An oral history of Paul Mikler (1916-2000)), a history teacher and coach from Oviedo, Florida. Mikler was born on July 8, 1916, and was raised in Slavia, an unincorporated community that was once part of Oviedo. He taught at Oviedo High School (OHS), where he was seminal in shaping the school's baseball program, from 1946 to 1970. Mikler passed away on April 12, 2000. Interview topics include Slovak immigrants in Oviedo, the importance of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, the celery industry, Judge R. W. Ware's praise of Oviedo, driving a Ford Model T automobile, Florida State Road 426 (SR 426), visiting Orlando, grocery and clothes shopping, the increase of drug use of youths over the years, and the future of the city, the state, and the country.
Mikler, Paul. Museum of Seminole County History, Oviedo, Florida.
St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Oviedo, Florida
Slemons Department Store, Orlando, Florida
An oral history interview of Ray Sturm (b. 1963), who served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1989. Sturm was born in Winter Park, Florida, on October 22, 1963. He enlisted in the Army in 1983 and completed his basic training and advanced training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. Sturm then served at Herzo Base in Herzogenaurach, Germany. He served in the 210th Field Artillery Brigade and 34th Infantry Division, and achieved the rank of Sergeant. This interview was conducted by Katie Hollingsworth in Orlando, Florida, on November 13, 2014. Interview topics include basic training and advanced training at Fort Jackson, Herzo Base, his rank as Sergeant, Fort Stewart, the 24th Infantry Division, comradery, Sturm's interest in music, and his post-military life.
Sturm, Ray. Interviewed by Katie Hollingsworth, November 13, 2014. Audio/video record available. Item DP0016004, UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
RICHES of Central Florida
Herzo Base, Herzogenaurach, Hesse, Germany
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
An oral history interview of Michael Partain (b. 1968), who served in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War Era. Partain was born at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina on January 30, 1968. He enlisted in the Navy on January 2, 1988, but was disqualified due to illness on February 20. During his short service, Partain trained at Naval Training Center Orlando (NTC Orlando). This oral history interview was conducted by Amanda Hill on March 6, 2014. Interview topics include Partain's background, enlistment, basic training, advanced training at the Nuclear Propulsion School, the effect of the Navy's presence in Central Florida on the region, NTC Orlando, training, his illness and subsequent qualification, and life after leaving the Navy.
Partain, Michael. Interviewed by Amanda Hill, March 6, 2014. Audio/video record available. Item DP0014905, UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Recruit Training Center Orlando, Naval Training Center Orlando, Orlando, Florida
An oral history interview of Chad Etchison (b. 1974), who joined the U.S. Navy in December of 1992 and served during Operation Active Endeavor and the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Ethicson was born in Anderson, Indiana, on December 12, 1974. He attended boot camp at Naval Training Center Orlando (NTC Orlando) and later served on several Navy frigates. He also served President Bill Clinton (b. 1946) as part of the White House Communication Agency and attended the Fleet Combat Training Center in Dam Neck, Virginia. In Orlando, Etchison served at the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command Operations Force Center and the Navy Operations Support Center. Ethicson achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer (CPO) and earned a Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, five Navy Achievement Medals, and a Presidential Service Badge. This interview was conducted by Chad Eric Joyner on March 15, 2014, three months before Etchison left the Navy. Interview topics include enlistment, boot camp, NTC Orlando, the Grinder, Ethcison's naval career after Orlando, and how the Orlando area has changed over time.
Ethcison, Chad. Interviewed by Chad Eric Joyner, March 15, 2014. Audio record available. Item DP0014895, UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Recruit Training Center Orlando, Orlando, Florida
Naval Training Center Orlando, Orlando, Florida
Naval Training Center Great Lakes, Great Lakes, Illinois
Naval Training Center San Diego, San Diego, California
Naval Station Mayport, Jacksonville, Florida
Navy Operations Support Center, Orlando, Florida
An oral history interview of Curt Sawyer (b. 1954), who served in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1994. Sawyer was born in San Francisco, California, on May 1, 1965, but grew up in Tennessee. While living in Fort Myers, Florida, in 1986, Sawyer joined the Army. During his service, he participated in training exercises with the French Foreign Legion in Corsica and served at Guard Post Ouellette in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North Korea and South Korea. Sawyer achieved the rank of First Lieutenant and received the Expert Infantryman Badge. He was also a graduate of the Army Ranger School, Army Airborne School, Army Air Assault School, and Army Rappelling School. This interview was conducted by Robin Dunn at the University of Central Florida (UCF) on November 13, 2014. Interview topics include attending the United States Military Academy at West Point, Airborne School and Air Assault School, serving in South Korea, the 1st Ranger Regiment, meeting his wife, his post-Army life, and training with the French Foreign Legion.
Sawyer, Curt. Interviewed by Robin Dunn, November 13, 2014. Audio/video record available. Item DP0016000, UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
United States Military Academy at West Point, West Point, New York
Guard Post Ouellete, Demilitarized Zone, South Korea
Eglin Air Force Base, Okaloosa County, Florida
An oral history interview of William Reuter (b. 1961), who served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 until 2012. Reuter was born in Camden, New Jersey on April 21, 1961. He served in Libya during the Action in the Gulf of Sidra and in the fjords of Norway. Reuter achieved the rank of Captain, earned a Legion of Merit, and served as Executive Officer (XO) at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) at Naval Training Center (NTC) Orlando. This oral history interview was conducted by Daniel Bradfield on March 10, 2014. Interview topics include Reuter's experiences as XO at NAWCTSD, the simulation industry, Recruit Training Center (RTC) Orlando, the Lone Sailor Memorial Project, and applying to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Reuter, William. Interviewed by Daniel Bradfield, March 10, 2014. UCF Community Veterans History Project, DP0014907. Audio/video record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Naval Support Activity, Orlando, Florida
An oral history interview of Richard Tobias Sloane (b. 1934), who served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1969, during the Vietnam War. Sloane was born in Queens, New York City, New York, on March 4, 1934. In August of 1964, he was commissioned into the Navy. Sloane served in Vietnam from September of 1967 to September of 1968. He also served on the USS Rockbridge, USS Santa Barbara in River Section 35, the USS Garcia, the USS Wisconsin, and the USS Blue Jacket. Sloane achieved the rank of Captain and earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star with V Device, Legion of Merit, Combat Action Award, and Navy E Ribbon. This oral history interview was conducted by Carli Van Zandt on March 5, 2014. Interview topics include Sloane's background, joining the Navy, the USS Rockbridge, Officer Candidate School (OCS), the Vietnam War, Naval Training Center (NTC) Orlando, the Grinder, the USS Blue Jacket, airbases in Central Florida, the simulation industry, and the Lone Sailor Memorial Project.
Sloane, Richard T.. Interviewed by Carli Van Zandt, March 5, 2014. Audio/video record available. Item DP0014912, UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island
An oral history interview of Philip Rogers (b. 1953), who served in the U.S. Navy from 1978 to 1998. Rogers was born in the Bronx borough of New York City, New York, in 1953. He attended Lehman College for undergraduate school and Indiana University for graduate school. In May of 1978, Rogers was commissioned as an officer and assigned to teach engineering at the Nuclear Power School at Naval Training Center Orlando (NTC Orlando). After four and a half years, he became an Engineering Duty Office in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This interview was conducted by Killian Hiltz in Orlando on November 14, 2014. Interview topics include Rogers' background, becoming a commissioned officer, teaching at the Nuclear Power School at NTC Orlando, serving as an Engineering Duty Officer in Pearl Harbor, serving in the Naval Reserves, advanced training, the USS Nathan Hale, the Cold War, the University of Central Florida (UCF), his wife and family, and the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001.
Rogers, Philip. Interviewed by Killian Hiltz, November 14, 2014. Audio/video record available. Item DP0016191, UCF Community Veterans History Project, Naval Training Center Orlando, Orlando, Florida.
