Headstone of Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason Headstone at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial
The headstone of Florida native Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason (1922-1945), who served for over three years in the U.S. Army Air Forces' (USAAF) 569th Bomb Squadron of the 390th Bomb Group, as a waist gunner on a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Sweet and Lovely" and "Princess Pat." SSgt. Eason completed 28 missions in both the Pacific and European Theaters of World War II. On January 20, 1945, he was killed near Altenheim, France, after his airplane was shot down by enemy combatants. Over the course of his service, SSgt. was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Original <a href="http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp
GRid=56372149">color digital image by Dwight Anderson.
Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial, Dinozé, France
390th Bomb Group's 569th Bomb Squadron Crew
The 390th Bomb Group's 569th Bomb Squadron crew, which operated a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II. The squadron was activated in early 1943 and was deployed to Framlingham, England, to serve in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) in July of 1943. Assigned to the VIII Bomber Command, this strategic bombardment squadron consisted of, photographed from left to right in the back row, navigator David M. Roche, pilot Earl D. Greenstreet, co-pilot William H. Guion, Jr., and bombardier/togglier George J. Arnold, as well as, from left to right in the front row, radio monitor Victor J. DeMaise, ball turret gunner Cletus L. Wadlow, Jr., waist gunner Thomas E. Eason, engineer/top turret gunner Kenneth E. Tricker, and tail gunner Thomas S. Leibner. One notable member of the crew was Florida native Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason (1922-1945), who served for over three years in the U.S. Army Air Forces' (USAAF) as a waist gunner on a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Sweet and Lovely" and "Princess Pat." SSgt. Eason completed 28 missions in both the Pacific and European Theaters of World War II. On January 20, 1945, he was killed near Altenheim, France, after his airplane was shot down by enemy combatants. Over the course of his service, SSgt. was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Digital reproduction of original <a href="https://www.390th.org/search/?390th_tax_crewnum=1039&amp
tab=operationalrecords">black and white photograph.
Framlingham Airfield, Framlingham, England
Individual Casualty Questionnaire for Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason and Completed by Earl D. Greenstreet
An Individual Casualty Questionnaire completed by Earl D. Greenstreet in relation to the death of Florida native Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason (1922-1945). According to this document, SSgt. Eason was Killed in Action (KIA) during the bailout procedure after his crew's airplane was shot. SSgt. Eason had served for over three years in the U.S. Army Air Forces' (USAAF) as a waist gunner on a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Sweet and Lovely" and "Princess Pat." SSgt. Eason completed 28 missions in both the Pacific and European Theaters of World War II. On January 20, 1945, he was killed near Altenheim, France, after his airplane was shot down by enemy combatants. Over the course of his service, SSgt. was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Digital reproduction of original 1-page typewritten questionnaire by Earl D. Greenstreet.
Casualty Questionnaire for Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason and Completed by First Lieutenant George J. Arnold
A Casualty Questionnaire completed by First Lieutenant George J. Arnold in relation to the death of Florida native Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason (1922-1945). According to this document, SSgt. Eason was Killed in Action (KIA) during the bailout procedure after his crew's airplane was shot. SSgt. served for over three years in the U.S. Army Air Forces' (USAAF) as a waist gunner on a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Sweet and Lovely" and "Princess Pat." SSgt. Eason completed 28 missions in both the Pacific and European Theaters of World War II. On January 20, 1945, he was killed near Altenheim, France, after his airplane was shot down by enemy combatants. Over the course of his service, SSgt. was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Digital reproduction of original 1-page handwritten questionnaire by George J. Arnold.
Individual Casualty Questionnaire for Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason
An Individual Casualty Questionnaire in relation to the death of Florida native Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason (1922-1945). According to this document, SSgt. Eason was Killed in Action (KIA) during the bailout procedure after his crew's airplane was shot. SSgt. Eason had served for over three years in the U.S. Army Air Forces' (USAAF) as a waist gunner on a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Sweet and Lovely" and "Princess Pat." SSgt. Eason completed 28 missions in both the Pacific and European Theaters of World War II. On January 20, 1945, he was killed near Altenheim, France, after his airplane was shot down by enemy combatants. Over the course of his service, SSgt. was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Digital reproduction of original 1-page handwritten questionnaire.
Missing Air Crew Report for the 390th Bomb Group's 569th Bomb Squadron
The Missing Air Crew Report for the 390th Bomb Group's 569th Bomb Squadron, which went missing on January 20, 1945. The crew's Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was shot down near Altenheim, France, while flying on a bombing mission to Heilbronn, Germany. The crew consisted of navigator David M. Roche, pilot Earl D. Greenstreet, co-pilot William H. Guion, Jr., bombardier/togglier George J. Arnold, radio monitor Victor J. DeMaise, ball turret gunner Cletus L. Wadlow, Jr., waist gunner Thomas E. Eason, engineer/top turret gunner Kenneth E. Tricker, and tail gunner Thomas S. Leibner. It was later discovered that all but one member of the crew survived. Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason (1922-1945), a Florida native, was Killed in Action (KIA) during the bailout procedure.SSgt, Eason served for over three years in the U.S. Army Air Forces' (USAAF) as a waist gunner on a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Sweet and Lovely" and "Princess Pat." SSgt. Eason completed 28 missions in both the Pacific and European Theaters of World War II. On January 20, 1945, he was killed near Altenheim, France, after his airplane was shot down by enemy combatants. Over the course of his service, SSgt. was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Digital reproduction of original 1-page typewritten report.
Memorandum from Colonel H. M. Rund to the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Force (February 16, 1945)
A memorandum from Colonel H. M. Rund, the Assistant Adjutant General in the U.S. Army, to General Henry H. Arnold (1886-1950), the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). In the memo, Col. Rund informs Gen. Arnold that all but one member of an air crew previously reported missing had been returned to duty on January 28, 1945. Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Eason (1922-1945) was reportedly killed in action on January 20. SSgt. Eason served for over three years in the U.S. Army Air Forces' (USAAF) 569th Bomb Squadron of the 390th Bomb Group, as a waist gunner on a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Sweet and Lovely" and "Princess Pat." SSgt. Eason completed 28 missions in both the Pacific and European Theaters of World War II. On January 20, 1945, he was killed near Altenheim, France, after his airplane was shot down by enemy combatants. Over the course of his service, SSgt. was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Digital reproduction of original 1-page typewritten memorandum from Colonel H. M. Rund to the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Force, February 16, 1945.
Fourteenth Census Population Schedule for Istachatta
The census population schedule for Istachatta, Florida, in 1920. Individuals are identified by name, titles and terms, gender, age, marital status, race, relationship to head of household, birthplace, birth year, the last place of residence, and occupation. A notable resident listed in this record is Willis H. Hawkins (ca. 1919-1944). Hawkins lived in Istachatta for much of his life and was educated up through grammar school. He worked as a semi-skilled driver or chauffeur until he enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 20, 1943. Private Hawkins served in the 3rd Infantry Division's 3rd Reconnaissance Troop. The 3rd Division participated in Operation Dragoon, in which the Allies invaded southern France, and then traveled North towards the Rhineland. Pvt. Hawkins was killed in action on November 2, 1944. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service and was buried in Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
Digital reproduction of original census record, January 19, 1920: Image Number 00007, Digital Folder Number 004964404, GS Film Number 1820222, Affiliate Film Number 222, Affiliate Publication Number T625, National Archives &amp
Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
Bureau of the Census
Headstone of Private Rufus H. Lennon, Jr. at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial
The headstone of Private Rufus H. Lennon Jr. Lennon (1921-1944), a soldier from Bradenton, Florida. Lennon was born in 1921 to Rufus H. Lennon, Sr. and Bertha Lennon. On November 21, 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 19. Pvt. Lennon served in the 180th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division. Pvt. Lennon died in battle on September 21, 1944 in Lorraine, France, and was awarded a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Original <a href="http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp
GRid=56373755">color digital image by Dwight Anderson: Private Collection of Dwight Anderson.
Headstone of Sergeant Marion C. Fordham, Jr. at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial
The headstone of Sergeant Marion C. Fordham, Jr., who lived in Tampa, Florida, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 13, 1942. During World War II, Sgt. Fordham fought in the 397th Infantry Division of the 100th Infantry Regiment. He died near the town of Baccarat, France, at the foot of the Vosges mountains on November 12, 1944. Sgt. Fordham received the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy and is currently buried at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
GRid=56372388">color digital image by Dwight Anderson: Private Collection of Dwight Anderson.
