Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Posing Underwater with a Welcome Home Sign for Her Parents
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.);
subject: Tourism--Florida; tourism & museum;
subject: Tourism--1960-1980;
subject: Ballet--1970-1980;
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History;
subject: Theater--20th century
description: Weeki Wachee mermaid Rita King posing underwater with a handmade sign, dressed in a mermaid tail. The sign reads, "Welcome Home Mom, Dad Your Mermaid Missed You!" Rita surprised her parents with this sign at the beginning of the first mermaid show they came to after coming back home from an extended trip. It was routine during performances to shout out visitors who were celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions. When VIP's visited the park, the mermaids welcomed them more elaborately. For example, when Elvis Presley visited Weeki Wachee, the mermaids began the underwater show with a cardboard cutout of Elvis as well as with several signs. As seen here, it was also acceptable for mermaids to personalize their shows under special circumstances. Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, an show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs began steadily declining until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Springs
source: Original B&W photograph of Rita King, 1967: Private Collection of Rita King.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Lydia Dodson Posing Underwater
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.);
subject: Tourism--Florida; tourism & museum;
subject: Tourism--1960-1980;
subject: Ballet--1970-1980;
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History;
subject: Theater--20th century
description: Lydia Dodson posing underwater in June of 1970. Lydia Dodson was a Weeki Wachee Mermaid in the 1970s and more recently joined ranks of the Legendary Sirens. Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, an show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs began steadily declining until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history.
source: Original photograph of Lydia Dodson: Personal Collection of Lydia Dodson.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Performing at a Mermaid Reunion
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.);
subject: Tourism--Florida; tourism & museum;
subject: Tourism--1960-1980;
subject: Ballet--1970-1980;
subject: Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History;
subject: Theater--20th century
description: Rita King, a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, in costume, performing an acrobatic routine. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular reunion happened on December 1, 1960. Text cut off at the top of the image reads, "Acrobatic Dance Routine for a Mermaid Reunion Show - Age 21." Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, an show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs began steadily declining until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
source: Original black and white photograph of Rita King, December 1, 1960: Private collection of Rita King.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Mermaid Geanie L.W. Brooks Dressed as a Witch Posing Underwater
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: Mermaid Geanie L. W. Brooks dressed as a witch posing underwater at Weeki Wachee Springs. In the background is a sign in the shape of a jack-o-lantern in a tophat. On the tophat are the words "Weekii Wachee Witches." Geanie learned how to weld andoperate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War II. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot, she left the workforce upon turning eighty-years-old. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original Black and white photograph of Geanie Brooks Underwater, c.1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Geanie L.W. Brooks with her Four Children in Front of Weeki Wachee's Mermaid Villa
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: Weeki Wachee Mermaid Geanie L. W. Brooks and her four children, 2 sons and 2 daughters, sitting under a Weeki Wachee Sign outside of the Mermaid Villa. Geanie learned how to weld andoperate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War II. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot, she left the workforce upon turning eighty-years-old. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original Black and white photograph of Geanie Brooks and her children, c.1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Geanie L.W. Brooks in Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Uniform Operating a Caterpillar D-7 Bulldozer
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
subject: Burial--United States--History
subject: Native American art and culture
subject: Archeological investigations
subject: University of Florida
description: Geanie L. W. Brooks in her Weeki Wachee uniform (a swimsuit) operating a Caterpillar D-7 bulldozer. Geanie learned how to operate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War II. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot, she left the workforce upon turning eighty-years-old. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
source: Original Black and white photograph of Geanie Brooks on a bulldozer, c. 1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Geanie L. W. Brooks in her Welding Uniform at the McCloskey Shipyard in Tampa during WWII
description: Geanie L. W. Brooks in her welding uniform at the McCloskey Shipyard. Geanie learned how to weld and work with heavy machinery at this shipyard during World War II. McCloskey Shipyard paid welding trainees 63 cents and hour to train there and 17% of their workforce during the war were women, which was twice the national figure. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later, she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot. She left the workforce upon turning 80 years old. According to a two-page life story Geanie wrote, "My family thought I was 'liberated' before anyone had even heard of 'women's liberation.' I always knew men made more money than women, so I applied for men's jobs, knew what they made, asked for it, and got it. (Can't hurt to ask right?) Sometimes I even made more, if I was able to get a percentage of a dumptruck haul." Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
source: Original black and white photograph of Geanie L.W. Brooks, c.1940s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Bonnie Georgiadis at an Archeological dig at Weeki Wachee Springs, July, 1970.
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
subject: Burial--United States--History
subject: Native American art and culture
subject: Archeological investigations
subject: University of Florida
description: Bonnie Georgiadis assisting an archeological dig of a Native American burial mound at Weeki Wachee Springs in July of 1970. She is using archeological tools to uncover a vase. The dig was conducted by the University of Florida. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Schumacher, Sparky
source: Original color photograph by Sparky Schumacher, July,1970: Private Collection of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis Announcing a Show
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 Bonnier Georgiadis sitting on the edge of the underwater theater's windows holding a microphone, announcing a show. Two mermaids are pictured behind her in mid pose. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer, and the rest of her time at the park as the bird department's manager. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original black and white photograph of Bonnie Georgiadis and Mermaids, c. 1960s: Private Collection of Sharon Cihak Elliot.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Bonnie Georgiadis Releasing Rehabilitated Bald Eagle
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: Weeki Wachee Springs Bird Department Manager Bonnie Georgiadis about to release one of the two bald eagles she helped rehabilitate. She rehabilitated an eagle in 1985. The eagle got caught in some barbed wire and broke its collarbone at a cattle ranch near Weeki Wachee. The 4-year-old female dubbed Victoria recovered at Busch Gardens for four months and was then sent to Weeki Wachee to be rehabilitated for two months. In order to retrain the eagle, Bonnie had to train the bird to fly short distances from perch to perch and reward Victoria with treats. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer, and the rest of her time at the park as the bird department's manager. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original color photograph of Bonnie Georgiadis and Bald Eagle, c. 1980s: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Mermaid Trainer Bonnie Georgiadis Displaying Proper Form for 6 Trainees
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 Trainer Bonnie Georgiadis training six mermaids on proper form of a position for a publicity photo. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer, and the rest of her time at the park as the bird department's manager. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original sepia tone photogrpah of Bonnie Georgiadis and Trainees, c. 1960s: Private Collection of Sharon Cihak Elliot.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Bicentennial Edition of Weeki Wachee Springs' Trifold Brochure, Featuring Mermaid Rebecca Young
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: Bicentennial edition of Weeki Wachee Springs' trifold brochure, c. 1976. The mermaid mock playing the flute is Rebecca Young (previously Stahlhut). This photoshoot is the one she is most proud of from her time as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The photoshoot took several hours just to this this one picture, as everyone's hair, costumes, and the flag had to be in correct positions. The inside of the brochure lists the attractions and mentions the special "salute to the Bicentennial, 'Happy Birthday America!'" Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original color Weeki Wachee Springs trifold, Bicentennial Edition, c. 1976: Private Collection of Rebecca Young.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Letter from Dorothy Gray, Ltd. Publicity Director Mayreen Logan to Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rebecca Stahlhut Thanking Her for Modeling Their Products
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: Letter written by Dorothy Gray, Ltd. Publicity Director Maureen Logan to Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rebecca Stahlhut (later Rebecca Young). The letter was written on April 24, 1975. In the letter Maureen thanks Rebecca for modeling Dorothy Gray products, and lets Rebecca know that Dorothy sent the mermaids a bunch of their products as a thank you. Dorothy Gray was a company that sold skin care products and makeup. In the years after ABC purchased Weeki Wachee Springs and grew the attraction, many makeup, swimsuit, and swimwear products partnered with Weeki Wachee Springs to advertise their brands. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Logan, Maureen
creator: Dorothy Gray, Ltd.
source: Original letter of thanks from Dorothy Gray, Ltd. to Rebecca Stahlhut, April 24, 1975: Private Collection of Rebecca Young.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb Drinking an RC Cola 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: Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb drinking an RC Cola underwater in the 1960s. Florence is kneeling on some seagrass, holding the airhose to her side. Weeki Wachee mermaids drank soda and ate bananas during their shows, before the mermaid shows became plays. At one point, RC Cola sponsored Weeki Wachee. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original Black and white photograph of Florence McNabb drinking RC Cola, c.1960s: Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs Collection.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs Gift Shop
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: Black and white photograph of a portion of Weeki Wachee's gift shop, taken in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
creator: Schumacher, Sparky
source: Black and White Kodak Safety Film strip, c. 1960s: Weeki Wachee Springs Collection.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Map of Weeki Wachee after ABC Bought the Attraction
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: This map is a part of a booklet about Weeki Wachee Springs. The booklet was made sometime after the corporation American Broadcasting Company (ABC) purchased the park. The map also shows the underwater theater, labeled D, as having a flat roof. This remodel covered up the original clam shell roof the theater had. In the mid-1970s, the park was rethemed and many of the attractions took on a South Pacific look. In 2014, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection began an endeavor to uncover the original roof. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original color Weeki Wachee brochure, fourteen pages, c. 1970s: Private Collection of Rebecca Young.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Company Van
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: Photograph of the Volkswagen van that Weeki Wachee used to bus employees to the springs. The van is parked in from of the Weeki Wachee entrance sign. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Black and White Photograph of Weeki Wachee's Employee Van, c. 1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids Performing 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: Postcard depicting three Weeki Wachee Mermaids performing in a show. Two of the mermaids are dressed up in leis and hula skirts and the other is wearing a Hawaiian shirt playing a ukelele. Mermaids are standing on a metal platform that is a hydraulic lift. The platform moved up and down. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original postcard of Weeki Wachee Mermaids Mid-Performance, c. 1960s: Private Collection of Arlene Brooks.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs' Original Underwater Theater
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: Weeki Wachee's original underwater theater. Photogrpah taken in 1959. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Family of Gail Anderson
source: Original Black and white photograph of Weeki Wachee Underwater Theater, January, 1959: Private Collection of Gail Anderson.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in the lobby of the Mermaid Motel Speaking to Guests
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: Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in uniform (wearing an Alix of Miami Swimsuit) speaking to guests in the lobby of the Mermaid Motel. Behind Bonnie are rows of guest books, one for each state for visitors to the motel to sign into. The Mermaid Motel was directly across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs and operated from 1951 - 1966, when the motel changed hands to Holiday Inn. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Mermaid Motel
source: Original black and white photograph of Bonnie Georgiadis in the Mermaid Motel, c. 1950s-60s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Business Card of E. D. Gothberg, Owner of Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge
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: Business card of E. D. Gothberg, owner and operator of Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge and Mermaid Motel. The Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge was located near the attraction and the motel was directly across from Weeki Wachee Springs. Many mermaids lived in the motor lodge. E. D. Gothberg owned the motel until 1966, when Holiday Inn was put in the motel's place. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Gothberg, E. D.
source: Original business card of E. D. Gothberg, c. 1950s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Florence and Charles McNabb Holding Trophies won During a Diving Competition
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: Photograph of Florence and Charles McNabb holding trophies they won at an amateur skin diving competition at Rainbow Springs. The couple both worked at Weeki Wachee Springs, and would often participate in swimming competitions. In this competition, the couple both won first place in their respective gender classes. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
source: Original Black and White photograph of Florence McNabb and family, c. 1950s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Florence McNabb, Charles McNabb, and Their Two Sons, David and Michael, Leaving Church
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: Black and white photograph of Florence McNabb, husband Charles McNabb, and their two sons, Michael and David, leaving church. Florence is shaking their minister's hand. Florence McNabb was a Weeki Wachee Mermaid in the 1950s. Her husband also worked at Weeki Wachee. They married in 1951. In 1963, the McNabb's car was struck by a drunk driver, killing Florence and Michael and severely injuring Charles and David. Decades later in 2006, someone picking debris out of the Weeki Wachee Springs found an anklet with "Florence" engraved on one side and "Charlie" engraved on the other. Former mermaid and co-worker of Florence McNabb Vicki Smith confirmed that Florence had lost the anklet during a show. Years later, a friend of David McNabb found a large box of Weeki Wachee emphemera and family pictures when he helped to clean out David's home after David passed away. This friend passed the box on to his daughter, who donated the artifacts to Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
source: Original black and white photograph of Florence McNabb and family, c. 1950s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb Posing Underwater in Costume
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: Photograph of Florence McNabb posing underwater in a mermaid costume at Weeki Wachee Springs in the 1950s. Florence was the daughter of Ed and Vera Gothberg, who owned the Mermaid Motel that was across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs until 1966. At this time, mermaid tails were mainly used in promotional photos and rarely used during shows. This was because shows at the time mainly consisted of ballet routines. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original Black and white photograph of Florence McNabb, c. 1950s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Lauren Dodson Posing in her Mermaid Uniform at the Weeki Wachee Springs Docks
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: Weeki Wachee Springs mermaid Lauren Dodson in costume with a mermaid tail on posing on the dock of the spring. Lauren Dodson was a mermaid from 2007 to 2012 and is the daughter of Lydia Dodson, who was a Weeki Wachee mermaid in the 1970s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original color photogrpah of Lauren Dodson, 2007: Private collection of Lydia Dodson.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/pdf
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Recap of Weeki Wachee Spring's 1969 Annual Mermaid Reunion
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: "Weeki Wachee Calling" is a 4-page pictoral report of the 9th annual Weeki Wachee Spring's Mermaid Reunion. The first page is written as if it is a telegram and thanks guests for attending as well as informing them of the next reunion in 1970. Over the next 2 pages are 15 photos from the event along with the winners of all of the games and contests that were held during the event. The last page lists the attendance roster. A totall of 130 participated in the event. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original four-page document "Weeki Wachee Calling," 1969: Private collection of Shirley Herdge.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