Oral History of Gordon Pierce and Trina Cothrin
An oral history interview of Gordon Pierce (b. 1930) and Trina Cothrin, who both served in the U.S. Navy. Pierce was born in Buffalo, New York, on September 16, 1930. He enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and served until September of 1977, during the Cold War era and the Vietnam War. During his service, Pierce was station on the USS Wasp, the USS Coral Sea, the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the USS John F. Kennedy. He achieved the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer and earned a Navy Commendation Medal and a Navy Achievement Medal. Pierce's daughter, Trina Cothrin (b. 1958), was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 13, 1958. Cothrin enlisted in the Navy in October of 1979 and served until October of 1982, when her son was born. She was then in the U.S. Naval Reserve until 1993, when she joined the U.S. Army. She left the military in 2009, after serving in Operation Enduring Freedom during the War in Afghanistan. Throughout her service, Cothrin was stationed at Naval Air Station Miramar (NAS Miramar) in California, Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jacksonville), U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) in Qatar, and MacDill Air Force Base (MacDill AFB) in Tampa. She ultimately achieved the rank of Chief Yeoman. This oral history interview was conducted by Roger Jordan Sims on March 12, 2014. Interview topics include enlistment, boot camp, Naval Training Center Orlando (NTC Orlando), the Vietnam War, Operation Enduring Freedom and the War in Afghanistan, life after leaving the Navy, how Central Florida has changed over time, the legacy of NTC Orlando, and the Lone Sailor Memorial Project.
Pierce, Gordon. Interviewed by Roger Jordan Sims, March 12, 2014. UCF Community Veterans History Project, DP0014915. Audio/video record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Cothrin, Trina. Interviewed by Roger Jordan Sims. UCF Community Veterans History Project, DP0014914. March 12, 2014. Audio/video record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Naval Station Great Lakes, Great Lakes, Illinois
Naval Air Station Sanford, Sanford, Florida
Naval Air Station Key West, Key West, Florida
Naval Air Station Miramar, Miramar, San Diego, California
An oral history interview of Robert Matthews (b. 1957), who served in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War era. Matthews was born in Lake Wales, Florida, on May 23, 1957. He enlisted in the Navy in February of 1977 and was discharged in July of 1984. During his service, Matthews was stationed at Recruit Training Center Orlando (RTC Orlando), Naval Air Station Memphis (NAS Memphis), and Naval Air Maintenance Training Detachment (NAMTRADET) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jacksonville). He also served in Attack Squadron 174 (VA-174) and VA-87. Matthews was a Master Training Specialist and received an Expeditionary Medal. This interview was conducted by Mark Miller on March 28, 2014. Interview topics include Matthews' background, enlistment, training at RTC Orlando, the USS Blue Jacket, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC), Matthews' naval career, NAWCTSD, and the Lone Sailor Memorial Project.
Matthews, Robert. Interviewed by Mark Miller, March 28, 2014. Audio/video record available. Item DP0014900, UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Recruit Training Center, Naval Training Center Orlando, Orlando, Florida
Naval Air Station Memphis, Millington, Tennessee
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Naval Training Center Orlando, Orlando, Florida
Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Duvall County, Florida
Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida
An oral history interview of Alan R. Holtz, who served in the U.S. Navy, during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm. Born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, New York, Holtz enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He later joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and helped mobilize Reservists during the Persian Gulf War in 1991. This oral history interview was conducted by Jared Grossi on November 13, 2014. Interview topics include enlistment, boot camp, the USS Hancock, the Vietnam War, the Naval Reserves, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm.
Holtz, Alan R.. Interviewed by Jared Grossi, November 13, 2014. Audio/video record available. Item DP0016189, UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
An oral history interview of Marc Ennis, who joined the U.S. Navy in December of 1990 and attended Recruit Training Center Orlando (RTC Orlando) for boot camp at age 17. After boot camp, he attended Electronic Warfare training at Corry Station Naval Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida, and reported to his first ship, USS Gunston Hall, at Little Creek, Virginia. After three and a half years, Ennis trained at aircrew school in Pensacola and then Millington, Tennessee, to become an Aviation Warfare Sensor Operator and rescue swimmer for Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk helicopters. He also joined the fleet replacement squadron aircrew for Helicopter Squadron 1 in Jacksonville, and then reported to his first fleet squadron, Helicopter Squadron 5 (HS-5), also in Jacksonville. After completing his service for HS-5, Ennis reported to the helicopter wing as an instructor. After three years instructing, he transferred to Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Yamato and Ayase, Japan, for sea duty with Helicopter Squadron 14. This interview was conducted by Kendra Hazen and includes topics such as Ennis' background and family, RTC Orlando, his Navy life after training, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), and the simulation industry in Central Florida.
Ennis, Marc. Interviewed by Kendra Hazen, February 22, 2014. Audio/video record available. Item DP0014894, UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Recruit Training Center, Orlando, Florida
Corry Station Naval Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Florida
Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Yamato-Ayase, Japan
The Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Boulevard in Lake Wales, Florida. The Pinewood Estate is a mansion that was constructed for Charles Austin Buck, the vice president of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. In 1929, William Lyman Phillips, an architect at Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr.'s (1822-1903) firm, began designing the gardens. In 1930, Charles Wait began designing the house in the Mediterranean style of architecture. Originally called "El Retiro," which means "The Retreat" in Spanish, the estate was acquired by Nellie Lee Holt Bok , the daughter of Bok Tower Gardens founder Edward W. Bok (1863-1930), and renamed the "Pinewood Estate" in 1970.These images were taken by Russell Moore in 2010.
Original color digital images by Russell Moore, March 7, 2010: Private Collection of Russell Moore.
Pinewood Estate, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida
First Lady Grace Coolidge Dedication Marker at Bok Tower Gardens
The dedication marker for a palm tree planted by First Lady Grace Coolidge (1879-1957), the wife of President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), on February 1, 1929, at Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Boulevard in Lake Wales, Florida. These images were taken by Russell Moore in 2010. Edward Bok (1863-1930) retired to the town of Lake Wales, located south of Orlando. Bok set out a plan to establish a natural garden and bird sanctuary where people to visit to quietly enjoy nature. He engaged Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. (1870-1957) to design the grounds and asked architect Milton Bennett Medary (1874-1929) to design and build a carillon tower. Lee Lawrie (1877-1963), a noted sculptor from New York, designed the elaborate marble sculpture that adorns the tower. Work was completed in 1928 and on February 1, 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Sanctuary. Bok died less than a year later in 1930 and was buried at the foot of the tower. The tower and the carillon housed inside is Bok Tower Gardens' most distinctive feature. The carillon consists of 60 bells, ranging in size from 16 pounds to just under 12 tons. The bells are played like an organ with the keys connected to the clappers of each bell. Bok Tower has had only three regular carillonneurs in its more than 70 years. The Sanctuary's first carillonneur was Anton Brees, serving as the only carillonneur from 1928 until 1967. Milford Myhre has been the resident carillonneur since 1968. William De Turk has been the assistant carillonneur since 1993. De Turk is also the librarian of the Anton Brees Carillon Library, which is reportedly the largest and most comprehensive carillon library in the world.
Original color digital image by Russell Moore, March 7, 2010: Private Collection of Russell Moore.
President Calvin Coolidge Dedication Marker at Bok Tower Gardens
The dedication marker for a palm tree planted by President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) on February 1, 1929, at Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Boulevard in Lake Wales, Florida. These images were taken by Russell Moore in 2010. Edward Bok (1863-1930) retired to the town of Lake Wales, located south of Orlando. Bok set out a plan to establish a natural garden and bird sanctuary where people to visit to quietly enjoy nature. He engaged Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. (1870-1957) to design the grounds and asked architect Milton Bennett Medary (1874-1929) to design and build a carillon tower. Lee Lawrie (1877-1963), a noted sculptor from New York, designed the elaborate marble sculpture that adorns the tower. Work was completed in 1928 and on February 1, 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Sanctuary. Bok died less than a year later in 1930 and was buried at the foot of the tower. The tower and the carillon housed inside is Bok Tower Gardens' most distinctive feature. The carillon consists of 60 bells, ranging in size from 16 pounds to just under 12 tons. The bells are played like an organ with the keys connected to the clappers of each bell. Bok Tower has had only three regular carillonneurs in its more than 70 years. The Sanctuary's first carillonneur was Anton Brees, serving as the only carillonneur from 1928 until 1967. Milford Myhre has been the resident carillonneur since 1968. William De Turk has been the assistant carillonneur since 1993. De Turk is also the librarian of the Anton Brees Carillon Library, which is reportedly the largest and most comprehensive carillon library in the world.
