Underwater Air Station
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater cinematography--Equipment and supplies
description: Photograph of one man and two women free diving underwater. An air supply tank labeled "Air Station No. 3 - 24 Ft" rests on the floor. The photograph was taken some time between 1950 and 1970 Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of underwater air station, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Newton "Newt" Perry, Johnny Sheffield, and Johnny Weissmuller
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry, Johnny Sheffield, and Johnny Weissmuller during filming of "Tarzan Finds a Son" at Silver Springs in 1938. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry, Johnny Sheffield, and Johnny Weissmuller during filming of "Tarzan Finds a Son," 1938: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Newton "Newt" Perry and Woman Dancing Underwater
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry and a woman dancing underwater, as a second woman looks on and claps while seated at a table some time between 1950 and 1970. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry and a woman dancing underwater, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Newton "Newt" Perry Bartending Underwater
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry dressed as a bartender, standing at a bar underwater, and shaking a cocktail shaker some time between 1950 and 1970. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry bartending underwater, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Newton "Newt" Perry Repairing Underwater Film Set
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry and man repairing an underwater film set some time between 1950 and 1970. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry and man repairing an underwater film set, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Staged Underwater Dining Scene
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of a man and two women seated at a table on the floor of a body of water some time between 1950 and 1970. A standing man wearing a diving helmet appears to direct the scene participants. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of staged underwater dining scene, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

"At Weekiwachee Springs It's All Done Under..."
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Newspaper article entitled "At Weekiwachee Springs It's All Done Under..," describing the mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, published in the Independent, St. Petersburg, Florida, on November 21, 1947. The article was written by John A. Reese, Jr. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a mode…
creator: Reese, John A., Jr., The Independent, St. Petersburg, Florida
source: Original clipping of newspaper article, November 21, 1947: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

"Weekiwachee Springs Maids Make Difficult Underwater Feats and Ballet Look Simple"
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Newspaper article entitled "Weekiwachee Springs Maids Make Difficult Underwater Feats and Ballet Look Simple," describing the mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, published in the Orlando Evening Star on August 11, 1950. The article was written by Sally Hobbs. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealin…
creator: Hobbs, Sally
source: Original clipping of a newspaper article about Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, August 11, 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

"Merman Perry"
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Newspaper article entitled "Merman Perry" about Newton "Newt" Perry published in unidentified newspaper in 1983. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Watson, Becky
source: Original clipping of a newspaper article about Newton "Newt" Perry, ca. 1983: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Reunion Event
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Group photograph of participants at a Weeki Wachee mermaid reunion event from May 13 to 15, 1983. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
source: Original photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid Reunion event, May 13-15, 1983: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

"Perry 'Choked Up' At Dedication"
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Swimming--Florida
description: Newspaper article entitled "Perry 'Choked Up' at Dedication" describing a ceremony dedicating a new swimming pool at Central Florida Community College to Newton "Newt" Perry some time between 1970-1987. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Devore, Frances
source: Original clipping of a newspaper article about Newton "Newt" Perry, ca. 1970-1987: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida
coverage: Central Florida Community College, Ocala, Florida

"The Human Fish"
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Swimming--Florida
description: Newspaper article entitled "The Human Fish" about Newton "Newt" Perry published in Grit, on April 19, 1964. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Grit newspaper
source: Original clipping of newspaper article about Newton "Newt" Perry, April 19, 1964: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida
coverage: Ocala, Florida

Man and Mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
description: Photograph of a man wearing diving goggles and fins handing an air hose to a Weeki Wachee Mermaid in a swimsuit and fins who is posing underwater around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Newt Perry's Aquatic Theater
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
description: Photograph of "Newt Perry's Aquatic Theater," showing Newton "Newt" Perry standing on a stage and speaking into a microphone, flanked on each side by two women in swimsuits somewhere between 1950 and 1960. A large glass tank stands behind the group. After Perry left Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in 1950, he established a traveling mermaid show called "Newt Perry's Aquatic Theater." Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's touris…
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry's Aquatic theater, ca. 1950-1960: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaids Reunion Event
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of a Weeki Wachee Mermaids reunion event somewhere between 1950 and 1955. Newton "Newt" Perry looks on as two mermaids cut a cake with the messages "Welcome Mermaids" and "5th Annual Reunion" written on it in icing. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving it…
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaids Reunion event, ca. 1950-1955: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Ann Blyth and Newton "Newt" Perry on the Underwater Set of "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of Ann Blyth (left) and Newton Perry (right) on the underwater set used in the film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid," which was built for filming at Weeki Wachee State Park in 1948. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Ann Blyth and Newton "Newt" Perry with underwater film set at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 1948: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Newton "Newt" Perry Dressed as Santa Claus with Mary Darlington
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Christmas
subject: Underwater photography
description: Photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry dressed as Santa Claus with a Weeki Wachee Mermaid named Mary Darlington around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry dressed as Santa Claus with Mary Darlington, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Newton "Newt" Perry Dressed as Santa Claus Decorating an Underwater Christmas Tree
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Christmas Trees
subject: Christmas
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
description: Photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry dressed as Santa Claus decorating an underwater Christmas tree at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry dressed as Santa Claus decorating an underwater Christmas tree, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaids Posing in a Circle on the Shore
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaids posing in a circle on the shore at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park around 1950. The mermaids are wearing swimsuits rather than fins. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Nancy Tribble as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
description: Photograph of Nancy Tribble taking a breath from an air hose while seated underwater in costume as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid around 1948. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid, ca. 1948: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Staged Underwater Dining Scene
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
description: Photograph of a staged scene of four men eating watermelon underwater while seated around a table somewhere between 1950 and 1970. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of staged underwater dining scene, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Entering Water Tank
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of an unidentified Weeki Wachee mermaid standing on a ladder in preparation to enter a water tank around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Three Mermaids Posing on the Beach at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of three mermaids posing on the beach at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park around 1950. The exterior of the underwater theater is visible in the background. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Gotham Go-Round: Edie Sedgwick Finds What's Happening at Peter Stark's Party
subject: Music--New York (State)--New York--20th century
subject: New York world-telegram
description: A newspaper article published in New York World-Telegram entitled, "Gotham Go-Round: Edie Sedgwick Finds What's Happening at Peter Stark's Party". The article describes a party at Peter Stark's venue The Scene, where The Executives performed. The article contains an image of artist, director and producer, Andy Warhol and actress and model, Edie Sedgwick. Initially called the Executives, the band was formed in 1963 by Jesse Cutler (then known as Lou London), Ricky Shutter and Steve Wagner. The band signed to Mercury Records in 1964, where they recorded a hit single called "Everybody Do the Duck". That same year, the band appeared as guests on the Joe Franklin Show, Wonderama, The Clay Cole Show, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo and Shindig. Over the next two years they performed at charity events and private celebrity parties all over Long Island and New York City. They played in the company of the Rolling Stones, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbra Streisand, Anthony Newley, Joan Collins and the Beatles. The group broke up in 1966. Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print.
creator: Dever, Joseph X.
source: Original newspaper article: "Gotham Go-Round: Edie Sedgwick Finds What's Happening at Peter Stark's Party." New York World-Telegram, ca. 1963 to 1966: Private Collection of Jesse Cutler.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Scene, New York City, New York