1969 Weeki Wachee Springs Annual Mermaid Reunion Schedule
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: For many years, Weeki Wachee Springs held an annual reunion with their former mermaids. The 1969 reunion schedule gives an overview of the events held throughout these reunions, including a swimming race across the spring, an underwater show performed by former mermaids, a lunch, costume contest, award ceremony, film screening, and farewells. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original schedule "Time Table -- 1969 Mermaid Annual Reunion", 1969: Private collection of Arlene Brooks.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Document Detailing the Acrobatic Routine Performed by Rita King at a Weeki Wachee Mermaid Reunion
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: This document lists the choreography of the acrobatic routine Rita King (then Rita McKenna) performed at one of the Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Reunions. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular reunion happened on December 1, 1960. Text cut off at the top of the image reads, "Acrobatic Dance Routine for a Mermaid Reunion Show - Age 21." Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original two-page document of choreography, December 1, 1960: Private collection of Rita King.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Performing at a Mermaid Reunion
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: Photograph of Rita King, a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, dancing on a platform as a band plays. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular reunion occured in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Rita King, December 1, 1960: Private collection of Rita King.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Arlene Brooks Practicing Ballet in the Mermaid Villa
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: Three strips of safety film with twelve photographs showing Arlene Brooks in several ballet positions. The photographs are assumed to be taken by Weeki Wachee's resident photographer, Sparky Schumacher. These photos were taken in the 1960s. Practicing moves out of the water is just as important as practicing moves underwater. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
creator: Schumacher, Sparky
source: Original Kodak Safety Film strips, 12 photographs, c. 1960s: Private collection of Arlene Brooks.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

