1 100 145 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 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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/15120820f2dfa727b07f1ffc25c493cb.jpg d7722a4fce5bed3810b3736d0154b4d2 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 Springs Mermaid Performance Evaluation Sheet Alternative Title Mermaid Performance Evaluation Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Performance evaluation of Geanie Brooks. The text reads: "Geanie 1. Dive 2. Introduction – Not long enough 3. Length of time replacing face mask 4. Back Dolphin – Not centered 5. Surface to Limb – check mark 6. Swim to buoyancy position – okay check mark 7. Buoyancy – check mark 8. Swim to fish feeding – check mark 9. Fish feeding – check mark 10. Swim to limb – check mark 11. Asking in – check mark 12. Eating – check mark 13. Drinking 14. Clearing face mask – check mark 15. Getting off limb – check mark 16. Double hose breathing – hands a. 1st position 2nd position 3rd position 17. Swim to stage 18. Asking in: positions – good, gestures – good, coming over the top – good 19. Bringing hose to deep dive girl 20. Deep dive: swim to hole – check, descent to stick – not profile -, ballet positions – check mark, ballet- could be smoother – get in standing position before going into arab (arabesque), length of deep dive – could be longer 21. Stage ballet 22. Adagio - good 23. Rating of show – good 24. Comments" 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 Typed and hand-written page Type Still Image Source Original performance evaluation of Geanie Brooks, c. 1960s: Private collection of Shirley Herdge. 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 Young, Genie Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1960-1970 Date Copyrighted ca. 1960-1970 Format image/jpeg Extent 96.3 MB Medium 8.5 x 11, Typed and hand-written page Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Shirley Herdge 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 Shirley Herdge 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 page: Geanie Brooks, c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Shirley Herdge, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Brooksville Florida tourism Geanie Brooks Genie Young mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism Shirley Herdge tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/0fd67cf991a7a6d8470ad729af18429f.pdf c723077a0ec127eab2dcd1eafa63811b 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 New Basis of Pay for Mermaids Effective August 1, 1956 Alternative Title 3-Page Typed Document Going Over the New Pay Rates of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids 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 three-page document given to mermaid Geanie Brooks detailing updated pay rates for Weeki Wachee Mermaids, effective August 1, 1956. The document expresses that the pay increase was made in order to attract better performers and better retain current staff. Mermaids were still going to be paid per show, and still required to take promotional photos and photos with visitors for no additional pay. Under the new rules, mermaids were going to be paid $2.30 per unit. The pay per unit would increase ten cents every month a mermaid performs until it reached the maximum rate of $4.70. Performing a show equaled one unit, and performing extra duties qualified mermaids for exta partial units. There were other ways to make money at Weeki Wachee, including training new mermaids. When a trainee performed their first show, the trainer would recieve $100. If the trainee didn't qualify, the trainer received $25. Trainees were paid $75 a month, plus room and board. After passing training, they would become extras in shows. In this position, they would make $170 a month. When a position of mermaid opened up, the extra who had been an extra the longest would move up. Mermaids received double pay for working on holidays. 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 3-Page typed document Type Still Image Source Original two-page document "New Basis of Pay for Mermaids Effective August 1, 1956," 1956: Private collection of Shirley Herdge. 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 1956-08-01 Date Copyrighted 1956-08-01 Format image/pdf Extent 6.74 MB Medium 8.5 x 11, Three-page typed document Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Shirley Herdge 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 Shirley Herdge 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 three-page document: Shirley Herdge, 1956. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Shirley Herdfe, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Brooksville Florida tourism Geanie Brooks mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism Shirley Herdge tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/1d72983fdc028d758514144d5f27b6ed.jpg 11378fa15c9dba6ce9b3b5b8ef797469 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 Arlene Brooks Practicing Ballet in the Mermaid Villa Alternative Title 3 Strips of Kodak Safety Film with 12 photographs showing Arlene Brooks Practicing Ballet Moves in Weeki Wachee's Mermaid Villa Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Three strips of safety film with twelve photographs showing Arlene Brooks in several ballet positions. The photographs are assumed to be taken by Weeki Wachee's resident photographer, Sparky Schumacher. These photos were taken in the 1960s. Practicing moves out of the water is just as important as practicing moves underwater. 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 3 strips of Kodak Safety Film Black and White Photos Type Still Image Source Original Kodak Safety Film strips, 12 photographs, c. 1960s: Private collection of Arlene Brooks. 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 Schumacher, Sparky Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1960-1970 Date Copyrighted ca. 1960-1970 Format image/jpeg Extent 61.3 MB Medium Three Kodak Safety Film Strips Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Arlene Brooks 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 Arlene Brooks 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 three film strips: Arlene Brooks, c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Sparky Schumacher, owned by Arlene Brooks, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Arlene Brooks ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/9319963f4b2baa1ea6a31d84c2972a7c.jpg c23a2b662f2b36598e2f4b9724bfe25e 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 Rita King Performing at a Mermaid Reunion Alternative Title Rita King, a Mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, Dancing at a Mermaid Reunion, 1960 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Photograph of Rita King, a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, dancing on a platform as a band plays. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular reunion occured in the 1960s. 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 Black and White Photograph Type Still Image Source Rita King, December 1, 1960: Private collection of Rita King. 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 1960-12-01 Date Copyrighted 1960-12-01 Format image/jpeg Extent 5.34 MB Medium 4 x 6 Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Rita King 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 Rita King 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 B&W photograph: Rita King, c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Rita King, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rita King roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/3a959bc3bca127445f34f7d3790db655.pdf d8b657ae9c1a1f1b7f67077bd8b8bc36 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 Document Detailing the Acrobatic Routine Performed by Rita King at a Weeki Wachee Mermaid Reunion Alternative Title Choreography of the Acrobatic Routine Rita King, then Rita McKenna, performed at a Weeki Wachee Springs Reunion in 1960 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description This document lists the choreography of the acrobatic routine Rita King (then Rita McKenna) performed at one of the Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Reunions. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular reunion happened on December 1, 1960. Text cut off at the top of the image reads, "Acrobatic Dance Routine for a Mermaid Reunion Show - Age 21." 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 2-page document Type Still Image Source Original two-page document of choreography, December 1, 1960: Private collection of Rita King. 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 1960-12-01 Date Copyrighted 1960-12-01 Format image/pdf Extent 5.43 MB Medium Two 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Rita King 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 Rita King 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 2-page document: Rita King, December 1, 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Rita King, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rita King roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/632cbe5aa14d1db6e929bceefebcde9d.jpg a2a2b6159d214460aad08bb632d7c4d3 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 1969 Weeki Wachee Springs Annual Mermaid Reunion Schedule Alternative Title Typed Document of the Schedule of the 1969 Annual Mermaid Reunion at Weeki Wachee Springs Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description For many years, Weeki Wachee Springs held an annual reunion with their former mermaids. The 1969 reunion schedule gives an overview of the events held throughout these reunions, including a swimming race across the spring, an underwater show performed by former mermaids, a lunch, costume contest, award ceremony, film screening, and farewells. 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 1-page document Type Still Image Source Original schedule "Time Table -- 1969 Mermaid Annual Reunion", 1969: Private collection of Arlene Brooks. 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. 1969 Date Copyrighted ca. 1969 Format image/jpeg Extent 96.3 MB Medium One 8.5 x 11 paper Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Arlene Brooks 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 Arlene Brooks 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 "Time Table -- 1969 Mermaid Annual Reunion": Arlene Brooks, 1969. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Arlene Brooks, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Arlene Brooks ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/50e2b83e72fd517deef819241d7956aa.pdf c4b3e4f7e618beeefb4ace157bfb1021 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 Recap of Weeki Wachee Spring's 1969 Annual Mermaid Reunion Alternative Title "Weeki Wachee Calling," The Pictoral Report of the 9th Annual Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Reunion Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description "Weeki Wachee Calling" is a 4-page pictoral report of the 9th annual Weeki Wachee Spring's Mermaid Reunion. The first page is written as if it is a telegram and thanks guests for attending as well as informing them of the next reunion in 1970. Over the next 2 pages are 15 photos from the event along with the winners of all of the games and contests that were held during the event. The last page lists the attendance roster. A totall of 130 participated in the event. 