Bok Tower, located at 1151 Tower Boulevard in Lake Wales, Florida. These images were taken by Russell Moore in 2010. Edward Bok (1863-1930) retired to the town of Lake Wales, located south of Orlando. Bok set out a plan to establish a natural garden and bird sanctuary where people to visit to quietly enjoy nature. He engaged Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. (1870-1957) to design the grounds and asked architect Milton Bennett Medary (1874-1929) to design and build a carillon tower. Lee Lawrie (1877-1963), a noted sculptor from New York, designed the elaborate marble sculpture that adorns the tower. Work was completed in 1928 and on February 1, 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Sanctuary. Bok died less than a year later in 1930 and was buried at the foot of the tower. The tower and the carillon housed inside is Bok Tower Gardens' most distinctive feature. The carillon consists of 60 bells, ranging in size from 16 pounds to just under 12 tons. The bells are played like an organ with the keys connected to the clappers of each bell. Bok Tower has had only three regular carillonneurs in its more than 70 years. The Sanctuary's first carillonneur was Anton Brees, serving as the only carillonneur from 1928 until 1967. Milford Myhre has been the resident carillonneur since 1968. William De Turk has been the assistant carillonneur since 1993. De Turk is also the librarian of the Anton Brees Carillon Library, which is reportedly the largest and most comprehensive carillon library in the world.
Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Boulevard in Lake Wales, Florida. These images were taken by Russell Moore in 2010. Edward Bok (1863-1930) retired to the town of Lake Wales, located south of Orlando. Bok set out a plan to establish a natural garden and bird sanctuary where people to visit to quietly enjoy nature. He engaged Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. (1870-1957) to design the grounds and asked architect Milton Bennett Medary (1874-1929) to design and build a carillon tower. Lee Lawrie (1877-1963), a noted sculptor from New York, designed the elaborate marble sculpture that adorns the tower. Work was completed in 1928 and on February 1, 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Sanctuary. Bok died less than a year later in 1930 and was buried at the foot of the tower. The tower and the carillon housed inside is Bok Tower Gardens' most distinctive feature. The carillon consists of 60 bells, ranging in size from 16 pounds to just under 12 tons. The bells are played like an organ with the keys connected to the clappers of each bell. Bok Tower has had only three regular carillonneurs in its more than 70 years. The Sanctuary's first carillonneur was Anton Brees, serving as the only carillonneur from 1928 until 1967. Milford Myhre has been the resident carillonneur since 1968. William De Turk has been the assistant carillonneur since 1993. De Turk is also the librarian of the Anton Brees Carillon Library, which is reportedly the largest and most comprehensive carillon library in the world.
The Visitor Center at Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Boulevard in Lake Wales, Florida. These images were taken by Russell Moore in 2010. Edward Bok (1863-1930) retired to the town of Lake Wales, located south of Orlando. Bok set out a plan to establish a natural garden and bird sanctuary where people to visit to quietly enjoy nature. He engaged Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. (1870-1957) to design the grounds and asked architect Milton Bennett Medary (1874-1929) to design and build a carillon tower. Lee Lawrie (1877-1963), a noted sculptor from New York, designed the elaborate marble sculpture that adorns the tower. Work was completed in 1928 and on February 1, 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Sanctuary. Bok died less than a year later in 1930 and was buried at the foot of the tower. The tower and the carillon housed inside is Bok Tower Gardens' most distinctive feature. The carillon consists of 60 bells, ranging in size from 16 pounds to just under 12 tons. The bells are played like an organ with the keys connected to the clappers of each bell. Bok Tower has had only three regular carillonneurs in its more than 70 years. The Sanctuary's first carillonneur was Anton Brees, serving as the only carillonneur from 1928 until 1967. Milford Myhre has been the resident carillonneur since 1968. William De Turk has been the assistant carillonneur since 1993. De Turk is also the librarian of the Anton Brees Carillon Library, which is reportedly the largest and most comprehensive carillon library in the world.
Visitor Center, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida
Silver Springs: Nature's Underwater Fairyland Postcard
A color postcard featuring a model posing next to a horseshow palm at the Silver Springs State Park, formerly located at 1425 Northeast 58th Avenue in Silver Springs, Florida, in 1949. Silver Springs was originally settled by the Timucuans in the early 1500s. Although they were able to reclaim their territory after Spanish invasion, the Timucuans were ultimately succeeded by other tribes, such as the Seminoles. In the 1850s, Silver Springs began to attract tourists for steamboat rides. The park's popularity skyrocketed when the glass-bottom boat was invented in 1878.
Original 9 x 7 centimeter color postcard: "Model Posing Next to Lucky Horsehoe Palm Tree at Silver Springs." 1949: Image number PC12591, Postcard Collection, Florida State Archives, Division of Library and Information Services, Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
Weeki Wachee Spring on Florida's Gulf Coast Postcard
A postcard featuring an underwater mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in 1949. Weeki Wachee, located at 6131 Commercial Way in Spring Hill, Florida, is best known for its famous tourist attraction, Weeki Wachee Springs. The attraction features performances by underwater mermaids, a glass-bottom boat ride, and other natural attractions. The springs are named after the Seminole words for "little spring" or "winding river." In 1946, former U.S. Navy member Newt Perry (1908-1987) began to develop a tourist attraction at Weeki Wachee. By the 1950s, Weeki Wachee was one of the top tourist stops in the United States. The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) purchased the site in 1959 and continued to expand. In 2008, Weeki Wachee was taken over by the state of Florida as a state park.
Original 9 x 14 centimeter color postcard: "Mermaid Performing at the Weeki Wachee Springs Waterpark." 1949: Image number PC12593, Postcard Collection, Florida State Archives, Division of Library and Information Services, Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
Weeki Wachee State Park, Spring Hill, Florida
A postcard featuring East First Street in Sanford, Florida, in the 1930s or 1940s. The Victory Bar and the Sanford Atlantic National Bank, which was located at 1010 East First Street can been seen on the left. On the right of the photograph is a drugstore with advertisements for Coca-Cola soft drinks.
Original 9 x 14 centimeter black and white photographic postcard: "First Street, Sanford, Florida": Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A postcard featuring Orange Court Apartment Hotel, located at 650 North Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The hotel was designed in Spanish Revival architectural style by G. Lloyd Preacher (1882-1972) of Atlanta, Georgia, and constructed by G.A. Miller, Inc. (also known as the GA Miller Construction Company) in 1924. The hotel had 275 rooms, a Spanish garden, and a small orange grove. Orange Court was also one of the first hotels in Orlando to have a steam-heated swimming pool. The building was demolished in 1990.
Original color postcard: "Orange Court Apartment Hotel, Orlando, Florida." E. C. Kropp Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Orange Court Apartment Hotel, Downtown Orlando, Florida
A postcard featuring the agricultural laborers working at a celery field in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando area was originally occupied by the Creek and Seminole tribes. In 1838, Fort Gatlin was erected on the shores of Lake Gatlin, just a few miles south of present-day Downtown Orlando. Centered around Church Street, Orlando became a city in 1884. Originally a cattle town, Orlando grew into a major citrus growing center by the 1920s. The city continued to grow during the Great Depression with aid from the Work Progress Administration (WPA). During World War II, Orlando became a major military center as well, with the development of the McCoy Air Force Base and Pinecastle Air Force Base, and with the addition of the Naval Training Center Orlando (NTC Orlando) in 1968. Downtown Orlando declined in the 1960s and 1970s. Redevelopment began in the 1970s and continued into the 1980s, with projects such as the Church Street Station entertainment complex. In 1998, a building boom began and continued through the 2000s.