New Basis of Pay for Mermaids Effective August 1, 1956
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: A three-page document given to mermaid Geanie Brooks detailing updated pay rates for Weeki Wachee Mermaids, effective August 1, 1956. The document expresses that the pay increase was made in order to attract better performers and better retain current staff. Mermaids were still going to be paid per show, and still required to take promotional photos and photos with visitors for no additional pay. Under the new rules, mermaids were going to be paid $2.30 per unit. The pay per unit would increase ten cents every month a mermaid performs until it reached the maximum rate of $4.70. Performing a show equaled one unit, and performing extra duties qualified mermaids for exta partial units. There were other ways to make money at Weeki Wachee, including training new mermaids. When a trainee performed their first show, the trainer would recieve $100. If the trainee didn't qualify, the trainer received $25. Trainees were paid $75 a month, plus room and board. After passing training, they would become extras in shows. In this position, they would make $170 a month. When a position of mermaid opened up, the extra who had been an extra the longest would move up. Mermaids received double pay for working on holidays. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern …
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original two-page document "New Basis of Pay for Mermaids Effective August 1, 1956," 1956: Private collection of Shirley Herdge.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Performance Evaluation Sheet
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: Performance evaluation of Geanie Brooks. The text reads: "Geanie 1. Dive 2. Introduction – Not long enough 3. Length of time replacing face mask 4. Back Dolphin – Not centered 5. Surface to Limb – check mark 6. Swim to buoyancy position – okay check mark 7. Buoyancy – check mark 8. Swim to fish feeding – check mark 9. Fish feeding – check mark 10. Swim to limb – check mark 11. Asking in – check mark 12. Eating – check mark 13. Drinking 14. Clearing face mask – check mark 15. Getting off limb – check mark 16. Double hose breathing – hands a. 1st position 2nd position 3rd position 17. Swim to stage 18. Asking in: positions – good, gestures – good, coming over the top – good 19. Bringing hose to deep dive girl 20. Deep dive: swim to hole – check, descent to stick – not profile -, ballet positions – check mark, ballet- could be smoother – get in standing position before going into arab (arabesque), length of deep dive – could be longer 21. Stage ballet 22. Adagio - good 23. Rating of show – good 24. Comments" Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
creator: Young, Genie
source: Original performance evaluation of Geanie Brooks, c. 1960s: Private collection of Shirley Herdge.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Hand-written Note Admitting Becky Young into Weeki Wachee Springs for Interview
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: Hand-written note from mermaid manager Genie Young to Pat, requesting Becky Young's addmitance into Weeki Wachee Springs. The note reads, " Pat, Please admit Becky- She is a try-out and hopefully trainee." Becky was interviewing to become a mermaid. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
creator: Young, Genie
source: Original note written by Genie Young, February 20, 1973: Private Collection of Becky Young.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Newspaper Article Announcing the Employment of Rebecca Young as a Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid
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: A newspaper article published on February 22, 1973, in the Marshalltown Times-Republican announcing Rebecca Young's (then Rebecca Stalhhut) employment as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The article reads, "Becky Stahlhut, a mid-term graduate of Marshalltown High School has been accepted to swim as a mermaid in the world famous Spring of Live Mermaids at Weeki Wachi [sic], Fla. She was a member of the MHS girls swim team, synchronized swim group, intructor and life guard at the YMCA and on the Y swim team. Becky is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ron Stalhhut of St. Petersburg, Fla., formerly of Marshalltown." Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Marshalltown Times-Republican
source: Original Newspaper Article: "Miss Stahlhut To be 'Mermaid'", Marshalltown Times-Republican article, February 22,1973: Private Collection of Becky Young.
publisher: Marshalltown Times-Republican
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Courtesy Admission Ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs
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: A courtesy admission ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs, good for one free viewing of an underwater show. The ticket was given to Rebecca Young (then Rebecca Stalhart) on the day of her pre-employment interview and water test, February 20, 1973. Rebecca was interviewing for a position as mermaid Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original admission ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs, February 20, 1973: Private Collection of Becky Young.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Note from Manager of Weeki Wachee to Becky Young Requesting Interview
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: A typed note on card stock the size of a business card sent to Rebecca Young from Weeki Wachee Springs, requesting her to come by for an interview. Text reads, "Rebecca: Come up as soon as you can for water test and pre-employment interview." The name of the person who sent the note is obscured. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Weeki Wachee Spring State Park
source: Original note from Weeki Wachee Springs to Becky Young, 1973: Private Collection of Becky Young.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida

Stock Letter for Those Interested in Becoming Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids, sent to Becky Young in 1972
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: A typed stock letter sent to Becky Young in 1972 alongside an application for a position as a mermaid. The letter is typed on Weeki Wachee letterhead, which has an image of two performers in a pose underwater as the background. Signed by the Mermaid Supervisor Genie Young, the letter thanks applicants for their interest in the position and gives an overview of the job description and pay schedule. The letter ends asking applicants to send the application and a photograph of themselves back to Genie Young. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Young, Genie
source: Original letter from Genie Young to Becky Young, c.1973: Private Collection of Becky Young.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Illuminating the Darkness: Our Carceral Landscape
subject: Artists--Florida; Imprisonment; Incarceration
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.

