1
100
8
-
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
<span>"</span><a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a><span>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html.</span>
<span>Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Springs</em></a><span>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005.</span>
<span>Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</em></a><span>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012.</span>
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"<br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /><br />
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
<span>"</span><a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a><span>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html.</span>
<span>Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Springs</em></a><span>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005.</span>
<span>Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</em></a><span>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012.</span>
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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />
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/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
<span>"</span><a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a><span>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html.</span>
<span>Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Springs</em></a><span>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005.</span>
<span>Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</em></a><span>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012.</span>
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.<br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /><br />
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/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
<span>"</span><a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a><span>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html.</span>
<span>Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Springs</em></a><span>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005.</span>
<span>Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</em></a><span>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012.</span>
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.<br /><br />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
<p>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.</p>
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/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
<span>"</span><a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a><span>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html.</span>
<span>Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Springs</em></a><span>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005.</span>
<span>Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</em></a><span>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012.</span>
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."<br /><br /><span>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.</span>
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
<span>"</span><a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a><span>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html.</span>
<span>Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Springs</em></a><span>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005.</span>
<span>Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</em></a><span>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012.</span>
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. <br /><br /> 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
<span>"</span><a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a><span>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html.</span>
<span>Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Springs</em></a><span>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005.</span>
<span>Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</em></a><span>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012.</span>
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.<br /><br /> 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
<span>"</span><a href="http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html" target="_blank">History of Weeki Wachee Springs</a><span>." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html.</span>
<span>Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/67516850" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Springs</em></a><span>. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005.</span>
<span>Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. </span><a href="http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/780478262" target="_blank"><em>Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography</em></a><span>. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012.</span>
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.<br /><br /> 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