Sixteenth Census Population Schedule for Hopewell
The U.S. Census population schedule for Election Precinct 51 in Hopewell, Florida, in 1940. Individuals are identified by name, titles and terms, gender, age, marital status, race, relationship to head of household, birthplace, birth year, the last place of residence, and occupation. A notable resident listed in this record was Private First Class (PFC) Clifford A. Judah (d. 1945). Judah was born to Elijah D. Judah (b. 1890) and Margie Judah (b. 1897) in Louisiana in 1925. The Judahs migrated from Louisiana to Hillsborough Count around 1935. PFC Judah enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 2, 1943 at Camp Blanding in Starke. The terms of his enlistment were through the duration of the World War II or other emergency military actions, as well as six months subject to the discretion of the president or other laws. PFC Judah served in the 315th Infantry Regiment of the 79th Infantry Division. The Army declared PFC Judah missing in action on January 15, 1945. PFC Judah died during the Battle of Hatten-Rittershoffen in Alsace, France, which was part of the Battle of the Bulge. The Army awarded PFC Judah the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. The American Battle Monuments Commission memorialized PCF Judah under tablets of the missing in Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
Digital reproduction of original census record by Henry Irwin Bringle, April 4, 1940: Image Number 00103, Digital Folder Number 005449582, Affiliate Film Number 591, Affiliate Publication Number T627, National Archives &amp
The shoulder sleeve insignia for the U.S. Army's 45th Infantry Division. The original insignia, photographed on the right, was approved in August of 1924 and featured a swastika, which was a symbol commonly used by Native Americans from the Mississippian culture. With the rise of Germany's Nazi Party, which also used a swastika, the 45th Division retired its original insignia and replaced it in 1939 with another Native American symbol called the Thunderbird, photographed on the left and on the bottom. A notable member of the 45th Infantry Division during World War II was Private Rufus H. Lennon Jr. Lennon (1921-1944), a soldier from Bradenton, Florida. Lennon was born in 1921 to Rufus H. Lennon, Sr. and Bertha Lennon. On November 21, 1940, he enlisted into the U.S. Army at the age of 19. Pvt. Lennon served in the 180th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division. Pvt. Lennon died in battle on September 21, 1944 in Lorraine, France, and was awarded a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Original color photograph.
Sixteenth Census Population Schedule for Graceville
The U.S. Census population schedule for Election Precinct 14 in Graceville, Florida, in 1930. Individuals are identified by name, titles and terms, gender, age, marital status, race, relationship to head of household, birthplace, birth year, the last place of residence, and occupation. A notable resident listed in this record was Wilson Foch Smith (ca. 1918-1945). Smith was born in Jackson County, Florida, to Robert Smith and Hester Smith on October 24, 1918. He worked as a farmhand in the Graceville area prior to his enlistment into the U.S. Army on January 22, 1941. Cpl. Smith was assigned to Company B of the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He died in a Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando airplane crash after one of its engines caught on fire. Cpl. Smith was on his way to a hospital in France and then back to the United States when the plane crashed in Taillefontaine, France on May 23, 1945, killing 44 of its passengers. Cpl. Smith is currently buried at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
Digital reproduction of original census record by Frances S. Bax, April 2, 1930: Image Number 00031, Digital Folder Number 004950234, GS Film Number 2340057, Affiliate Film Number 322, Affiliate Publication Number T626, National Archives &amp
Headstone of Corporal Wilson Foch Smith at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial
The headstone of Corporal Wilson Foch Smith (1918-1945). A resident of Graceville, Florida, Smith was born to Robert Smith and Hester Smith on October 24, 1918. He worked as a farmhand in the Graceville area prior to his enlistment into the U.S. Army on January 22, 1941. Cpl. Smith was assigned to Company B of the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He died in a Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando airplane crash after one of its engines caught fire. Cpl. Smith was on his way to a hospital in France and then back to the United States when the plane crashed in Taillefontaine, France on May 23, 1945, killing 44 passengers. Cpl. Smith is buried at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
GRid=56375616">color digital image by Dwight Anderson: Private Collection of Dwight Anderson.
Headstone Inscription and Interment Record: Wilson Foch Smith
The headstone inscription and interment record for Corporal Wilson Foch Smith (1918-1945). A resident of Graceville, Florida, Smith was born to Robert Smith and Hester Smith on October 24, 1918. He worked as a farmhand in the Graceville area prior to his enlistment into the U.S. Army on January 22, 1941. Cpl. Smith was assigned to Company B of the 654th Tank Destroyer Battalion. He died in a Curtiss C-46D-10-CU Commando airplane crash after one of its engines caught fire. Cpl. Smith was on his way to a hospital in France and then back to the United States when the plane crashed in Taillefontaine, France on May 23, 1945, killing 44 passengers. Cpl. Smith is buried at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
Digital reproduction of original typewritten headstone inscription and interment record.
Sergeant John F. Aylward, Jr. (1912-1944), who died on November 3, 1944, while serving in World War II. Also known as Jack, Sgt. Aylward was a part of the Headquarters Company within the 6th Armored Division, nicknamed the Super Sixth. Sgt. Aylward was originally from Ocala, Florida, and is interred at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
Digital reproduction of original <a href="http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp
GRid=56370982">black and white photograph.
Sixteenth Census Population Schedule for Tampa
The census population schedule for Tampa, Florida in 1940. Individuals are identified by name, titles and terms, gender, age, marital status, race, relationship to head of household, birthplace, birth year, the last place of residence, and occupation. Notable residents listed in this record were Marion C. Fordham, Sr. (b. 1897) and Zerith Fordham (b. 1898), the parents of Marion C. Fordham, Jr. (d. 1944). On November 12, 1942, Fordham, Jr. enlisted in the U.S. Army, and then married Ann Yarbrough the following year. During World War II, Sgt. Fordham fought in the 397th Infantry Division of the 100th Infantry Regiment. He died near the town of Baccarat, France, at the foot of the Vosges mountains on November 12, 1944. Sgt. Fordham received the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy and is currently buried at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
Digital reproduction of original census record by Irene Jones McMartin, April 25, 1940: Image Number 0078400784, Digital Folder Number 005449624, Affiliate Film Number 633, Affiliate Publication Number T627, National Archives &amp
Notice of Election of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1973
Notice of Election of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1973. The Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the Notice of Election of Supervisors from 1973, Kenneth R. Littlejohn from the Florida Department of Agriculture &amp
Consumer Services indicates that supervisors S.B. Crowe, Hubert Bagwell, and C.A. Wales were elected in 1973 and their term would expire in 1977.
Original 1-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1973: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District
Letter to Larry Morrell of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District from William E. Austin,1977
Letter to Larry Morrell from William E. Austin for 1977. In the letter, William E. Austin, State Conservationist, writes to Larry Morrell of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District about an updated Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding between the Soil Conservation Service and the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District.
Original 1-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1977: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District Long-Range Program, 1975
Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District Long-Range Program for 1975. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the 1975 Long-Range Program, J.A. Hopkins states that the purpose of the Long-Range Program is to identify present and future needs and opportunities for the conservation and development of natural resources within Seminole County, Florida. The Long-Range Program serves as a practical guide for the planning and accomplishments of work by the District, its cooperators, and all agencies whose assistance is enlisted. The 31 page program outlines what needs to be done, how the work should be carried out, and when the objectives and goals within are expected to be accomplished. The program is a framework for assistance to communities, watersheds, regions, and governmental units in planning and carrying out a wide variety of resource developments during 1975. The program discusses conservation, and the development of land. The program goes on to discuss the recent shift from agricultural use of land to other uses. Population growth is described in detail due to the challenges agricultural producers face as a result of population increase and urbanization.
Original 31-page typewritten Long-Range Program by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1975: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Nondiscrimination Provision from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Soil Conservation Service,1974
Nondiscrimination Provision from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Soil Conservation Service from 1974. In the document, State Conservationist William E. Austin informs the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District that the Nondiscrimination Provision is required in agreements entered in connection with the Soil Conservation Service programs. The provision applies to applications in connection with watershed or resource conservation and development projects, work plan agreements in connection with watershed or resource conservation and development projects, land rights agreements, relocation agreements, or Memorandums of Understanding.
Original 2-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1974: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District and Seminole County, 1974
Memorandum of Understanding between the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District and Seminole County for 1974. The Seminole Soil and Water Conservatiob District began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District and Seminole County for 1974 discusses ways in which the Soil Conservation Service is authorized to cooperate with and furnish assistance to the District for conservation and resource development work. The two page Memorandum lists what Seminole County will do and what the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District will do together to tackle common objectives pertaining to conservation, development, land use, water use, wildlife preservation, and related resources.
Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding between the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District and the Soil Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture, 1968
Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding between the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District and the Soil Conservation Service United States Department of Agriculture for 1968. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. The Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding between the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District and the United States Department of Agriculture for 1968 discusses ways in which the Soil Conservation Service is authorized to cooperate with and furnish assistance to the District for conservation and resource development work. The four page Supplemental Memorandum lists what the Soil Conservation Service will do and what the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District will do to tackle common objectives pertaining to conservation, development, land use, water use, and related resources.
Original 4-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1968: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Program of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1963
The Program of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1963. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. The fourteen page program from 1963 discusses the history of the organization and contains information pertaining to the goals of the Seminole Soil Conservation District as well as the major problems they face regarding water control, soil depletion, erosion control, wildlife, land use, livestock, egg production, and recreational and rural land development.