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 4-Page typed document Type Still Image Source Original four-page document "Weeki Wachee Calling," 1969: Private collection of Shirley Herdge. 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. 1969 Date Copyrighted ca. 1969 Format image/pdf Extent 13.3 MB Medium Four-page typed document Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Shirley Herdge 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 Shirley Herdge 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 four page-page document: Shirley Herdge, 1969. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Shirley Herdge, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Brooksville Florida tourism Geanie Brooks mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism Shirley Herdge tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/c40039fa5153de35b1a25b3aa9af65d1.pdf cf9532c77e8922c4b67a72c3c943c086 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 Lauren Dodson Posing in her Mermaid Uniform at the Weeki Wachee Springs Docks Alternative Title Photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid Lauren Dodson Posing on a Dock in Costume, 2007. Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Weeki Wachee Springs mermaid Lauren Dodson in costume with a mermaid tail on posing on the dock of the spring. Lauren Dodson was a mermaid from 2007 to 2012 and is the daughter of Lydia Dodson, who was a Weeki Wachee mermaid in the 1970s. 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 Photograph Type Still Image Source Original color photogrpah of Lauren Dodson, 2007: Private collection of Lydia Dodson. 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. 2007 Date Copyrighted ca. 2007 Format image/pdf Extent 3.69 MB Medium Color Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Lydia Dodson 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 Lydia Dodson 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 photograph: Lydia Dodson, 2007. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Lydia Dodson, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Lauren Dodson Lydia Dodson mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/0a481e2b50553a62e903395dc0e83a02.jpg 8eff49ae54572ccd707e0918f88a449c 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 Florence McNabb Posing Underwater in Costume Alternative Title B&W Photograph of Florence McNabb Underwater in Mermaid Costume, c.1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Photograph of Florence McNabb posing underwater in a mermaid costume at Weeki Wachee Springs in the 1950s. Florence was the daughter of Ed and Vera Gothberg, who owned the Mermaid Motel that was across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs until 1966. At this time, mermaid tails were mainly used in promotional photos and rarely used during shows. This was because shows at the time mainly consisted of ballet routines. 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 Photograph Type Still Image Source Original Black and white photograph of Florence McNabb, c. 1950s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 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. 1950-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 19.6 MB Medium 4 x 6 B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Collection of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 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 photograph: Florence McNabb, c. 1950s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES Program, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Brooksville Florence Gothberg Florence McNabb Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/673ff091c4f3056bd01515f6b3698ca6.jpg 6034c3bb4594246dbae68898eeff801e 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 Florence McNabb, Charles McNabb, and Their Two Sons, David and Michael, Leaving Church Alternative Title Black and White Photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb and Her Family Leaving First Methodist Church, c. 1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Black and white photograph of Florence McNabb, husband Charles McNabb, and their two sons, Michael and David, leaving church. Florence is shaking their minister's hand. Florence McNabb was a Weeki Wachee Mermaid in the 1950s. Her husband also worked at Weeki Wachee. They married in 1951. In 1963, the McNabb's car was struck by a drunk driver, killing Florence and Michael and severely injuring Charles and David. Decades later in 2006, someone picking debris out of the Weeki Wachee Springs found an anklet with "Florence" engraved on one side and "Charlie" engraved on the other. Former mermaid and co-worker of Florence McNabb Vicki Smith confirmed that Florence had lost the anklet during a show. Years later, a friend of David McNabb found a large box of Weeki Wachee emphemera and family pictures when he helped to clean out David's home after David passed away. This friend passed the box on to his daughter, who donated the artifacts to Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 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 Photograph Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph of Florence McNabb and family, c. 1950s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 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 Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 19.6 MB Medium 3 x 5 B&W Photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Collection of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 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 photograph: Florence McNabb and Family, c. 1950s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Original owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES M</a>I ballet Brooksville Charles McNabb David McNabb Florence Gothberg Florence McNabb Florida tourism mermaids Michael McNabb Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/465999c0e17c627daeccd4a6c082fd3c.jpg 052f4d43306e271fb046e70810de5bd4 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 Florence and Charles McNabb Holding Trophies won During a Diving Competition Alternative Title Black and White Photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid and Merman Florence and Charles McNabb Holding Trophies, c. 1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Photograph of Florence and Charles McNabb holding trophies they won at an amateur skin diving competition at Rainbow Springs. The couple both worked at Weeki Wachee Springs, and would often participate in swimming competitions. In this competition, the couple both won first place in their respective gender classes. 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 Photograph Type Still Image Source Original Black and White photograph of Florence McNabb and family, c. 1950s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 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 Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 9.62 MB Medium 3 x 5 B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Collection of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 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 photograph: Florence McNabb and Family, c. 1950s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Original owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Brooksville Charles McNabb David McNabb Florence Gothberg Florence McNabb Florida tourism mermaids Michael McNabb Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/22f3e0e93f54a740844d9198dd2838de.jpg 23cae6db8e9453ff52e7be3ba704fdd6 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 Business Card of E. D. Gothberg, Owner of Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge Alternative Title Business Card of E.D. Gothberg, Owner of Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge and Mermaid Motel, c. 1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Business card of E. D. Gothberg, owner and operator of Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge and Mermaid Motel. The Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge was located near the attraction and the motel was directly across from Weeki Wachee Springs. Many mermaids lived in the motor lodge. E. D. Gothberg owned the motel until 1966, when Holiday Inn was put in the motel's place. 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 Business Card Type Still Image Source Original business card of E. D. Gothberg, c. 1950s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 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 Gothberg, E. D. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 10.3 MB Medium Business Card Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Collection of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 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 business card: E. D. Gothberg Business Card, c. 1950s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by E.D. Gothberg, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Charles McNabb David McNabb E. D. Gothberg Florence Gothberg Florence McNabb Florida tourism mermaids Michael McNabb Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Vera Gothberg Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/32ca3b9323cbeb4942841e646afbebe7.jpg 364e6ad4f4a47d4021af04145a82f4ee 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 Bonnie Georgiadis in the lobby of the Mermaid Motel Speaking to Guests Alternative Title Photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in the Mermaid Motel lobby, c. 1950s-60s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in uniform (wearing an Alix of Miami Swimsuit) speaking to guests in the lobby of the Mermaid Motel. Behind Bonnie are rows of guest books, one for each state for visitors to the motel to sign into. The Mermaid Motel was directly across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs and operated from 1951 - 1966, when the motel changed hands to Holiday Inn. 