Malverne Boys Acclaimed As New Swing-Sing Trio
subject: Music--New York (State)--New York--20th century
description: A newspaper article entitled, "Malverne Boys Acclaimed As new Swing-Sing Trio". Included in the article is a promotional image of the band. Written by Anthony Panzarella, the article describes a recent performance at an overseas press club reception for Sammy Davis Jr. It also lists a number of shows that they had played, along with the career aspirations for each of the three members. Initially called the Executives, the band was formed in 1963 by Jesse Cutler (then known as Lou London), Ricky Shutter and Steve Wagner. The band signed to Mercury Records in 1964, where they recorded a hit single called "Everybody Do the Duck". That same year, the band appeared as guests on the Joe Franklin Show, Wonderama, The Clay Cole Show, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo and Shindig. Over the next two years they performed at charity events and private celebrity parties all over Long Island and New York City. They played in the company of the Rolling Stones, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbra Streisand, Anthony Newley, Joan Collins and the Beatles. The group broke up in 1966. Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print.
creator: Panzarealla, Anthony
source: Original newspaper article: "Malverne Boys Acclaimed As new Swing-Sing Trio." ca. 1963 to 1966: Private Collection of Jesse Cutler.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Malverne, New York

Letter from Morris I. Diamond to All Distributors, Promotion Managers and Regional Managers (December 28, 1965)
subject: Music--New York (State)--New York--20th century
description: A letter of correspondence from Morris I. Diamond, National Promotion Director of Mercury Record Corporation, to all distributors, promotion managers and regional manager. Diamond mentions a new Mercury single called "Everybody Do the Duck", that had been sent to the recipients the previous week. Diamond praises the song and the band, The Young Executives. A black and white promotional photograph of the group is attached. The word "Young" is handwritten in between the typed words "The" and Executives", indicating that the band's name had been updated. Initially called the Executives, the band was formed in 1963 by Jesse Cutler (then known as Lou London), Ricky Shutter and Steve Wagner. The band signed to Mercury Records in 1964, where they recorded a hit single called "Everybody Do the Duck". That same year, the band appeared as guests on the Joe Franklin Show, Wonderama, The Clay Cole Show, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo and Shindig. Over the next two years they performed at charity events and private celebrity parties all over Long Island and New York City. They played in the company of the Rolling Stones, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbra Streisand, Anthony Newley, Joan Collins and the Beatles. The group broke up in 1966. Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print.
creator: Diamond, Morris I.
source: 1-page typewritten letter, December 28, 1965: Personal Collection of Jesse Cutler.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Mercury Record Corporation, Chicago, Illinois

Letter from Morris I. Diamond to Lou Gibaldi (December 20, 1965)
subject: Music--New York (State)--New York--20th century
description: A letter of correspondence from Morris I. Diamond, National Promotion Director of Mercury Record Corporation, to Lou Gibaldi. Diamond informs Gibaldi that he received his letter and picutres of The Young Executives, and requests that a few thousand more be sent so that he could mail them to all radio stations. Diamond says that they all like the record and asks if the band is available to do some promotion. He asks if the kids in the band go to school and requests a complete biography on all three of them. Initially called the Executives, the band was formed in 1963 by Jesse Cutler (then known as Lou London), Ricky Shutter and Steve Wagner. The band signed to Mercury Records in 1964, where they recorded a hit single called "Everybody Do the Duck". That same year, the band appeared as guests on the Joe Franklin Show, Wonderama, The Clay Cole Show, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo and Shindig. Over the next two years they performed at charity events and private celebrity parties all over Long Island and New York City. They played in the company of the Rolling Stones, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbra Streisand, Anthony Newley, Joan Collins and the Beatles. The group broke up in 1966. Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print.
creator: Diamond, Morris I.
source: 1-page typewritten letter, December 20, 1965: Personal Collection of Jesse Cutler.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Malverne, New York
coverage: Mercury Record Corporation, Chicago, Illinois

The Young Executives Perform Live
subject: Music--New York (State)--New York--20th century
description: Two photographs of the Young Executives performing live in concert. The second photograph contains handwritten text that say, "Rolling Stones on Tour. The Executives in action at 'The Scene'." The Scene was a nightclub located at 301 West 46th Street in New York City, New York, that operated from 1964 to 1969. Initially called the Executives, the band was formed in 1963 by Jesse Cutler (then known as Lou London), Ricky Shutter and Steve Wagner. The band signed to Mercury Records in 1964, where they recorded a hit single called "Everybody Do the Duck". That same year, the band appeared as guests on the Joe Franklin Show, Wonderama, The Clay Cole Show, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo and Shindig. Over the next two years they performed at charity events and private celebrity parties all over Long Island and New York City. They played in the company of the Rolling Stones, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbra Streisand, Anthony Newley, Joan Collins and the Beatles. The group broke up in 1966. Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print.
creator: Cutler, Jesse
creator: Shutter, Ricky
creator: Wagner, Steve
source: 2 original promotional photographs, ca. 1964 to 1966: Personal Collection of Jesse Cutler.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: The Scene, New York City, New York

Sammy Davis Sits In With The 'Executives' of Malverne
subject: Music--New York (State)--New York--20th century
description: A newspaper article entitled, "Sammy Davis Sits In With The 'Executives' of Malverne". Included in the article is an image of Davis playing the drums with Ricky Shutter. Lou London, also known as Jesse Cutler, stands on the left side of the photo holding an electric guitar. Samuel George Davis Jr. was an American entertainer, including singing, acting, comedy and dance. Initially called the Executives, the band was formed in 1963 by Jesse Cutler (then known as Lou London), Ricky Shutter and Steve Wagner. The band signed to Mercury Records in 1964, where they recorded a hit single called "Everybody Do the Duck". That same year, the band appeared as guests on the Joe Franklin Show, Wonderama, The Clay Cole Show, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo and Shindig. Over the next two years they performed at charity events and private celebrity parties all over Long Island and New York City. They played in the company of the Rolling Stones, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbra Streisand, Anthony Newley, Joan Collins and the Beatles. The group broke up in 1966. Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print.
creator: Cutler, Jesse
creator: Shutter, Ricky
creator: Wagner, Steve
creator: Davis Jr, Samuel George
source: Original newspaper article: "Sammy Davis Sits In With The 'Executives' of Malverne." ca. 1963 to 1966: Private Collection of Jesse Cutler.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: New York City, New York