Original 14-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1963: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Memorandum of Understanding of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1962
Memorandum of Understanding of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1962. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. The five page Memorandum of Understanding from 1962 details a broad program of assistance to farmers, ranchers, and landowners including soil and water conservation, watershed protection, flood prevention, farm forestry, rural areas development. The Memorandum of Understanding references goals pertaining to research, education, technical assistance, cost sharing, credit, and cooperation. The Memorandum discusses assistance to the Seminole Soil Conservation District in conserving and improving soil, water, vegetation, wildlife, and related resources and in reducing damage by floods and sedimentation.
Original 5-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1962: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1954
The Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1954. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance from 1954, Albert R. Swartz, District Conservationist, writes to Homer L. Osborne, Chairman of the Board of the Seminole Soil Conservation District. Swartz states the kinds of assistance that would be made available by the Soil Conservation Service to the Seminole Soil Conservation District such as a Soil Conservationist, a Drainage Engineer, a Soil Scientist, an Engineer Aid, and a Conservation Aid. The two page report also indicates that due to the elimination of soil conservation service propagation nurseries, there were no estimates of available planting materials for the period betweem July 1st, 1954 through June 30th, 1955.
Original 2-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1954: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1953
The Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1953. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year. In the Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance from 1953, Albert R. Swartz, District Conservationist, writes to Homer L. Osborne, Chairman of the Board of the Seminole Soil Conservation District. Swartz states the kinds of assistance that would be made available by the Soil Conservation Service to the Seminole Soil Conservation District such as a Soil Conservationist, a Drainage Engineer, a Soil Scientist, an Engineer Aid, and a Conservation Aid. The two page document contains a planting materials list including Blanket Indigo, Early Indigo, Yellow Lupine, Crotalaria Lanceolata, Coastal Bermuda Stolons, and Rescue Grass (Chapel Hill).
Original 2-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1953: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Historical Data of the Board of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1953
Historical Data report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1953. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. The Historical Data report from 1953 contains historical data about the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District. The two page document lists names of the first Board of Supervisors (Commissioners) such as R.F.Cooper, C.A. Wales, T.L. Lingo, R. T. Milwee, Tom McCalin, Jr., and C.R. Dawson. The current Board members are listed as Homer L. Osborne, C.A. Wales, E.J. Cameron, R.T. Milwee, and George C. Harden. The First Cooperator is listed as Forest Lake Academy in Forest City.
Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1952
The Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Board of Supervisorsof the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1952. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance from 1952, Albert R. Swartz, District Conservationist, writes to Homer L. Osborne, Chairman of the Board of the Seminole Soil Conservation District. Swartz states the kinds of assistance that would be made available by the Soil Conservation Service to the Seminole Soil Conservation District such as a Soil Conservationist, a Drainage Engineer, a Soil Scientist, an Engineer Aid, and a Conservation Aid. The two page document contains a planting materials list including Pensacola Bahia, early Hairy Indigo, ordinary Hairy Indigo, Blanket Indigo, Crotalaria Intermedia, Aeschynomene, Multiflora Rose, Crotalaria Lanceolata, Coastal Bermuda Grass Stolons, and Pangola Grass Stolons.
Original 2-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1952: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Office Memorandum of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1952
Office Memorandum of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1952. The Seminole Soul and Water Conservation District began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the Office Memorandum from 1952, H.B. Helms, the assistant state conservationist, informs Albert R. Swartz, the acting area conservationist, that J.G. McMeekin of the Regional Records and Reports Division has advised that Seminole District #43 may discontinue submitting form SCS-198 as the sample requirement for land conversion has been met. The one page document is signed by H.B. Helms.
Original 1-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1952: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1951
Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1951. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance from 1951, Walter W. Shaffer writes to Homer L. Osborne and states the kinds of assistance that would be made available by the Soil Conservation Service to the Seminole Soil Conservation District such as a Soil Conservationist, a Drainage Engineer, a Soil Scientist, an Engineer Aid, and a Conservation Aid. The two page document contains a planting materials list including Pensacola Bahia, early Hairy Indigo, ordinary Hairy Indigo, Blanket Indigo, Crotalaria Intermedia, aeschynomene, multiflora rose, Crotalaria Lanceolata, Coastal Bermuda Grass Stolons, and Pangola Grass Stolons. The document is signed by Walter W. Shaffer and Colin D. Gunn.
Original 2-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1951: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1950
The Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1950. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance from 1950, Robert R. Witherell writes to C.A. Wales and states the kinds of assistance that would be made available such as a Soil Conservationist, a Drainage Engineer, a Soil Scientist, an Engineer Aid, and a Conservation Aid. The two page document contains a planting materials list including Bahia seed, Coastal Bermuda Grass Stolons, and Pangola Grass Stolons. The planting materials were supplied by Brooksville Nursery. The document is signed by Robert E. Witherell, and Colin D. Gunn.
Original 2-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1950: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Board of Supervisers of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1949
The Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1949. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the four page Transmittal of Schedule of Assistance from 1949, Robert R. Witherell writes to C.A. Wales and states the kinds of assistance that would be made available between July 1st, 1949 and June 30th, 1950, such as a Soil Conservationist, a Drainage Engineer, a Soil Scientist, an Engineer Aid, and a Conservation Aid. The document is signed by Robert E. Witherell, and Colin D. Gunn.
Original 4-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1949: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding Between the Seminole Soil Conservation District and the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, 1948
Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding Between the Seminole Soil Conservation District and the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture for 1948. The Seminole Soil Conservation District began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. The 1948 Supplemental Memorandum of Understanding supplements the 1948 Memorandum of Understanding. The eight page document explains what the District and the the Service will do, such as selecting a District Conservationist, keeping current records, providing field equipment, and taking part in erosion control and soil conservation. The document is signed by R.F. Cooper, C.R. Dawson, and H.H. Hennett.
Original 8-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1948: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Work Plan of the Seminole Soil Conservation District, 1948
The Work Plan of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1948. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. The purpose of the 1948 work plan was to outline the approach to problems as stated in the program from that year. The seven page work plan discusses issues such as land use, cropland, erosion, pastureland, water control, soil improvement, crop rotation, woodland and wildlife management, farm planning, and the use of conservation surveys.
Original 7-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1948: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Program of the Seminole Soil Conservation District, 1948
The Program of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1948. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the 1948 program, the Seminole Soil Conservation District discusses agriculture and plans to confront issues pertaining to water control, land use, soil depletion, wind and water erosion, pasture development, and woodland and wildlife management. The nine page program is signed by R.F. Cooper, C.A. Wales, T.L. Lingo, R.T. Milwee, and Tom McLain, Jr.
Original 9-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1948: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District and the United States Department of Agriculture, 1948
The 1948 Memorandum of Understanding between the Seminole Soil Conservation District and the United States Department of Agriculture. The Seminole Soil Conservation District organization began in 1948 with a goal of assisting agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole County Soil and Water Conservation District also began to concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests included inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In the 1948 memorandum, the Board articulates a goal to cooperate with the Department of Agriculture in order to achieve certain objectives pertaining to soil conservation and erosion control. The five page Memorandum discusses the implementation of a work plan for the Seminole Soil Conservaiton District. The memorandum is signed by R. F. Cooper and C. R. Dawson of the Seminole Soil Conservation District.
Original 5-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1949: Folder SSWCD Statistical and Historical Information, 1948-1977, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
An oral history interview of Patrick Herman, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus. The interview was conducted by Sarah Schneider at Herman’s home in Orlando, Florida, on November 4th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include moving to Florida, joining the Orlando Gay Chorus, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) Festival, the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub and its aftermath, the Orlando Gay Chorus’s response to the Pulse tragedy, coping with the emotional repercussions of the tragedy, the community response to the Pulse tragedy, support from other gay choruses at the GALA festival, the significance of Latin night at Pulse, the long-term consequences of the Pulse tragedy, and gun control.
Herman, Patrick. Interviewed by Sarah Schneider, November 4, 2016. Audio record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
RICHES of Central Florida
GALA Choruses Festival, Denver Performing Arts Center, Denver, Colorado
The Watermark, Vol. 7, No. 1, January 6-19, 2000
The ninth issue of The Watermark was published on January 6-19, 2000, and focuses on community issues with the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) movement. The main topics covered in this issue include a letter from the editor
the Supreme Court of Vermont's decision on same-sex marriages
the Millennium March on Washington (MMOW)
BeachFest in Daytona Beach, the closing of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Community Center (GLBCC)
the resignation of Charles Albrecht, executive director of the Tampa AIDS Network (TAN)
the anti-gay comments of Lee County Sheriff John McDougall regarding Matthew Shepard, a young, homosexual man who was brutally tortured and murdered in Wyoming
an increase in hate crimes against minorities
members of the LGBTQ+ community who have hearing impairments
legal and medical issues related to human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
the Gay Financial Network's (GFN) first annual list of the 25 Most Influential Gay and Lesbian Corporate Executives
New Year's resolutions to improve gay culture
and astronomer and gay rights activist Frank Kameny (1925-2011). This issue also includes various advertisements, film reviews, a calendar of events, organizations and meetings, an astrology section, and personal classifieds. Finally this issues includes The Waterfront supplement, which featured articles about Parliament House, The Factory at Garage, and the sale of Viagra on the black market, as well as a gossip column, a nightlife column, music reviews, comics, maps of LGBTQ+ businesses in various Florida cities, and a sex talk column. Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.
