 1-page typewritten letter from John M. May to Directors of St. Petersburg Springs Co, January 28, 1957. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator May, John M. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1957-01-28 Format image/jpg Extent 5.11 MB Medium 1-page typewritten letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Provenance Originally created by John M. May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism insects John M. May May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism St. Petersburg Springs Co tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/ae467d5123de53df10d5e652555645d0.pdf 8284aaaf6a2261778a395449be3b4531 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title General Company Rules for Mermaids, Swimmers & Trainees Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Springs Employee Handbook Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Employee handbooks Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Description Weeki Wachee Springs employee handbook for mermaids, swimmers and trainees. The first four pages detail scheduling rules, dress code and rules of conduct. Some of the rules for mermaids cover what makeup to wear in and out of the water, where to keep bathing suits and costumes, how to act in the villa, how to announce the shows, as well as how to act in public when off duty. Pages 5-10 detail safety measures for diving. There are rules for how to care for the sinus, answers to an air lock test, and a list of diving diseases and their symptoms. Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, an show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs began steadily declining until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history. Type Still Images Source 10-page typewritten handbook by Weeki Wachee Springs, c.1950s: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original 10-page typewritten handbook by Weeki Wachee Springs. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Weeki Wachee Springs Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1959 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1959 Format application/pdf Extent 1.2 MB Medium 10-page typed employee handbook Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created and published by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. employee handbook Florida tourism mermaids natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/2581b310baaddd7dda4a2ad4419178fb.jpg a87e07f47c2238b153fe3d80867baa8c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Bonnie Georgiadis Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Indian Mound Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Excavations (Archaeology)--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Description Bonnie Georgiadis assisting an archeological dig of a Native American burial mound at Weeki Wachee Springs in July of 1970. She is using archeological tools to uncover a vase. The dig was conducted by the University of Florida. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original color photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original color photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1970-07 Format image/jpg Extent 58.6 KB Medium color photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Unknown. "<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160410041139/http://aoghs.org/oil-almanac/sinclair-dinosaur/" target="_blank">Dinosaur Fever- Sinclair's Icon</a>." Petroleum History Almanac. https://web.archive.org/web/20160410041139/http://aoghs.org/oil-almanac/sinclair-dinosaur/ Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. archeology Bonnie Georgiadis Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism Native Americans natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions University of Florida Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/e43d548cbb16c19aab1ee6fa8511f2c6.pdf 564de2316dd1e5d84ea77aa900bf23c8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Sinclair Gas Station Alternative Title Dino Service Station Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Buildings--Florida Service stations Description A postcard featuring the dinosaur-shaped Sinclair Gas Station in Weeki Wachee Springs. A handwritten note by Bonita Colson accompanies the postcard, describing a mobile home rental park across the street from the gas station that Weeki Wachee mermaids would frequently rent. She also notes that the dinosaur-shaped gas station was the only one of its kind in the world. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. The Sinclair Oil Corporation was founded on May 1, 1916. The corporation created dinosaur exhibits in several world's fairs that featured a brontosaurus, which was the company's mascot. Other promotional materials featuring the dinosaur included bobble head toys and inflatables. Type Still Images Source Original color postcard Sinclair Oil Corporation and original handwritten note by Bonita Colson: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original color postcard by Sinclair Oil Corporation and handwritten note by Bonita Colson. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Sinclair Gas Station, Brooksville Florida Creator Sinclair Oil Corporation Bonita Colson Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1959 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1959 Format image/jpg Extent 13.8 MB Medium color postcard and handwritten note Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created and published by Sinclair Oil Corporation and Bonita Colson. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. “Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions.” The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, (1998): 238-259. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. Weeki Wachee Mermaids. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. Glass Bottom Boats and Mermaid Tails: Florida’s Tourist Springs. Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 2006. Nersesian, Roy L. Energy for the 21st Century: A Comprehensive Guide to Conventional and Alternative Sources. Armonk: M.E. Sharpe, Inc., 2010. Pelland, Dan and Maryan Pelland. Images of America: Weeki Wachee. Mount Pleasant: Arcadia Publishing, 2006. Revels, Tracy J. Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Unknown. "Dinosaur Fever- Sinclair's Icon." Petroleum History Almanac. https://web.archive.org/web/20160410041139/http://aoghs.org/oil-almanac/sinclair-dinosaur/ Vickers, Lu. Weeki Wachee City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida’s Oldest Roadside Attractions. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Bonita Colson filling stations Florida tourism gas stations Holiday Inn natural springs parks Postcards Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism service stations Sinclair Oil Corporation tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/621a1095568afa1fae0f8bd369d09f83.jpg 9892c71af9120e4ba7be08e6df415301 https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/5c884ca090669b32a5a51d3d031e944a.jpg fb58bce72ab9a6e9b712e4989c25ffa8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Mermaid Motel Alternative Title The Mermaid Motel Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Mermaids--Florida Hotels--Florida Buildings--Florida Description A postcard showcasing the lobby of the Mermaid Motel, which was located directly across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs. Two cars are parked under a pavilion next to the building. The back of the postcard features an add that describes the amenities of the motel, including comfortable rooms and a restaurant. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Images Source Original color postcard by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher, Florida Natural Color and Mermaid Motel: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original color postcard by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher, Florida Natural Color and Mermaid Motel. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Brooksville, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Florida Natural Color Mermaid Motel Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1959 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1959 Format image/jpg Extent 13.7 MB Medium color postcard Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created and published by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher, Mermaid Motel and Florida Natural Color, Inc. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp</a> Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism hotels Mermaid Motel mermaids natural springs parks Postcards Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/7092f399370254198ef3fe1edc6a0a54.jpg d8a468c8cffe4bed2c09f49f205fed8b https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/03fa0b58c404d003e124a9075ddbbbf4.jpg e01cb4270a990a0781fe95efdf00e24c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Greetings from Weeki Wachee, Florida Alternative Title Holiday Inn, Weeki Wachee, Florida Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Hotels--Florida Buildings--Florida Description A postcard depicting several Weeki Wachee mermaids lounging around the pool of the local Holiday Inn with the words "Greetings From Weeki Wachee, Florida" printed on the front. The back of the postcard features an ad for the Holiday Inn that lists the hotels amenities and location. The postcard was mailed with an 8 cent Eisenhower stamp to Randolph, New York, in 1975. The author, Helen, describes her activities in Florida. She went swimming and was planning to go to the Red Fish for dinner. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Images Source Original color postcard by Holiday Inn, Claude Long and Curteich Color: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original color postcard by Holiday Inn, Claude Long and Curteich Color. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Brooksville, Florida Creator Holiday Inn Long, Claude Curteich Color Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Contributor Chase, Helen Date Created ca. 1970-1975 Date Issued ca. 1975 Date Copyrighted ca. 1970-1975 Format image/jpg Extent 14.0 MB Medium color postcard Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created and published by Holiday Inn, Claude Long and Curteich Color. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp</a> Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Claude Long Curteich Color Florida tourism Holiday Inn hotels mermaids natural springs parks pools Postcards Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/17a6adeaed8438cdaa648e364c33a91e.jpg 71c92cf85701099b0d867678b4767945 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Mermaid Villa Alternative Title Weeki Wachee's Mermaid Villa Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Mermaids--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Buildings--Florida Description The Mermaid Villa building at Weeki Wachee Springs. Mermaids used the building to change into their costumes for their underwater performances, shower after their performances, and lounge while on break. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca.1960-1969 Format image/jpg Extent 1.22 MB Medium black and white photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism Mermaid Villa mermaids natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/614adfcd7d684045108672b35327e478.jpg 8728b8c5b3e30adb25a9e2f6c3b8b402 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Baboon and Raccoon from Weeki Wachee's Jungle Cruise Alternative Title Raccoon and Baboon from Weeki Wachee's Jungle Cruise Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Animal training Description A raccoon and caged baboon on the river bank of the Weeki Wachee River. This river was used for Weeki Wachee Spring's Jungle Cruise attraction. This attraction would take guests down the river in a glass bottom boat, where they would observe caged animals along the river's edge. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1952-11-02 Format image/jpg Extent 1.15 MB Medium black and white photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. animal training baboon Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism Jungle Cruise natural springs parks raccoon Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/fff78c7caf28375a6638a03ed9158874.jpg 00c3420c9562c611004ef9a21a6bd6ad Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title John Hamlet with Boar Alternative Title John Hamlet and Boar Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Animal training Description John Hamlet, naturalist, placing his hand into a trained boar's mouth as part of an attraction at Weeki Wachee Springs. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1963-09 Date Copyrighted ca. 1963-09 Format image/jpg Extent 11.2 MB Medium black and white photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. animal training boar Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism John Hamlet natural springs naturalist parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/e1bcedb905601e103c39c668623f045a.jpg 024622fc1531acba169218b9e69b53c5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Mermaids with Boar on Leash Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Mermaids with Boar Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Animal training Description Two mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs walking a young boar on a leash. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1960-1969 Date Copyrighted ca. 1960-1969 Format image/jpg Extent 11.3 MB Medium black and white photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. animal training boar Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism mermaids natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/a3bb56c5bb6d6c2842aeecd421ab6f14.jpg d6ebe4e4df81ad51bd53f1e97e1cfc52 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Rita King with Juvenile Alligators Alternative Title Rita King with Baby Alligators Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Alligators Description Rita King, mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, holding two juvenile alligators. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Contributor King, Rita Date Created ca. 1963-1968 Date Copyrighted ca. 1963-1968 Format image/jpg Extent 7.82 MB Medium black and white photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. alligators Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism mermaids natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt Rita King roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/261275c8749cc480476ab1a94ef77b60.pdf f2f1ba0d0dc2238faf23a190e14862f9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Ann Tanzler with Weeki Wachee Mermaids and Press Release Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Mermaids with Ann Tanzler and Press Release Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Description Ann Tanzler, wife of Jacksonville Mayor Hans G. Tanzler, putting on a diving mask with the aid of two Weeki Wachee mermaids. An accompanying press release sent out on November 22, 1971, describes the busy life of Ann Tanzler, who, on top of being a homemaker, mother and qualified parachuter, was being trained in the art of underwater ballet. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. 1-page press release by News Bureau, November 22,1971: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Digital reproduction of original press release by News Bureau, November 22, 1971. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" News Bureau Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1971-11-22 Date Copyrighted 1971-11-22 Format application/pdf Extent 24.8 MB Medium black and white photograph 1-page typed press release Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Ann Tanzler Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism Jacksonville mermaids natural springs parks press release Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/d165beb0bf6357da140dbd955eee4c71.jpg 05133797fba0e855bab48589627f9b26 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Mermaid with Report Card Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Mermaid and Report Card Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Description A Weeki Wachee Springs mermaid posing underwater with a report card. The card includes grades for bathing, ballet, breathing and boys. Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs steadily declined until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1960-1979 Date Copyrighted ca. 1960-1979 Format image/jpg Extent 8.72 MB Medium black and white photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism mermaids natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt report card roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/b1152a37ca5243d0e6d87c985909bab3.jpg 0636eb5ea173adfe488acded276f7cb3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Bonnie Georgiadis and Weeki Wachee Mermaids Alternative Title Bonnie Georgiadis with Weeki Wachee Mermaids Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Description Bonnie Georgiadis and three other Weeki Wachee mermaids training for future performances by practicing a pose. Bonnie Georgiadis was a mermaid from 1950 to 1968. After retiring from underwater theater, she took on other responsibilities at the park, working a total of 37 years. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1953-1968 Date Copyrighted ca. 1953-1968 Format image/jpg Extent 12.6 MB Medium black and white photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Bonnie Georgiadis Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism mermaids natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/09a3685ff8fc141748da97bd39f5d919.jpg 751b3a021068fc0ab8473993c6fc0bd6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Weeki Wachee Collection Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Collection Description Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Subject Weeki Wachee (Fla.) Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Contributor Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka2/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Hernando County Collection</a>, RICHES. Language eng Type Collection Spatial Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill, Florida Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/map/" target="_blank">RICHES MI</a> External Reference "<a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html. Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005. Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title Trained Raccoon Alternative Title Raccoon and Gift Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Animal training Description A trained raccoon opening a gift from an employee of Weeki Wachee Springs in the 1950s. For several years, Weeki Wachee offered a "covered wagon" ride through the forest as one of the park's attractions. Along the sides of the forest were a variety of trained or caged animals for the visitors to see. This included two trained raccoons, who opened various boxes and tins for treats. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history. Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> Weeki Wachee, Florida. Requires Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Has Format Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky" Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1959 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1959 Format image/jpg Extent 10.6 MB Medium black and white photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> for educational purposes only. Accrual Method Donation Contributing Project Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank">Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State</a>. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2013. Ammidown, Margot. "<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents" target="_blank">Edens, Underworlds, and Shrines: Florida’s Small Tourist Attractions</a>." The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts 23, 1998, 238-259. Accessed November 9, 2018. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1504171?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents. Georgiadis, Bonnie and Lu Vickers. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee mermaids: thirty years of underwater photography</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012. Hollis, Tim. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/61130658" target="_blank">Glass Bottom Boats &amp Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs</a>. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. Pelland, Maryan. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/995504665" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank">Sunshine Paradise: A History of Florida Tourism</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2011. Vickers, Lu, and Sara Dionne. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71237360" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. animal training Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher Florida tourism May Museum of Natural History natural springs parks raccoon Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park