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 Black and white photograph Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph of Bonnie Georgiadis in the Mermaid Motel, c. 1950s-60s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 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 Mermaid Motel Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 45.2 MB Medium B&W Photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Collection of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 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 photograph: Bonnie Georgiadis in the Mermaid Motel, c. 1950s-60s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Mermaid Motel, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Bonnie Georgiadis Brooksville E. D. Gothberg Florence Gothberg Florence McNabb Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Vera Gothberg Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/bc2e725c48fc52bf7e4b4c66eb36b31c.jpg af0cd28ab41ec37b40b9563f38521b7a 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 Springs' Original Underwater Theater Alternative Title Photograph of the Original Underwater Theater at Weeki Wachee Springs, January, 1959. Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Weeki Wachee's original underwater theater. Photogrpah taken in 1959. 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 Black and white photograph Type Still Image Source Original Black and white photograph of Weeki Wachee Underwater Theater, January, 1959: Private Collection of Gail Anderson. 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 Family of Gail Anderson Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1959-01-01 Date Copyrighted 1959-01-01 Format image/jpeg Extent 11.3 MB Medium Black and white photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Gail Anderson 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 Gail Anderson. 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 photograph: Weeki Wachee's Underwater Theater, January, 1959. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by the family of Gail Anderson, owned by Gail Anderson, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Gail Anderson mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/2646068c32c343f7038f43ff2a0a840e.jpg f78cb1d295e389c6e4c318cd572758f7 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 Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids Performing Underwater Alternative Title Postcard of Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids Mid-Performance, c. 1960s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Postcard depicting three Weeki Wachee Mermaids performing in a show. Two of the mermaids are dressed up in leis and hula skirts and the other is wearing a Hawaiian shirt playing a ukelele. Mermaids are standing on a metal platform that is a hydraulic lift. The platform moved up and down. 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 Postcard Type Still Image Source Original postcard of Weeki Wachee Mermaids Mid-Performance, c. 1960s: Private Collection of Arlene Brooks. 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. 1960-1970 Date Copyrighted ca. 1960-1970 Format image/jpeg Extent 23.4 MB Medium 4 x 6 Color Postcard Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Arlene Brooks 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 Arlene Brooks. 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 postcard: Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids in Mid-Performance, c.1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Arlene Brooks, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Arlene Brooks ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/8d83ac8d8f81051d00edf4c9c9e536c1.jpg 1c4a0038d0741ddbfb23a68e3e0ac60a 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 Company Van Alternative Title Photograph of the Volkswagen Van that Bussed Employees to the Springs, c. 1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Photograph of the Volkswagen van that Weeki Wachee used to bus employees to the springs. The van is parked in from of the Weeki Wachee entrance sign. 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 Black and white photograph Type Still Image Source Black and White Photograph of Weeki Wachee's Employee Van, c. 1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge. 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. 1950-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 7.51 MB Medium B&W Photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Shirley Herdge 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 Shirley Herdge. 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 photograph: Weeki Wachee's Company Van, c. 1950s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Shirley Herdge, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Geanie Brooks mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/1e20eabd060d1a3f1b7227ae29d4aaad.pdf 648b2eab05a1fdc5166f58ec6d630722 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 Map of Weeki Wachee after ABC Bought the Attraction Alternative Title Map of Weeki Wachee Springs and All its Attractions, c. 1970s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description This map is a part of a booklet about Weeki Wachee Springs. The booklet was made sometime after the corporation American Broadcasting Company (ABC) purchased the park. The map also shows the underwater theater, labeled D, as having a flat roof. This remodel covered up the original clam shell roof the theater had. In the mid-1970s, the park was rethemed and many of the attractions took on a South Pacific look. In 2014, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection began an endeavor to uncover the original roof. 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 Brochure Type Still Image Source Original color Weeki Wachee brochure, fourteen pages, c. 1970s: Private Collection of Rebecca 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. 1970-1980 Date Copyrighted ca. 1970-1980 Format image/pdf Extent 97.3 MB Medium Color Brochure 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 Rebecca 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 brochure: Weeki Wachee Brochure, c. 1970s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, 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> ballet Becky Young Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/6be55e25c74ee3c1c2f30bcb1d4b8257.jpg f910304a453d4c2e9d12bf7ce659b1c9 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 Springs Gift Shop Alternative Title The Viewmaster Section of Weeki Wachee's Gift Shop, c. 1960s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Black and white photograph of a portion of Weeki Wachee's gift shop, taken in the 1960s. 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 Photograph Type Still Image Source Black and White Kodak Safety Film strip, c. 1960s: Weeki Wachee Springs Collection. 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 Schumacher, Sparky Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1960-1970 Date Copyrighted ca. 1960-1970 Format image/jpeg Extent 2.17 MB Medium B&W Kodak Safety Film Strip Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection. 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 photograph: Weeki Wachee Gift Shop, c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Sparky Schumacher, owned by Weeki Wachee State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/dd575c56769a8d97c2a445d5881f73e1.jpg 6782ec0ea9c479ffa0640407ccf2ec2d 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 Florence McNabb Drinking an RC Cola Underwater Alternative Title B&W Photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb Drinking an RC Cola Underwater, c.1960s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb drinking an RC Cola underwater in the 1960s. Florence is kneeling on some seagrass, holding the airhose to her side. Weeki Wachee mermaids drank soda and ate bananas during their shows, before the mermaid shows became plays. At one point, RC Cola sponsored Weeki Wachee. 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 Black and White Photograph Type Still Image Source Original Black and white photograph of Florence McNabb drinking RC Cola, c.1960s: Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs Collection. 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. 1951-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1951-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 18 MB Medium 3.5 x 5 B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs Collection. 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 photograph: Mermaid Florence McNabb Drinking RC Cola Underwater, c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Brooksville Florence Gothberg Florence McNabb Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/3cfd32ae56af5046002e0fe563a90f93.jpg 27602dcd9727e3ff3a30a0723ab9c744 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 Dorothy Gray, Ltd. Publicity Director Mayreen Logan to Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rebecca Stahlhut Thanking Her for Modeling Their Products Alternative Title Letter of Thanks from a Representative of Dorothy Gray, Ltd. To Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rebecca Stahlhut, 1975 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Letter written by Dorothy Gray, Ltd. Publicity Director Maureen Logan to Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rebecca Stahlhut (later Rebecca Young). The letter was written on April 24, 1975. In the letter Maureen thanks Rebecca for modeling Dorothy Gray products, and lets Rebecca know that Dorothy sent the mermaids a bunch of their products as a thank you. Dorothy Gray was a company that sold skin care products and makeup. In the years after ABC purchased Weeki Wachee Springs and grew the attraction, many makeup, swimsuit, and swimwear products partnered with Weeki Wachee Springs to advertise their brands. 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 Type Still Image Source Original letter of thanks from Dorothy Gray, Ltd. to Rebecca Stahlhut, April 24, 1975: Private Collection of Rebecca 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 Logan, Maureen Dorothy Gray, Ltd. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1975-04-24 Date Copyrighted 1975-04-24 Format image/jpeg Extent 96.3 MB Medium 8.5 x 11 Letter 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 Rebecca 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 letter: Letter of Thanks from Dorothy Gray, Ltd. to Rebecca Stahlhut, April 24, 1975. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Dorothy Grey Ltd., owned by Rebecca Young, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rebecca Stahlhut Rebecca Young roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/1840e24c239ac30f2ad589af8dbd50d3.pdf 05bcca2eff2069ee40b7fe7fdabb378d 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 Bicentennial Edition of Weeki Wachee Springs' Trifold Brochure, Featuring Mermaid Rebecca Young Alternative Title Bicentennial Edition of Weeki Wachee Springs' Trifold Brochure, Featuring Mermaid Rebecca Young, c. 1976 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Bicentennial edition of Weeki Wachee Springs' trifold brochure, c. 1976. The mermaid mock playing the flute is Rebecca Young (previously Stahlhut). This photoshoot is the one she is most proud of from her time as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The photoshoot took several hours just to this this one picture, as everyone's hair, costumes, and the flag had to be in correct positions. The inside of the brochure lists the attractions and mentions the special "salute to the Bicentennial, 'Happy Birthday America!'" 