Original 32-page newspaper: The Watermark, Vol. 7, No. 1, January 6-19, 2000: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Watermark Media
The Watermark, Vol. 2, No. 5, March 8, 1995
The eighth issue of The Watermark was published on March 5, 1995, and focuses on community issues with the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) movement. The main topics discussed in this issue include Olympic athlete Greg Louganis (b. 1960), the incarceration of gay Christian activist Mel White, U.S. Supreme Court case Romer v. Evans, the selection of Michael Slaymaker as the new executive director of the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, an amendment proposal in Alachua County that would prohibit county commissioners from passing ordinances that would protect civil rights based on sexual orientation, the military's violations of its "Don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) policy, gay adoption, and legal and medical issues related to human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). This issue also includes various advertisements, letters to the editor, film reviews, comics, a travel section, a calendar of events, and personal classifieds. Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.
Original 32-page newspaper: The Watermark, Vol. 2, No. 5, March 5, 1995: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Hope and Help Center of Central Florida, Winter Park, Florida
The Watermark, Vol. 2, No. 2, January 25, 1995
The second issue of volume two of The Watermark was published on January 25, 1995, and focuses on community issues with the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) movement. The main topics discussed in this issue are Iran's persecution of gay nightclub patrons, West Palm Beach voters' defeat of a proposal that sought to remove gay rights protections from municipal law, the Metropolitan Business Association's (MBA) Second Annual Expo, a federal court's ruling allowing a veterans group to bar the LGBTQ+ community from marching in Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Scott Laurent Galleries. This issue also includes letters to the editor, theater and film reviews, restaurant reviews, and comic strips, as well as culture, artful living, travel, marketplace, and classifieds sections. Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.
Original 32-page newspaper: The Watermark, Vol. 2, No. 2, January 25, 1995: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Scott Laurent Galleries, Winter Park, Florida
Oral History of Reverend Margaret E. "Peggy" Howland
An oral history interview of Reverend Margaret E. “Peggy” Howland, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus and a former Presbyterian minister. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the interviewee’s residence in Orlando, Florida, on December 13th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include becoming one of the first female ministers, fighting for GLBTQ+ rights, joining the Orlando Gay Chorus, her role in the Orlando Gay Chorus, her favorite productions, the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, women in the chorus, the Orlando Gay Chorus’s response to Pulse tragedy, changing community attitudes on homosexuality, missing out on initial vigils, memorials and outreaches, physical challenges, performing at the first responders breakfast, the long-term consequences of Pulse tragedy, and her closing remarks.
Howland, Margaret E. "Peggy". Interviewed by Geoffrey Cravero, December 13, 2016. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
RICHES
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando, Florida
Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses Festival, Denver, Colorado
Joy Metropolitan Community Church, Orlando, Florida
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
An oral history interview of Emmanuel J. Agon Kresky, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus. The interview was conducted by Sarah Schneider at the University of Central Florida Center for Emerging Media in Orlando, Florida, on November 17th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include joining the Orlando Gay Chorus, his favorite productions, the 2012 and 2016 Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses festivals, the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, the Orlando Gay Chorus’s response to the Pulse tragedy, the community, national and international responses to the Pulse tragedy, the significance of Pulse before and after the tragedy, the role of social media in the aftermath of the tragedy, and the long-term consequences of the tragedy.
Kresky, Emmanuel J. Agon. Interviewed by Sarah Schneider, November 17, 2016. Audio record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, Florida
Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Orlando, Florida
An oral history interview of Nicholas Agon Kresky, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus who serves on the chorus’s Music and Artistic Development Committee. The interview was conducted by Sarah Schneider at the University of Central Florida Center for Emerging Media in Orlando, Florida, on November 17th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include joining the Orlando Gay Chorus, his favorite productions, the 2012 Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) festival, the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, the Orlando Gay Chorus’s response to the Pulse tragedy, the community response to the Pulse tragedy, pet therapy, the national response to the Pulse tragedy, the 2016 Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) festival, support from other gay choruses, the significance of Pulse before and after the tragedy, the role of social media in the aftermath of the tragedy, and the long-term consequences of the Pulse tragedy.
Kresky, Nicholas Agon. Interviewed by Sarah Schneider, November 17, 2016. Audio record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
An oral history interview of Richard Lamberty, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus, same-sex ballroom dancer, and software developer. This interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the Center for Humanities and Digital Research at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, on October 11th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include a biographical summary, his educational history, discovering dance, his family history, his relationship with his father, same-sex ballroom dancing, the Orlando Gay Chorus, Orlando Cloggers, becoming a dance instructor, losing communication and physical skills from rheumatoid arthritis, world travels as a dance instructor, homosexuality in Japan, the end of his dance career, North American Same-Sex Partner Dance Association (NASSPDA), the history of same-sex dancing, the kinesiology of dance, Dance Vision International Dancers Association (DVIDA) American Smooth Bronze Syllabus manual, reasons for joining the Orlando Gay Chorus, the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub and its aftermath, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) Festival, being a public figure and representing Orlando, violence against homosexuals, meeting a transsexual Muslim, the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) vigil for victims of the Pulse massacre, homosexuality in the space and defense industry, turning tragedy into positive change, gun control reform, the community response to Pulse tragedy, the significance of the rainbow flag, the long-term consequences of the Pulse tragedy, and the rise of fundamentalism.
Lamberty, Richard. Interviewed by Geoffrey Cravero, October 11, 2016. Audio record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, January 1974
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for January 1974. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. This report discusses the introduction of new plants and grasses to Seminole County and also mentions a flood hazard study for U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 5-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, January 1974: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1974, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1972
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1972. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year. The report acknowledges contributions from the Seminole County Board of Commissioners and the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Florida State Forestry Service. The report also thanks the local office of the Farm Bureau and the local radio station, WTRR, for promoting conservation efforts.
Original 2-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1972: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1971
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1971. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year. The report acknowledges contributions from the Seminole County Board of Commissioners and the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Florida State Forestry Service. The report also thanks the local office of the Farm Bureau and the local radio station, WTRR, for promoting conservation efforts. The report also discusses the introduction to the county of a new pasture grass called Hemarthria Altissima, furnished by the Plant Materials Center of the Soil Conservation Service in Brooksville, Florida, due to its low temperature requirements and rank growth. Finally, the report discusses the development and management of fishponds and catfish production and two animal waste lagoons installed at local dairies.
Original 5-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1971: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1970
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1970. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year. The report acknowledges contributions from the Seminole County Board of Commissioners and the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Florida State Forestry Service. The report also thanks the local office of the Farm Bureau and the local radio station, WTRR, for promoting conservation efforts. Additionally, the report discusses the introduction to the county of a new pasture grass called Haltgrass, or Hemarthria Altissima, furnished by the Plant Materials Center of the Soil Conservation Service it Brooksville, Florida. The report explains that the new grass is useful for grazing and haying. Finally, the report discusses the revamping of tile systems on vegetable land and includes statistical information for 1970 and an appropriation ledger for office supplies and expenses for 1969 and 1970.
Original 7-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1970: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1969
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1969. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year. The report acknowledges contributions from the Seminole County Board of Commissioners and the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Florida State Forestry Service. The report also discusses the 1969 Recreational Potential Appraisal meant to publicize areas within Seminole County with recreational or public attraction potential. Additionally, the report describes the popular use of ponds for water storage and stocking of fish, such as bream and black bass for recreational purposes. Nineteen ponds were constructed along with 22,000 feet of drainage ditches, and 90,000 feet of vegetable tiles. Finally, the report includes an appropriation ledger for office supplies and expenses for 1968 and 1969.
Original 6-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1969: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1968
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1968. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 4-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1968: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1967
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1967. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year. The report acknowledges contributions from the Seminole County Board of Commissioners and the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Florida State Forestry Service.