The Young Executives with Sammy Davis Jr.
subject: Music--New York (State)--New York--20th century
description: Three photographs of The Young Executives with Sammy Davis Jr. The back of one of the photographs contains a yellow post-it note that says, "Jesse Cutler with drummer, Rik Shutter and Sammy Davis, Jr. in New York City 1960's." Samuel George Davis Jr. was an American entertainer, including singing, acting, comedy and dance. Initially called the Executives, the band was formed in 1963 by Jesse Cutler (then known as Lou London), Ricky Shutter and Steve Wagner. The band signed to Mercury Records in 1964, where they recorded a hit single called "Everybody Do the Duck". That same year, the band appeared as guests on the Joe Franklin Show, Wonderama, The Clay Cole Show, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo and Shindig. Over the next two years they performed at charity events and private celebrity parties all over Long Island and New York City. They played in the company of the Rolling Stones, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbra Streisand, Anthony Newley, Joan Collins and the Beatles. The group broke up in 1966. Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print.
creator: Cutler, Jesse
creator: Shutter, Ricky
creator: Wagner, Steve
creator: Davis Jr, Samuel George
source: 3 original photographs, ca. 1963 to 1966: Personal Collection of Jesse Cutler.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: New York City, New York

The Young Executives Promotional Photographs
subject: Music--New York (State)--New York--20th century
description: Eleven promotional photographs of the Young Executives. The first photograph is signed, "To the Execs/ My best wishes." The signature is indecipherable. Initially called the Executives, the band was formed in 1963 by Jesse Cutler (then known as Lou London), Ricky Shutter and Steve Wagner. The band signed to Mercury Records in 1964, where they recorded a hit single called "Everybody Do the Duck". That same year, the band appeared as guests on the Joe Franklin Show, Wonderama, The Clay Cole Show, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo and Shindig. Over the next two years they performed at charity events and private celebrity parties all over Long Island and New York City. They played in the company of the Rolling Stones, Sammy Davis Jr., Barbra Streisand, Anthony Newley, Joan Collins and the Beatles. The group broke up in 1966. Jesse Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early ‘70s through the late ‘90s, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print.
creator: Cutler, Jesse
creator: Shutter, Ricky
creator: Wagner, Steve
source: 11 original promotional photographs, ca. 1963 to 1966: Personal Collection of Jesse Cutler.
publisher: RICHES
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: New York City, New York

Oral Memoirs of Jesse Cutler (Part One)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Winter Park (Fla.)
subject: Godspell (Motion picture)
description: Part One of an oral history of Jesse Cutler conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at Trevor Colbourn Hall at the University of Central Florida on February 8, 2024. Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early seventies through the late nineties, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print. Some of the topics covered include growing up and attending schools in New York, becoming involved in the Broadway musical Godspell, finding a manager, starting a career in the music industry and signing with his first record label, enjoying his success, purchasing a penthouse and a dog, taking his first trip to Beverly Hills, California, meeting Stevie Wonder and starting a romantic relationship with Jolie Jones, moving to Beverly Hills with Jolie Jones and meeting her sisters, starting a romantic relationship with Deana Martin, meeting Tupac Shakur, encountering interesting women and his advice to young people, performing at the Whisky a Go Go and having a dangerous encounter with Pamela Courson, reflecting on missed opportunities, signing with United Artists Records, his love for R&B music, astrology and numerology, and meeting Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye.
creator: Cutler, Jesse
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: Cutler, Jesse. Interviewed by Geoffrey Cravero, February 8, 2024. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
coverage: Highland School Preparatory, Jamaica, New York
coverage: New York, New York
coverage: Beverly Hills, California
coverage: Whisky a Go Go, Los Angeles, California

Oral Memoirs of David Tossie
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
subject: Students--Florida
description: An oral history interview of educator David Tossie. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero and Diana Dizon over Zoom on November 8th, 2022. Some of the topics include early life and education in Oviedo, his favorite teachers, integration of Central Florida public schools, becoming an educator, thoughts on Historic Colored Schools Museum, and his final thoughts.
creator: Tossie, David
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
creator: Dizon, Diana
source: Tossie, David. Interviewed by Geoffrey Cravero and Diana Dizon, November 8, 2022. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
coverage: Oviedo, Florida
coverage: Jackson Heights Elementary, Oviedo, Florida
coverage: Oviedo High School, Oviedo, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaids in Staged Underwater Dining Scene
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
description: Photograph of three Weeki Wachee Mermaids in staged underwater dining scene at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park around 1950. The mermaids are eating watermelon and breathing using air hoses while sitting at a table placed on the bottom of a body of water. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern …
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaids in staged underwater dining scene at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Exterior of the Underwater Theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Exterior photograph of the underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of the underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Newton "Newt" Perry in Underwater Theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
description: Photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry with three men in an underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park around 1950. One of the men is holding a movie camera. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Newton "Newt" Perry in underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Weekiwachee's Underwater Ballet
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
description: Clipping of newspaper article about Weeki Wachee Springs State Park published in an unidentified newspaper around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Wing, Ash
source: Original clipping of newspaper article, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Mermaids Performing at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of mermaids performing at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park around 1950. The three mermaids sit on boards in the water. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of mermaids performing at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Underwater Theater
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
description: Photograph of visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in underwater theater around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of a line of visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park outside the underwater theater around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of visitors to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Fish Swimming in Front of an Underwater Filming Tank
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
subject: Underwater cinematography--Equipment and supplies
description: Photograph of a fish swimming in front of an underwater filming tank created by Newton "Newt" Perry between 1950 and 1970. This photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an underwater filmmaker. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern …
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of underwater filming tank, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Underwater Filming Tank Designed by Newton "Newt" Perry
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater cinematography--Equipment and supplies
description: Photograph of an underwater filming tank created by Newton "Newt" Perry between 1950 and 1970. This photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an underwater filmmaker. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving it…
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of underwater filming tank, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Mermaid Underwater with Air Hose
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater photography
description: Underwater photograph of a mermaid wearing goggles and holding an air hose at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Weeki Wachee mermaid underwater, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May (February 23, 1957)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from the manager of the May Museum of the Tropics, Myrtle Colson, to the owner of the museum, John M. May, dated February 23, 1957. Colson expresses her belief that the upcoming tourist season would be one of the best yet, for both Weeki Wachee Springs and for the museum. She provides May with an anecdote of the Springs manager, Joe Seltzer, having to help sell tickets because there were so many people at the Springs, and that on the same day, the museum sold 168 tickets. As John May lived in Colorado and the May Museum of the Tropics was located in Florida, communication between employer, employees, and other staff at Weeki Wachee Springs was limited predominantly to letters of correspondence. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2…
creator: Colson, Myrtle
source: Original 1-page typed letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, February 23, 1957: May Natural History Museum
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from John M. May to Joe D. Seltzer (July 7, 1959)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, to the manager of Weeki Wachee Springs, Joe D. Seltzer. In the letter, May tentatively agrees to Seltzer's plan to create another walkway to the museum, but expresses hesitation as he would not be able to be at the Springs until later that year to help move his large-scale beetle replica out of the way. As John May lived in Colorado and the May Museum of the Tropics was located in Florida, communication between employer, employees, and other staff at Weeki Wachee Springs was limited predominantly to letters of correspondence. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: May, John M.
source: Original 1-page typed letter from John M. May to Joe D. Seltzer, July 7, 1959: May Natural History Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from Joe D. Seltzer to John M. May (June 17, 1959)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from the manager of Weeki Wachee Springs, Joe D. Seltzer, to the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, dated June 17, 1959. In the letter, Seltzer expresses his and his company's wish to build a new walkway and parking lot that would help attract more business to both the Springs and the museum. To accomplish the expansion, May's large-scale replica of a Hercules beetle, named Hercimer, needed to be moved. As John May lived in Colorado and the May Museum of the Tropics was located in Florida, communication between employer, employees, and other staff at Weeki Wachee Springs was limited predominantly to letters of correspondence. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing t…
creator: Seltzer, Joe D.
source: Original 1-page typed letter from Joe D. Seltzer to John M. May, June 17, 1959: May Natural History Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from John M. May to John T. Creighton (November 20, 1963)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, to University of Florida entomology professor John T. Creighton, dated November 20, 1963. May extended a warm invitation to Creighton and his colleagues to visit the May Museum, but expressed urgency as he believed that the museum would be closing soon due to pressure from the owners of Weeki Wachee Springs. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: May, John M.
source: Original 1-page typed letter from John M. May to John T. Creighton, November 20, 1963: May Natural History Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson (May 7, 1959)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, to the manager of the museum, Myrtle Colson, dated May 7, 1959. In the letter, May apologizes to Colson for not informing her sooner about how to handle counting groups of children who were admitted to the museum on special prices. May kept up various lines of communication with both his museum and the staff of the Weeki Wachee Springs, where the museum was located, and likely found it difficult at times to remember who knew what pieces of information. As John May lived in Colorado and the May Museum of the Tropics was located in Florida, communication between employer, employees, and other staff at Weeki Wachee Springs was limited predominantly to letters of correspondence. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida too…
creator: May, John M.
source: Original 1-page typed letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson, May 7, 1959: May Natural History Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from Charles P. Kimball to John M. May (June 7, 1957)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from entomologist Charles P. Kimball to the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, dated June 7, 1957. In the letter, Kimball details an insect trap design that utilizes thin plastic instead of glass, to allow more sunlight into the trap, and to better prevent the insects escaping. As Kimball was an entomologist like May, the letter also expresses that May's father's collection was being taken care of. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Kimball, Charles P.
source: Original 1-page typed letter from Charles P. Kimball to John M. May, June 7, 1957: May Natural History Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs Memo (February 21, 1963)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A memo from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park manager T.P. Brinzo, circulated to all departments, dated February 21, 1963. The memo informed the entirety of the Springs that new equipment had been acquired for the underwater mermaid shows to help prevent drownings. Per the memo, all departments were to set up regular drills to prepare for a drowning scenario. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Brinzo, T.P.
source: Original 1-page typed memo, February 23, 1963: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson (January 14, 1959)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, to the manager of the museum, Myrtle Colson, dated January 14, 1959. May expresses his hopes that Colson is feeling better, as she recently had the flu, and informs her that his government project seems to be moving ahead. He also informs Colson that he will send information plaques for the large-scale Hercules beetle replica outside the museum. As John May lived in Colorado and the May Museum of the Tropics was located in Florida, communication between employer, employees, and other staff at Weeki Wachee Springs was limited predominantly to letters of correspondence. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audi…
creator: May, John M.
source: Original 1-page typed letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson, January 14, 1959: May Natural History Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from John M. May to the Employees of the May Museum of the Tropics (January 8, 1959)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from the owner of the May Museum of the Tropics, John M. May, to the employees of the museum, dated January 8, 1959. May asks his employees to water the plants around the outside of the museum to ensure they don't wilt or die, and hopes that they will send him regular updates of how the museum is faring. As John May lived in Colorado and the May Museum of the Tropics was located in Florida, communication between employer, employees, and other staff at Weeki Wachee Springs was limited predominantly to letters of correspondence. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: May, John M.
source: Original 1-page typed letter from John M. May to the employees of the May Museum of the Tropics, January 8, 1959: May Natural History Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May (March 1, 1959)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from the manager of the May Museum of the Tropics, Myrtle Colson, to the owner of the museum, John M. May, dated March 1, 1959. The letter celebrates the recent high number of visitors that the Museum had. Additionally, the letter informs May that the management of the Weeki Wachee Springs, where the museum was located, wanted a daily report of sales as well as weekly and monthly reports. As John May lived in Colorado and the May Museum of the Tropics was located in Florida, communication between employer, employees, and other staff at Weeki Wachee Springs was limited predominantly to letters of correspondence. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserv…
creator: Colson, Myrtle
source: Original 1-page typed letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May, March 1, 1959: May Natural History Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: May Museum of the Tropics, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

James “Bobby” Maddox and Betty Bryson
subject: Veterans--Florida
subject: Tallahassee--Florida
description: A photograph of Betty Bryson (left) and James Maddox (right). James “Bobby” Maddox enlisted into the United States Army in 1943, just one month before his mother, Nita, passed away. Bobby served in the 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Division during World War II. During his time, he served in Sicily, Italy, and France. He suffered an injury in November 1943, but returned to light duty in February 1944. He rejoined his unit in September 1944, while they pushed through the Vosges. On October 9, 1944, Lt. Victor Kandle led a platoon into battle to swarm the Germans at the Cleurie Quarry. On this day, Bobby lost his life and now rests in the Epinal Cemetery. He planned on marrying Betty upon his return from the war. The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: Maddox, James and Bryson, Betty
source: Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph.
format: image/jpg
type: Photograph
coverage: Tallahassee, Florida

Headstone Inscription and Interment Record
subject: World War II--1936-1945
subject: Veterans--Florida
subject: Cemeteries--Europe
description: The headstone inscription and interment record for Private First Class Thomas Johnson (1911-1944). Johnson grew up on a farm in Baker County, Florida, as the eldest of five children. On February 19, 1941, Johnson entered the service at Camp Blanding, and was later assigned to the 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Division. The unit went overseas in June 1943, beginning in North Africa, traveling through Italy and into France. In late August 1944, as part of Operation Dragoon, the 45th retreated further north into France, paralleling the Germans’ escape route. On August 29, 1944, Johnson passed away due to an abdominal injury from artillery shells. He rests in the Rhone American Cemetery. The Florida-France Soldier Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work
creator: United States Army
source: Digital reproduction of original typewritten headstone inscription and interment record.
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Rhone American Cemetery, Draguignan, France

Missing Air Crew Report for Aircraft 44-6126
subject: World War II--1939-1945
subject: Veterans--Florida
description: A page of the Missing Air Crew Report for Aircraft 44-6126 details how the pilot, John Leslie, gave his life so that every man onboard the B-17 could bail from the aircraft after it was shot down. Aircraft 44-6126 was traveling to its bombardment target of Halle, Germany and was subsequently shot down by German Anti-Air installations. The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: E. A. Bradunas
source: Digital reproduction of original missing air crew report.
publisher: National Archives and Record Administration
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Halle, Germany

Second Lieutenant Jack Julian Little
subject: World War--1939-1945
subject: Veterans--Florida
description: A colorized portrait photograph of Second Lieutenant Jack Julian Little. Jack Little served on the B-17 Arkie-II, serial number 42-29553, as a bombardier. The bombardier’s main purpose was to aim and release bombs on designated targets and ensure that the plane remained steady throughout the bombing run. Jack Little served in the 366th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Bombardment Group. Overall, the 305th flew 337 missions and dropped over 22,000 tons of bombs across Europe. The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: 305th Bombardment Group
source: Digital reproduction of original color photograph.
publisher: 305th Bombardment Group
format: Image/jpg
type: Image

General Order for First Lieutenant Donald Ross
subject: World War--1939-1945
subject: Veterans--Florida
description: The 45th General Order from November 5, 1944, details the accounts of how First Lieutenant Donald Ross (1920-1944) received a Silver Star medal. Donald Ross used his tank to shield two wounded infantrymen until medical teams could rescue them. For his bravery during combat, Donald Ross received a Silver Star. The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: 45th Infantry Division
source: Digital reproduction of original general order.
publisher: 45th Infantry Division
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: text
coverage: Grammont, Haute-Saone, France

B-17 Arkie-II
subject: World War--1939-1945
subject: Veterans--Florida
description: A black and white photograph of the B-17 42-29553, “Arkie-II” in flight over an unknown location. The Arkie-II was a part of the 366th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Bombardment Group, which was among the first sorties to conduct daylight bombing missions of Germany during World War II. A notable member of the Arkie-II was bombardier Jack Julian Little. The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: 305th Bomardment Group, 366th Bombardment Squadron
source: Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph.
publisher: American Air Museum in Britain
format: Image/jpg
type: Image

"Come Out Fighting"
subject: World War--1939-1945
subject: Veterans--Florida
description: A photograph captured by Staff Sergeant Humphrey McCarter of a medical detachment belonging to the 761st Tank Battalion. The photograph is then featured on page 118 of Trezzvant W. Anderson’s “Come out Fighting: The Epic Tale of the 761st Tank Battalion, 1942-1945.” A notable soldier listed in the photograph's description is Clifford C. Adams (1923-1944). Adams was born in Charleston, SC, but raised in Overtown, FL. A suburb of Miami, Overtown became a center for Miami’s black community at a time when Miami was becoming increasingly segregated. The Army assigned Adams to the 761st Tank Battalion and landed him and his comrades in France on October 9, 1944. During the Battalion’s first combat mission, Adams was struck in the chest by an exploding shell while giving medical attention to another soldier; he died later that day. The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: Humphrey McCarter
source: Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph.
publisher: Salzburger Druckerei und Verlag
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Image

St. Petersburg High School Yearbook
subject: Veterans--Florida
subject: Yearbooks
description: A page from the St. Petersburg High School Yearbook in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1943. The page contains the students' photographs, quotes, extracurricular activities, and any organizations they participated in. A notable student listed is Joseph Johnson (1924-1944). Joseph Johnson was born and raised in McKenzie, Tennessee, to Joseph Johnson Sr. and Maye Johnson. In 1937, the Johnson family moved to St. Petersburg, where Joseph lived and graduated from high school. Johnson trained at Camp Blanding, FL. Joseph joined the 101st Infantry Regiment, part of the 26th Infantry Division. He took part in the Lorraine Campaign in Eastern France, participating in the liberation of the French cities of Metz and Nancy. While fighting in the vicinity of Sarre-Union, an artillery attack wounded Joseph. He died of his wounds on December 4, 1944, and is currently interred at the Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, France. The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: St. Petersburg High School
source: Digital reproduction of original yearbook page.
publisher: St. Petersburg High School
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Document

Air-Snoop Comic, April 1, 1944
subject: World War II, 1939-1945
description: The Air-Snoop was a base-run newspaper for the 493rd Bombardment Group while at the McCook Army Air Force Base, Nebraska. The Newspaper advertised dances, movies, interviews with officers, comics, and jokes. The 493rd Bombardment Group flew a total of 157 bombing missions, with over 12,000 tons of bombs dropped over Europe. The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: 493rd Bombardment Group
source: Digital reproduction of the Air-Snoop Newspaper from April 1, 1944.
publisher: 493rd Bombardment Group
format: Image/png
language: eng
type: Image
coverage: McCook Army Air Base, Nebraska

493rd Bombardment Group (H)
description: A bronze plaque commemorating the 493rd Bombardment Group in Debach Airfield, England. Debach Airfield served as the major base of operations for the 493rd conducting missions in mainland Europe. By the end of the war, the 493rd Bombardment Group dropped over 12,000 tons of bombs on mainland Europe over the course of 157 missions. The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: American War Memorials Overseas Inc.
source: Photograph of a 493rd Bombardment Group commemorative bronze plaque located at Debach Airfield, England.
publisher: American War Memorials Overseas Inc.
contributor: American War Memorials Overseas Inc.
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Image
coverage: Debach Airfield

Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Hopewell, Florida, 1940
subject: Population--United States
subject: Census--United States
description: The Sixteenth United States Census records for 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. The Sixteenth Census asked particular people more specific questions about their life which included mother tongue, veteran status, social security, occupation or industry, and specific questions for married or previously married women. A notable resident listed in this record is Clifford A. Judah (1925–1945). The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: United States Census Bureau
source: Digital reproduction of original handwritten census record by Henry Irwin Breugle, April 4, 1940.
publisher: United States Census Bureau
contributor: Breugle, Henry Irwin
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Hopewell, Florida

New York State Census, Population for Brooklyn, New York, 1925
subject: Brooklyn, New York
subject: Population--United States
subject: Census--United States
description: The New York State Census records for Brooklyn, New York in 1925. Individuals are identified by name, titles and terms, relationships, race, gender, and age, citizenship, and occupation. A notable resident listed in this record is William Webb (1910–1944). The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: New York City Census
source: Digital reproduction of original handwritten state census record by Frank Newell, June 1, 1925.
publisher: New York City Census
contributor: Newell, Frank
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Brooklyn, New York, New York

Fifteenth Census of the United States, Population for Baker County, Florida, 1930
subject: Population--United States
subject: Census--United States
description: The Fifteenth United States Census records for Baker County, 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 is Thomas Johnson (1911–1944). The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: United States Census Bureau
source: Digital reproduction of original handwritten census record by Paul Howard, April 9, 1930.
publisher: United States Census Bureau
contributor: Howard, Paul
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Baker County, Florida

Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Atlantic Beach, Florida, 1940
subject: Population--United States
subject: Census--United States
description: The Sixteenth United States Census records for Atlantic Beach, 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. The Sixteenth Census asked particular people more specific questions about their life which included mother tongue, veteran status, social security, occupation or industry, and specific questions for married or previously married women. A notable resident listed in this record is Robert B. David (1919–1944). The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: United States Census Bureau
source: Digital reproduction of original handwritten census record by Charles Ransom, May 18–20, 1940.
publisher: United States Census Bureau
contributor: Ransom, Charles
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Atlantic Beach, Florida

Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Lake City, Florida, 1940
subject: Population--United States
subject: Census--United States
description: The Sixteenth United States Census records for Lake City, 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.The Sixteenth Census asked particular people more specific questions about their life which included mother tongue, veteran status, social security, occupation or industry, and specific questions for married or previously married women. A notable resident listed in this record is Donald H. McColskey Jr. (1917–1944). The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: United States Census Bureau
source: Digital reproduction of original handwritten census record by Annie Shingles, April 2, 1940.
publisher: United States Census Bureau
contributor: Shingles, Annie
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Lake City, Florida

Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Coffee County, Alabama, 1940
subject: Population--United States
subject: Census--United States
description: The Sixteenth United States Census records for Coffee County, Alabama, 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.The Sixteenth Census asked particular people more specific questions about their life which included mother tongue, veteran status, social security, occupation or industry, and specific questions for married or previously married women. A notable resident listed in this record is Orville Rex Powell (1924–1944). The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: United States Census Bureau
source: Digital reproduction of original handwritten census record by William Young, April 22, 1940.
publisher: United States Census Bureau
format: image/jpf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Coffee County, Alabama

Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Jacksonville, Florida, 1940
subject: Jacksonville
subject: Population--United States
subject: Census--United States
description: The Sixteenth United States Census records for Jacksonville, 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. The Sixteenth Census asked particular people more specific questions about their life which included mother tongue, veteran status, social security, occupation or industry, and specific questions for married or previously married women. A notable resident listed in this record is Samuel Woods (1919-1945). The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: United States Census Bureau
source: Digital reproduction of original handwritten census record by Robert H. Hicks, April 11, 1940.
publisher: United States Census Bureau
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Jacksonville, Florida

Fourteenth Census of the United States, Population for Titusville, Florida, 1920
subject: Population--United States
subject: Census--United States
description: The Fourteenth United States Census records for Titusville, 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 William Harris Jr. (1909–1944). The Florida-France Soldiers Stories Project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: United States Census Bureau
source: Digital reproduction of original handwritten census record by a Census Enumerator, 1920.
publisher: United States Census Bureau
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Titusville, Florida

French Erect Monument to Tampa Flier
subject: World War II, 1939-1945
subject: Veterans--Florida
description: A newspaper article reporting the construction of a memorial for Lt. Connie O. Walker and his crew. The article discusses the crash that killed Walker, efforts to save the sole survivor of the mission, and French success towards the memorial’s creation. Russell Brooks, an American diplomat, shows his gratitude towards the French people near the end of the article. 2nd Lieutenant Connie O. Walker (1920-1944) was born and raised in Waycross, Georgia. He registered in the Young Men’s Draft in February 1942, and later applied for the United States Air Force’s Aviation Cadet training program. After earning his wings, Walker married Lucille Parks and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. The Army assigned Walker to the 492nd Bombardment Group, sent to Europe in June 1944. On a mission airdropping supplies to French Resistance fighters, Walker’s aircraft crashed into a hill due to dark, dangerous conditions. Walker was killed on impact and buried in the nearby village of St. Martin-en-Haut. After the war, Walker was reburied in the Rhône American Cemetery and Memorial in Draguignan, France. The Florida-France Soldier Stories project seeks to tell the stories of the Florida soldiers buried in the American Battle Monuments Commission cemeteries in France. Our goal is to honor and commemorate the brave individuals who gave their lives supporting the Allied forces, liberating France, and defeating Germany in the Second World War. Simultaneously, our goal is to teach the students who participate in this research project about the history of France and Florida during World War II, about the history of individual servicemen, and about how to implement historical research methods in their work.
creator: The Tampa Tribune
source: Photocopy of original newspaper article, March 1946: Digitized by Newspapers.com.
publisher: The Tampa Tribune
format: Image/jpg
language: eng
type: Text

Oral History of Kelley Muller-Smith
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
subject: Students--Florida
description: An oral history interview of Kelley Muller-Smith, a Sanford native raised in Oviedo and professional singer. The interview was conducted by Dr. Connie Lester and Jessica Oldham over Zoom in Orlando, Florida, on July 28th, 2022. Some of the topics covered include Muller-Smith’s childhood and schooling in Oviedo and Jackson Heights Elementary School, now Jackson Heights Middle School, and the roles of her parents, her father, principal Stanley T. Muller, and her mother, music teacher Mae Frances Muller, in segregated Oviedo-area schools for African American students. Other topics include her memories of daily life at Jackson Heights Elementary School, the instruction of memorable teachers, the role of music in shaping Muller-Smith’s personal and professional life, her experiences traveling with different musical and performing arts groups, and her view on the importance of the future Historic Colored Schools Museum.
creator: Muller-Smith, Kelley
creator: Lester, Connie
creator: Oldham, Jessica
source: Muller-Smith, Kelley. Interviewed by Connie Lester and Jessica Oldham, July 28, 2022. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
coverage: Jackson Heights Middle School, Oviedo, Florida
coverage: Robert Hungerford Preparatory High School, Eatonville, Florida

The Citizens Bank of Oviedo Checkbook
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: Agriculture--Florida
subject: Celery
subject: Packing-houses--United States
subject: Checks--United States
subject: Banks and banking--Florida
description: A Citizens Bank of Oviedo checkbook from Nelson and Company containing stubs made out to various recipients, many of which include Riverside hospital. The dates of the written checks range from April 15, 1948, through May 8, 1948. The company was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The 80-acre historic district was incorporated in September of 2001 and encompasses four of Nelson and Company's historic buildings.
creator: Nelson and Company
creator: Bank of Oviedo
source: Original 18-page checkbook: Private Collection of Nelson and Company.
publisher: Nelson and Company
publisher: Bank of Oviedo
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Nelson and Company, Oviedo, Florida

Special Drainage District Bond
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: Agriculture--Florida
subject: Celery
subject: Packing-houses--United States
description: A special drainage district bond for the Black Hammock Drainage District. The $500 bond with 6 per cent interest is dated January 1st, 1930, and the principal due January 1st, 1938. The principal and interest are payable at the Bank of Oviedo or at any other place designated by the Board of County Commissioners. The company was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The 80-acre historic district was incorporated in September of 2001 and encompasses four of Nelson and Company's historic buildings.
creator: Nelson and Company
creator: Bank of Oviedo
source: Original 2-page special drainage district bond: Private Collection of Nelson and Company.
publisher: Nelson and Company
publisher: Bank of Oviedo
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Nelson and Company, Oviedo, Florida

Oral History of Oviedo Plane Crash (1962)
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: Plane crashes
subject: Sanford (Fla.)
subject: Navy
description: On Saturday, March 6, 2021, a historical marker was unveiled honoring the crew of a 1962 plane crash in Oviedo. A Naval A3D Skywarrior Airplane based at the Sanford Naval Air Station would crash in the Oviedo area narrowly missing a school ground full of children. The pilot, Lt. Charles Hodgate, was credited with navigating the airplane away from the school ground, defying orders to bail out, and subsequently claiming three members of the crew including Navy Petty Officers John W. Bush, Horace Marks and Lt. Charles Hodgate in the crash. Hodgate would later be the basis for the narrator character in the community-storytelling series from Creative Sanford entitled "Celery Soup."
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
creator: Jones, Jim
creator: Mello, Steve
creator: Scott, Mary Courier
creator: Minter, Tom
creator: Evans, David
creator: Lingo, Thad
creator: Moon, Thomas
creator: Hodgate, Charles Richard
creator: Montour, Tracy Hodgate
source: Jones, Jim; Mello, Steve; Scott, Mary Courier; Minter, Tom; Evans, David; Lingo, Thad; Moon, Thomas; Hodgate, Charles Richard; Montour, Tracy Hodgate. Interviewed by Geoffrey Cravero, March 6, 2021. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
coverage: Oviedo, Florida
coverage: Oviedo School (Lawton Elementary), Oviedo, Florida

List of Outstanding Tax Certificates in Black Hammock Drainage District from Creation of District to February 17, 1939
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: Agriculture--Florida
description: A list of outstanding tax certificates in Black Hammock Drainage District from the creation of the district to February 17, 1939. The 67-page report was compiled for the Black Hammock bond trustees. The information includes the tax sale date, certificate number, the drainage tax, total taxes,
creator: Nelson and Company
source: Original 67-page report and envelope: Private Collection of Nelson and Company.
publisher: Nelson and Company
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Black Hammock Drainage District, Oviedo, Florida

Black Hammock Drainage District Orange Co. Fla., Nov. 1, 1912
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: Agriculture--Florida
description: A map of the Black Hammock drainage district of Orange County, Florida, from November 1, 1912, and a description of cross sections of canals and ditches. The map shows the location of canals and ditches. The elevation of the surface of ground is shown along main ditches. The engineer was Fred T. Williams.
creator: Williams, Fred T.
source: Original map and description: Private collection of Nelson and Company.
publisher: Nelson and Company
language: eng
type: Image
coverage: Black Hammock Drainage District, Oviedo, Florida

Descriptions Locating Canals & Ditches, Salt Creek System
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: Agriculture--Florida
description: A four-page packet of descriptions locating canals and ditches for the Salt Creek System in Lake Jesup, Florida, from 1913. Lake Jessup is one of the largest lakes in Central Florida, one of many that make up the St. Johns River.
creator: Nelson and Company
source: Original 4-page packet: Private collection of Nelson and Company.
publisher: Nelson and Company
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Salt Creek, Lake Jessup, Oviedo, Florida

The Black Hammock Drainage District of Orange County, Florida, March 1913
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: Agriculture--Florida
description: The Black Hammock Drainage District of Orange County, Florida, for March 1813, Topics covered include text of the drainage laws of Florida, advertisement for letting contract, engineer's report, committee's report, general information, specifications, estimates, plans of the system, profiles, cross sections, legal description of the lands, total acreage, commencement, route, and terminus of the canals and ditches, form of contract, and form of bond to be executed.
creator: Nelson and Company
source: Original 25-page paperback book: Private Collection of Nelson and Company.
publisher: Reporter-Star Publishing Company, Orlando, Florida
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Nelson and Company, Oviedo, Florida

Nelson and Company Bound Ledger - Black Hammock
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: Agriculture--Florida
subject: Celery
subject: Packing-houses--United States
description: A bound ledger for the Nelson and Company Packing Plant covering the Black Hammock region from November 18, 1913 to May 23, 1936. The ledger inlcudes transactions with W.H. Browning, W.A. Beasly, Davis and Giles, E.A. Douglas, Clerk of Circuit Court, the Citizens Bank of Oviedo, the National Bank of Jacksonville, United States Mortgage and Trust Co., and First National Bank of Sanford. The company was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The 80-acre historic district was incorporated in September of 2001 and encompasses four of Nelson and Company's historic buildings.
creator: Nelson and Company
source: Original 89-page bound ledger: Private Collection of Nelson and Company.
publisher: Nelson and Company
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Nelson and Company, Oviedo, Florida

Nelson and Company Bound Ledger - Black Hammock
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: Agriculture--Florida
subject: Celery
subject: Packing-houses--United States
description: A bound ledger for the Nelson and Company Packing Plant covering the Black Hammock region from May 23, 1936 to November 13, 1948. The ledger inlcudes transactions with Sanford Atlantic, the Citizens Bank of Oviedo, J.D. Jinkius, O.P. Herndon, and Doudrey. The company was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The 80-acre historic district was incorporated in September of 2001 and encompasses four of Nelson and Company's historic buildings.
creator: Nelson and Company
source: Original 188-page bound ledger: Private Collection of Nelson and Company.
publisher: Nelson and Company
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Nelson and Company, Oviedo, Florida