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 Trifold Brochure Type Still Image Source Original color Weeki Wachee Springs trifold, Bicentennial Edition, c. 1976: Private Collection of Rebecca 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. 1976 Date Copyrighted ca. 1976 Format image/pdf Extent 21.2 MB Medium 11 x 17 Color Trifold Brochure 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 Rebecca 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 brochure: Weeki Wachee Springs Brochure, Bicentennial Edition, c. 1976. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, 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> ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rebecca Stahlhut Rebecca Young roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/cb5179428dab3a4cb84143fa4db46e51.jpg 377f0174944cbb3936212e18ef16f54f 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 Trainer Bonnie Georgiadis Displaying Proper Form for 6 Trainees Alternative Title Bonnie Georgiadis Training Six Mermaids on Proper Form, c.1960s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Mermaid Trainer Bonnie Georgiadis training six mermaids on proper form of a position for a publicity photo. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer, and the rest of her time at the park as the bird department's manager. 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 Photograph Type Still Image Source Original sepia tone photogrpah of Bonnie Georgiadis and Trainees, c. 1960s: Private Collection of Sharon Cihak Elliot. 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. 1960-1970 Date Copyrighted ca. 1960-1970 Format image/jpeg Extent 2.61 MB Medium B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Sharon Cihak Elliot 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 Sharon Cihak Elliot. 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 photograph: Bonnie Georgiadis and Trainees, c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Sharon Cihak Elliot, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Bonnie Georgiadis Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism Sharon Cihak Elliot tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/83417e008621c722a6ccdc63ffd4541e.jpg a56e6c18a0304de80e20dfb242c4ce3c 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 Releasing Rehabilitated Bald Eagle Alternative Title Bonnie Georgiadis Releasing Rehabilitated Bald Eagle, c. 1980s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Weeki Wachee Springs Bird Department Manager Bonnie Georgiadis about to release one of the two bald eagles she helped rehabilitate. She rehabilitated an eagle in 1985. The eagle got caught in some barbed wire and broke its collarbone at a cattle ranch near Weeki Wachee. The 4-year-old female dubbed Victoria recovered at Busch Gardens for four months and was then sent to Weeki Wachee to be rehabilitated for two months. In order to retrain the eagle, Bonnie had to train the bird to fly short distances from perch to perch and reward Victoria with treats. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer, and the rest of her time at the park as the bird department's manager. 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 Photograph Type Still Image Source Original color photograph of Bonnie Georgiadis and Bald Eagle, c. 1980s: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Has Format Digital Reproduction of photograph: Bonnie Georgiadis and Bald Eagle, c. 1980s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. 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. 1980-1990 Date Copyrighted ca. 1980-1990 Format image/jpeg Extent 43.7 KB Medium Color Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Source Repository Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection. 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. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Bonnie Georgiadis Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/03cdefe61b8150b130a3b5494cb9aa1b.jpg 01f64114b40d9ba2009e90902f73278e 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 Bonnie Georgiadis Announcing a Show Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis Announcing a Show, c. 1960s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Mermaid Bonnier Georgiadis sitting on the edge of the underwater theater's windows holding a microphone, announcing a show. Two mermaids are pictured behind her in mid pose. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer, and the rest of her time at the park as the bird department's manager. 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 of Bonnie Georgiadis and Mermaids, c. 1960s: Private Collection of Sharon Cihak Elliot. 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. 1960-1970 Date Copyrighted ca. 1960-1970 Format image/jpeg Extent 21.4 MB Medium B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Sharon Cihak Elliot 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 Sharon Cihak Elliot. 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 photograph: Bonnie Georgiadis and Mermaids, c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES Program, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Sharon Cihak Elliot, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Bonnie Georgiadis Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism Sharon Cihak Elliot tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/8df586ae37eacddfcb5eea94dcc844f5.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 at an Archeological dig at Weeki Wachee Springs, July, 1970. Alternative Title Photograph: Weeki Wachee Mermaid Participating in Archeological Dig in 1970 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Burial--United States--History Native American art and culture Archeological investigations University of 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. Abstract Color photograph of Bonnie Georgiadis assisting an archeological dig at Weeki Wachee Springs Type Still Image Source Original color photograph by Sparky Schumacher, July,1970: Private Collection of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 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 Schumacher, Sparky Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1970-07 Date Modified 3/23/2018 Date Copyrighted ca. 1970-07 Format image/jpeg Extent 58.6 KB Medium color photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Sparky Schumacher, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection. 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 photograph: Sparky Schumacher, July,1970. Scanned by Rebecca Schwandt. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Bonnie Georgiadis Brooksville burial mound Florida tourism mermaids Native Americans Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism Sparky Schumacher The University of Florida tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/5b9057eea09dd35519de86183c4009aa.jpg ed73a1ebef2e35f378c6d417091eace9 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 Geanie L. W. Brooks in her Welding Uniform at the McCloskey Shipyard in Tampa during WWII Alternative Title Photograph: Geanie L. W. Brooks in her Welding Uniform at the McCloskey Shipyard in Tampa, c. 1940s Description Geanie L. W. Brooks in her welding uniform at the McCloskey Shipyard. Geanie learned how to weld and work with heavy machinery at this shipyard during World War II. McCloskey Shipyard paid welding trainees 63 cents and hour to train there and 17% of their workforce during the war were women, which was twice the national figure. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later, she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot. She left the workforce upon turning 80 years old. According to a two-page life story Geanie wrote, "My family thought I was 'liberated' before anyone had even heard of 'women's liberation.' I always knew men made more money than women, so I applied for men's jobs, knew what they made, asked for it, and got it. (Can't hurt to ask right?) Sometimes I even made more, if I was able to get a percentage of a dumptruck haul." 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 Black and White Photograph of Geanie L.W. Brooks in Welding Uniform Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph of Geanie L.W. Brooks, c.1940s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge. 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 Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1940-1950 Date Copyrighted ca. 1940-1950 Format image/jpeg Extent 75.9 MB Medium Black and white photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Shirley Herdge 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private Collection of Shirley Herdge. 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 photograph: Geanie L.W. Brooks, c.1940s. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Original owned by Shirley Herdge, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Geanie Brooks Geanie L. W. Brooks McCloskey Shipyard riveter Shipyard Tampa welding World War II WWII https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/dc02079b1fc3bb5d84d5d0e5e6cdaa88.jpg 46144bf746e18bb4b9f0b2a53226063f 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 Geanie L.W. Brooks in Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Uniform Operating a Caterpillar D-7 Bulldozer Alternative Title Photograph: Geanie L.W. Brooks in Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Uniform Operating a Caterpillar D-7 Bulldozer, c.1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Burial--United States--History Native American art and culture Archeological investigations University of Florida Description Geanie L. W. Brooks in her Weeki Wachee uniform (a swimsuit) operating a Caterpillar D-7 bulldozer. Geanie learned how to operate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War II. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot, she left the workforce upon turning eighty-years-old. 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 Black and white photograph of Geanie L. W. Brooks Operating a Bullldozer Type Still Image Source Original Black and white photograph of Geanie Brooks on a bulldozer, c. 1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge. 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 Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 25 MB Medium B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Shirley Herdge 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private Collection of Shirley Herdge. 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 photograph: c. 1950s. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES Program, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Original owned by Shirley Herdge, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Geanie Brooks Geanie L. W. Brooks mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/975b172a4ffb6f93459eda321e650d0c.jpg 69e67d074c296261bad5e38e2381ce33 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 Geanie L.W. Brooks with her Four Children in Front of Weeki Wachee's Mermaid Villa Alternative Title B&W Photograph: Mermaid Geanie L.W. Brooks and Children posing under a Weeki Wachee Sign, c.1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Weeki Wachee Mermaid Geanie L. W. Brooks and her four children, 2 sons and 2 daughters, sitting under a Weeki Wachee Sign outside of the Mermaid Villa. Geanie learned how to weld andoperate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War II. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot, she left the workforce upon turning eighty-years-old. 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 Black and white photograph of Geanie L. W. Brooks and Children Type Still Image Source Original Black and white photograph of Geanie Brooks and her children, c.1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge. 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. 1950-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 21.7 MB Medium B&W Photograph Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Shirley Herdfe 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private Collection of Shirley Herdge. 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 photograph: c. 1950s. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Shirley Herdge, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Geanie Brooks Geanie L. W. Brooks mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/44fe49a048471183ab9c7ee719b31930.jpg aa967224f98c2fb90b3842023a774ae4 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 Geanie L.W. Brooks Dressed as a Witch Posing Underwater Alternative Title B&W Photograph: Mermaid Geanie L.W. Brooks Dressed as a Witch and Posing Underwater, c.1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Mermaid Geanie L. W. Brooks dressed as a witch posing underwater at Weeki Wachee Springs. In the background is a sign in the shape of a jack-o-lantern in a tophat. On the tophat are the words "Weekii Wachee Witches." Geanie learned how to weld andoperate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War II. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot, she left the workforce upon turning eighty-years-old. 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 Black and white photograph of Geanie L. W. Brooks Underwater Type Still Image Source Original Black and white photograph of Geanie Brooks Underwater, c.1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge. 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. 1950-1960 Date Copyrighted ca. 1950-1960 Format image/jpeg Extent 11 MB Medium B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private Collection of Shirley Herdge. 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 photograph: c. 1950s. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Geanie Brooks Geanie L. W. Brooks mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/c076483b74d2b99365a9261c8759a9e5.JPG 409de4e55b94ce0c2b5e8103515e4188 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 Rita King Performing at a Mermaid Reunion Alternative Title Black and White Photograph of Rita King, a Mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, Performing Aerobatics at a Mermaid Reunion, 1960 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.); Tourism--Florida; tourism & museum; Tourism--1960-1980; Ballet--1970-1980; Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History; Theater--20th century Description Rita King, a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, in costume, performing an acrobatic routine. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular reunion happened on December 1, 1960. Text cut off at the top of the image reads, "Acrobatic Dance Routine for a Mermaid Reunion Show - Age 21." 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. Abstract Black and white photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Creator Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Source Original black and white photograph of Rita King, December 1, 1960: Private collection of Rita King. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1960-12-01 Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format image/jpg Extent 3 MB Medium Black and White Photograph Type Still Image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Rita King 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private collection of Rita King. 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. Date Issued 1960-12-01 Is Format Of Digital Reproduction of B&W photograph: c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Newton "Newt" Perry, owned by Delee Perry, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/6b0e1f6cf86745347872aafb58ded6b1.pdf 0e4b86c55fbe2eafc5ce5777b76183af 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 Lydia Dodson Posing Underwater Alternative Title Black and White Photograph of Lydia Dodson, a Mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, Posing Underwater, June, 1970 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.); Tourism--Florida; tourism & museum; Tourism--1960-1980; Ballet--1970-1980; Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History; Theater--20th century Description Lydia Dodson posing underwater in June of 1970. Lydia Dodson was a Weeki Wachee Mermaid in the 1970s and more recently joined ranks of the Legendary Sirens. 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. Abstract Black and White Photograph Date Created 1970-06 Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format image/jpg Extent 3.96 MB Medium Black and White Photograph Type Still image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held byLydia Dodson 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private Collection of Lydia Dodson. 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. Source Original photograph of Lydia Dodson: Personal Collection of Lydia Dodson. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Copyrighted 1970-06 Date Issued 1970-06 Is Format Of Digital Reproduction of black and white photograph: 1970. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Lydia Dodson, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/73b14c5540c84983058d3a6ab9149f1f.JPG 4eee7ad4223cbab61340801108cb5d16 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 Rita King Posing Underwater with a Welcome Home Sign for Her Parents Alternative Title Black and White Photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Posing Underwater with a Sign that Reads, "Welcome Home Mom, Dad Your Mermaid Missed You!", 1967 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.); Tourism--Florida; tourism & museum; Tourism--1960-1980; Ballet--1970-1980; Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History; Theater--20th century Description Weeki Wachee mermaid Rita King posing underwater with a handmade sign, dressed in a mermaid tail. The sign reads, "Welcome Home Mom, Dad Your Mermaid Missed You!" Rita surprised her parents with this sign at the beginning of the first mermaid show they came to after coming back home from an extended trip. It was routine during performances to shout out visitors who were celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions. When VIP's visited the park, the mermaids welcomed them more elaborately. For example, when Elvis Presley visited Weeki Wachee, the mermaids began the underwater show with a cardboard cutout of Elvis as well as with several signs. As seen here, it was also acceptable for mermaids to personalize their shows under special circumstances. 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. Abstract Black and White Photograph Source Original B&W photograph of Rita King, 1967: Private Collection of Rita King. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format image/jpg Extent 557 KB Medium B&W Photograph Type Still Image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Rita King 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private Collection of Rita King. 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. Creator Weeki Wachee Springs Date Created 1967 Date Copyrighted 1967 Date Issued 1967 Is Format Of Digital Reproduction of original photograph: 1967; Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Rita King, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/423737ca077397dbd7b2494dfdc932d3.jpg d8989ecc8e1f57b15473200294255891 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 Tourist Standing Near Sign Advertising Mermaid Positions Alternative Title Color Photograph: Weeki Wachee Springs Tourist Standing Near Sign Advertising Mermaid Job Openings, April 1964 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Color photograph of a tourist visiting Weeki Wachee Springs in 1964. The tourist is standing beside a sign that reads, "Openings for Mermaid Training School Apply Here." 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. Abstract Color photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Tourist Type Still Image Source Original color photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Tourist, April 1964: Private Collection of Karen Geiken. 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 Family of Karen Geiken Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1964-04-01 Format image/jpg Extent 568 KB Medium Color Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Karen Geiken 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private Collection of Karen Geiken. 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. Date Copyrighted 1964-04-01 Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph: April 1964. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by family of Karen Geiken, owned by Karen Geiken, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Karen Geiken mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/f46b05e30a709de176a866c2d7efcee6.jpg 7f9273bf3088cb94e2be90229fca2c01 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 Sitting in Front of Hercules Beetle Statue Alternative Title Color Postcard: Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids Sitting in Front of The May Museum of the Tropics' Hercules Beetle Statue c.1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Color postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids sitting in front of a Hercules Beetle Statue and the May Museum of the Tropics. For a little over a decade, the May family of Colorado displayed some of their family's private collection of tropical bugs and animals in a museum on Weeki Wachee Springs property. Photograph taken sometime in the 1950s. 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 Color Postcard of May Museum of the Tropics Entrance Type Still Image Source Original color photograph of May Museum of the Tropics, c.1950s: May Natural History Museum Collection. 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 c. 1950s Format image/jpg Extent 3.60 MB Medium Color Postcard Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by May Natural History Museum 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository May Natural History Museum Collection. 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 postcard: c. 1950s. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by May Natural History Museum, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism May Museum of the Tropics mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/7f7a044196452d790b9472e54b98957a.jpg 8480f0306413c5103d60da99c27367a0 https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/c501c60ca5dd42ebf6ea4eeb6779c1ca.jpg 5a6a6048ddf5bba522aed9cb5bba7ffd 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 Postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis Posing Underwater in Costume Alternative Title Color Postcard: Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis Posing underwater in Costume, February 13, 1964 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Color postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in a costume, mid-ballet move during an underwater performance. Text on back of postcard reads, "The underwater acrobatic butterfly ballet is just one of eight big scenes produced for the new underwater spectacle at the Spring of Live Mermaids, Weeki Wachee, Florida. Color Photo by Ted Lagerberg." Handwritten beneath previous text reads, "Feb 13-64." 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 Color postcard of Bonnie Georgiadis Performing Underwater Show Type Still Image Source Lagerber, Ted. Original color postcard of Bonnie Georgiadis Underwater, February 13, 1964: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection. 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> Contributor Lagerberg, Ted Date Created 1964-02-13 Format image/jpg Extent 8.74 MB 3.46 MB Medium Color Postcard Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection. 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 postcard: February 13, 1964. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Bonnie Georgiadis Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/1657fdfebaf9252a4b4789b96bd7bba1.jpg 922582350a0b79b1f17f8b9d1d053366 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 Holiday Inn Staff Posing in Front of Hotel Sign in Celebration of 9th Anniversary Alternative Title B&W Photograph: Weeki Wachee Springs Holiday Inn Staff in Front of Sign Celebrating 9th Anniversary, June 5, 1975 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description The staff of the Weeki Wachee Holiday Inn standing in front of the hotel's iconic sign. The marquee on the sign reads, "Our 9th Anniversary June 5 1975." This Holiday Inn was located directly across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs and opened in 1966. 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 Black and white photograph Weeki Wachee Holiday Inn Staff Type Still Image Source Original Black and white photograph of Weeki Wachee Holiday Inn Stafff, June 5, 1975: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection. 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 Holiday Inn Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created 1975-06-05 Format image/jpg Extent 11.2 MB Medium B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection. 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. Date Copyrighted 1975-06-05 Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph: June 5, 1975. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Holiday Inn, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Holiday Inn mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/1acd1f8bea3da78c472de2c0761ff422.jpg 857376c5ed84f1fb0ac5b285ac746cf3 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 Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids Performing on the Hydraulic Lift Alternative Title Color Photograph: Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids Performing on Hydraulic Lift August 1971 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description A Weeki Wachee Springs underwater performance. The image shows two Weeki Wachee mermaids standing on the hydraulic lift that ABC installed in the springs in the 1960s. There is a third mermaid mid-pose in front of the bydraulic lift. As the picture was taken in August 1971 and there is a treasure chest prop in the left corner, the show is presumed to be "Peter Pan." After ABC took over Weeki Wachee Springs, the performances changed annually. 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 Color photograph of Mermaids and Hydraulic Lift in Weeki Wachee Springs Type Still Image Source Original color photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids and Hydraulic Lift, August 1971: Private Collection of karen Geiken. 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 1971-08-01 Format image/jpg Extent 654 KB Medium Color Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Karen Geiken 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private Collection of Karen Geiken. 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. Date Copyrighted 1971-08-01 Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph: August 1971. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Karen Geiken, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Karen Geiken mermaids Peter Pan Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/d001b8fc9c681c8f7fadde6b858a83e4.jpg 80b0eabf26671c204e58253cbe3059f8 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 Rita King Feeding a Fish Underwater Alternative Title Photograph of Rita King, a Mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, Feeding a Fish Underwater, c. 1960s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Ballet--1970-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Mermaid Rita King feeding a fish underwater. In one hand she is holding food and the other hand is holding an air hose. She is kneeling on the spring floor. Photograph taken in the 1960s. 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 Black and White Photograph Type Still Image Source Black and white photograph of Rita King, c. 1960s: Private collection of Rita King. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Conforms To Weeki Wachee, Florida Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Creator Weeki Wachee Spring State Park Date Created c. 1960s Format image/jpg Extent 2.90 MB Medium 4 x 6 B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Rita King 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 Rita King 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 B&W photograph: Rita King, c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES Team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Rita King, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt Rita King roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/67ada858b402767d59df43984ed5f0ea.jpg 3b835a4b1d68d6711b96a55483095674 https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/f5264cfd5632b802fd77e0f8a8869117.jpg 0f61d187f2de6d79123b452615e6276d 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 Springs Underwater Theater Postcard Alternative Title Postcard: Image of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids Posing Atop the Underwater Theater, c.1960s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Color postcard with an image of Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids posing on top of the newly constructed underwater theater. Text on the back reads, "Weeki Wachee, Florida's underwater grand canyon presents a new million dollar underwater aqua-theatre and underwater musical revue daily from 9 to 5, rain or shine. Located at the junction of U.S. 19 and Florida 50 north of Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa." This Postcard made sometime in the 1960s. 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 Postcard of Weeki Wachee Mermaids on Roof of Underwater Theater Type Still Image Source Original color postcard of Weeki Wachee Mermaids atop Underwater Theater, c.1960s: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection. 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 c. 1960s Format image/jpg Extent 4.24 MB 1.25 MB Medium Color Postcard Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher 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 Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Collection of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 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 postcard: c. 1960s. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism mermaids Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/76ca4fec8012a2b7dbca970c92858e3f.jpg b32ccd1a61f6f44ed9de35ecc0d1f580 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 Two Weeki Wachee Mermaids in Costume Performing a Scene from "Peter Pan" Alternative Title Black and White Photograph: Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids Performing "Peter Pan," c. 1971 Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Theater--20th century Description Kodak Safety Film Strip consisting of two images. These images show two Weeki Wachee mermaids performing a scene from "Peter Pan." One mermaid is in a Captain Hook costume and the other is in an alligator costume. A prop pirate ship is pictured behind the mermaids. Image was taken sometime in 1971, when the show was performed. 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 Black and white photograph of Mermaids Performign "Peter Pan" Type Still Image Source Original black and white photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids Performing in "Peter Pan," c. 1971: Private Collection of karen Geiken. 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 Sparky Schumacher Publisher RICHES Date Created c. 1971 Format image/jpg Extent 2.15 MB Medium B&W Photograph Mediator History Teacher Humanitites Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Karen Geiken 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Private Collection of Karen Geiken. 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 photograph: c. 1971. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Orlando, Florida. Provenance Originally created by Sparky Schumacher, owned by Karen Geiken, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. ballet Brooksville Florida tourism Karen Geiken mermaids Peter Pan Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attraction Weeki Wachee Springs Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/8ffa08b461af7bf3df891beb4c673fe4.JPG 0fc357224874117d258e2f3611580228 https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/760ed133a9f1a5fdc893274315b4b6da.JPG 0bfc6b3a4624b920fd27381bbedfe734 https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/cb068ba20d2a9b41c8d8229c3c14eeb5.JPG 0fc357224874117d258e2f3611580228 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 Springs Brochure, c. 1950s Alternative Title Trifold Brochure of Weeki Wachee Springs, printed in the 1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1960-1970 tourism & museum Tourism--1960-1980 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Description Trifold brochure of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park highlighting the park's attractions in the 1950s, such as the May Museum of the Tropiscs. For a little over a decade, the May family of Colorado displayed some of their family's private collection of tropical bugs and animals in a museum on Weeki Wachee Springs property. 