Newton "Newt" Perry Filming Underwater
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
subject: Diving
subject: Diving suits
description: A photograph of an underwater filming scene showing Newton "Newt" Perry in a diving helmet at an underwater camera, some time between 1950 and 1970. This photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an underwater filmmaker. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused…
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of underwater filming 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

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

Underwater Diver in Diving Suit
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: Diving
subject: Diving suits
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
subject: Underwater cinematography--Equipment and supplies
description: Photograph of underwater diver in diving suit with a sunken treasure chest, some time between 1950 and1970. The photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an underwater filmmaker. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while p…
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of underwater diver in diving suit, 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 Swimming in Front of an 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: A photograph of a mermaid swimming in front of an underwater filming tank created by Newton "Newt" Perry some time between 1950 and 1970. The photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an underwater filmmaker. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealin…
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

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

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

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

Letter from Val Darling to Newton "Newt" Perry (March 26, 1981)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Sports--Florida
subject: Athletes--United States
subject: Swimming--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: A letter dated March 26, 1981, from the Acting Chairman of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Val Darling, to Newton "Newt" Perry, informing Perry of his selection to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame for his "immense contributions to the world of sports" and inviting him to an induction ceremony on April 17, 1981. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. …
creator: Darling, Val
source: Original 1-page letter from Val Darling to Newton "Newt" Perry, March 26, 1981: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Cypress Garden, Florida
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from Gaye Guinta to Delee Perry (March 31, 1997)
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: A letter dated March 31, 1997, from the director of the Museum of Florida History, Gaye Guita, to Delee Perry. In the letter, printed on Florida Department of State letterhead, Gaye Guita invites Delee Perry to attend the opening reception for an new exhibit about Florida's film heritage at the Museum of Florida History on April 6, 1997. This exhibit featured and was dedicated to the memory of Perry's father, Newton "Newt" Perry, and Guita thanks Perry for her assistance with the exhibit. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s …
creator: Guinta, Gaye
source: Original 1-page letter from Gaye Guinta to Delee Perry, March 31, 1997: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Museum of Florida History, Tallahassee, Florida
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Weeki Wachee Live Mermaids
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
description: A small poster for Weeki Wachee Springs. The background of the poster is black, featuring a cartoon mermaid and three fish. The text reads, "Weeki Wachee Live Mermaids. U.S. 19 and Florida 50." Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
source: Original color poster: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

May Museum Exhibit
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Buildings--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: The original interior of the May Museum of the Tropics. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Schumacher, Elmer "Sparky"
source: Original black and white photograph by Elmer "Sparky" Schumacher: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: C
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: May Museum, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Letter from John May to Joe and Martha Seltzer (February 25, 1962)
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Buildings--Florida
subject: Entomology
description: A letter from John May to Joe and Martha Seltzer, the management of Weeki Wachee Springs. The letter details May's sadness that Seltzer was resigning. May expresses that he hopes to remain in contact and that Seltzer and his wife can leave their things in a back room in the museum temporarily while they look for a new place. The May Natural History Museum of the Tropics is a non-profit organization that displays the world’s largest private insect collection. James May acquired the thousands of insects and arthropods that make up the collection from the late 1800s until his death in 1956. John May continued his father’s legacy, building a museum in Weeki Wachee, Florida, that lasted from 1954-1964, and a museum in Colorado that opened in the 1950s and is still open today. John May also took parts of the collection across the United States and Canada to display at fairs and exhibitions. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: May, John
source: Original letter from John May to Joe and Martha Seltzer, February 25, 1962: May Natural History Museum Colorado Springs, Colorado.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: May Museum, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Oral History of Sister Gail Grimes
subject: Lake Apopka (Fla.)
subject: Apopka (Fla.)
subject: Agriculture--Florida
description: An oral history interview of Sister Gail Grimes, a Roman Catholic sister from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who moved to Apopka, Florida, in January of 1975 to serve the farmworker, low-income and immigrant communities. This interview was conducted by Jared Muha in Apopka on October 10, 2014. Some of the topics covered include moving to Apopka, working for the Hope CommUnity Center, the working conditions of Central Florida farmworkers, Apopka farms in the 1970s, relations between farmworkers and crew leaders, migration to Florida, early types of industry, the development of muck farms, shifting racial dynamics on Apopka farms, a history of racism in Central Florida, finding work after the shutdown of Lake Apopka, and the legacy of black farmworkers in Florida history.
creator: Grimes, Gail
creator: Muha, Jared
source: Grimes, Gail. Interviewed by Jared Muha, October 10, 2015. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
contributor: Cravero, Geoffrey
format: audio/mp3
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Sound
coverage: Farmworker Association of Florida, Apopka, Florida
coverage: Hope CommUnity Center, Apopka, Florida
coverage: Lake Apopka, Florida

Pegasus Magazine, Volume 26, Issue 3, Summer 2020

Oral Memoirs of Robert Hickey
subject: Ocoee (Fla.)
subject: Riots--Florida
subject: Race riots--United States
subject: Apopka (Fla.)
description: An oral history interview of Robert Hickey, a descendant of the Hickey family of Ocoee, Florida. The interview was conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, on February 26, 2019. Some of the topics covered include the family history of the Hickeys, growing up with his grandparents, John and Lucy Hickey, in Apopka, how John Hickey became a prosperous landowner in Ocoee, learning about the Ocoee Massacre and the resettlement of his family from his grandmother, interviewing his grandmother as an adult and conducting his own research about his grandfather’s landholdings, reflections on the Ocoee Massacre, working towards righting the injustice and honoring his grandparents, his closing remarks, the significance of his family dogs in his childhood, and carrying on his grandfather’s legacy.
creator: Hickey, Robert
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
creator: Allen, Josie Lemon
source: Hickey, Robert. Interviewed by Geoffrey Cravero, February 26, 2019, 2019. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
coverage: Apopka, Florida
coverage: Edgewood-Greenwood Cemetery, Apopka, Florida
coverage: Ocoee, Florida
coverage: Hickey Subdivision, Ocoee, Florida