Original 6-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1967: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1965
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1965. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 6-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1965: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1964
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1964. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 6-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1964: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1963
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1963. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 9-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1963: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1962
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1962. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 7-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1962: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1961
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1961. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 11-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1961: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1960
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1960. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 10-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1960: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1959
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1959. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 12-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1959: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1958
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1958. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 10-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1958: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1957
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1957. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 10-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1957: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1956
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1956. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 13-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1956: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1955
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1955. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 11-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1955: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1954
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1954. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 11-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1954: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1950
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1950. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 6-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1950: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1949
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1949. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 4-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1949: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
An oral history interview of Joel Strack, one of the founding members of the Orlando Gay Chorus. The interview was conducted by Tyler Campbell in the conference room at the Center for Humanities and Digital Research (CHDR) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, on September 26th, 2016. Some of the topics covered include founding the Orlando Gay Chorus, naming the chorus, the initial community reaction, women in the chorus, the evolving relationship with the community, becoming a mixed vocal group, hearing about the shooting at Pulse nightclub, vigils, outreach events and fundraisers, coping and seeking counseling, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) Festival, the Orlando community’s response to the Pulse tragedy, the long-term impact on the Gay Chorus and the Orlando community, and an increase in membership.
Strack, Joel. Interviewed by Tyler Campbell, September 26, 2016. Audio record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
GLBT Community Center of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
Laurel Oak Court in Sky Lake, located approximately seven miles south of Downtown Orlando, Florida, between Lancaster Road and Sand Lake Road. The Sky Lake residential community was developed in late 1950s and 1960s by Hymen Lake. Houses originally sold in the range of $10,000 to $15,000. In the 1970s, Sky Lake became one of the first housing developments to be racially integrated. This residential community was originally proposed to include one thousand homes within the middle of the square mile block and a ring of commercial developments along the perimeter.
Original black and white photographs: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Swimming Pool at Travelodge Orlando-Sky Lake
The swimming pool at Travelodge Orlando-Sky Lake, which was located at 7101 South Orange Blossom Trail (OBT), just north of the Bee Line Toll Road, in Orlando, Florida.. The hotel was constructed in 1970 by Hymen Lake and is currently in operation as the Royal Inn. Photographs from this era show the hotel offered a free continental breakfast, heated pool, and color television. The Onan Corporation, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, commissioned the photographs. Onan was photographing a standby electric plant that had been recently installed at the hotel.
Original color photograph: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Travelodge Orlando-Sky Lake, Sky Lake, Florida
Hotel Room at Travelodge Orlando-Sky Lake
A hotel room at Travelodge Orlando-Sky Lake, which was located at 7101 South Orange Blossom Trail (OBT), just north of the Bee Line Toll Road, in Orlando, Florida.. The hotel was constructed in 1970 by Hymen Lake and is currently in operation as the Royal Inn. Photographs from this era show the hotel offered a free continental breakfast, heated pool, and color television. The Onan Corporation, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, commissioned the photographs. Onan was photographing a standby electric plant that had been recently installed at the hotel.
Travelodge Orlando-Sky Lake was located at 7101 South Orange Blossom Trail (OBT), just north of the Bee Line Toll Road, in Orlando, Florida.. The hotel was constructed in 1970 by Hymen Lake and is currently in operation as the Royal Inn. Photographs from this era show the hotel offered a free continental breakfast, heated pool, and color television. The Onan Corporation, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, commissioned the photographs. Onan was photographing a standby electric plant that had been recently installed at the hotel.
Travelodge Orlando-Sky Lake During Construction
Aerial View of Travelodge Orlando-Sky Lake
Original black and white photograph: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Construction at Sky Lake, located approximately seven miles south of Downtown Orlando, Florida, between Lancaster Road and Sand Lake Road. The Sky Lake residential community was developed in late 1950s and 1960s by Hymen Lake. Houses originally sold in the range of $10,000 to $15,000. In the 1970s, Sky Lake became one of the first housing developments to be racially integrated. This residential community was originally proposed to include one thousand homes within the middle of the square mile block and a ring of commercial developments along the perimeter.
Original black and white photograph by Fred DeWitt: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
A house in Sky Lake, located approximately seven miles south of Downtown Orlando, Florida, between Lancaster Road and Sand Lake Road. It is unclear as to what street this house was located along. The Sky Lake residential community was developed in late 1950s and 1960s by Hymen Lake. Houses originally sold in the range of $10,000 to $15,000. In the 1970s, Sky Lake became one of the first housing developments to be racially integrated. This residential community was originally proposed to include one thousand homes within the middle of the square mile block and a ring of commercial developments along the perimeter.
Houses in Sky Lake, located approximately seven miles south of Downtown Orlando, Florida, between Lancaster Road and Sand Lake Road. It is unclear as to what street(s) these houses were located along. The Sky Lake residential community was developed in late 1950s and 1960s by Hymen Lake. Houses originally sold in the range of $10,000 to $15,000. In the 1970s, Sky Lake became one of the first housing developments to be racially integrated. This residential community was originally proposed to include one thousand homes within the middle of the square mile block and a ring of commercial developments along the perimeter.
Original color photographs: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Sky Lake, located approximately seven miles south of Downtown Orlando, Florida, between Lancaster Road and Sand Lake Road. This residential community was developed in late 1950s and 1960s by Hymen Lake. Houses originally sold in the range of $10,000 to $15,000. In the 1970s, Sky Lake became one of the first housing developments to be racially integrated. This residential community was originally proposed to include one thousand homes within the middle of the square mile block and a ring of commercial developments along the perimeter.
Grid Map of Unincorporated Communities South of Orlando
A grid map of various unincorporated communities south of Orlando, Florida. Such communities include Edgewood, Pine Castle, Conway, Belle Isle, and Taft. Other notable sites on the map include the Orlando International Airport and the Martin Andersen Bee Line Expressway, formerly called Florida State Road 528 (SR 528).
Original map: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida
A grid map of Orlando, Florida, showing what appears to be the proposed site for the Sky Lake, a residential community and unincorporated area. It is located approximately seven miles south of Downtown Orlando between Lancaster Road and Sand Lake Road. This residential community was developed in late 1950s and 1960s by Hymen Lake. Houses originally sold in the range of $10,000 to $15,000. In the 1970s, Sky Lake became one of the first housing developments to be racially integrated. This residential community was originally proposed to include one thousand homes within the middle of the square mile block and a ring of commercial developments along the perimeter.
A newspaper article published in The Winter Garden Times discussing a fish kill in Lake Apopka in July of 1981. This fish kill, totaling an estimated four million fish, occurred two weeks after another larger kill in Lake Apopka on June 20, 1981. The article states that the kills are due to a combination of factors affecting the lake, including low water levels, high temperatures, and stormy weather, which led to the lake's high algae content deoxygenating the lake. Lake Apopka is one of Florida’s largest lakes and was once considered to be one of the world’s best lakes for bass fishing. The lake’s sport fish population began to decline in the 1960s, with major die-offs occurring almost yearly. The lake’s problems are generally considered to be the result of over-nutrification from various sources. Twenty thousand acres of wetlands bordering the lake’s north shore were drained in the 1940s and used for highly fertile “muck farms.” These farms were routinely flooded to protect the fragile soil, and the fertilizer and pesticide-laden water was then discharged back into the lake prior to each growing season. Other sources of pollution include discharge from citrus processing operations, as well as treated wastewater from sewage plants. The nutrient-rich discharge promoted algae growth in the lake, turning the water to a green color, and blocked sunlight from reaching aquatic vegetation, which provided food and habit to the lake’s fish population. The lake’s bottom soil became increasingly “mucky,” also disrupting aquatic vegetation from taking root. Restoration work on the lake began in the 1960s with attempts by various agencies to remove “trash fish,” such as gizzard shad, from the lake via seining, which would hopefully allow the lake’s sportfish to thrive. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council, an initiative formed under Governor Claude Kirk (1926-2011) in 1967, launched several studies to find methods to improve the lake, though no serious action was taken. Various methods were debated to restore the lake through the 1970s and 1980s, including “drawdown,” which entailed completely draining the lake to allow the mucky bottom to consolidate. Restoration attempts were stalled for lack of funding and research. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council was reformed in 1985 under Governor Bob Graham (b. 1936), and, in 1987, the Surface Water and Improvement Management Act was passed. Together, these actions allowed comprehensive restoration plans to take shape, such as the Marsh Flow-way, a project by the St John’s Water Management District that uses natural methods to remove nutrients from the lake. The Friends of Lake Apopka, a citizen environmental advocacy group, began to push for further restoration efforts in the 1990s. The lake’s north shore muck farms were eventually purchased by the State of Florida, helping to reduce the amount of nutrient entering the lake.