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 Color Trifold Brochure of Weeki Wachee Springs Creator Weeki Wachee Spring State Park Source Original color trifold of Weeki Wachee Springs, c. 1950s: May Natural History Museum Collection. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created ca. 1950s Date Copyrighted ca. 1950s Date Issued ca. 1950s Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original trifold brochure of Weeki Wachee Springs. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format image/jpg Extent 70.70 MB, 7.53 MB Type Still Image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Provenance Originally created by Weeki Wachee Springs, owned by May Natural History Museum, and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by May Museum of Natural History 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 Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of May Museum of Natural History 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. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/f19ff8a773c9875340f4ef9077c70414.jpg f760836eab8b29bd3a75d528323e3213 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 Springs Swimming Area, c. 1950s Alternative Title Black and White Photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Swimming Area and Parking Lot Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Photograph albums--1940-1950 Tourism--1940-1960 Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History Description Early image of Weeki Wachee Springs swimming area and parking lot, taken sometime between 1948 and 1960. 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. Abstract Black and White Photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Creator Perry, Newt Source Original black and white photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs, c 1940s-1950s: Delee Perry Collection. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created c. 1940s-1950s Date Copyrighted c. 1940s-1950s Date Issued c. 1940s-1950s Conforms To Weeki Wachee, Florida Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph: c. 1940s-1950s. Scanned by RICHES team. RICHES, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format imgage/jpg Extent 1.16 MB Medium Black and White Photograph Type Still Image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Visual Arts 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 RICHES for educational purposes only. Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry 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. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/4ca8d332d006752a234a981c45cf4f9c.jpg 5e397bac5147c0be3f01c3216efda270 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 Eating Watermelon Underwater Alternative Title Black and White Photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaids Eating Watermelon Underwater, c. 1950s Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Description Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids eating watermelon underwater. Before the mermaids performed plays, their shows consisted of underwater ballet, a deep dive into the depths of the spring, and other stunts. A common stunt the mermaids performed was to eat and drink underwater. Most commonly the mermaids ate bananas and drank soda out of glass bottles. 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. Creator Perry, Newton Source Original photograph of mermaids eating underwater: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created c. 1950s Date Copyrighted c. 1950s Date Issued c. 1950s Is Format Of Digital Reproduction of original photograph of Weeki Wachee mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format image/jpg Extent 5.12 MB Type Still Image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Visual Arts 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. Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry 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. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/7988d3d9bf0c05bb5d407f596a12b3e2.jpg b9f5e691ea619a45a513c455395c6e15 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 Posing Underwater in Costume Tail Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Wearing Costume Tail Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Description Weeki Wachee Springs 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. Abstract Black and White photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid Creator Perry, Newton Source Original photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid posing underwater: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created c. 1950s Date Copyrighted c. 1950s Date Issued c. 1950s Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of Weeki Wachee mermaid. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format image/jpg Extent 4.15 MB Type Still Image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Visual Arts 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. Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry 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. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/681f956b83e3b24bc79e51a6d777afe5.jpg 330ad95e68917895909dd102ebd5e74b 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 Sitting in a Circle Alternative Title 20 Weeki Wachee Mermaids Sitting in a Large Circle Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Description 20 Weeki Wachee mermaids posing for a photograph by sitting in a large circle. The photograph was taken sometime in the 1950s. 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. Source Original photograph of underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created c. 1950s Date Copyrighted c. 1950s Date Issued c. 1950s Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaids. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format image/jpg Extent 4.89 MB Type Still Image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Theater Teacher Visual Arts 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. Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry 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. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/4f1264c7718aed71792ed54a2dc36947.jpg 870ea38de5bb5c91931b7e106d113800 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 Newt Perry and Weeki Wachee Mermaid Performing Show Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Mermaid in Ballet Pose with Newt Perry Posing Behind Her Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Description Newt Perry and a Weeki Wachee mermaid posing underwater, performing a show. The two are swimming near a prop that resembles a castle. 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. Abstract Black and White photograph of Newt Perry and Weeki Wachee Mermaid Source Original photograph of underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created c. 1940s-1950s Date Copyrighted c. 1940s-1950s Date Issued c. 1940s-1950s Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of Newt Perry and a Weeki Wachee mermaid. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format image/jpg Extent 4.84 MB Type Still Image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Delee Perry and is provided here by RICHES for educational purposes only. Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry 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. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/3ef7886f33dd6a1be1598bf33dca297c.jpg 3949fd42923884608456c78d14efdebe 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 Newt Perry Announcing a Mermaid Show at Weeki Wachee Spring's Underwater Theater Alternative Title Newt Perry Announcing a Mermaid Show for 15 Guests in Weeki Wachee Spring's Underwater Theater Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Mermaids--Florida Perry, Newton, 1908-1987 Description Newt Perry announcing a mermaid show in the first underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs. There are 15 guests watching the performance, sitting on fruit crates. This image was taken sometime between 1948 and 1960. 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. Source Original photograph of underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Personal Collection of Delee Perry. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES</a> Date Created c. 1940s-1950s Date Copyrighted c. 1940s-1950s Date Issued c. 1940s-1950s Is Format Of Digital reproduction of original photograph of the interior of the underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, RICHES. Format image/jpg Extent 3.43 MB Type Still Image Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida Accrual Method Donation Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Visual Arts Teacher Theater Teacher Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by Delee Perry and is provided here by RICHES for educational purposes only. Contributing Project Florida Humanities Council Community Grant Program and Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Curator Schwandt, Rebecca Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository Personal Collection of Delee Perry 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. https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/4904df0bc1e25026f9f5f48661396083.JPG 66da91817d6f76cf7f9f79ec43dcec74 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 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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 1, 1959) Alternative Title Letter from Colson to May (March 1, 1959) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from the manager of the May Museum of the Tropics, Myrtle Colson, to the owner of the museum, John M. May, dated March 1, 1959. The letter celebrates the recent high number of visitors that the Museum had. Additionally, the letter informs May that the management of the Weeki Wachee Springs, where the museum was located, wanted a daily report of sales as well as weekly and monthly reports. 