WUCF Artisodes: Universal Language
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Concerts
subject: Music--United States
subject: Music--Juvenile--United States
subject: Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative
subject: Feinstein, Michael
subject: Holmes, Clint
subject: Peter and Gordon
subject: McCartney, Paul
subject: Downes, Lara
subject: Mondavi Center
description: In this edition of WUCF Artisodes, entertainer Michael Feinstein serves as a mentor to new singers through the Songbook Academy. University of Central Florida student Nick Drivas not only got to experience the Academy, but also the experience of a lifetime at Feinstein's recent Orlando concert. The son of an African-American jazz musician and an English opera singer, Clint Holmes talks about his career and music style. British pop duo Peter and Gordon discuss their relationship with Paul McCartney and recording several of his songs. And pianist Lara Downes serves as Artist in Residence at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis, where she mentors the next generation of young musicians as Director of the Mondavi Center National Young Artists Program. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service television station serving the Central Florida television market. The station, operated by the University of Central Florida, is the region's sole PBS member station, reaching an estimated population of 4.6 million people in its aerial viewing area. Arts and culture take center stage in WUCF-TV's weekly local series: "WUCF Artisodes." Each episode airs Thursday at 8 p.m., featuring a local artist or initiative, as well as stories on the arts from across the country. Developed in partnership with 28 PBS stations nationwide, this series is part of WUCF-TV's mission to give everyone a front-row seat to the arts - whether it's in their backyard or on a Broadway stage. This episode originally aired as "WUCF Artisodes #175: The Power and Passion of Music" on November 19, 2015.
creator: WUCF-TV
source: Original 24-minute and 42-second audio/video recording of Universal Language, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, February 25, 2016: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida.
publisher: WUCF-TV
contributor: McCarthy, Adam
contributor: Grimaldi, Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre
contributor: Rivera, Angela
contributor: The Beatles
contributor: Dotson, Bill
contributor: Hirten, Brian
contributor: Kelly, Brian
contributor: Pittman, Buddy
contributor: Hiles, Catherine
contributor: Holmes, Clint
contributor: McGinty, David
contributor: Kendrick, Demetria
contributor: Castranova, Dwayne
contributor: Duemmel, Emily
contributor: Strauss, Eric
contributor: Sinatra, Frank
contributor: Waller, Gordon
contributor: Heston, Grant J.
contributor: Hucome, Jamie
contributor: Seymour, Jane
contributor: Cook, Jennifer
contributor: Wolf, Jennifer
contributor: Brady, John
contributor: Romero, Jose Luis
contributor: Hamel, Joshua
contributor: Salkowski, Keith
contributor: Benjamin, Kristin
contributor: Fuchs, Kyle Mahoney
contributor: Downes, Lara
contributor: Ronstadt, Linda Maria
contributor: Hall-Brown, Maria
contributor: Gorman, Marinda
contributor: Lundstrom, Mark
contributor: Christian, Martin
contributor: Christensen, Matt
contributor: Matier, Megan
contributor: Feinstein, Michael
contributor: Herring, Mike
contributor: Meza, Nancy
contributor: Drivas, Nick
contributor: Hammerstein II, Oscar
contributor: Kelly, Paul
contributor: McCartney, Paul
contributor: Simon, Paul
contributor: Asher, Peter
contributor: Peter and Gordon
contributor: Rodgers, Richard
contributor: Grimaldi, Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand
contributor: Charles, Ray
contributor: Echeverria, Rita
contributor: Moore, Roger
contributor: Retherford, Ryan
contributor: Murray, T.L.
contributor: WUCF-TV
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
coverage: Atlantic City, New Jersey
coverage: Dr. Philips Center, Orlando, Florida
coverage: Las Vegas, Nevada
coverage: Los Angeles, California
coverage: Monte Carlo, Monaco-Ville, Monaco
coverage: Orlando, Florida

WUCF Artisodes #175: The Power and Passion of Music
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Concerts
subject: Music--United States
subject: Music--Juvenile--United States
subject: Ukulele players
subject: Ukulele music
subject: HistoryMiami
subject: Beatles
subject: Opera
subject: Ho, Daniel
description: This edition of WUCF Artisodes highlights a Central Florida singer with a passion for opera, a Grammy-winning ukulele player who loves music for more than beautiful sounds, Student Artist of the Week, Santiago Escobar, and an exhibition on The Beatles at HistoryMiami. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service television station serving the Central Florida television market. The station, operated by the University of Central Florida, is the region's sole PBS member station, reaching an estimated population of 4.6 million people in its aerial viewing area. Arts and culture take center stage in WUCF-TV's weekly local series: "WUCF Artisodes." Each episode airs Thursday at 8 p.m., featuring a local artist or initiative, as well as stories on the arts from across the country. Developed in partnership with 28 PBS stations nationwide, this series is part of WUCF-TV's mission to give everyone a front-row seat to the arts - whether it's in their backyard or on a Broadway stage. This episode originally aired as "WUCF Artisodes #175: The Power and Passion of Music" on November 19, 2015.
creator: WUCF-TV
source: Original 24-minute and 42-second audio/video recording of The Power and Passion of Music, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, November 19, 2015: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida.
publisher: WUCF-TV
contributor: Rivera, Angela
contributor: Zink, Annamarie
contributor: The Beatles
contributor: Dotson, Bill
contributor: Black Keys
contributor: Sprague, Brett
contributor: Hirten, Brian
contributor: Kelly, Brian
contributor: Pittman, Buddy
contributor: Saldo, Carrie
contributor: Hiles, Catherine
contributor: Koepke, Cherity
contributor: Ho, Daniel
contributor: McGinty, David
contributor: Kendrick, Demetria
contributor: Castranova, Dwayne
contributor: Duemmel, Emily
contributor: Strauss, Eric
contributor: Harrison, George
contributor: Bellas, Giselle
contributor: Heston, Grant J.
contributor: Hucome, Jamie
contributor: Cook, Jennifer
contributor: Wolf, Jennifer
contributor: Nicholson, Jeremy
contributor: Brady, John
contributor: Lennon, John
contributor: Zamanillo, Jorge
contributor: Hamel, Joshua
contributor: Valez, Kandra
contributor: Salkowski, Keith
contributor: Benjamin, Kristin
contributor: Fuchs, Kyle Mahoney
contributor: Bobby, Leah
contributor: Laitman, Lori
contributor: Hall-Brown, Maria
contributor: Greenwald, Mark
contributor: Lundstrom, Mark
contributor: Matier, Megan
contributor: Herring, Mike
contributor: Meza, Nancy
contributor: Kelly, Paul
contributor: McCartney, Paul
contributor: Kastan, Peter
contributor: Anderson, Polly
contributor: Charles, Ray
contributor: Starkey, Richard
contributor: Wagner, Richard
contributor: Echeverria, Rita
contributor: Borgman, Ryan
contributor: Retherford, Ryan
contributor: Escobar, Santiago
contributor: Jimenez, Serena
contributor: Murray, T.L.
contributor: WUCF-TV
contributor: Vidal, Yoandy
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
coverage: Denver, Colorado
coverage: Dr. Phillips High School Visual and Performing Arts Magnet, Orlando, Florida
coverage: Eau Gallie High School, Melbourne, Florida
coverage: Grammy Museum, Los Angeles, California
coverage: HistoryMiami, Miami, Florida