Original black and white postcard: "Celery Field, Orlando, Fla.": Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, Florida.
Downtown Orlando Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Station Postcard
A postcard featuring the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railway Company station, located at 127 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in the early 20th century. The station was first constructed in 1880, connecting Orlando to Sanford. After the railroad was bought up by the Plant System in 1883 from the South Florida Railroad, it was extended to Tampa. This brought a large boom to Orlando's economy shipping cattle and lumber, but chiefly citrus. By 1926, the depot was becoming too small for the volume of trade going through, so the depot was moved south to what is today the Amtrak Station. This depot became run down until the mid-1970s, when Church Street Station opened up around the depot and stayed open until the early 2000s. Now, the station is used as a stop along the Sunrail Tram system.
Original 9 x 14 centimeter color postcard: "Atlantic Coast Line Depot, Orlando, Fla." H. and W. B. Drew Company, Orlando, Florida: Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company Station, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Orlando Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Station Postcard
A color postcard featuring the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railway Company station, located at 1400 Sligh Boulevard in Orlando, Florida, in the 1930s. This station was constructed in 1926 at a cost of $500,000 and was originally part of the ACL system. However, in 1967, the station joined the Seaboard Coast Line (SCL) Railroad, after a merger between the SCL and the ACL. With stucco facade and towers flanking its entrance, the station has been studied many times for its Mission Revival-style architecture. After being in operation for 65 years, the Orlando Amtrak station was in desperate need of renovations. In 1991, a collective of local organizations, companies and groups came together to fund the needed renovations.
Original 10 x 14 centimeter color postcard: "A.C.L. Railway Station, Orlando, Fla. 'The City Beautiful.'" Orange News Company, Orlando, Florida: Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company Station, Orlando, Florida
Fountain at Eola Park, Orlando: "The City Beautiful" Postcard
A postcard showing the Sperry Fountain on the southern shore of Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The fountain was named in honor of Frank E. Sperry (1843-1916), Mayor of Orlando from 1913 to 1916. Lake Eola and the surrounding park are one of the unusual features that sets the city of Orlando apart from other places. From its earliest days, Downtown Orlando was situated on the west side of the lake. As the town grew into a city, Lake Eola continued to be a focal point for the inhabitants, who used it for bathing, swimming, and fishing, while on its shores people picnicked and listened to concerts and religious services. Much of the land around Lake Eola was donated to Orlando by Jacob Summerlin (1820-1893), who designated that it be a public park. It has remained one ever since. The rest of the park land was donated by the Musselwhite family and Mayor Sperry. Once Sperry had settled in Orlando, he started the South Florida Foundry and Machine Works, which developed into a large enterprise and Orlando's first real industry. Sperry was active in the business for a number of years, but sold out his interest because of failing health. He also began to have a great interest in the growing of citrus in the county. He served as Mayor of Orlando and was also a member of the Park Commission. In 1913, while serving with the Park Commission, he donated the final piece of land on Lake Eola that completed a ring around the lake. On that land, he donated $2,000 to place a fountain that stands to this day and bears his name as a reminder of his generosity. The fountain, made of wrought iron was described as a "large acanthus leaf with a duck base surmounted by a bittern set in an octagonal masonry basin with eight vases." At the base of the fountain there is a plaque with the following statement: "This fountain donated by Frank E. Sperry, Mayor 1914 - 1916."
Original color postcard: ""Fountain at Eola Park, Orlando, Florida: 'The City Beautiful.'" Central Cigar and Tobacco Company, Orlando, Florida: Thomas and Georgine Mickler Collection, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Sperry Fountain, Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Undertaker's Memorandum for Josephine L. Schultz
Undertakers and undertaking--United States
An undertaker's memorandum for Josephine L. Schultz (ca. 1854-1894), who passed away on October 22, 1894. Schultz was a female from Winter Park, Florida, who died at the age of 44. Her cause of death was listed as consumption, which is now more commonly known as tuberculosis. Schultz was buried in Orlando, but the memorandum does not specify at which cemetery. The Carey Hand Funeral Home, originally located at 39 West Pine Street, was founded by Elijah Hand in 1885. Hand was the first known embalmer in Orlando. In 1907, his son, Carey Hand, inherited the funeral home. He passed away in 1947 and his wife sold the business the following year. In 1969, the Carey Hand Funeral Home merged with Cox-Parker Funeral Homes. Now called the Carey-Hand Cox Parker Funeral Home, the home is located at 1350 West Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, Florida.
Original memoranda, 1894: "Book 002: Carey Hand Funeral Home records, July 16, 1894 to December 31, 1896." Call number RA622 .C36, Carey Hand Funeral Home Records, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Carey Hand Funeral Home, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Undertaker's Memorandum for Isaac Chapman
An undertaker's memorandum for Isaac Chapman (1792-1894), who passed away on August 30, 1894. Chapman was an African American who died at the age of 102 years and six months. His cause of death was listed as old age and cholera morbus. Chapman was buried in Orlando, Florida, but the memorandum does not specify at which cemetery. The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church paid for his funeral expenses. The Carey Hand Funeral Home, originally located at 39 West Pine Street, was founded by Elijah Hand in 1885. Hand was the first known embalmer in Orlando. In 1907, his son, Carey Hand, inherited the funeral home. He passed away in 1947 and his wife sold the business the following year. In 1969, the Carey Hand Funeral Home merged with Cox-Parker Funeral Homes. Now called the Carey-Hand Cox Parker Funeral Home, the home is located at 1350 West Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, Florida.
Undertaker's Memorandum for Amos Arrington
An undertaker's memorandum for Amos Arrington (1892-1894), who passed away on August 11, 1894. Arrington was an African-American child who was just under two years old when he died. His address is listed as Middle Street, which was likely in the Orlando, Florida, where the Carey Hand Funeral Home was located. Arrington's physician was A. L. Prince. His cause of death was listed as marasmus, which is a severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency. Arrington was buried in Orlando, but the memorandum does not specify at which cemetery. The Carey Hand Funeral Home, originally located at 39 West Pine Street, was founded by Elijah Hand in 1885. Hand was the first known embalmer in Orlando. In 1907, his son, Carey Hand, inherited the funeral home. He passed away in 1947 and his wife sold the business the following year. In 1969, the Carey Hand Funeral Home merged with Cox-Parker Funeral Homes. Now called the Carey-Hand Cox Parker Funeral Home, the home is located at 1350 West Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, Florida.
Big Tree Park, the Oldest and Largest Cypress Tree in U.S.A. Postcard
A photographic postcard featuring The Senator, the giant bald cypress tree that was once the oldest and largest cypress tree in the country. At the time that the photograph was taken, The Senator was 3,500 yers old, 126 feet and 3 inches tall, and 47 feet in circumference. As early as the late 1800s, this centuries-old tree was considered a tourist attraction, but it wasn't until 1927 that a park was established around the tree. Senator Moses O. Overstreet donated six acres of land, which included the tree, to Seminole County to establish a park with the stipulation that a road would be built to take visitors into the park. The generosity of Sen. Overstreet inspired residents to name the giant cypress tree "The Senator." Located at 761 General Hutchinson Parkway in present-day Longwood, Florida, the new park was named the Seminole Big Tree Park in honor of the main attraction. In 1929, President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) dedicated a bronze plaque at the site of the tree. The plaque was stolen in 1945, which would place this photograph sometime between 1940 and 1945. Based on a core sample taken by the American Forestry Association, The Senator was estimated to be 3500 years old in 1946. The Big Tree Park also features another giant cypress estimated to be 2000 years old. In 2005, local elementary students named the tree Lady Liberty. It was considered to be the companion tree to The Senator, as they were only 40 feet apart. The Senator continued to be a tourist attraction and local landmark until January 16, 2012, when it was lost in a fire.