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. Type Text Source Original 1-page typed letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, March 1, 1959: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a>, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a> Date Created 1959-03-01 Format image/jpg Extent 4.08 MB Medium 1-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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator O'Neil, Rhiannon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/1307fac92bc3876be49923307313a69f.JPG 8668fbf88a0eb42b9f61bd857d5703e5 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 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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 the Employees of the May Museum of the Tropics (January 8, 1959) Alternative Title Letter from May to May Museum Employees (January 8, 1959) 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 employees of the museum, dated January 8, 1959. May asks his employees to water the plants around the outside of the museum to ensure they don't wilt or die, and hopes that they will send him regular updates of how the museum is faring. 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. Type Text Source Original 1-page typed letter from John M. May to the employees of the May Museum of the Tropics, January 8, 1959: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a>, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a> Date Created 1959-01-08 Format image/jpg Extent 4.19 MB Medium 1-page typed letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by John M. May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator O'Neil, Rhiannon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES MI</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/156f1617717c7cb9f4dd77886006e674.JPG 14e909574f7756f69a6eafe9d99711db 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 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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 (January 14, 1959) Alternative Title Letter from May to Colson (January 14, 1959) 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 manager of the museum, Myrtle Colson, dated January 14, 1959. May expresses his hopes that Colson is feeling better, as she recently had the flu, and informs her that his government project seems to be moving ahead. He also informs Colson that he will send information plaques for the large-scale Hercules beetle replica outside the museum. 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. Type Text Source Original 1-page typed letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson, January 14, 1959: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a>, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a> Date Created 1959-01-14 Format image/jpg Extent 4.13 MB Medium 1-page typed letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by John M. May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator O'Neil, Rhiannon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/73b86095b9922d1b9d8d348573e5c5c7.JPG a2ddc1d1073aeb7fd619ac9d57af0cc3 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 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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 Springs Memo (February 21, 1963) Alternative Title Weeki Wachee Memo (February 21, 1963) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A memo from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park manager T.P. Brinzo, circulated to all departments, dated February 21, 1963. The memo informed the entirety of the Springs that new equipment had been acquired for the underwater mermaid shows to help prevent drownings. Per the memo, all departments were to set up regular drills to prepare for a drowning scenario. 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 typed memo, February 23, 1963: <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Coverage Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Brinzo, T.P. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a> Date Created 1963-02-21 Format image/jpg Extent 3.94 MB Medium 1-page typed memo Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by T.P. Brinzo and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator O'Neil, Rhiannon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://weekiwachee.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs P.T. Brinzo parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/files/original/e3ffb26f67b0fe4b5a5107ff9471f6fc.JPG c06856213a235cdf3f0bf5c4d90a35f8 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 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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 Charles P. Kimball to John M. May (June 7, 1957) Alternative Title Letter from Kimball to May (June 7, 1957) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from entomologist Charles P. Kimball to the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, dated June 7, 1957. In the letter, Kimball details an insect trap design that utilizes thin plastic instead of glass, to allow more sunlight into the trap, and to better prevent the insects escaping. As Kimball was an entomologist like May, the letter also expresses that May's father's collection was being taken care of. 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 typed letter from Charles P. Kimball to John M. May, June 7, 1957: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a>, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Kimball, Charles P. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a> Date Created 1957-06-07 Format image/jpg Extent 3.24 MB Medium 1-page typed letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Charles P. Kimball and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator O'Neil, Rhiannon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Charles P. Kimball Florida tourism John M. 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/9ba4c7ca6e86869ee86638ee8bf22fdf.JPG de6de91f2bebd1d2c3159bf2f615e8c9 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 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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 (May 7, 1959) Alternative Title Letter from Colson to May (May 7, 1959) 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 manager of the museum, Myrtle Colson, dated May 7, 1959. In the letter, May apologizes to Colson for not informing her sooner about how to handle counting groups of children who were admitted to the museum on special prices. May kept up various lines of communication with both his museum and the staff of the Weeki Wachee Springs, where the museum was located, and likely found it difficult at times to remember who knew what pieces of information. 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. Type Text Source Original 1-page typed letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson, May 7, 1959: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a>, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a> Date Created 1959-05-07 Format image/jpg Extent 4.53 MB Medium 1-page typed letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by John M. May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator O'Neil, Rhiannon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/0937be08696efa72fa3ec92b5a6abe9d.JPG 268436c760ec89e7014d6bd08963ac24 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 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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. Creighton (November 20, 1963) Alternative Title Letter from May to Creighton (November 20, 1963) 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 University of Florida entomology professor John T. Creighton, dated November 20, 1963. May extended a warm invitation to Creighton and his colleagues to visit the May Museum, but expressed urgency as he believed that the museum would be closing soon due to pressure from 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 typed letter from John M. May to John T. Creighton, November 20, 1963: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a>, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a> Date Created 1963-11-20 Format image/jpg Extent 2.59 MB Medium 1-page typed letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by John M. May and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a>. Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator O'Neil, Rhiannon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 John T. Creighton 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/91cf54fea2385c717cdf1ffd91156d1b.JPG 399c6042effec7a6db97d8c2e6c24bd7 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 Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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 Joe D. Seltzer to John M. May (June 17, 1959) Alternative Title Letter from Seltzer to May (June 17, 1959) Subject Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.) Tourism--Florida Springs--Florida Parks--Florida Entomology Description A letter from the manager of Weeki Wachee Springs, Joe D. Seltzer, to the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, dated June 17, 1959. In the letter, Seltzer expresses his and his company's wish to build a new walkway and parking lot that would help attract more business to both the Springs and the museum. To accomplish the expansion, May's large-scale replica of a Hercules beetle, named Hercimer, needed to be moved. 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. Type Text Source Original 1-page typed letter from Joe D. Seltzer to John M. May, June 17, 1959: <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a>, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Is Part Of <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/63" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Collection</a>, Hernando County Collection, RICHES. Coverage May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida Creator Seltzer, Joe D. Publisher <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a> Date Created 1959-06-17 Format image/jpg Extent 7.55 MB Medium 1-page typed letter Language eng Mediator History Teacher Humanities Teacher Provenance Originally created by Joe D. Seltzer and published by <a href="https://riches.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES</a> Rights Holder Copyright to this resource is held by <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> and is provided here by <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 Rebecca Schwandt's Thesis Project Curator O'Neil, Rhiannon Digital Collection <a href="https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RICHES MI</a> Source Repository <a href="https://coloradospringsbugmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May Natural History Museum</a> External Reference Allman, T.D. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/873617194" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee Springs</a>. Arcadia Publishing Inc, 2006. . Revels, Tracy J. <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/666240031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions</a>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2007. Florida tourism Joe D. Seltzer John M. May May Museum of the Tropics museums natural springs parks Rebecca Schwandt roadside attractions roadside tourism tourist attractions Weeki Wachee Springs State Park