WUCF Artisodes: Music at Large
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Concerts
subject: Music--United States
subject: Music--Juvenile--United States
subject: Folk music--Florida
subject: Youth orchestras
subject: Alliance for Arts Education (U.S.)
subject: Barbershops
subject: Concert halls
description: In this edition of WUCF Artisodes, a Central Florida couple open their home for a concert, bringing together folk musicians and fans, an upstate New York barbershop doubles as a hair salon by day and a music lounge by night, Student Artist of the Week, Jaden Christopher-Muench, is highlighted, the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra inspire future musicians, and the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance pairs two of the city's arts organization in a unique working relationship. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service television station serving the Central Florida television market. The station, operated by the University of Central Florida, is the region's sole PBS member station, reaching an estimated population of 4.6 million people in its aerial viewing area. Arts and culture take center stage in WUCF-TV's weekly local series: "WUCF Artisodes." Each episode airs Thursday at 8 p.m., featuring a local artist or initiative, as well as stories on the arts from across the country. Developed in partnership with 28 PBS stations nationwide, this series is part of WUCF-TV's mission to give everyone a front-row seat to the arts - whether it's in their backyard or on a Broadway stage. This episode originally aired as "WUCF Artisodes: Music at Large" on February 11, 2016.
creator: WUCF-TV
source: Original 24-minute and 42-second audio/video recording of Music at Large, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, February 11, 2016: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida.
publisher: WUCF-TV
contributor: Pittman, Amber
contributor: Rivera, Angela
contributor: Dotson, Bill
contributor: Hirten, Brian
contributor: Kelly, Brian
contributor: Pittman, Buddy
contributor: Hiles, Catherine
contributor: Brand, Connie
contributor: McGinty, David
contributor: Dayton Ballet
contributor: Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
contributor: Kendrick, Demetria
contributor: Duemmel, Emily
contributor: Strauss, Eric
contributor: Rodriguez, Frank
contributor: Heston, Grant J.
contributor: Christopher-Muench, Jaden
contributor: Hucome, Jamie
contributor: Wilson, Jason
contributor: Cook, Jennifer
contributor: Wolf, Jennifer
contributor: Calandra, Jessica
contributor: Brady, John
contributor: Kurokawa, John
contributor: Papp, John
contributor: Hamel, Joshua
contributor: Burke, Karen Russo
contributor: Salkowski, Keith
contributor: Boyd, Kenneth
contributor: Benjamin, Kristin
contributor: Warner, Kurt
contributor: Mahoney Fuchs, Kyle
contributor: Hetrick, Marcia
contributor: Lundstrom, Mark
contributor: Bischof, Melanie
contributor: Matier, Megan
contributor: Bounagura, Michael John
contributor: Herring, Mike
contributor: Jurgensen, Mike
contributor: Meza, Nancy
contributor: Kelly, Paul
contributor: Deblasio, Rayne
contributor: Nordstrom, Richard
contributor: Wonderling, Richard
contributor: Echeverria, Rita
contributor: Brand, Roy
contributor: Retherford, Ryan
contributor: Nagys, Sigy
contributor: Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra
contributor: Gentry, Tiffany
contributor: Murray, T.L.
contributor: Grocki, Tony
contributor: Macaluso, Tony
contributor: Wiedrich, William
contributor: WUCF-TV
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
coverage: Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, Dayton, Ohio
coverage: Michael John Hairstyling Barber Lounge, Albany, New York
coverage: Nashville, Tennessee
coverage: Orlando, Florida
coverage: Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, Tampa, Florida
coverage: University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
coverage: University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

From Florida's Finest Groves Comes Bluebird Citrus Products
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: A promotional pamphlet for Bluebird Citrus Products containing information on the company's history, products and quality. The pamphlet features images of Bluebird canned juices and frozen concentrate. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: Original color promotional pamphlet: Private Collection of Judith LaRue
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Bluebird News, Vol. 2, No. 2, April 1983
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: An issue of Bluebird News, which was an employee-produced newsletter for Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc. The issue covered April of 1983, featuring stories on Bluebird employees, an article on the "Broker of the Year" Award, and freeze tunnels for juice concentrate. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: Original 4-page black and white newsletter: Private Collection of Judith LaRue
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Bluebird News, Vol. 1, No. 2, May 1982
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: An issue of Bluebird News, which was an employee-produced newsletter for Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc. The issue covered May of 1982, featuring stories on Bluebird employees and a new 3-year contract with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (R. W. D. S. U.). Other staples of the newsletter are present, like the "Shirley Says..." column and recipes using the company's juices. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: Original 4-page black and white newsletter: Private Collection of Judith LaRue
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Bluebird News, Vol. 1, No. 1, February-March, 1982
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: An issue of Bluebird News, which was an employee-produced newsletter for Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc. The inaugural issue covered February and March of 1982, featuring stories on the crop freeze of the 1981-82 season, telephone operator Kriss Woollens, the "Shirley Says..." column, and profiles of long-term employees. It also includes a recipe for orange bread. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: Original 4-page black and white newsletter: Private Collection of Judith LaRue
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Bluebird Halves Yellow Freestone Peaches in Heavy Syrup
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: A label for Bluebird Halves Yellow Freestone Peaches in Heavy Syrup. The labels include an illustration featuring the fruit sections in the container. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: Original color label: Private Collection of Judith LaRue
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Bluebird Florida Grapefruit Sections
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: A label for Bluebird Grapefruit Sections. The labels include an illustration featuring the fruit sections in the container. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: Original color label: Private Collection of Judith LaRue
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Bluebird Citrus
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: A black oval patch with "Bluebird Citrus" embroidered in yellow. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: Original color patch
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Bluebird Florida Citrus Juices Matchbook
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: A matchbook from Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc. in Orlando, Florida. The logo of Bluebird Florida Citrus Juices appears on both the front and back of the book. It is noted that the juice is packed under continuous inspection of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: Original color matchbook: Private Collection of Judith LaRue
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Arabic Bluebird Labels
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: A set of labels for Bluebird Citrus Products in Arabic. The labels include an illustration featuring the fruit juice in the container, including apple, grapefruit, orange, and pineapple. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: 6 original color labels: Private Collection of Judith LaRue
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: application/pdf
language: ara
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Eleventh Annual Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame Awards Banquet
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: A program for Eleventh Annual Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame Awards Banquet on November 12, 1987. The banquet honored Mid-Florida businesses and their election into the Hall of Fame. It was sponsored by the Junior Achievement of Central Florida and The Orlando Sentinel. The program includes a background on the Junior Achievement program and the Mid-Florida Business Hall of Fame as well as short biographies on Manuel A. "Manny" Garcia, III, Philip Caruso, and W.A. "Bill" McCree, Jr. It also contains an insert with the patron tables and the menu. One of the inductees, Philip Caruso, was the founder of Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
creator: Junior Achievement of Central Florida
source: Original 8-page color program and 2-page insert: Private Collection of Judith LaRue.
publisher: Junior Achievement of Central Florida
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Orlando, Florida