Photocopy of original newspaper article: "A Second Lake Apopka fish kill." The Winter Garden Times, Vol. 50, No. 29, July 16, 1981: binder 1981, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
The Winter Garden Times
A newspaper article published in The Leesburg Daily Commercial discussing fish kills that occurred in Lake Apopka in June of 1981. The article gives quotes from Harold L. Moody and Mike Wicker of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC), who state that further fish kills are very likely to occur. The article states that the current drought conditions in Florida were exacerbating the poor condition of the lake, concentrating the lake's water and promoting the growth of algae. The algae growth causes the lake's oxygen levels to drop, triggering fish die-offs. The Lake Apopka fish kill is estimated to have killed between 30 million and 40 million fish. Lake Apopka is one of Florida’s largest lakes and was once considered to be one of the world’s best lakes for bass fishing. The lake’s sport fish population began to decline in the 1960s, with major die-offs occurring almost yearly. The lake’s problems are generally considered to be the result of over-nutrification from various sources. Twenty thousand acres of wetlands bordering the lake’s north shore were drained in the 1940s and used for highly fertile “muck farms.” These farms were routinely flooded to protect the fragile soil, and the fertilizer and pesticide-laden water was then discharged back into the lake prior to each growing season. Other sources of pollution include discharge from citrus processing operations, as well as treated wastewater from sewage plants. The nutrient-rich discharge promoted algae growth in the lake, turning the water to a green color, and blocked sunlight from reaching aquatic vegetation, which provided food and habit to the lake’s fish population. The lake’s bottom soil became increasingly “mucky,” also disrupting aquatic vegetation from taking root. Restoration work on the lake began in the 1960s with attempts by various agencies to remove “trash fish,” such as gizzard shad, from the lake via seining, which would hopefully allow the lake’s sportfish to thrive. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council, an initiative formed under Governor Claude Kirk (1926-2011) in 1967, launched several studies to find methods to improve the lake, though no serious action was taken. Various methods were debated to restore the lake through the 1970s and 1980s, including “drawdown,” which entailed completely draining the lake to allow the mucky bottom to consolidate. Restoration attempts were stalled for lack of funding and research. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council was reformed in 1985 under Governor Bob Graham (b. 1936), and, in 1987, the Surface Water and Improvement Management Act was passed. Together, these actions allowed comprehensive restoration plans to take shape, such as the Marsh Flow-way, a project by the St John’s Water Management District that uses natural methods to remove nutrients from the lake. The Friends of Lake Apopka, a citizen environmental advocacy group, began to push for further restoration efforts in the 1990s. The lake’s north shore muck farms were eventually purchased by the State of Florida, helping to reduce the amount of nutrient entering the lake.
Photocopy of original newspaper article: Horvath, Paula. "Officials Think Fish Kills May Spread." The Leesburg Daily Commercial, July 22, 1981: binder 1981, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
The Leesburg Daily Commercial
Letter from William E. Johnson to Dennis Holcomb (July7, 1981)
A letter from William E. Johnson to Dennis Holcomb, dated July7, 1981. Enclosed with the letter is a report by Johnson, a biologist with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC) regarding a fish kill in Lake Apopka that occurred in June of 1981. The report states that the fish kill was first reported on June 20, and described as "massive" by Holcomb, who was also a fisheries biologist with the GFC. Sample counts of areas of the fish kill estimate that the fish kill totaled 18 million fish, primarily gizzard and threadfin shad. The report also states that no largemouth bass were present in the kill, and it is assumed that none are present in the lake at the time of writing. 15-20 Sunshine bass were observed. Sunshine bass are a hybrid bass used to artificially stock lakes, and Lake Apopka was stocked with Sunshine bass fingerlings in May of 1981. The report concludes, based on water samples, that the fish kill was a result of oxygen depletion after a period of above-average temperatures and stormy weather conditions. Water quality data from the samples are also attached. Lake Apopka is one of Florida’s largest lakes and was once considered to be one of the world’s best lakes for bass fishing. The lake’s sport fish population began to decline in the 1960s, with major die-offs occurring almost yearly. The lake’s problems are generally considered to be the result of over-nutrification from various sources. Twenty thousand acres of wetlands bordering the lake’s north shore were drained in the 1940s and used for highly fertile “muck farms.” These farms were routinely flooded to protect the fragile soil, and the fertilizer and pesticide-laden water was then discharged back into the lake prior to each growing season. Other sources of pollution include discharge from citrus processing operations, as well as treated wastewater from sewage plants. The nutrient-rich discharge promoted algae growth in the lake, turning the water to a green color, and blocked sunlight from reaching aquatic vegetation, which provided food and habit to the lake’s fish population. The lake’s bottom soil became increasingly “mucky,” also disrupting aquatic vegetation from taking root. Restoration work on the lake began in the 1960s with attempts by various agencies to remove “trash fish,” such as gizzard shad, from the lake via seining, which would hopefully allow the lake’s sportfish to thrive. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council, an initiative formed under Governor Claude Kirk (1926-2011) in 1967, launched several studies to find methods to improve the lake, though no serious action was taken. Various methods were debated to restore the lake through the 1970s and 1980s, including “drawdown,” which entailed completely draining the lake to allow the mucky bottom to consolidate. Restoration attempts were stalled for lack of funding and research. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council was reformed in 1985 under Governor Bob Graham (b. 1936), and, in 1987, the Surface Water and Improvement Management Act was passed. Together, these actions allowed comprehensive restoration plans to take shape, such as the Marsh Flow-way, a project by the St John’s Water Management District that uses natural methods to remove nutrients from the lake. The Friends of Lake Apopka, a citizen environmental advocacy group, began to push for further restoration efforts in the 1990s. The lake’s north shore muck farms were eventually purchased by the State of Florida, helping to reduce the amount of nutrient entering the lake.
Original 8-page typewritten letter from William E. Johnson to Dennis Holcomb, July7, 1981: binder 1981, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Andy Ireland to Harold L. Moody (June 17, 1981)
A letter from U.S. Representative Andy Ireland (b. 1930) to Harold L. Moody, fisheries biologist with the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (GFC), dated June 17, 1981. In the letter, Rep. Ireland discusses his co-sponsorship of House Resolution 38, which would create an Ad Hoc Committee for Water Resources. Rep. Ireland states that water management programs suffer from mismanagement and lack of coordination at the state and federal levels. He also states that as of the time of writing, there were 12 panels and 29 subcommittees in the U.S. House of Representatives and 10 committees and 21 subcommittees in the U.S. Senate that each deal with water management. Rep. Ireland's proposed Ad Hoc Committee on Water Resources would work towards a coordinated policy at the national level. Although the letter does not state so explicitly, it was likely written in reference to Lake Apopka, which is one of Florida’s largest lakes and was once considered to be one of the world’s best lakes for bass fishing. The lake’s sport fish population began to decline in the 1960s, with major die-offs occurring almost yearly. The lake’s problems are generally considered to be the result of over-nutrification from various sources. Twenty thousand acres of wetlands bordering the lake’s north shore were drained in the 1940s and used for highly fertile “muck farms.” These farms were routinely flooded to protect the fragile soil, and the fertilizer and pesticide-laden water was then discharged back into the lake prior to each growing season. Other sources of pollution include discharge from citrus processing operations, as well as treated wastewater from sewage plants. The nutrient-rich discharge promoted algae growth in the lake, turning the water to a green color, and blocked sunlight from reaching aquatic vegetation, which provided food and habit to the lake’s fish population. The lake’s bottom soil became increasingly “mucky,” also disrupting aquatic vegetation from taking root. Restoration work on the lake began in the 1960s with attempts by various agencies to remove “trash fish,” such as gizzard shad, from the lake via seining, which would hopefully allow the lake’s sportfish to thrive. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council, an initiative formed under Governor Claude Kirk (1926-2011) in 1967, launched several studies to find methods to improve the lake, though no serious action was taken. Various methods were debated to restore the lake through the 1970s and 1980s, including “drawdown,” which entailed completely draining the lake to allow the mucky bottom to consolidate. Restoration attempts were stalled for lack of funding and research. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council was reformed in 1985 under Governor Bob Graham (b. 1936), and, in 1987, the Surface Water and Improvement Management Act was passed. Together, these actions allowed comprehensive restoration plans to take shape, such as the Marsh Flow-way, a project by the St John’s Water Management District that uses natural methods to remove nutrients from the lake. The Friends of Lake Apopka, a citizen environmental advocacy group, began to push for further restoration efforts in the 1990s. The lake’s north shore muck farms were eventually purchased by the State of Florida, helping to reduce the amount of nutrient entering the lake.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from Andy Ireland to Harold L. Moody, June 17, 1981: binder 1981, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from John R. Dollar to W. R. Clonts (December 10, 1979)
A letter from John R. Dollar to W. R. Clonts, dated December 10, 1979. In this letter, Dollar the Project Manager for Post, Buckley, Shuch & Jernigan Inc., writes to Clonts, a farmer in the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District (ZDWCD), to inform him of changes made by the Orange County Pollution Control Board to the district's usage of water from Lake Apopka. The changes include monitoring requirements for various pumps used by the ZDWCD, such as fuel usage and water quality sampling. The Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District was created by the Florida Legislature in 1941 for taxation and land management of farming areas on the north shore of Lake Apopka. The district was granted powers of self-taxation and permitted to construct canals, bridges, and dikes in the area. The north shore farms were constructed on "muck land" created by the drainage of wetlands bordering Lake Apopka. The soil in these areas, often called "muck soil," is highly fertile and vulnerable to oxidation. The ZDWCD was permitted to routinely flood farmlands, when not in use, in order to keep the soil wet and preventing its loss to oxidation. These lands would then be drained before each growing season and this water was discharged back into Lake Apopka. Practices like these were considered to contribute to the pollution of Lake Apopka, with the discharge of fertilizer-rich water creating conditions of “eutrophication” in the lake and promoting the growth of harmful algae. The Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA), a citizen advocacy group organized for the environmental restoration of Lake Apopka in the early 1990s, lobbied for increased restrictions on the district’s ability to utilize water from Lake Apopka. These efforts culminated in a buyout of the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District farmlands by the State of Florida in 1998, and farming operations ceased in June of that year. The ZDWCD was dissolved by the Florida Legislature in September of 2000.