Original 14 x 9 centimeter black and white photographic postcard: "Big Tree Park." Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Seminole Big Tree Park, Longwood, Florida
A color postcard featuring the railway station in New Smyrna, Florida, in the 1890s. Although the postcard does not specify, this railway station was likely the Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Indian River Railway Company (later part of the Florida East Coast Railway Company) station within the city. In 1892, Henry Flagler (1830-1913) extended the Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Indian River Railway Company to New Smyrna, which resulted in increased growth for the town.
Original 9 centimeter x 14 centimeter color postcard: "New Smyrna, Fla. Railway Station." Hugh C. Leighton Company, Portland, Maine: Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Greetings from Florida's Indian River Section Postcard
A color postcard featuring the Indian River Section of Florida in 1941. The Indian River is a 121-mile long lagoon running from the Ponce de Leon inlet in New Smyrna Beach to the St. Lucie Inlet in Marion County. The lagoon was originally named Rio de Ais after the Ais tribe of East Florida.
Original 9 centimeter x 14 centimeter color postcard: "Greetings from Florida's Indian River Section." Curt Teich, Chicago, Illinois, 1941: Image number PC0055E, Postcard Collection, Florida State Archives, Division of Library and Information Services, Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
Florida Memory
A postcard featuring a horse and buggy on Orange Avenue in Daytona, Florida, around 1910. Palm fronds, live oaks, and electric power lines line both sides of the street. In 1871, Mathias Day, Jr. (1824-1904), a migrant from Mansfield, Ohio, purchased a large tract of land along the west bank of the Halifax River, which included the former Williams Plantation. With the construction of Day's hotel, today's Daytona Beach Historic District was created. In 1876, residents named the city "Daytona," in honor of Day, when the area was incorporated as a town. Growth continued in 1886 when the St. Johns & Halifax River Railway extended to Daytona. In 1926, the towns of Daytona, Daytona Beach, Kingston, and Seabreeze merged together as Daytona Beach, in an effort led by J. B. Kahn. By this time, the beach had been nicknamed "The World's Most Famous Beach." Automobile and motorcycle races began in 1902, due to the smooth, compacted sand that covered the beach. Daytona Beach became the site of various land speed record attempts. On March 8, 1836, the first stock car race was held at the Daytona Beach Road Course, which is located in present-day Ponce Inlet. Bill France, Sr. (1909-1992) and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) established the Daytona International Speedway in 1958 to replace the beach course.
Original 8 centimeter x 12 centimeter color postcard: "Daytona, Florida, Orange Avenue." The Hugh C. Leighton Company, Portland, Maine: accession number 1057, Stetson University Postcard Collection, Archive and Special Collections, duPont-Ball Library, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida.
Violectric is an Orlando-based band that combines the classical sound of violins, violas, and stringed instruments with the energy and irreverence of rock music. In addition to performing, members of the groups teach music to eager students. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #147: Development through Diversity" on October 16, 2014.
Original 6-minute and 23-second audio/video recording of Violectric, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, April 9, 2015: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
WUCF-TV
WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando, Florida
WUCF Artisodes Short: Medical Students & Art
In the hopes of lifting patients' spirits, students from the University of Central Florida's (UCF) College of Medicine have brought music into the hospital. Their therapeutic performances have had a positive impact on patients at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, Florida. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #139: Music Music Music" on Jul7 31, 2014.
Original 2-minute and 41-second audio/video recording of Medical Students & University of Central Florida, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, April 2, 2015: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, Florida
WUCF Artisodes Short: Youth Experiencing Symphony
Since 1995, the Daytona Beach Symphony Society has given at-risk youths of Volusia County, Florida, the opportunity to experience classical music through their YES! Community Outreach Program. YES! (Youth Experiencing Symphony) targets at-risk students aged six to 18 years old who are enrolled in Title I schools. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #166: Classic Touch" on April 2, 2015.
Original 5-minute and 28-second audio/video recording of Youth Experiencing Symphony, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, April 2, 2015: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach, Florida
One of 66 affiliates of National CARES Mentoring Movement, Greater Orlando CARES, or GO CARES, uses a low-cost, high-impact group-mentoring model to nurture under-resourced children, cultivate their self-esteem, increase their academic achievement, and develop their communications, problem-solving, and other life skills. GO CARES presented the first Jazz in the Hills on September 27, 2014, providing children the opportunity to display their love and talent for jazz and expose many others to the musical culture. The event took place at Greater Orlando CARES on the Well of Hope Cornerstone's 5.3-acre campus in Pine Hills, an historical African-American neighborhood in Orlando, Florida. This Artisode also explores the positive effects that music has on brain development and learning. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #147: Development through Diversity" on October 16, 2014.
Original 4-minute and 8-second audio/video recording of Jazz in the Hills, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, October 16, 2014: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Greater Orlando CARES, Well of Hope Cornerstone, Orlando, Florida
Members of the Orlando-based heavy metal band, ATLAS, discuss how their genre makes up for the fact that heavy metal is not mainstream with a dedicated fan base. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #139: Music Music Music" on July 31, 2014.
Original 3-minute and 38-second audio/video recording of ATLAS, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, July 31, 2014: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
The Boondocks Bar & Music Venue, Melbourne, Florida
WUCF Artisodes Short: Bach Festival Society
The Bach Festival Society, the third oldest continuously-operating Bach Festival in the United States, was founded in 1935 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). In addition to the annual Bach Festival, the society includes Choral Masterworks, Visiting Artists performances, and educational and community outreach programs. The current Artistic Director and Conductor, Dr. John Sinclair, discusses a performance of Sir Michael Tippett's (1905-1998) "A Child of Our Time," in remembrance of the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #109: Get the Message" on November 28, 2013.
Original 5-minute and 30-second audio/video recording of Bach Festival Society, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, November 28, 2013: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Bach Festival Society
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Bach Festival Society, Winter Park, Florida
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, DC
Musician and producer Matt Saunders studies Irish music and dance at the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. Saunders combines traditional Celtic music with electronic dance music, playing the Irish flute and composing dance beats. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #106: Music is in the Air" on November 11, 2013.
Original 3-minute and 9-second audio/video recording of Matt Saunders, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, November 11, 2013: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
University of Limerick, Limerick, Munster, Ireland
Conductor, multi-instrumentalist, composer, designer, and educator Benoit Glazer, believes art and music belong to everyone. When he isn't conducting Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba, he runs Timucua, which is an in-home concert series that is free to the public. Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba is performed at the La Nouba Theater in Downtown Disney, located at 1478 Buena Vista Drive in Orlando, Florida. Timucua is located at 2000 South Summerlin Avenue in Orlando. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #157: Music, Passion & All That Jazz" on January 15, 2015.
Original 4-minute and 33-second audio/video recording of Benoit Glazer, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, January 15, 2015: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
WUCF Artisodes Short: Orlando Philharmonic
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Central Florida's resident professional orchestra, has appeared in over 125 performances each season since it began in 1993. The orchestra has been performing 30 Young People's Concerts annually since its first year, giving thousands of elementary school students the opportunity to experience live orchestral music, many of them for the first time. The project was devised by Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and United Arts of Central Florida. The concerts take place at the orchestra's home, the Bob Carr Theater, which is located at 401 West Livingston Street in Orlando, Florida. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #115: Students and Teachers" on January 16, 2014.
Original 4-minute and 11-second audio/video recording of Joe Muni, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, January 16, 2014: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Orlando Philharmonic
United Arts of Central Florida, Maitland, Florida
Orange County Public Schools, Downtown Orlando, Florida
When he comes home from his job as a roofer, Joe Muni of New Smyrna Beach crafts custom guitars using recycled wood. Every guitar is unique and many contain portraits within the body. Customers can either select from wood collected by Muni or bring their own wood, often with sentimental value, to Desolation Row Guitars and he will turn it into a functioning instrument. Desolation Row Guitars is located at 507 Ball Street in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #151: Musical Masterpieces" on November 13, 2014.
Original 3-minute and 38-second audio/video recording of Joe Muni, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, November 13, 2014: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Desolation Row Guitars, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp, Cassadaga, Florida
Noble "Thin Man" Watts (1926-2004) was a blues and jazz saxophonist from DeLand, Florida, who worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, and rock, including Buddy Holly (1936-1959), Dinah Washington (1924-1963), Jerry Lee Lewis (b. 1935), Lionel Hampton (1908-2002), Chuck Berry (b. 1926), Johnny Mathis (b. 1935), and the Everly Brothers. Watts moved back to DeLand in the mid-1960s, where he remained until his death in 2004. The "Thin Man" Watts Jazz Festival began earlier that year and has continued to grow in the years since. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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.
Original 5-minute and 2-second audio/video recording of Jazz Fest, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, April 21, 2014: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Mark Hodgson & the Cosmic Blues Trio
African American Museum of the Arts, DeLand, Florida
After performing for years as the "Piano Man" on numerous cruise ships, Ted White grew tired of travel and built a unique musical contraption. Since then, Ted performs regularly on the beach on his bicycle/keyboard that he built to resemble a grand piano. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #130" on May 15, 2014.
Original 4-minute and 46-second audio/video recording of Song Peddler, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, May 15, 2014: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Flagler Boardwalk, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Daniel Heitz first took the stage at the Alley blues club in Sanford, Florida, when he was 11 years old. Over the next six years, he became one of the most impressive classical blues guitarists in Central Florida. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #145: The Call of Music" on October 2, 2014.
Original 5-minute and 25-second audio/video recording of Daniel Heitz, WUCF-TV, Sanford, Florida, October 2, 2014: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
One of Central Florida's most unique and talented drummers/percussionists, Enmanuel Chacin, shares his thoughts on what he considers to be the blueprint of life: music. Chacin, who is blind, grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, where he claims the culture is driven by drums and percussion. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #161: We've Got the Beat" on February 12, 2015.
Original 5-minute and 31-second audio/video recording of Enmanuel Chacin, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, February 12, 2015: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Sandy Shugart became the President of Valencia College, one of the country's largest colleges, in 2000, and led them to win the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2011. As a folk artist and poet, Shugart believes these seemingly unrelated endeavors are integral aspects of his life journey. WUCF-TV is a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) 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 Thursdays 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. This Artisodes Short originally aired as part of "WUCF Artisodes #159: Music is Life" on January 29, 2015.
Original 8-minute and 4-second audio/video recording of Sandy Shugart, WUCF-TV, Orlando, Florida, January 29, 2015: WUCF-TV, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Friendship 7 Lift Off at the Launch Pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
John Glenn's (b. 1921) Mercury-Atlas vehicle (MA-6) lifting off the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) on February 20, 1962. This was the first manned flight of a Mercury-Atlas spacecraft, which occurred after a few delays. Glenn would become the first American to orbit the Earth. Glenn was later feted in parades from Cocoa Beach, Florida, to New York City, New York.
Original black and white photographic print, February 20, 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Chronopoints
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launch Site, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronaut Gordon Cooper and Dr. Calvin D. Fowler at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) with Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14's manager Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who would launch Cooper into orbit, observing the rocket delivery. In the final launch of Project Mercury, Cooper's Atlas launch vehicle sat on its side before being fully assembled and lifted vertically on the gantry. The Atlas was America's first rocket capable of lifting a man into orbit. Faith 7's Atlas booster eventually lifted it into orbit, allowing Cooper to circle the Earth 22.5 times.
Original black and white photographic print, April 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Günter F. Wendt and Astronaut Gordon Cooper at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Photographed on the left is Günter F. Wendt, who was in charge with launch pad preparations, with astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), photographed in a space suit, at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14). It is not known if this photograph was taken on launch day or for a practice day. Cooper successfully launched and completed his mission.
Original black and white photographic print, May 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Years after his historic Mercury-Atlas 9 mission, astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) autographed this photograph of himself for the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum in Titusville, Florida. During his Faith 7 flight, Cooper orbited the earth 22.5 times.
U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum, Titusville, Florida
Astronaut Gordon Cooper and Faith 7 Capsule at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), the astronaut aboard the last flight of Project Mercury, observing capsule preparations at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14), as unidentified others look on. Cooper was to become the last American to go into space alone, while setting new endurance records for the American space program. Faith 7, the name his spacecraft was dubbed, launched successfully and circled the earth 22.5 times. While in space, Cooper was one of the early practitioners of conducting scientific observations in space.
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida
SA-500F Full-Scale Saturn V Mock Up at John F. Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
Before rolling a functional Apollo-Saturn launch vehicle, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) used a full-scale mock up made from "boilerplate" parts to test assembly and rolling the rocket to the pad. SA-500F also was used for a propellant transfer "wet" test although the rocket was inert. The foreground of the photograph shows the propellant tank farm and water pressure systems.
Original black and white photographic print, June 28, 1966: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
John F. Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, Merritt Island, Florida
Apollo 8 Awaiting Liftoff at John F. Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
Apollo 8 sitting on John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) in the time leading up to launch. This was to be the first launch at Kennedy Space Center and at LC-39A. Apollo 8 was the first manned launch of the Saturn V rocket, which produced over 7.5 million pounds of thrust. Additionally, Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave earth orbit and successfully complete orbiting of the Moon.
Original color photographic print, December 1968: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Thor-Able Mission Being Prepared for Launch at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17
The Thor-Able rocket sits on the pad being prepared for launch. These missions were launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17 (LC-17).
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 17, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Time Capsule Placed at Mercury 7 Monument
The time capsule is located at the Mercury 7 Monument, which was placed at the entrance to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14). Contents of the time capsule are said to include John Glenn's (b. 1921) Marine Corps pilot wings, capsule blueprints, and photographic film documentation. Standing to the head of the site is a sculpture of the emblem of Project Mercury. The "7" signifies the original 7 Mercury astronauts, known as the Original Seven and Astronaut Group 1. The astronauts were Alan Shepard (1923-1998), Gus Grissom (1926-1967), John Glenn, Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), and Deke Slayton. The marker, which was not in place when the photograph was taken, quotes President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963): "One of the most complex tasks ever presented to man in this country...the achievement of manned flight in orbit around the Earth." President Kennedy requested that the time capsule be opened 500 years, hence in 2464.
Mercury 7 Monument, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Major General Ben Ivan Funk Presents Award Citations to T. J. Joseph O'Malley and Dr. Calvin D. Fowler
Major General Ben Ivan Funk (1913-2012), of the U.S. Air Force, presents citations noting service to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) space program to aerospace engineer T. J. Joseph O'Malley and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) Manager Dr. Calvin D. Fowler. Photographed, from left to right, is O'Malley, Maj. Gen. Funk, and Dr. Fowler.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Space Systems Division Headquarters, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force, El Segundo, California
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 13 Launch Tote Board
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 13 (LC-13) was the sister site of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) and was used for unmanned Atlas intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), rocket tests, and Atlas-Agena launches. As was the tradition, a launch tote board, posted at the blockhouse, listing the launches and rocket configurations was typical for launch sites.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 13 Blockhouse, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronaut Gordon Cooper Recovered After Splashdown
Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) completed his 22.5 orbit flight in the Faith 7 Mercury spacecraft by manually landing in the Pacific Ocean on May 16, 1963, closer than any other flight had landed with reference to the recovery ship. A dehydrated Cooper, still in Faith 7, is seen after the recovery aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge. Cooper not only set a record of staying in space for over 34 hours, but he would prove a trained pilot was an important ingredient in space flight.
Original black and white photographic print, May 16, 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
The stainless steel skin of an Atlas booster is displayed after recovery. This debris is suspected of being part of the Atlas used to boost John Glenn (b. 1921) with his Friendship 7 spacecraft into orbit. The skin is in such a degraded condition, because it is extremely thin, as the rocket maintained rigidity by internal fuel pressure, and the booster fell from a high altitude.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida
An Atlas core arriving at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Skid Strip. The core was flown from the manufacturer, Convair/General Dynamics, to Cape Canaveral, where it was unloaded and prepared for launch. This particular core was used for one of the four Mercury Atlas missions.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Astronaut Gordon Cooper and Dr. Calvin D. Fowler Signing Rocket
Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 launch manager Dr. Calvin D. Fowler sign the Atlas rocket, which would launch Faith 7 into orbit. Dr. Fowler and Cooper were at the General Dynamics/Astronautics factory in San Diego, California, to accept the Atlas booster. Cooper was to be the final astronaut of Project Mercury, as it paved the way for Project Gemini. Dr. Fowler would manage the spacecraft preparation and ignite the Atlas launch vehicle. Cooper would become, for a short time, the space endurance record holder.
General Dynamics/Astronautics Factory, San Diego, California
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler Applying His Engineering Hallmark
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, the man who launched the final three Mercury-Atlas missions, is photographed here, applying his hallmark stamp to what appears to be a commemorative poster during the Apollo era. To assure proper checks and approvals by all appropriate individuals, small custom inked stamps called hallmarks were used by Apollo workers to ensure that checks were performed, and each worker who conducted one approved of the quality or conformance of the inspected item. These hallmarks are visible on equipment and reports of that era.
Engineering Hallmark in Honor of Apollo 17
To assure proper checks and approvals by all appropriate individuals, small custom inked stamps called hallmarks were used by Apollo workers to ensure that checks were performed, and each worker who conducted one approved of the quality or conformance of the inspected item. These hallmarks are visible on equipment and reports of that era. This certificate was in honor of Apollo 17 and signed by the mission's astronauts: Eugene Cernan (b. 1934), Ronald Evans (1933-1990), and Harrison Schmitt (b. 1935)
Original certificate, June 7, 1972: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Thousands of Hallmarks - One Successful Mission
To assure proper checks and approvals by all appropriate individuals, small, custom-inked stamps called "hallmarks" were used by Apollo Project. Each worker who conducted one approved of the quality or conformance of the inspected item. These hallmarks are visible on equipment and reports of that era.
Original certificate: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler Trying on a Space Suit at John F. Kennedy Space Center
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, the man who launched three of the Mercury-Atlas missions to orbit the Earth, trying on a Apollo-era space suit at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida.
Warren III Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Site at Warren Air Force Base
The Warren III Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch site, located at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base (Warren AFB), was built in 1960 to house the Atlas D ICBM. This "coffin" site is the current location of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and was active from 1960 to 1964.
Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming
Launch Control Center and Vehicle Assembly Building at John F. Kennedy Space Center
The Launch Control Center (LCC) and the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Merritt Island, Florida. The Apollo missions and later Space Shuttle missions were launched at the LCC and the Saturn V rocket was assembled at the VAB.
Launch Control Center, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Vehicle Assembly Building, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Launch Crew Members in Front of Sigma 7 Mercury-Atlas Launch Vehicle at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
A group of launch crew members in front of the Sigma 7 Mercury-Atlas launch vehicle at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad. Photographed, from the left to right, is: an unidentified individual, of Pan American Safety
Don Pechi, Complex Superintendent for Pan American
Charlie Hodsden, Quality Control Supervisor
Calvin "Cal" D. Fowler, General Dynamics Launch Complex 14 Manager
George P. (last name unidentified), Missile Engineer
Nancy (last name unidentified), Secretary for Pan American
John Filer, Pad Supervisor for Pan American
(first name unidentified) Whitehurst, Second Lieutenant for the U.S. Air Force's 6555th Aerospace Test Group
(first name unidentified) Watson, Pa Supervisor for Pan American
Art Franklin, Complex Supervisor for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mel Honeycutt, First Lieutenant for the Air Force's 6555th
and (first name unidentified) Meatti, Foreman for the General Dynamics Complex.
Original black and white photographic print, October 8, 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin "Cal" D. Fowler.
Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Fuel Loading Test at Fairchild Air Force Base
General Dynamics/Astronautics conducting a fuel loading test for the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Fairchild Air Force Base, near Spokane, Washington.
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler as a Test Conductor at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 11
Before being manager of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 and launching three astronauts into space, Dr. Calvin D. Fowler worked as a test conductor for Atlas missile tests at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 11.
Original black and white photographic print, December 1960: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 11, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Launch Crew in the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad Blockhouse
T. J. O'Malley (1915-2009), who launched astronaut John Glenn (b. 1921) into orbit, is photographed on the left, and Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who launched Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), and Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), is seen on the right. O'Malley, Dr. Fowler, and other unidentified members of the launch crew are photographed here at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad Blockhouse.
Astronaut Gordon Cooper at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad
While visiting the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad before the launch of the Faith 7 Mercury-Atlas mission, astronaut Astronaut listens to Günter Wendt (1923-2010) of McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, the man who supervised spacecraft preparation on the launchpad. Wendt was famous for his meticulous standards, which won the trust of the astronauts. General Dynamics/Astronautics Operations Manager B. G. MacNabb is seen in the center of the first photograph. In the second photograph, MacNabb is pictured on the left, Wendt is seen in the center, and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Manager Dr. Calvin D. Fowler is photographed on the right.
President John F. Kennedy with B. G. MacNabb at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
During one visit to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) talking with General Dynamics/Astronautics director of operations B. G. MacNabb. Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) manager Dr. Calvin D. Fowler can be seen to the right, behind the police officer in the foreground.
B. G. MacNabb with Astronaut Gordon Cooper
B. G. MacNabb, General Dynamics/Astronautics director of operations, greeting Mercury 7 astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) during a practice, the day before a launch was scrubbed or launch day at the launchpad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14. Cooper, walking in his air conditioned space suit, was scheduled to embark on his 22.5-orbit mission. This photograph was also signed by Cooper.
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler and Wayne Reid at Launch Conductor's Workstation in Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler sitting at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14's Launch Conductor's workstation, is depicted ghere with Wayne Reid, of the Aerospace Corporation, around the time of Wally Schirra's (1923-2007) Sigma 7 launch.
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler Interviewed After Astronaut Gordon Cooper's Spaceflight
A contemporary newspaper article about Gordon Cooper's (1927-2004) spaceflight, including an interview with Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, the man who launched him. In particular, the article discusses Cooper's most recent spaceflight on the Atlas 130D, the process of launching spacecraft into outer space, the famous aviator Wiley Post, and Project Mercury.
Original newspaper article: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Atlas Rocket Under Construction at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
In the final launch of Project Mercury, the Atlas launch vehicle sits on its side before being fully assembled and lifted vertically on the gantry. The Atlas was America's first rocket capable of lifting a man into orbit. Faith 7's Atlas booster eventually lifted it into orbit, allowing astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) to circle the Earth 22 and a half times.
Astronaut Gordon Cooper with Management Team at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14
In the first photograph, astronaut Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), pictured in the center, standing with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) managers on the right and contractor managers on the left. Then men are pictured in front of the unassembled Mercury-Atlas vehicle at the launch site at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14. B. G. MacNabb, General Dynamics/Astronautics director of operations, is standing on the far left. When the Mercury 7 astronauts, such as Cooper, visited the launch site, they wore distinctively colored helmets so that they could be identified at a distance. Cooper, on such a visit before his flight, is viewing the unerected Atlas rocket from the gantry in the second photograph. The Atlas was America's first rocket capable of lifting a man into orbit. Faith 7's Atlas booster eventually lifted it into orbit, allowing Cooper to circle the Earth 22.5 times.
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler Exiting Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler and an unidentified person exiting the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse. The tote board, which recorded the launches from Launch Complex 14 (Lc-14), can be seen above them.