Happy Gays Are Here Again, May 13 & 14, 2017
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Happy Gays Are Here Again", on May 13 &amp
description: 14, 2017, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director James A. Rode, the Associate Artistic Director Harold Wright, the Co-Head Choreographers Talia Raymond and Dwight Shropshire, Choreographer Richard Lamberty, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the Principle ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of the Orlando Gay Chorus. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 32-page colored program, 2-page insert Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

Glad Tidings, December 10 & 11, 2016
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Glad Tidings", on December 10 &amp
description: 11, 2016, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director James A. Rode, the Associate Artistic Director Harold Wright, the Co-Head Choreographers Talia Raymond and Dwight Shropshire, Choreographer Richard Lamberty, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the Principle ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of the Orlando Gay Chorus. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 32-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

Silver Bells, December 12 & 13, 2015
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Silver Bells", on December 12 &amp
description: 13, 2015, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director James A. Rode, the Associate Artistic Director Harold Wright, the Co-Head Choreographers Alecia Boon and Dwight Shropshire, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the Principle ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses and the Orlando Gay Chorus. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 32-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

We Are Family, May 14 & 15, 2016
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "We Are Family", on May 14 &amp
description: 15, 2016, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director James A. Rode, the Associate Artistic Director Harold Wright, the Co-Head Choreographers Alecia Boon and Dwight Shropshire, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the Principle ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses and the Orlando Gay Chorus. The program has a date and location discrepancy. The correct dates of the concert were May 14 &amp
description: 15, 2016. The location, although not mentioned on the program, is The Plaza Theater. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 32-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

Naughty and Nice, December 13 & 14, 2014
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Naughty and Nice", on December 13 &amp
description: 14, 2014, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Staff Harold Wright, Clay Price, Sue Glerum, Alecia Bloon, April Trimble and Dwight Shropshire, the Principle ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses and the Orlando Gay Chorus. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 28-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

A Lotta Night Music: Cabaret, June 28, 2014
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "A Lotta Night Music: Cabaret", on June 28, 2014, at the Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park in Orlando, Florida. The program includes an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of the production staff and chorus members, and a season announcement. It also includes an insert with a subscription fill-in and a sing-along page. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 4-page colored program, 2-page insert, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park, Orlando, Florida

Pillow Talk, May 17 & 18, 2014
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Pillow Talk", on May 17 &amp
description: 18, 2014, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Jim Brown, the Assistant Artistic Director Jedediah C. Daiger, the Principle Choreographer Bob Smith-Trent, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the Principle ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses and the Orlando Gay Chorus. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 28-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

Love Is... Classic, February 15, 2014
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Love Is... Classic", on February 15, 2014, at the First United Church of Christ in Orlando, Florida. The program includes an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of the production staff and chorus members, and a season announcement. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 4-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Crimson Hall, First United Church of Chris, Orlando, Florida

Eat, Drink & Be Merry, December 14 &15, 2013
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Eat, Drink &amp
description: Be Merry", on December 14 &amp
description: 15, 2013, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Jim Brown, the Assistant Artistic Director Jedediah C. Daiger, the Principle Choreographer Bob Smith-Trent, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the Principle ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses and the Orlando Gay Chorus. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 28-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

A Lotta Night Music, June 29, 2013
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "A Lotta Night Music", on June 29, 2013, at the Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park in Orlando, Florida. The program includes an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of the production staff and chorus members, and a season announcement. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 4-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park, Orlando, Florida

We're Ready For Our Close-Up, May 18 &19, 2013
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "We're Ready For Our Close-Up", on May 18 &amp
description: 19, 2013, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Jim Brown, the Assistant Artistic Director Jedediah C. Daiger, the Principle Choreographer Bob Smith-Trent, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the Principle ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses and the Orlando Gay Chorus. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 28-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

Reasons For the Season, December 15 & 16, 2012
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Reasons For the Season", on December 15 &amp
description: 16, 2012, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Jim Brown, the Assistant Artistic Director Jedediah C. Daiger, the Choreographer Bob Smith-Trent, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses and the Orlando Gay Chorus. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 24-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

A Lotta Night Music, June 29, 2012
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "A Lotta Night Music", on June 29, 2012, at the Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park in Orlando, Florida. The program includes an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of the production staff and chorus members, and a season announcement. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 4-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Orlando Museum of Art in Loch Haven Park, Orlando, Florida

Changing Hearts, May 19 & 20, 2012
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Changing Hearts", on May 19 &amp
description: 20, 2012, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Jim Brown, the Assistant Artistic Director Jedediah C. Daiger, the Choreographer Bob Smith-Trent, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 24-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

There's Something About Merry, December 10 & 11, 2011
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "There's Something About Merry", on December 10 &amp
description: 11, 2011, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Jim Brown, the Assistant Artistic Director Jedediah C. Daiger, the Choreographer Bob Smith-Trent, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. It also features an obituary for Kenny King. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 24-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

Rainbows Over Broadway, May 14 & 15, 2011
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Rainbows Over Broadway", on May 14 &amp
description: 15, 2011, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Jim Brown, the Assistant Artistic Director Jedediah C. Daiger, the Choreographer Bob Smith-Trent, Principle Accompanist Sue Glerum, the ASL interpreter Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 24-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

And the Envelope, Please, May 22 & 23, 2010
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "And the Envelope, Please", on May 22 &amp
description: 23, 2010, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Jim Brown, the Assistant Artistic Director Jedediah C. Daiger, the Guest Choreographer Bob Smith-Trent, Accompanist Sue Glerum, the ASL interpreters Eliezer Sierra and Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 20-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

Oz & Beyond: The Music of Harold Arlen, June 20 & 21, 2009
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Oz &amp
description: Beyond: The Music of Harold Arlen", on June 20 &amp
description: 21, 2009, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Jim Brown, the Assistant Artistic Director Jedediah C. Daiger, the Choreographer Claudia Asbury, Accompanist Sue Glerum, the ASL interpreters Eliezer Sierra and Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 32-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

From Crayons to Perfume, June 23, 2007
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "From Crayons to Perfume", on June 23, 2007, at the Plaza Theater in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Mark W. Hardin, the Accompanist Absalón Figueroa, the ASL interpreters Eliezer Sierra and Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 40-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: The Plaza Theater, Orlando, Florida