Original 2-page typewritten letter from John R. Dollar to W. R. Clonts, December 10, 1979: binder 1979, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Map of Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2
A map that identifies pump stations, canals, and allotments within Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2 of the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District (ZDWCD), which was created by the Florida Legislature in 1941 for taxation and land management of farming areas on the north shore of Lake Apopka. The district was granted powers of self-taxation and permitted to construct canals, bridges, and dikes in the area. The north shore farms were constructed on "muck land" created by the drainage of wetlands bordering Lake Apopka. The soil in these areas, often called "muck soil," is highly fertile and vulnerable to oxidation. The ZDWCD was permitted to routinely flood farmlands, when not in use, in order to keep the soil wet and preventing its loss to oxidation. These lands would then be drained before each growing season and this water was discharged back into Lake Apopka. Practices like these were considered to contribute to the pollution of Lake Apopka, with the discharge of fertilizer-rich water creating conditions of “eutrophication” in the lake and promoting the growth of harmful algae. The Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA), a citizen advocacy group organized for the environmental restoration of Lake Apopka in the early 1990s, lobbied for increased restrictions on the district’s ability to utilize water from Lake Apopka. These efforts culminated in a buyout of the Zellwood Drainage and Water Control District farmlands by the State of Florida in 1998, and farming operations ceased in June of that year. The ZDWCD was dissolved by the Florida Legislature in September of 2000.
Photocopy of original map, 1979: binder 1979, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Water Resources Restoration and Preservation Program Projects
A document describing the formation of the Water Resources Restoration and Preservation program (WRR&P) within the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (DER), as mandated by legislation passed by the Florida Legislature on July 1, 1977. The document also lists 12 restoration projects, both completed and underway, by the program, and gives updates on the Lake Apopka Restoration Project, including the proposed drawdown of Lake Apopka. Additionally, the document states that work on an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was started in March of 1978 and was scheduled to be completed by early 1979. Finally, the document describes public involvement efforts by the program, including a public meeting held in Eustis on March 7, 1978. Lake Apopka is one of Florida’s largest lakes and was once considered to be one of the world’s best lakes for bass fishing. The lake’s sport fish population began to decline in the 1960s, with major die-offs occurring almost yearly. The lake’s problems are generally considered to be the result of over-nutrification from various sources. Twenty thousand acres of wetlands bordering the lake’s north shore were drained in the 1940s and used for highly fertile “muck farms.” These farms were routinely flooded to protect the fragile soil, and the fertilizer and pesticide-laden water was then discharged back into the lake prior to each growing season. Other sources of pollution include discharge from citrus processing operations, as well as treated wastewater from sewage plants. The nutrient-rich discharge promoted algae growth in the lake, turning the water to a green color, and blocked sunlight from reaching aquatic vegetation, which provided food and habit to the lake’s fish population. The lake’s bottom soil became increasingly “mucky,” also disrupting aquatic vegetation from taking root. Restoration work on the lake began in the 1960s with attempts by various agencies to remove “trash fish,” such as gizzard shad, from the lake via seining, which would hopefully allow the lake’s sportfish to thrive. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council, an initiative formed under Governor Claude Kirk (1926-2011) in 1967, launched several studies to find methods to improve the lake, though no serious action was taken. Various methods were debated to restore the lake through the 1970s and 1980s, including “drawdown,” which entailed completely draining the lake to allow the mucky bottom to consolidate. Restoration attempts were stalled for lack of funding and research. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council was reformed in 1985 under Governor Bob Graham (b. 1936), and, in 1987, the Surface Water and Improvement Management Act was passed. Together, these actions allowed comprehensive restoration plans to take shape, such as the Marsh Flow-way, a project by the St John’s Water Management District that uses natural methods to remove nutrients from the lake. The Friends of Lake Apopka, a citizen environmental advocacy group, began to push for further restoration efforts in the 1990s. The lake’s north shore muck farms were eventually purchased by the State of Florida, helping to reduce the amount of nutrient entering the lake.
Original 2-page typewritten document, 1978: binder 1978, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Florida Department of Environmental Regulation
Lake Apopka: A Fact Sheet for Public Meetings
A fact sheet, published by the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (DER), giving a brief timeline of Lake Apopka's environmental history and summarizing key points related to the proposed restoration of the lake. The fact sheet describes the current conditions of the lake, and lists public concerns about the potential impact of the Lake Apopka restoration project. Lake Apopka is one of Florida’s largest lakes and was once considered to be one of the world’s best lakes for bass fishing. The lake’s sport fish population began to decline in the 1960s, with major die-offs occurring almost yearly. The lake’s problems are generally considered to be the result of over-nutrification from various sources. Twenty thousand acres of wetlands bordering the lake’s north shore were drained in the 1940s and used for highly fertile “muck farms.” These farms were routinely flooded to protect the fragile soil, and the fertilizer and pesticide-laden water was then discharged back into the lake prior to each growing season. Other sources of pollution include discharge from citrus processing operations, as well as treated wastewater from sewage plants. The nutrient-rich discharge promoted algae growth in the lake, turning the water to a green color, and blocked sunlight from reaching aquatic vegetation, which provided food and habit to the lake’s fish population. The lake’s bottom soil became increasingly “mucky,” also disrupting aquatic vegetation from taking root. Restoration work on the lake began in the 1960s with attempts by various agencies to remove “trash fish,” such as gizzard shad, from the lake via seining, which would hopefully allow the lake’s sportfish to thrive. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council, an initiative formed under Governor Claude Kirk (1926-2011) in 1967, launched several studies to find methods to improve the lake, though no serious action was taken. Various methods were debated to restore the lake through the 1970s and 1980s, including “drawdown,” which entailed completely draining the lake to allow the mucky bottom to consolidate. Restoration attempts were stalled for lack of funding and research. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council was reformed in 1985 under Governor Bob Graham (b. 1936), and, in 1987, the Surface Water and Improvement Management Act was passed. Together, these actions allowed comprehensive restoration plans to take shape, such as the Marsh Flow-way, a project by the St John’s Water Management District that uses natural methods to remove nutrients from the lake. The Friends of Lake Apopka, a citizen environmental advocacy group, began to push for further restoration efforts in the 1990s. The lake’s north shore muck farms were eventually purchased by the State of Florida, helping to reduce the amount of nutrient entering the lake.
Original 2-page document, 1978: binder 1978, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Gary I. Sharp to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce (May 19, 1977)
A letter from Gary I. Sharp to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, dated May 19, 1977. In the letter, Sharp states that he is no longer able to continue his efforts to have the Gourd Neck Springs area purchased by the State of Florida for use as a recreational park. Sharp writes that the State of Florida continues to show no interest in the area, and that he is forced to put the parcels of land he owns in the area up for sale. Sharp also mentions nearby parcels owned by Herbert S. Sharp that have been recently sold, but states that the majority of the area is still intact. Gourd Neck Springs is a small spring located in the southwest portion of Lake Apopka, in a small cove called “Gourd Neck” due to its distinctive shape. This area of the lake was considered in the 1960s as a potential nursery for fish. The Lake Apopka Technical Committee explored damming the Gourd Neck, separating it from the lake and preventing polluted lake water from entering, but these plans did not materialize. Efforts were also made in the 1960s to have the Gourd Neck area purchased by the State of Florida for use as a public park. The Gourd Neck Springs Park Association was formed in 1961 to study the site’s potential for a park and lobby for support from legislators. The land bordering the area was privately-owned by various individuals. One of these, Gary Sharp, continued seeking support for a park into the 1970s. While the project received support from Florida legislators and environmentalists, the land was never purchased by the state.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from Gary I. Sharp to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, May 19, 1977: binder 1977, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
The StreamLines, a newsletter published by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC), for March 1977.This newsletter discusses workshops held by the ECFRPC reviewing financial concerns related to water management, as well as ongoing plans for a drawdown of Lake Apopka, stating that the first phase of the restoration program is due to begin in 1977, and estimates the total cost of the project to be three million dollars. The newsletter also discusses the ECFRPC's 208 Program, a water quality management program aimed at achieving water quality standards mandated by section 208 of the Clean Water Act of 1972. Lake drawdown is a method of environmental restoration that is used to control erosion and aquatic vegetation. Lake drawdown has also been sought as a potential method to lessen the effects of pollution by exposing the lake bed and allowing bottom sediments to dry, trapping pollutants. Opponents of lake drawdowns cite the impact of polluted water on areas downstream of the area being drained, in cases where the targeted lake is connected to a river system. Citrus growers have also opposed drawdowns on the grounds that draining large lakes makes nearby citrus groves more vulnerable to freezes, as lakes help keep temperatures stable throughout the year. Drawdowns of Lake Apopka have been sought by restoration efforts dating back to the 1960s, beginning with the Lake Apopka Restoration Project, organized by Governor Claude R. Kirk Jr. (1926-2011) and headed by C. W. Sheffield. These efforts were delayed and no drawdown was performed by the project. Plans for a drawdown continued to be developed, and federal and state efforts to gather funds and perform feasibility studies began in 1970. An experimental drawdown of Lake Apopka was performed in 1971, lowering the lake level by four feet, but was halted after public fears that wildlife deaths in the area were the result of the drawdown. Drawdown plans continued through the 1970s, but were continually delayed and projected costs for the project rose sharply. The project was cancelled by Governor Bob Graham (b. 1936) in 1979.
Original 4-page typewritten newsletter: StreamLines, March 1977: binder 1977, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
East Central Florida Regional Planning Council
Letter from John R. Squire to Mrs. Jerry Boyd (October 12, 1976)
A letter from John R. Squire, the Recreation Planner Supervisor for the Bureau of Plans, Programs, and Services of the Florida Division of Recreation and Parks to Mrs. Jerry Boyd, dated October 12, 1976. In the letter, Squires clarifies the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program's definitions of land types. Squires quotes the program's definition of "tropical" and "semi-tropical" hammocks, and explains that the Gourd Neck Springs area of Lake Apopka does not meet the qualifications for a tropical hammock. The Environmentally Endangered Lands Program was formed in 1972 as part of the larger Land Conservation Act of 1972. The EEL program was initially funded through the sale of state bonds. The program was designed to help the state acquire lands considered environmentally sensitive and was not designed for creating areas for recreational use. Potential sites for acquisition could be suggested by citizens, county and state governments, and nonprofit organizations. After evaluation for environmental value, potential sites would be approved by the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Natural Resources and finalized by the Governor. In 1979, the former Executive Director, Harmon Shields, was indicted on corruption charges involving the lands-acquisition process. Following this scandal, the EEL program was replaced by Conservation and Recreation Lands Program. This change replaced the program's funding with tax revenues instead of bond sales, and formed the Land Acquisition Selection Committee, made up by six executive directors of Florida environmental agencies, to select sites for approval by the governor. The Division of State Lands was also created as a division of the Department of Natural Resources to over-see mapping and evaluation of potential sites for acquisition. Gourd Neck Springs is a small spring located in the southwest portion of Lake Apopka, in a small cove called “Gourd Neck” due to its distinctive shape. This area of the lake was considered in the 1960s as a potential nursery for fish. The Lake Apopka Technical Committee explored damming the Gourd Neck, separating it from the lake and preventing polluted lake water from entering, but these plans did not materialize. Efforts were also made in the 1960s to have the Gourd Neck area purchased by the State of Florida for use as a public park. The Gourd Neck Springs Park Association was formed in 1961 to study the site’s potential for a park and lobby for support from legislators. The land bordering the area was privately-owned by various individuals. One of these, Gary Sharp, continued seeking support for a park into the 1970s. While the project received support from Florida legislators and environmentalists, the land was never purchased by the state.
Photocopy of original 2-page typewritten letter from John R. Squires to Mrs. Jerry Boyd, October 12, 1976: binder 1976, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
A newspaper article about an issue of DC Comics' Green Lantern that would address homophobia. According to the author, the idea for addressing the issue of gay bashing—verbal or physical abuse directed at the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) community—was inspired by the friendship that cartoonist Judd Winick (b. 1970) developed with Pedro Zamora (1972-1994), his openly gay, HIV-positive castmate on MTV's The Real World: San Francisco. This article was published in The Watermark, Central Florida's local LGBTQ+ publication. Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.
Original newspaper article: Sullivan, John E. "Holy Homophobia!." The Watermark Colors, Vol. 9, No. 19, September 12-25, 2002, page 1: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Dykes to Watch Out For: Let Them Eat Cake
Dykes to Watch Out For comic from the inaugural issue of The Watermark, published on September 14, 1994. The comic strip was created by Alison Bechdel, an openly gay cartoonist, and centered around the lives of a diverse group of characters, most of whom were lesbians. The comic was first published in 1983 and ran until 2008, when it went on hiatus. Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning September 14, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.
Original newspaper comic strip: Bechdel, Alison. Dykes to Watch Out ForThe Watermark, Vol. 1, No. 2, September 14, 1994, page 14: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green: Flashback 1976
The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green comic from the inaugural issue of The Watermark, published on September 14, 1994. The comic strip was created by Eric Orner, an openly gay cartoonist, and centered around Ethan Green, a gay man trying to balance work with love. The comic was first published in 1989 and ran for 15 years before it was retired. The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green was also adapted into film in 2005. Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning September 14, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.
Original newspaper comic strip: Orner, Eric. The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan GreenThe Watermark, Vol. 1, No. 2, September 14, 1994, page 18: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A newspaper article about Eric Orner, the openly gay cartoonist who created The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green comic. The comic strip centered around Ethan Green, a gay man trying to balance work with love. The comic was first published in 1989 and ran for 15 years before it was retired. The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green was also adapted into film in 2005. This article, as well as the cartoon, was published in The Watermark, Central Florida's local LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) publication. Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.
Original newspaper article: Seomin, Scott. "The Mostly Fabulous Eric Orner." The Watermark Waterfront, Vol. 5, No. 4, February 19-March 4, 1998, page 1: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green, August 31, 1994
The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green comic from the inaugural issue of The Watermark, published on August 31, 1994. The comic strip was created by Eric Orner, an openly gay cartoonist, and centered around Ethan Green, a gay man trying to balance work with love. The comic was first published in 1989 and ran for 15 years before it was retired. The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green was also adapted into film in 2005. Since 1994, The Watermark has been the cornerstone source of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) centered news for the Central Florida region. Founded by Tom Dyer in Orlando, the publication began generating bi-weekly issues beginning August 31, 1994. Since then, The Watermark has consistently published newspaper-style issues every other Thursday. Gaining traction, the publication expanded in 1995 to include Tampa and, in 1997, The Watermark became a permanent piece of LGBTQ+ culture when the publication initiated the first large-scale Gay Days Weekend event, the Beach Ball at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Before 1999, the publication printed 20,000 copies every week, distributing them to over 500 locations between its two major cities. Following 1999, the publication launched watermarkonline.com shifting to an online publication style. In 2016, Rick Claggett purchased The Watermark.
Original newspaper comic strip: Orner, Eric. The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan GreenThe Watermark, Vol. 1, No. 1, August 31, 1994, page 18: Publications Collection, GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Florida Historical Quarterly, Episode 29: Vol. 94, No. 4, Spring 2016
This podcast features an interview with Brad Massey, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Florida, about his article on the Florida phosphate industry and the political controversy surrounding its arrangement with the Soviet Union in 1974.
Original 24-minute and 18-second audio podcast by Daniel S. Murphree, 2016: The Florida Historical Quarterly, Florida Historical Society, Cocoa, Florida.
The Florida Historical Quarterly
Florida Historical Society
University of Central Florida, Department of History
Florida Historical Quarterly, Episode 28: Vol. 94, No. 3, Winter 2016
This podcast features an interview with Dr. James G. Cusick, the curator of the P. K. Yonge Library of Florida History at the University of Florida Library and author of The Other War of 1812: The Patriot War and the American Invasion of Spanish East Florida, published by the University of Georgia Press. He edited the special issue on the first part of the 19th century. In this podcast, Dr. Cusick discusses the authors and articles that appear in this issue.
Original 27-minute and 9-second audio podcast by Daniel S. Murphree, 2016: The Florida Historical Quarterly, Florida Historical Society, Cocoa, Florida.
Andersonville Prison, Andersonville, Georgia
Mayor Bob Carr (1899-1967), who served as the Mayor of Orlando, Florida, from 1956 to 1967. Mayor Carr is best known for being the first mayor in Orlando to promote civil rights while in office. He was also the first mayor to hire minority police officers to the Orlando Police Department (OPD) and established the Biracial Committee. Before he was mayor, Carr was an active businessman for 30 years in the city of Orlando, and was responsible for establishing the first Community Chest in 1938. He was a also member of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Mayor Carr died while in office.
Original black and white photograph: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Orlando City Hall, Orlando, Florida.
Orlando City Hall, Downtown Orlando, Florida