Astronaut Wally Schirra and B. G. MacNabb
Astronaut Wally Schirra (1923-2007) named his boat Sigma 7, after the spacecraft which took him into orbit. In the photograph, Schirra shows the watercraft to General Dynamics/Astronautics director of operations B. G. MacNabb at what is believed to be Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's industrial area near Hangar S.
Original black and white photographic print, October 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Playback Head Selector Equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Electronic equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, mounted in racks similar to the way modern computer servers are, was used to monitor the rocket during Project Mercury launches. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust the equipment and the rocket. Ampex made magnetic tape drives and recorders, which were used to record data and/or audio.
Launch Control Simulator Console at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
tHE Launch Control Simulator at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse. This console likely allowed the launch team in Launch Complex 14's blockhouse to practice countdowns under simulated conditions. This could have allowed drills for normal and abnormal conditions during the launch.
Television Control Equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
The television Control equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse, mounted in racks similar to the way modern computer servers are, was used to monitor the rocket during Project Mercury launches. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust the equipment and the rocket. This panel control the remote cameras located at the launchpad.
Liquid Oxygen TankING Equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Liquid oxygen tanking equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) Blockhouse, mounted in racks similar to the way modern computer servers are, was used to monitor the rocket during Project Mercury launches. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust the equipment and the rocket. This controlled the liquid oxygen tanking operations on the Atlas rocket.
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler Visiting Launchpad at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Launch Conductor Dr. Calvin D. Fowler posed for these publicity photographs on May 2, 1962, leading up to the launch of the Aurora 7 Mercury-Atlas 7 orbital mission, manned by Commander Scott Carpenter (1925-2013). These images are part of a series of publicity stills by General Dynamics/Astronautics division, the company responsible for Project Mercury vehicles and their launches, that were typically distributed to the media for their use. Dr. Fowler is standing in front of the Mercury-Atlas vehicle as it sits on the launchpad.
Original black and white photographic print, May 2, 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
General Dynamics Corporation
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Launchpad, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler Using Launch Console at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Launch Conductor Dr. Calvin D. Fowler posed for this publicity photograph on May 2, 1962, leading up tothe launch of the Aurora 7 Mercury-Atlas 7 orbital mission, manned by Commander Scott Carpenter (1925-2013). This image is part of a series of publicity stills by General Dynamics/Astronautics division, the company responsible for Project Mercury vehicles and their launches, that were typically distributed to the media for their use. Dr. Fowler is in his Launch Conductor's position in the blockhouse, where the button to ignite the Atlas rocket was located.
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler Using Periscope at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Launch Conductor Dr. Calvin D. Fowler posed for these publicity photographs on May 2, 1962, leading up to the launch of the Aurora 7 Mercury-Atlas 7 orbital mission, manned by Commander Scott Carpenter (1925-2013). These images are part of a series of publicity stills by General Dynamics/Astronautics division, the company responsible for Project Mercury vehicles and their launches, that were typically distributed to the media for their use. While in the blockhouse, the only way Dr. Fowler had any way of directly viewing the launchpad was through one of four periscopes. This allowed for quick direct and safe observations of the launch vehicle as it sat on the pad.
To assure proper checks and approvals by all appropriate individuals, small custom inked stamps, called hallmarks, were used by Apollo Project workers to ensure that checks were performed, and each worker who conducted one approved of the quality or conformance of the inspected item. These hallmarks are visible on equipment and reports of that era.
Rack of Electronic Equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Electronic equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Canaveral AFS) Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) blockhouse, mounted in racks similar to the way modern computer servers are, was used to monitor the rocket during Project Mercury launches. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust the equipment and the rocket.
Electronic Equipment Racks at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
Electronic equipment at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Canaveral AFS) Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) blockhouse. The equipment was mounted in racks similar to the way modern computer servers are and was used to monitor the rocket during Project Mercury launches. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust the equipment and the rocket.
Launch Control Room at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
During a launch of a Mercury-Atlas mission, these workstations were occupied by workers who monitored critical systems on the rocket and maintained lines of communications with essential locations around the world. Instead of digital readouts and big screen displays, this equipment used various gauges to display readings and dials and buttons to adjust equipment and the rocket. The monitors above the workstations allowed for a video feed on the launch vehicle at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Canaveral AFS) Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) blockhouse.
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse's Launch Conductor Console
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler seated at the launch conductor's console in the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Canaveral AFS) Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) blockhouse for Mercury-Atlas launch. Fowler would conduct the final three Project Mercury launches from this position.
Mercury-Atlas Management Team at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 Blockhouse
A group photograph of the Mercury-Atlas launch management team. Left center in the back row is Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who launched astronauts Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), and Gordon Cooper (1927-2004). The other men in the photographed are unidentified.
Letter from Alan Shepard to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler (August 2, 1963)
After Gordon Cooper (1927-2004)'s Mercury-Atlas 9 mission (MA-9), Alan Shepard's (1923-1998) scheduled Project Mercury's Mercury-Atlas 10 mission (MA-10) was canceled. Shepard wrote to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, the manager and the Launch Conductor for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14), to express his appreciation for some photographs that he had sent, and also to express his regrets about the cancellation of MA-10.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from Alan Shepard to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, August 2, 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston, Texas
Convair/Astronautics, Mission Training Center, Port Canaveral, Florida
Letter from General Ben I. Funk to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler (May 14, 1963)
After the successful completion of the final manned Mercury-Atlas flight (MA-9), General Ben I. Funk (b. 1913), who was the U.S. Air Force general in charge of manned rocket development, sent this letter of commendation to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who was the manager and the Launch Conductor for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) on the final three Project Mercury flights. Dr. Fowler was tasked with pushing the button in the blockhouse to initiate the rocket's ignition. He was also responsible for the rocket's preparation and safety. Astronauts Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), and Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) successfully completed their missions because of Dr. Fowler's General Dynamics/Astronautics team preparation.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from Ben I. Funk to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, May 14, 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
General Dynamics/Astronautics, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Wally Schirra (1923-2007) was the fifth American astronaut in space and the third to orbit the Earth. On October 3, 1962, Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who was the manager and launch conductor for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14), confirmed a go for launch with the Project Mercury team in the launch complex's blockhouse and pressed the button to ignite the Mercury-Atlas rocket named Sigma 7. After his successful flight, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Schirra thanked Dr. Fowler for his efforts with a signed photograph.
Original 8 x 10 color photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler and T. J.O'Malley Observing Project Mercury
Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, T. J. O'Malley (1915-2009) and others observing Mercury-Atlas 9 (MA-9)'s spacecraft, Faith 7, for Project Mercury. Faith 7 was piloted by Gordon Cooper (1927-2004), on May 15, 1963. After the launch, the team assembled in the blockhouse to observe the mission on monitors. Dr. Fowler, who had just launched Cooper into orbit, is seated along with O'Malley, who had previously launchedJohn Glenn (b. 1921)'s rocket, Friendship 7.
John Glenn Returning to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 After Mercury 7 Flight
As the third Mercury 7 astronaut, John Glenn (b. 1921) became the first American to orbit the Earth on February 20, 1962. On February 23, he returned to Patrick Air Force Base (Patrick AFB), accompanied by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973), and was reunited with his wife Annie Glenn (b. 1920) and their children. Glenn, his wife, and Vice President Johnson then motorcaded to Cape Canaveral and participated in a parade through Cocoa Beach, Florida. Upon arrival at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (Cape Cananveral AFS), they greeted President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), who had flown into Cape Canaveral, landing at the Skid Strip. From there, President Kennedy and Glenn were driven to Hangar S at Cape Canaveral, where the President presented him the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Distinguished Service Medal. They then toured Mercury Control Center and then greeted launch workers at Launch Complex 14 (LC-14). At the launch site, Glenn presented the President with a hard hat that workers wore when at the launchpad.
Original color photographic print, February 23, 1962: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.