Newt Perry Announcing a Mermaid Show at Weeki Wachee Spring's Underwater Theater
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Newt Perry announcing a mermaid show in the first underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs. There are 15 guests watching the performance, sitting on fruit crates. This image was taken sometime between 1948 and 1960. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history…
source: Original photograph of underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Newt Perry and Weeki Wachee Mermaid Performing Show
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Newt Perry and a Weeki Wachee mermaid posing underwater, performing a show. The two are swimming near a prop that resembles a castle. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
source: Original photograph of underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaids Sitting in a Circle
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: 20 Weeki Wachee mermaids posing for a photograph by sitting in a large circle. The photograph was taken sometime in the 1950s. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
source: Original photograph of underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Posing Underwater in Costume Tail
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Weeki Wachee Springs Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid posing underwater: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaids Eating Watermelon Underwater
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids eating watermelon underwater. Before the mermaids performed plays, their shows consisted of underwater ballet, a deep dive into the depths of the spring, and other stunts. A common stunt the mermaids performed was to eat and drink underwater. Most commonly the mermaids ate bananas and drank soda out of glass bottles. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter, Delee Perry, took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987. It was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attr…
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of mermaids eating underwater: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs Swimming Area, c. 1950s
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Photograph albums--1940-1950
subject: Tourism--1940-1960
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
description: Early image of Weeki Wachee Springs swimming area and parking lot, taken sometime between 1948 and 1960. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter, Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987. It was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newt
source: Original black and white photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs, c 1940s-1950s: Delee Perry Collection.
publisher: RICHES
format: imgage/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs Brochure, c. 1950s
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Photograph albums--1960-1970
subject: tourism & museum
subject: Tourism--1960-1980
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
description: Trifold brochure of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park highlighting the park's attractions in the 1950s, such as the May Museum of the Tropiscs. For a little over a decade, the May family of Colorado displayed some of their family's private collection of tropical bugs and animals in a museum on Weeki Wachee Springs property. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original color trifold of Weeki Wachee Springs, c. 1950s: May Natural History Museum Collection.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Two Weeki Wachee Mermaids in Costume Performing a Scene from "Peter Pan"
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Photograph albums--1960-1970
subject: tourism & museum
subject: Tourism--1960-1980
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
subject: Theater--20th century
description: Kodak Safety Film Strip consisting of two images. These images show two Weeki Wachee mermaids performing a scene from "Peter Pan." One mermaid is in a Captain Hook costume and the other is in an alligator costume. A prop pirate ship is pictured behind the mermaids. Image was taken sometime in 1971, when the show was performed. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
creator: Sparky Schumacher
source: Original black and white photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids Performing in "Peter Pan," c. 1971: Private Collection of karen Geiken.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs Underwater Theater Postcard
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Photograph albums--1960-1970
subject: tourism & museum
subject: Tourism--1960-1980
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
subject: Theater--20th century
description: Color postcard with an image of Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids posing on top of the newly constructed underwater theater. Text on the back reads, "Weeki Wachee, Florida's underwater grand canyon presents a new million dollar underwater aqua-theatre and underwater musical revue daily from 9 to 5, rain or shine. Located at the junction of U.S. 19 and Florida 50 north of Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa." This Postcard made sometime in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original color postcard of Weeki Wachee Mermaids atop Underwater Theater, c.1960s: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Feeding a Fish Underwater
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: tourism & museum
subject: Tourism--1960-1980
subject: Ballet--1970-1980
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
subject: Theater--20th century
description: Mermaid Rita King feeding a fish underwater. In one hand she is holding food and the other hand is holding an air hose. She is kneeling on the spring floor. Photograph taken in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Black and white photograph of Rita King, c. 1960s: Private collection of Rita King.
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids Performing on the Hydraulic Lift
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Photograph albums--1960-1970
subject: tourism & museum
subject: Tourism--1960-1980
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
subject: Theater--20th century
description: A Weeki Wachee Springs underwater performance. The image shows two Weeki Wachee mermaids standing on the hydraulic lift that ABC installed in the springs in the 1960s. There is a third mermaid mid-pose in front of the bydraulic lift. As the picture was taken in August 1971 and there is a treasure chest prop in the left corner, the show is presumed to be "Peter Pan." After ABC took over Weeki Wachee Springs, the performances changed annually. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original color photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids and Hydraulic Lift, August 1971: Private Collection of karen Geiken.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Holiday Inn Staff Posing in Front of Hotel Sign in Celebration of 9th Anniversary
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Photograph albums--1960-1970
subject: tourism & museum
subject: Tourism--1960-1980
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
subject: Theater--20th century
description: The staff of the Weeki Wachee Holiday Inn standing in front of the hotel's iconic sign. The marquee on the sign reads, "Our 9th Anniversary June 5 1975." This Holiday Inn was located directly across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs and opened in 1966. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Holiday Inn
source: Original Black and white photograph of Weeki Wachee Holiday Inn Stafff, June 5, 1975: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis Posing Underwater in Costume
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Photograph albums--1960-1970
subject: tourism & museum
subject: Tourism--1960-1980
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
subject: Theater--20th century
description: Color postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in a costume, mid-ballet move during an underwater performance. Text on back of postcard reads, "The underwater acrobatic butterfly ballet is just one of eight big scenes produced for the new underwater spectacle at the Spring of Live Mermaids, Weeki Wachee, Florida. Color Photo by Ted Lagerberg." Handwritten beneath previous text reads, "Feb 13-64." Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Lagerber, Ted. Original color postcard of Bonnie Georgiadis Underwater, February 13, 1964: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection.
publisher: RICHES
contributor: Lagerberg, Ted
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaids Sitting in Front of Hercules Beetle Statue
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Photograph albums--1960-1970
subject: tourism & museum
subject: Tourism--1960-1980
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
subject: Theater--20th century
description: Color postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids sitting in front of a Hercules Beetle Statue and the May Museum of the Tropics. For a little over a decade, the May family of Colorado displayed some of their family's private collection of tropical bugs and animals in a museum on Weeki Wachee Springs property. Photograph taken sometime in the 1950s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original color photograph of May Museum of the Tropics, c.1950s: May Natural History Museum Collection.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Tourist Standing Near Sign Advertising Mermaid Positions
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Photograph albums--1960-1970
subject: tourism & museum
subject: Tourism--1960-1980
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
subject: Theater--20th century
description: Color photograph of a tourist visiting Weeki Wachee Springs in 1964. The tourist is standing beside a sign that reads, "Openings for Mermaid Training School Apply Here." Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, an show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs began steadily declining until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history.
creator: Family of Karen Geiken
source: Original color photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Tourist, April 1964: Private Collection of Karen Geiken.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

For Freedoms Town Hall on the Carceral Landscape and Art as Activism
description: Police brutality and mass incarceration are among the most crucial legal and social issues of our time and their study illuminates the ways in which “We the People” conceive of ourselves and our societal responsibilities. Art is an important vehicle for civic participation and this town hall initiates a dialog on art and mass incarceration between Omari Booker, an artist participating in the NEA-sponsored exhibition "Illuminating the Darkness: Our Carceral Landscape;" Gisela Carbonell, Curator at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum; and Keri Watson, Associate Professor of Art History at the University of Central Florida. Sponsored by For Freedoms, the Cornell Museum of Fine Arts, and the UCF Art Gallery and featuring Omari Booker, Gisela Carbonell, and Keri Watson.

Panel Discussion on Racism and Mass Incarceration
description: Mass incarceration affects millions of Americans, and even though 1 in every 4 adults has a prior conviction, returning citizens face significant discrimination. A prior conviction can make it hard to find employment, a place to live and the right to drive. People who have been incarcerated are prohibited from employment opportunities in law enforcement, the school system, and hospitals, and oftentimes employers automatically reject applicants due to a felony conviction. It can also make it hard to pursue education and to pursue a professional discipline such as nursing, medicine, teaching, real estate, insurance, transportation, financial services, and the practice of law. During this panel, speakers who have been impacted by the criminal justice system share their stories and offer suggestions for how attendees can actively practice anti-racism and support criminal justice reform. This panel is part of "Illuminating the Darkness: Our Carceral Landscape" exhibition programming and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit cah.ucf.edu/fpep/illuminatingdarkness/

"Illuminating the Darkness: Our Carceral Landscape" - Exhibition Walk Through
description: Over 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States today, yet the prison system remains largely invisible to the majority of Americans. Illuminating the Darkness: Our Carceral Landscape presents the work of twenty-five artists whose practice is informed by their experiences with the criminal justice system to shine a light on the ways in which mass incarceration affects us all. The culmination of a two-year project sponsored by the Florida Prison Education Project, National Endowment for the Arts, and Laughing Gull Foundation, the collected pieces—in sculpture and installation, drawing and painting, video and photography, and printmaking and book arts—explore racism, oppression, and the immutability of the human spirit.