Bringing Down the House, March 31 & April 1, 2007
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Bringing Down the House", on March 31 &amp
description: April 1, 2007, at the CityArts Factory in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Mark W. Hardin, the Arranger in Residence James F. Konkel, the Accompanist Absalón Figueroa, the ASL interpreters Eliezer Sierra, Debbie Drobney, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 44-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: CityArts Factory, Orlando, Florida

A Holiday Special, December 16 & 17, 2006
subject: Winter Park (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "A Holiday Special", on June 24 &amp
description: 25, 2006, at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, the Assistant Artistic Director James F. Konkel, the Accompanist Absalón Figueroa, the ASL interpreters Brooke Turner, Tamara Panasenko, Eli Sierra, Brian Truitt, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 44-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Annie Russell Theater, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida

Glitter on the Highway, June 24 & 25, 2006
subject: Winter Park (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Glitter on the Highway", on June 24 &amp
description: 25, 2006, at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Dr. James Bass, the Assistant Artistic Director Michael McKee, the Accompanist Dr. Suzannne Hatcher, the ASL interpreters Elezier Sierra and Amy Vezino, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 36-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Annie Russell Theater, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida

Don't Touch That Dial, April 8 & 9, 2006
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Don't Touch That Dial", on April 8 &amp
description: 9, 2006, at the Margeson Theater at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Theater in Loch Haven Park in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, the Assistant Artistic Director Michael McKee, the Accompanist Dr. Suzanne Hatcher, and the ASL interpreters Kevin Harrington, Christy Reynolds, and Elizer Sierra, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. It also includes a 1-page pledge. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 32-page program, and a 1-page pledge card, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Margeson Theater at the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Theater, Loch Haven Park, Orlando, Florida

A Credit Card Christmas, December 10 & 11, 2005
subject: Winter Park (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "A Credit Card Christmas", on December 10 &amp
description: 11, 2005, at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Dr. James Bass, the Assistant Artistic Director Michael McKee, the Accompanist Dr. Suzannne Hatcher, and the ASL interpreters Elezier Sierra, Brian Singleton and Brian Truitt, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. It also features a 2-page CD/subscription flyer. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 36-page colored program, and a 2-page flyer, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Annie Russell Theater, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida

Lights, Camera, Action!, April 2 & 3, 2005
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Lights, Camera, Action!", on April 2 &amp
description: 3, 2005, at the Margeson Theater at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Theater in Loch Haven Park in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, the Accompanist Genoa Minga, and the ASL interpreters Kelly Seddon and Brian Singleton, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 32-page program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Margeson Theater at the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Theater, Loch Haven Park, Orlando, Florida

Made in America, June 26 & 27, 2004
subject: Winter Park (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Made in America", on June 26 &amp
description: 27, 2004, at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, the Accompanist Genoa Minga, and the ASL interpreters Patricia Clifton and Lee Moody, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 28-page program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Annie Russell Theater, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida

A Midnight Clear, December 13 & 14, 2003
subject: Winter Park (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "A Midnight Clear", on December 13 &amp
description: 14, 2003, at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, the Accompanist Genoa Minga, and the ASL interpreters Patricia Clifton, Lee Moody and Paul Rutherford, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. It also features biographies of the special guests: Malikah Burroughs, Chuck Davis
description: Lisa Ferrigno, and Darcel Stevens. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 24-page colored program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Annie Russell Theater, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida

Odd Numbers, June 14 & 15, 2003
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Odd Numbers", on June 14 &amp
description: 15, 2003, at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, the Accompanist Genoa Minga, and the ASL interpreters Patricia Clifton and Paul Rutherford, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. It also features biographies of the special guests: Malikah Burroughs, Chuck Davis
description: Lisa Ferrigno, and Darcel Stevens. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 24-page program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando, Florida

Oliver Button is a Sissy, March 23, 2003
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Oliver Button is a Sissy", on March 23, 2003, at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, the Accompanist Genoa Minga, the Narrator Peg O'Keef, and the main actor Joe Erwin. Also included is an outline of the show's itinerary. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 4-page program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando, Florida

Sissies & Stars, March 22 & 23, 2003
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Sissies &amp
description: Stars", on March 22 &amp
description: 23, 2003, at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, the Accompanist Genoa Minga, and the ASL interpreters Patricia Clifton and Paul Rutherford, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. It also features biographies of the special guests: Peg O'Keef, John Paul Tier, and Tony Tooley. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 18-page program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando, Florida

Our Holidays Together, December 14 & 15, 2002
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Our Holidays Together", on December 14 &amp
description: 15, 2002, at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, and the Accompanist Genoa Minga, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 20-page program, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando, Florida

Carry a Torch, June 22 & 23, 2002
subject: Winter Park (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "Carry a Torch", on June 22 &amp
description: 23, 2002, at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas, the Soloist Kathy Slage, and the Accompanist Genoa Minga, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. It also includes one ticket stub. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 24-page program, and 1 ticket stub, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Annie Russell Theater, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida

A Marvelous Party, March 23 & 24, 2002
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "A Marvelous Party", on March 23 &amp
description: 24, 2002, at the Darden Theater at the Orlando Science Center in Orlando, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas and the Accompanists Genoa Minga and Tim Hanes, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. It also includes one ticket stub. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 24-page program, and 1 ticket stub, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Darden Theater at The Orlando Science Center, Orlando, Florida

Twas the Night, December 15 &16, 2001
subject: Winter Park (Fla.)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Dance--United States
subject: Gay culture--United States
description: A program for the Orlando Gay Chorus' concert, "2001: A Choral Odyssey", on December 15 &amp
description: 16, 2001, at the Annie Russell Theater at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The program includes short biographies on the Artistic Director Terry Thomas and the Accompanists Genoa Minga and Tim Hanes, program notes, an outline of the show's itinerary, a list of chorus members and contributors, and a history of GALA Choruses. It also includes three ticket stubs. The Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and humanitarian organization, and part of the Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Founded on Valentines Day 1990, OGC is not only one of the largest mixed gay choirs in the United States at over 100 members, but they also boast four smaller ensembles that perform annual concerts, cabarets, and a host of community events, such as Come Out With Pride, Orlando Museum of Art’s Festival of Trees, and World AIDS Day memorial services. In 2017, the group performed at over 105 events, including 15 performances for the first anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Members come from all walks of life and all sexual and gender orientations, including straight allies. OGC lives by the motto “Singing the World to a Better Place” and strives to use music to change attitudes and build a stronger community.
creator: Orlando Gay Chorus
source: Original 20-page program, and 3 ticket stubs, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
publisher: Orlando Gay Chorus
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Annie Russell Theater, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida