Twelfth Census Population for Albany, Ward 3, New York, 1900
The Twelfth United States Census records for Albany Ward 3, Albany, New York, for 1900. The census divides the population by sex, race, age, marital status, number of children, occupation, literacy, whether they owned or rented, farm or house. The census also states a resident's place of birth, and birthplace of their mother and father. If foreign born, the person provided the year they immigrated, whether they were naturalized and if they spoke English. A notable resident listed in this record is William Henry Oliver. This is the first census in which William H. Oliver appears he was four years old at the time. During the First World War, Oliver served with American Expeditionary Forces in Bordeaux, France. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public also can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
United States Census Bureau
Digital Reproduction of original census record by W.M. Vespermann, June 1, 1900.
Seminole-Goldenrod Volunteer Fire Department
The Goldenrod Volunteer Fire Department Station 4810 in the early 1970s. The station was likely photographed by John Viles, then Fire Chief for Station 23. Goldenrod formed its volunteer fire department in the 1950s with its own trucks and erected a building on Palmetto Avenue in Goldenrod to serve both Orange County and Seminole County residents. Around 1969, Orange County established a fire department at that location at 4755 Palmetto Avenue. In order to service the Seminole County residents of Goldenrod, the volunteer fire department moved to this location and became the Seminole-Goldenrod Volunteer Fire Department. The location was later taken over by Seminole County and renamed the Seminole County Fire Station 23.
Original 3 x 4 inch color photograph by John Viles: Goldenrod Historical Society & Museum, Goldenrod, Florida.
Seminole-Goldenrod Volunteer Fire Department, Goldenrod, Florida
Photograph with caption of three original toilets from the Forrest Lake Hotel. Named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Anudience at a showing at the Ritz Theater. Originally the Milane Theatre was built at 203 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, the former location of the Star Theatre, an abandoned movie house. Scroggs and Ewing, architects from Georgia, prepared the plans for the Milane. The name of the new theater was derived from the combination of the presidents of the Milane Amusement Company president and vice president: Frank L. Miller and Edward F. Lane. The Milane opened in July of 1923 and seated 823 patrons. In 1933, the Milane was sold to Frank and Stella Evans, investors from Lake Mary, Florida. The new owners renamed their business the Ritz Theater and held the property until the 1990s. However, the Ritz struggled financially in the 1960s and closed in 1978 due to failure to compete with the new multiplex theaters. The building remained vacant until 1984, when it reopened as the Showtime Cantina. The Showtime Cantina closed in 1988 and remained vacant and in decay. In the mid-1990s, Ritz Community Theater Projects, Inc. acquired the property and began rehabilitation in 1998. On May 6, 2000, the theater reopened as the Helen Stairs Theatre in honor of the citizen who led the restoration project, Helen Stairs. The following year, the location was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, additional renovations were completed at the theater was renamed the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in honor of the Wayne Densch Charitable Trust Fund for contributing to the renovations fund.
Photocopy of newspaper reproduction of original black and white photographs by Tommy Vincent: Vincent Collection, Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
Extras outside the Ritz Theatre during the filming of Sealed With a Kiss, produced by Valencia Community College. The film was produced by about 350 students and took over a year to complete. Sealed With a Kiss is about a love story that spans three decades, starring Candace Miller and Christopher Calvert. Ralph Clemente directs the film, which includes original music by Richie Havens. Originally the Milane Theatre, the Ritz was built at 203 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, the former location of the Star Theatre, an abandoned movie house. Scroggs and Ewing, architects from Georgia, prepared the plans for the Milane. The name of the new theater was derived from the combination of the presidents of the Milane Amusement Company president and vice president: Frank L. Miller and Edward F. Lane. The Milane opened in July of 1923 and seated 823 patrons. In 1933, the Milane was sold to Frank and Stella Evans, investors from Lake Mary, Florida. The new owners renamed their business the Ritz Theatre and held the property until the 1990s. However, the Ritz struggled financially in the 1960s and closed in 1978 due to failure to compete with the new multiplex theaters. The building remained vacant until 1984, when it reopened as the Showtime Cantina. The Showtime Cantina closed in 1988 and remained vacant and in decay. In the mid-1990s, Ritz Community Theater Projects, Inc. acquired the property and began rehabilitation in 1998. On May 6, 2000, the theater reopened as the Helen Stairs Theatre in honor of the citizen who led the restoration project, Helen Stairs. The following year, the location was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, additional renovations were completed at the theater was renamed the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in honor of the Wayne Densch Charitable Trust Fund for contributing to the renovations fund.
Photocopy of newspaper reproduction of original black and white photographs by Tommy Vincent, October 29, 1989: The Sanford Herald, October 30, 1989: Vincent Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
The Sanford Herald
Sanford High School Girls Basketball Team, 1920
Sanford High School girls basketball team during the 1919-1920 school year. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 8 x 10 black and white photograph by W. C. Vincent: Sanford High School Collection, box 3A, Sanford High School Students folder, item SM-073-131, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Lieutenant Dean N. Post, Jr.'s Airplane After Crash
Lieutenant Dean N. Post, Jr.'s (1921-1944) plane after his crash in Martimpré, France, on May 27, 1944. Lt. Post was a pilot from Tampa, Florida, who served in the U.S. Army during World World II. He fought with the 357th Fighter Group of the 264th Fighter Squadron and was executed by German authorities after being hidden by French citizens in Gérardmer. Lt. Post is buried at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph by André Voirin, May 27, 1944. http://francecrashes39-45.net/page_fiche_av.php?id=2675.
Receipt of Payment for E. J. Medicis from W. Lyon and Company (July 20, 1871)
This is a receipt of payment for E. J. Medicis created by W. Lyon and Company on July 20, 1871. W. Lyon and Company were wholesale and retail dealers in groceries, provisions, hardware, crockery, and oils. The company was based in St. Augustine, Florida. Medicis, an occasional agent for Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) based in St. Augustine, had previously purchased a hoe, and several sacks of corn earlier in the month, paying the outstanding bill of $12 in full on July 20. The materials were presumably meant for use on Henry Sanford's Florida properties, particular his experimental grove, Belair Grove. The more successful of the two, Belair Grove, was an experimental grove located three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. It was part of the Sanford Grant, a 12,547.15-square acre allotment of land purchased by Henry Sanford in 1870. In Belair, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could effectively grow and introduce new varieties into the burgeoning citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, following Sanford's death in 1891, his wife, Gertrude Ellen Dupuy Sanford (1841-1902), handed over the operations of Belair to Sydney Octavius Chase, Sr. (1860-1941) and Joshua Coffin Chase (1858-1948).
Original receipt: box 45, folder 1, subfolder 45.1.39, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
An audio recording of "Soul Eyes," composed by Mal Waldron (1925-2002) and performed by The Jazz Professors live on-air on WUCF-FM on December 10, 2007. The Jazz Professors are a sextet of professors from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, who play professionally and have released two albums with Flying Horse Records, a professional jazz record label operated by the university. They have recorded and toured with a number of prominent guest musicians "Soul Eyes" is a jazz standard first recorded for the 1957 Prestige All Stars album, Interplay for 2 Trumpets and 2 Tenors. Composer Waldron, who was in the group, wrote the song with bandmate and tenor saxophonist, John Coltrane (1926-1967), in mind, who would make the song famous with his own recording in 1962.
Original 4-minute and 31-second audio recording: Waldron, Mal. "Soul Eyes," by the Jazz Professors: WUCF-FM, Orlando, Florida, December 10, 2007.
WUCF-FM
WUCF-FM, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
The draft registration card for William Henry Oliver, who enlisted in the United States military during World War I. The card contains the demographic information for the soldier including name, age, home address, date of birth, place of birth, race, citizenship, trade or occupation, number of dependents, whether tall, medium, or short, slender, medium, or stout, eye and hair color, whether bald, and disabilities. World War I draft registration cards were completed by approximately 24 million men living in the U.S. in 1917 and 1918. This registration card for William Henry Oliver notes his physical description (brown hair, brown eyes) as well as his marital status (single). During the war, Oliver served with American Expeditionary Forces in Bordeaux, France. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft cards by [Illegible] Waldson, June 5, 1917.
War Department, Office of Provost Marshal General, Selective Service System
Annual Report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, 1949
The annual report of the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District for 1949. The organization began in 1948 with a goal to assist in agricultural interests. Over the years, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District began to also concentrate on the development and management of recreational enterprises. Their interests also entailed inventory and evaluations for land uses and solving issues concerning soil and water resources. In this year's report, the board gives an annual review of the accomplishments of the past and a summation of the objectives for the next year.
Original 4-page typewritten report by the Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District,1949: Folder SSWCD Annual Reports, 1949-1975, Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District, Sanford, Florida.
Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District
Sanford High School Report Card for Versa Woodcock, Fall 1908
Sanford High School report card for eighth-grader Versa Woodcock during the 1908 fall term. Students were evaluated in subjects such as arithmetic, reading, spelling, grammar, history, geography, writing, and physiology. Woodcock was evaluated by teacher Flora A. Walker and the principal during that school year was N. J. Perkins. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original report card by Flora A. Walker, 1908: Private Collection of Christine Kinlaw-Best.
Sanford High School Report Card for Versa Woodcock, Spring 1909
Sanford High School report card for eighth-grader Versa Woodcock during the 1909 spring term. Students were evaluated in subjects such as arithmetic, reading, spelling, grammar, history, geography, writing, and civics. Woodcock was evaluated by teacher Flora A. Walker and the principal during that school year was N. J. Perkins. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original report card by Flora A. Walker, 1909: Private Collection of Christine Kinlaw-Best.
"The Jitterbug Waltz" by Jeff Rupert + Dirty Martini
An audio recording of "The Jitterbug Waltz," composed by Fats Waller (1904-1943), and performed by Jeff Rupert + Dirty Martini live on-air on WUCF-FM on April 23, 2007. Jeff Rupert (b. 1964) is a freelance tenor saxophonist, Director of Jazz Studies and professor at the University of Central Florida (UCF), founder of Flying Horse Records, composer, and Yamaha performing artist. He has recorded with numerous artists, including Maynard Ferguson (1928-2006), Sam Rivers (1923-2011), Mel Tormé (1925-1999), and Benny Carter, whose 1992 album, Harlem Renaissance, Rupert appeared on, won a Grammy award. He has recorded and performed with his own bands as well, including Jeff Rupert + Dirty Martini and The Jazz Professors. "The Jitterbug Waltz" is a jazz standard composed and recorded by Waller in 1942. It was one of the first jazz records that used a Hammond organ.
Original 4-minute and 26-second audio recording: Waller, Fats. "The Jitterbug Waltz," by Jeff Rupert + Dirty Martini: WUCF-FM, Orlando, Florida, April 23, 2007.
The James Edmundson Ingraham House, located at South Sanford Avenue in Sanford, Florida. James Edmundson Ingraham was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, and is historically known as an entrepreneur and railroad company executive. In 1874, he moved to Florida and spent most of his career working with Henry Shelton Sanford, Henry Flagler, and Henry Plant. In 1892, he conducted a survey for the Plant railroad; he started in Fort Myers, traveled through the Everglades, and ended in Miami. It was during this expedition that Ingraham worked with Sydney Octavius Chase, a close personal friend. Ingraham was employed by Flagler from 1892 through 1897, and then served as land commissioner for the Florida East Coast Railway from 1897 to 1899. He then served as president of Flagler's Model Land Company, as well as an officer of several of Flagler's smaller land companies. Ingraham promoted land sales and thus influenced growth of various Florida towns. He died on October 25, 1924.
COriginal black and white photograph by W. H. Walmsley: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 215, folder 3.27, item CC94, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
James Edmundson Ingraham House, Sanford, Florida
Sixteenth Census Population for New York City, Borough of Brooklyn, 1940
The Sixteenth United States Census records for Kings County, Brooklyn, New York City, New York for 1940. The census divides the population by name, age, sex, race, marital status, residence, home owned or rented, value of home or monthly rent, whether living on a farm, other residents of same address, relation to head of house, attended school or college after March 1940, highest grade completed, state or foreign country of birth, employment status, hours of work per week, duration of employment, and wages. Supplemental questions include the father and mother's birthplace, language spoken in home during childhood, veteran status, father's veteran status, social security, usual occupation and industry, class of worker, if women have been married more than once, age at first marriage if so, and number of children born. A notable resident listed in this record is Giosue Nasso (1894-1961). Nasso was born on October 13, 1894, although his tombstone claims that he was born on December 12, 1894. He came to New York as an Italian immigrant at the age of nineteen. Before he got married to Santina, he registered for the draft on May 29, 1918, and served during World War I. By 1940, Santina and Giosue had four children: Vincent, Peter, Theresa, and Carmen. For the remainder of his life, Giosue lived in Brooklyn. He died on June 3, 1961 at the age of sixty-seven, and was buried in the Long Island National Cemetery in New York. However, he was relocated to the Florida National Cemetery, where he was buried along with his wife. "Together Forever" is written on Santina's side of tombstone. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original census record by Gran Walsh, April 15, 1940.
A newspaper article published by The Lion's Tale, Oviedo High School's student newspaper, in February of 1984. This article is about OHS senior Ed Norton, who was chosen as the recipient of the La Sertoma Club award. The La Sertoma Club is an international, non-partisan, non-political, non-profit, and non-sectarian organization that focuses on youth and community needs and scholarships for over 80 years. Oviedo High School is a Seminole County Public School located in Oviedo, Florida. Originally called the Oviedo School, the institution was first established in 1932 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations; its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education; and its successful athletics programs.
Original newspaper article: Walter, Cheryl. "Norton Awarded by La Sertoma Club." The Lion's Tale, Vol. XIII, No. 5, February 1984: Private Collection of Dan Beistel.
The Lion's Tale
The draft registration cards for Melvin Albert Hemmerle, who submitted on October 16, 1940, in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. The card contains the demographic information for the soldier including name, home address, telephone number, age in years, date of birth, place of birth, name of person who will always know your address, their relationship to applicant, their address, employer's name, race, height, weight, complexion, and other obvious physical characteristics. The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 was the first peacetime conscription in United States history. Men between the ages of 21 and 36 were required to register with local draft boards and were selected by lottery. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration cards, October 16, 1940.
The draft registration card for Raymond R. Moore. The card lists a serial number, the name of the registrant, the order number, the place of residence, the mailing address, telephone, age, place of birth, state, date of birth, the reference and their address, their employer and place of employment. Major Moore was born to Raymond R. Moore and Nettie Mae Moore on December 14, 1923, in Oxford, Alabama. Moore enlisted in the United States Army on January 1, 1923, to serve in World War II. At the time, he worked for the Great Atlantic Pacific Tea Company in Haines City, Florida. His military career spanned two decades, serving in World War II and the Korean War, and he ended his service as a Major. As a civilian, Moore married Wilma Lorene Rodman in 1942 and had four children. After Wilma’s death, he married Betty Louise Stallings, who had three children of her own. He owned and operated GEICO Insurance offices and was also a partner in the Fed Chek organization, where he served as Vice President. He died from heart failure of June 26, 1994, and is interned at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card, 1942.
The draft registration card for William Kirlew. The card lists the name of the recruit, their age, place of residence, date and place of birth, country of citizenship, father’s birthplace, occupation and location of occupation and the nearest relative and their address. The back of the form lists the description of the recruit including size, eye and hair color and physical ailments. William Kirlew (1898-1991) enlisted in the United States Army while a student at Virginia Union University during the 1917-1918 school year. He registered on May 29, 1918. Born on October 22, 1898, in Darliston, Jamaica, Kirlew immigrated to the United States in 1912. He joined the United States Army on May 29, 1918, serving in the 51st Depot Brigade. After the war ended, Kirlew migrated to New York, where in 1933, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Eventually, Kirlew settled in South Florida where he died on July 3, 1991. He is buried in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card, May 29, 1918.
The draft registration card for Rufe Goins, who enlisted in the United States military during World War I. The card contains the demographic information for the soldier including name, age, home address, date of birth, place of birth, race, citizenship, trade or occupation, number of dependents, whether tall, medium, or short, slender, medium, or stout, eye and hair color, whether bald, and disabilities. World War I draft registration cards were completed by approximately 24 million men living in the U.S. in 1917 and 1918. Goins registered for the draft on June 5, 1917. On May 29, 1912, at the age of twenty-one, Goins enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the 19th Infantry Regiment in Texas for several years. At the time of Goins’s service, the United States was engaged in war with Mexico. During this war, the United States Army garrisoned American border towns, constructed forts alongside the border, and fought against Pancho Villa, a notable Mexican revolutionary. Goins was honorably discharged on May 28, 1915. When the United States entered World War I, Goins re-enlisted in the Army on October 30, 1917. He served for two years and reached the rank of Private before being released on June 20, 1919. Goins served more than half a year past the end of the war in November 1918. He died on December 25, 1988, in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 94, and is buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. His wife, Maude, died ten years later and is buried with him. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card, June, 5, 1917.
The draft registration card for Charles James McLaren (1891-1988). The card contains the demographic information for the soldier including name, age, home address, date of birth, place of birth, race, citizenship, trade or occupation, number of dependents, whether tall, medium, or short, slender, medium, or stout, eye and hair color, whether bald, and disabilities. World War I draft registration cards were completed by approximately 24 million men living in the U.S. in 1917 and 1918. McLaren registered for the draft on June 5, 1917. Born on May 17, 1891, in Seattle, Washington, McLaren grew up in Minnesota before moving to Spokane, Washington, to work for the Northern Pacific Railway Company. He spent decades working for the company, eventually becoming a master mechanic. He enlisted in the United States Navy on May 27, 1918, serving as a Machinist’s Mate, First Class. He remained in the Navy until his discharge on September 30, 1921. After the war, he returned to work for the Northern Pacific Railway. He married the former Anne E. Thomas and fathered a daughter, Carol. He later returned to Washington State, living in both Seattle and Spokane during the 1940s and 1950s. Eventually McLaren and his wife moved to Brevard County, Florida. McLaren died on September 20, 1988, and is buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card.
The draft registration card for Robert Gerlach, who enlisted in the United States Army during World War I. The card contains the demographic information for the soldier including name, age, home address, date of birth, place of birth, race, citizenship, trade or occupation, number of dependents, whether tall, medium, or short, slender, medium, or stout, eye and hair color, whether bald, and disabilities. World War I draft registration cards were completed by approximately 24 million men living in the U.S. in 1917 and 1918. Born on November 29, 1896, in Rhine, Wisconsin, Robert Gerlach entered the United States Army on May 28, 1918. He was released from service as a private on November 27, 1918. Nine months after their marriage, Evelyn gave birth to their daughter, Joy Evelyn Gerlach. The couple moved to Citrus, Florida, in the 1980s. Evelyn passed away on February 17, 1988. Joy died two years later, in July 1990. Robert moved back to Wisconsin, where he lived out the remainder of his days in Waupaca until his death on February 17, 1993, at the age of ninety-six. He was subsequently interred at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on March 5, 1993, joining his wife and daughter. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card, June 5, 1917.
The draft registration card for William Richard King (1927-1992). The card lists a serial number, the name of the registrant, the order number, the place of residence, the mailing address, telephone, age, place of birth, state, date of birth, the reference and their address, their employer and place of employment. Born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on March 7, 1927, King enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces on May 12, 1945, two months after his 18th birthday. He completed his tour of duty on October 31, 1949, then re-enlisted on July 28, 1950, at the rank of sergeant, to serve in the Korean War. King’s wife, Annemarie, immigrated to the United States on May 7, 1951, along with their daughter, Ellen Jean Stritter. Despite arriving with a marriage certificate, William and Annemarie were married again in the United States. King served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars before his honorable discharge from military service on February 28, 1966. In 1974, William and Annemarie moved to Spring Hill, Florida, where their son Ralph also lived. William King died of natural causes on May 19, 1992, in Tampa, Florida. On March 17, 1995, a headstone was erected at the Florida National Cemetery. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card, May 12, 1945.
The draft registration card for Ray Edward Knowles (1925-1991). The front of the card lists a serial number, the name of the registrant, the order number, the place of residence, the mailing address, telephone, age, place of birth, state, date of birth, the reference and their address, their employer and place of employment. The back of the card describes the registrant's race, height, weight, complexion, obvious physical characteristics that will aid in identification, the registrar for the local board, and the date of registration. Born on July 6, 1925, in Miami, Florida, Knowles's was adopted by his older sister and her husband after his mother passed away. He enlisted in the United States Navy on April 29, 1943, and served as a naval painter. He was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class before he left the Navy on February 8, 1945. Knowles moved back to Miami after completing his service. He passed away on December 17, 1991, and is memorialized at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
The draft registration card for Sheldon Paul McCloskey (1919-1996). The card contains the demographic information for the soldier including name, home address, telephone number, age in years, date of birth, place of birth, name of person who will always know your address, their relationship to applicant, their address, employer's name, race, height, weight, complexion, and other obvious physical characteristics. The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 was the first peacetime conscription in United States history. Men between the ages of 21 and 36 were required to register with local draft boards and were selected by lottery. Born to James and Dessie McCloskey on April 15, 1919, in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, Sheldon worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company with his father as a railcar builder after graduating high school. He registered for the World War II draft on October 16, 1940, but eventually enlisted in the United States Navy on June 3, 1944. During his time in the Navy, he served on two submarine tender ships: the USS Orion and the USS Sperry. McCloskey left the Navy on February 15, 1946. After the war, he retuned to Washington DC and joined the Marine Corps reserve squadron VMF-321, achieving the rank of Sargent. McCloskey died on November 1, 1996, and is memorialized in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
The draft registration card for Earl Henry Patterson (1898-1971). The card lists a serial number, the name of the registrant, the order number, the place of residence, the mailing address, telephone, age, place of birth, state, date of birth, the reference and their address, their employer and place of employment. Born in Van Buren, Indiana, on February 6, 1898, Patterson served as a Boatswain's Mate in the United States Coast Guard during World War I. After the war, he moved to Washington D.C., and married Clarice Wampler. Patterson served with the Coast Guard again during World War II. In 1970, the Pattersons moved to Florida to retire. He passed away a year later, on June 13, 1971, and is buried at the Florida National Cemetery, in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card, February 14, 1942.
The draft registration card for Felix A. Prendota (1895-1988). The card contains the demographic information for the soldier including name, telephone number, age, place of birth, date of birth, name and address of person who will always know your address, employer's name and address, place of employment, race, height, weight, eye color, hair color, and complexion. The Fourth Registration, often referred to as the "old man's registration", was conducted on April 27, 1942. Felix Prendota was born on November 17, 1895, in Chicago, Illinois, to Polish immigrants. He enlisted in the United States Army on April 30, 1917, and was assigned to Battery A of the 12th Field Artillery. He shipped out to Europe on January 11, 1918. He engaged in the battles of Aisne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, Lorraine, and Ile de France. Although Prendota left Europe on July 30, 1919, he remained in the United States Army for over fifteen years. He was attached to the 15th Infantry, which protected American interests in China leading up to the Chinese Communist Revolution. He retired to Winter Park, Florida, with his wife, Ruby. Prendota died on September 15, 1988, at the age of ninety-two, and is buried at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card, April 27, 1942.
The draft registration card for Hylon Oliver Broadbrook (1893-1973), who enlisted in the United States military for the second time during World War II. The card lists a serial number, the name of the registrant, the order number, the place of residence, the mailing address, telephone, age, place of birth, state, date of birth, the reference and their address, their employer and place of employment. Born on March 24, 1893, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Broadbrook was the son of John and Laura Broadbrook. He enlisted in the United States Army on May 21, 1913, prior to the outbreak of World War I. He joined the 16th Cavalry Regiment and was assigned to the Mexican Border War, which was a part of the Mexican Revolution. Broadbrook earned the rank of corporal on January 10, 1917, and Sargent on September 9, 1917. After his service in the Mexican Border War, Broadbrook attended Officer Training School in 1918, and Machine Gun School in 1919. After his service ended in May of 1920, Broadbrook returned to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he worked as a printer. He later died in Oswego, New York, on June 18, 1973, while visiting family. He is memorialized in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
The draft registration card for William Graf Eppright (1923-1945). The card lists a serial number, the name of the registrant, the order number, the place of residence, the mailing address, telephone, age, place of birth, state, date of birth, the reference and their address, their employer and place of employment. Born on May 3, 1923, Eppright ran track in high school. On June 30, 1942, he registered for the draft. On October 1, 1942, he began his service in the United States Navy. He served in the Domestic Service and Foreign Service. On January 27, 1945, he married Mildred Anna Brady. In August of 1945, he was assigned to the USS Siboney. On August 10, 1945, the aircraft collided in the air, and Eppright was among the six pilots and crewmen presumed lost and killed in action. He is memorialized in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
The draft registration card for Richard Clifton Jones (1921-1995). The card lists a serial number, the name of the registrant, the order number, the place of residence, the mailing address, telephone, age, place of birth, state, date of birth, the reference and their address, their employer and place of employment. A notable resident listed in the record is Richard Clifton Jones (1921-1995). Born on April 25, 1921, Jones lived and worked on the family farm in Poca, West Virginia. On July 24, 1942, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served until October 17, 1948, and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. He married Erna Kapziowiski, with whom he had two sons: Richard and Carl. The family moved to Spring Hill, Florida, in 1987, where Jones worked as an electrician. He passed away on May 31, 1995, and is buried at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
The draft registration card for Otto Oscar Zwicker (1899-1992). The card lists a serial number, the name of the registrant, the order number, the place of residence, the mailing address, telephone, age, place of birth, state, date of birth, the reference and their address, their employer and place of employment. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, on April 7, 1899, Zwicker was drafted in the United States Army on November 4, 1918. He was discharged after serving a total of twenty-two days. He moved to Florida with his wife, Helen Mehen, in 1951. He worked in the furniture industry before selling real estate for the remainder of his working career. Zwicker died on October 20, 1992, and was interred at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card, February 16, 1942.
The draft registration card for Sellers Boynton Rogers (1917-1996). The card contains the demographic information for the soldier including name, home address, telephone number, age in years, date of birth, place of birth, name of person who will always know your address, their relationship to applicant, their address, employer's name, race, height, weight, complexion, and other obvious physical characteristics. The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 was the first peacetime conscription in United States history. Men between the ages of 21 and 36 were required to register with local draft boards and were selected by lottery. Born on October 25, 1917, in Arlington, Georgia, Rogers registered for the draft on October 16, 1940, while living in St. Petersburg, Florida. He enlisted in the United States Army on June 25, 1941, at Camp Blanding, Florida. Rogers served as a Combat Medic in the Pacific Campaigns of World War II. He participated in campaigns of New Georgia, Bougainville, Manila, and Luzon. He awarded the Silver Star for rescuing a comrade while under mortar fire in Lunzon. He also was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded during these actions. Rogers moved to Miami, Florida, following his discharge from the Army on September 12, 1945. He married Margaret E. Mann a year later, on August 8, 1946. He and Margaret spent the majority of their lives in the Miami area until his death on January 12, 1996. Sellers Rogers is buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
The draft registration card for Edward John Seidel (1915-1996). The card lists a serial number, the name of the registrant, the order number, the place of residence, the mailing address, telephone, age, place of birth, state, date of birth, the reference and their address, their employer and place of employment. Born on March 6, 1915, in Buffalo, New York, Seidel grew up in New York State before moving to Northern Virginia to work for the United States Department of Agriculture. He married his first wife, Mildred Lunsford, in 1938, and fathered four children: Lance, Mary Ann, Walter and Daniel. Seidel enlisted in the United States Army on May 7, 1945. In 1967, Seidel and his wife divorced. After marrying Harriet Bender in 1967, the family lived in Delaware before moving to Central Florida in 1992. On September 1, 1996, Seidel passed away at the age of eighty-one. The Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, placed a memorial headstone in honor of Seidel and his service. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
A 1918 draft list for Sandersville, Georgia. Approximately 24 million men registered for the draft in 1917 and 1918. Those who were drafted reported to their local draft boards before traveling to camp for training. Each local board created forms to keep track of draftees and ensure that they reported for duty. Form 1029 PMGO included the draftee's name, serial number, classification and other identifying information. On this form, Eddie Landrum (1899-1937) is listed with order number 2090, serial number 515, and Classification I, which meant that he was immediately eligible for service. He would report to Camp Gordon for training. Elijah "Eddie" L. Landrum was born on July 3, 1899, in Sandersville, Georgia. Like his father, Landrum was a farmer before the war. As he was under the age of twenty-one, Landrum listed his birth year as 1895 in order to register for the draft when the United States entered World War I. On August 22, 1918, Landrum was drafted for service and sent to train at Camp Gordon, Georgia. He served as part of the 157th Depot Brigade, which remained in the United States to receive, train and uniform new recruits who would be sent to fight on the front lines in France. After the war, Landrum was discharged and returned to his work as a farmer. He married and eventually settled in St. Augustine, Florida. On March 24, 1937, Eddie Landrum passed away and was buried in the St. Augustine National Cemetery in Section A Grave 208. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original typwritten draft list, August 22, 1918: Records of the Selective Service System (World War I), 1917-1939, Record Group 163, NAI Number 1159403.
Register of Burial for Clyde Emerson, 1922
The register of burial card for Clyde Emerson (1890-1919). One side of the card describes where Emerson was originally buried and lists his emergency address, while the other gives the location of his reinterment. His body was reinterred after the end of the war. Clyde Atwood Emerson was born on September 22, 1890 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, though he moved to Floirda in the early twentieth century. He attended high school and went on to work in the hospitality industry. On February 26, 1918, he was inducted into the United States Army and became a sergeant in the 81st "Wildcat" Division, where he served in the 318th Machine Gun Battalion
Leaving the United States for Europe on July 31, 1918, Emerson and his unit participated in many of the last major campaigns of World War I, inlcuding the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. This was the allied offensive that ended the war. Emerson survived the war and remained in Europe awaiting demobilization. During this time, Emerson contracted Spanish influenza, which would claim the lives of more soldiers and civilians than the war, and died on January 30, 1919. He was originally buried two days later in Aix-les-Bains, Savoie, France. However, he was later reinterred in December 22, 1922 at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France. Grave 8, Plot 11, Block B is his final resting place. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
War Department, Office of the Quartermaster General, Grave Registration Service
Digital reproduction of original double-sided typewritten register of burial, December 22, 1922: Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 1774-1985
Card Register of Burials of Deceased American Soldiers, 1913-1922, NH-81 1945.
War Department, Office of the Quartermaster General, Grave Resigtration Service
Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Belleau, France
The draft registration card for Andrew Jackson (1893-1937). Approximately 24 million men registered for the draft between 1917 and 1918. The cards recorded name, age, date and place of birth, race, and occupation, and a corresponding registrar's card listed physical features. Andrew Jackson was born in July 1893 in Sparr, Florida, though his draft card lists May 16 as his birthday. Little is known about his early life. He registered for the draft, like many, on June 5, 1917, and was inducted into the United States Army in August 1918. From September 1918 to July 1919, Jackson served as a private in Company M of the 807th Pioneer Infantry. The unit served in a technical capacity, constructing and repairing infrastructure, and this work often brought them in direct action with the enemy. Jackson was discharged on July 9, 1919. He returned to Florida and married his wife, Lucille, with whom he had three children. He worked for the Flroida East Coast Railroad until his death on November 4, 1937. He is buried in the St. Augustine National Cemetery at Section A Grave 216. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
War Department, Office of the Quartermaster General, Selective Service System
Digital reproduction of original draft registration card, June 5, 1917: Selective Service System, World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, M1509, 4,582 rolls.
Fifteenth Census Population for Rochester, Monroe County, New York, 1930
The Fifteenth United States Census records for Rochester, New York, for 1930. The census divides the population into categories of name, age, sex, race, marital status, occupants and relation to head of house, whether the home is owned or rented, value of home or rent, whether home is a farm residence, whether the home has a radio. It also records college attendance, literacy, birthplace and birthplace of parents, citizenship status, language spoken before coming to United States, year of immigration, occupation or business, class of worker, whether they worked the previous day, military status, and the war or expedition participated in. A notable resident listed in this record is Richard H. Vaisey (1924-1996). Born on October 18, 1924, in Rochester, New York, Vaisey completed three years of high school before enlisting in the United States Army at the age of eighteen in November 1942. Vaisey served on a mortar squadron in the Southwest Pacific Ocean during World War II. He was discharged on January 11, 1946, and returned home to Rochester, where he worked as a lineman for Rochester Gas and Electric. He retired to Venice, Florida, where he passed away on December 28, 1996. He is memorialized at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original census record by Emma Ward, February 22, 1930.
Fifteenth Census Population for East Orange, New Jersey, 1930
The Fifteenth United States Census records for East Orange, New Jersey, for 1930. The census divides the population into categories of name, age, sex, race, marital status, occupants and relation to head of house, whether the home is owned or rented, value of home or rent, whether home is a farm residence, and whether the home has a radio. It also records college attendance, literacy, birthplace and birthplace of parents, citizenship status, language spoken before coming to United States, year of immigration, occupation or business, class of worker, whether they worked the previous day, military status, and the war or expedition participated in. A notable resident listed is Robert Clark Kates (1918-1996). Born on March 6, 1918, in Newark, New Jersey, Kates served a long career in the United States Army. He graduated from the United State Military Academy at West Point in 1942 and became an officer in the United States Coast Artillery Corps. In 1953, after obtaining a law degree from Georgetown University, Kates transferred to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). After his service, Kates taught at the University of Georgia before moving to Nassau, Florida. He died on April 29, 1966, and is buried in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original census recorded by Harry Waters, April 4, 1930.
Newspaper article entitled "Merman Perry" about Newton "Newt" Perry published in unidentified newspaper in 1983. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original clipping of a newspaper article about Newton "Newt" Perry, ca. 1983: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
RICHES
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida
Harry Weber (pictured right) and Edith Chizefsky (pictured left) on their wedding day in New York City on November 10, 1943. Harry is wearing his Army uniform. Harry Weber was born on July 11, 1917. His mother, Eva, and father, Abraham, immigrated to the United States from Russia. He entered the United States Army in January 1943, at the age of 25 during World War II. Ten months later, he married Edith Chizefsky. After returning to the United States, Harry Weber worked as a salesman and a librarian. He and Edith had three daughters. Weber is buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph.
RICHES Podcast Documentaries, Episode 5: A History of Gay Days
Episode 5 of RICHES Podcast Documentaries: A History of Gay Days. RICHES Podcast Documentaries are short form narrative documentaries that explore Central Florida history and are locally produced. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 5 examines the history of the Gay Days celebration, one of the largest gay pride events in the world. Gay Days is held annually on the first Saturday in June, with the first event beginning in 1991. This podcast includes interviews with Gay Days, Inc. President Chris Alexander-Manley and Executive Director of the Stonewall Library Museum Archive Jack Rutland.
Original 15-minute and 58-second podcast by Daniel Webster, May 1, 2011: "RICHES Podcast Documentaries, Episode 5: A History of Gay Days." RICHES Podcast Documentaries, Orlando, Florida.
RICHES of Central Florida
Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Note from Manager of Weeki Wachee to Becky Young Requesting Interview
Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
A typed note on card stock the size of a business card sent to Rebecca Young from Weeki Wachee Springs, requesting her to come by for an interview. Text reads, "Rebecca: Come up as soon as you can for water test and pre-employment interview." The name of the person who sent the note is obscured. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original note from Weeki Wachee Springs to Becky Young, 1973: Private Collection of Becky Young.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida
Courtesy Admission Ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs
A courtesy admission ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs, good for one free viewing of an underwater show. The ticket was given to Rebecca Young (then Rebecca Stalhart) on the day of her pre-employment interview and water test, February 20, 1973. Rebecca was interviewing for a position as mermaid Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original admission ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs, February 20, 1973: Private Collection of Becky Young.
Hand-written Note Admitting Becky Young into Weeki Wachee Springs for Interview
Hand-written note from mermaid manager Genie Young to Pat, requesting Becky Young's addmitance into Weeki Wachee Springs. The note reads, " Pat, Please admit Becky- She is a try-out and hopefully trainee." Becky was interviewing to become a mermaid. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original note written by Genie Young, February 20, 1973: Private Collection of Becky Young.
Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Performance Evaluation Sheet
Performance evaluation of Geanie Brooks. The text reads: "Geanie 1. Dive 2. Introduction – Not long enough 3. Length of time replacing face mask 4. Back Dolphin – Not centered 5. Surface to Limb – check mark 6. Swim to buoyancy position – okay check mark 7. Buoyancy – check mark 8. Swim to fish feeding – check mark 9. Fish feeding – check mark 10. Swim to limb – check mark 11. Asking in – check mark 12. Eating – check mark 13. Drinking 14. Clearing face mask – check mark 15. Getting off limb – check mark 16. Double hose breathing – hands a. 1st position 2nd position 3rd position 17. Swim to stage 18. Asking in: positions – good, gestures – good, coming over the top – good 19. Bringing hose to deep dive girl 20. Deep dive: swim to hole – check, descent to stick – not profile -, ballet positions – check mark, ballet- could be smoother – get in standing position before going into arab (arabesque), length of deep dive – could be longer 21. Stage ballet 22. Adagio - good 23. Rating of show – good 24. Comments" Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original performance evaluation of Geanie Brooks, c. 1960s: Private collection of Shirley Herdge.
New Basis of Pay for Mermaids Effective August 1, 1956
A three-page document given to mermaid Geanie Brooks detailing updated pay rates for Weeki Wachee Mermaids, effective August 1, 1956. The document expresses that the pay increase was made in order to attract better performers and better retain current staff. Mermaids were still going to be paid per show, and still required to take promotional photos and photos with visitors for no additional pay. Under the new rules, mermaids were going to be paid $2.30 per unit. The pay per unit would increase ten cents every month a mermaid performs until it reached the maximum rate of $4.70. Performing a show equaled one unit, and performing extra duties qualified mermaids for exta partial units. There were other ways to make money at Weeki Wachee, including training new mermaids. When a trainee performed their first show, the trainer would recieve $100. If the trainee didn't qualify, the trainer received $25. Trainees were paid $75 a month, plus room and board. After passing training, they would become extras in shows. In this position, they would make $170 a month. When a position of mermaid opened up, the extra who had been an extra the longest would move up. Mermaids received double pay for working on holidays. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original two-page document "New Basis of Pay for Mermaids Effective August 1, 1956," 1956: Private collection of Shirley Herdge.
Arlene Brooks Practicing Ballet in the Mermaid Villa
Three strips of safety film with twelve photographs showing Arlene Brooks in several ballet positions. The photographs are assumed to be taken by Weeki Wachee's resident photographer, Sparky Schumacher. These photos were taken in the 1960s. Practicing moves out of the water is just as important as practicing moves underwater. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original Kodak Safety Film strips, 12 photographs, c. 1960s: Private collection of Arlene Brooks.
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Performing at a Mermaid Reunion
Photograph of Rita King, a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, dancing on a platform as a band plays. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular reunion occured in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Rita King, December 1, 1960: Private collection of Rita King.
Document Detailing the Acrobatic Routine Performed by Rita King at a Weeki Wachee Mermaid Reunion
This document lists the choreography of the acrobatic routine Rita King (then Rita McKenna) performed at one of the Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Reunions. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular reunion happened on December 1, 1960. Text cut off at the top of the image reads, "Acrobatic Dance Routine for a Mermaid Reunion Show - Age 21." Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original two-page document of choreography, December 1, 1960: Private collection of Rita King.
1969 Weeki Wachee Springs Annual Mermaid Reunion Schedule
For many years, Weeki Wachee Springs held an annual reunion with their former mermaids. The 1969 reunion schedule gives an overview of the events held throughout these reunions, including a swimming race across the spring, an underwater show performed by former mermaids, a lunch, costume contest, award ceremony, film screening, and farewells. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original schedule "Time Table -- 1969 Mermaid Annual Reunion", 1969: Private collection of Arlene Brooks.
Recap of Weeki Wachee Spring's 1969 Annual Mermaid Reunion
"Weeki Wachee Calling" is a 4-page pictoral report of the 9th annual Weeki Wachee Spring's Mermaid Reunion. The first page is written as if it is a telegram and thanks guests for attending as well as informing them of the next reunion in 1970. Over the next 2 pages are 15 photos from the event along with the winners of all of the games and contests that were held during the event. The last page lists the attendance roster. A totall of 130 participated in the event. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original four-page document "Weeki Wachee Calling," 1969: Private collection of Shirley Herdge.
Lauren Dodson Posing in her Mermaid Uniform at the Weeki Wachee Springs Docks
Weeki Wachee Springs mermaid Lauren Dodson in costume with a mermaid tail on posing on the dock of the spring. Lauren Dodson was a mermaid from 2007 to 2012 and is the daughter of Lydia Dodson, who was a Weeki Wachee mermaid in the 1970s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original color photogrpah of Lauren Dodson, 2007: Private collection of Lydia Dodson.
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb Posing Underwater in Costume
Photograph of Florence McNabb posing underwater in a mermaid costume at Weeki Wachee Springs in the 1950s. Florence was the daughter of Ed and Vera Gothberg, who owned the Mermaid Motel that was across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs until 1966. At this time, mermaid tails were mainly used in promotional photos and rarely used during shows. This was because shows at the time mainly consisted of ballet routines. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original Black and white photograph of Florence McNabb, c. 1950s: Collection of Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids Performing Underwater
Postcard depicting three Weeki Wachee Mermaids performing in a show. Two of the mermaids are dressed up in leis and hula skirts and the other is wearing a Hawaiian shirt playing a ukelele. Mermaids are standing on a metal platform that is a hydraulic lift. The platform moved up and down. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original postcard of Weeki Wachee Mermaids Mid-Performance, c. 1960s: Private Collection of Arlene Brooks.
Photograph of the Volkswagen van that Weeki Wachee used to bus employees to the springs. The van is parked in from of the Weeki Wachee entrance sign. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Black and White Photograph of Weeki Wachee's Employee Van, c. 1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge.
Map of Weeki Wachee after ABC Bought the Attraction
This map is a part of a booklet about Weeki Wachee Springs. The booklet was made sometime after the corporation American Broadcasting Company (ABC) purchased the park. The map also shows the underwater theater, labeled D, as having a flat roof. This remodel covered up the original clam shell roof the theater had. In the mid-1970s, the park was rethemed and many of the attractions took on a South Pacific look. In 2014, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection began an endeavor to uncover the original roof. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original color Weeki Wachee brochure, fourteen pages, c. 1970s: Private Collection of Rebecca Young.
Black and white photograph of a portion of Weeki Wachee's gift shop, taken in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Black and White Kodak Safety Film strip, c. 1960s: Weeki Wachee Springs Collection.
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb Drinking an RC Cola Underwater
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb drinking an RC Cola underwater in the 1960s. Florence is kneeling on some seagrass, holding the airhose to her side. Weeki Wachee mermaids drank soda and ate bananas during their shows, before the mermaid shows became plays. At one point, RC Cola sponsored Weeki Wachee. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original Black and white photograph of Florence McNabb drinking RC Cola, c.1960s: Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs Collection.
Bicentennial Edition of Weeki Wachee Springs' Trifold Brochure, Featuring Mermaid Rebecca Young
Bicentennial edition of Weeki Wachee Springs' trifold brochure, c. 1976. The mermaid mock playing the flute is Rebecca Young (previously Stahlhut). This photoshoot is the one she is most proud of from her time as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The photoshoot took several hours just to this this one picture, as everyone's hair, costumes, and the flag had to be in correct positions. The inside of the brochure lists the attractions and mentions the special "salute to the Bicentennial, 'Happy Birthday America!'" Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original color Weeki Wachee Springs trifold, Bicentennial Edition, c. 1976: Private Collection of Rebecca Young.
Mermaid Trainer Bonnie Georgiadis Displaying Proper Form for 6 Trainees
Mermaid Trainer Bonnie Georgiadis training six mermaids on proper form of a position for a publicity photo. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer, and the rest of her time at the park as the bird department's manager. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original sepia tone photogrpah of Bonnie Georgiadis and Trainees, c. 1960s: Private Collection of Sharon Cihak Elliot.
Bonnie Georgiadis Releasing Rehabilitated Bald Eagle
Weeki Wachee Springs Bird Department Manager Bonnie Georgiadis about to release one of the two bald eagles she helped rehabilitate. She rehabilitated an eagle in 1985. The eagle got caught in some barbed wire and broke its collarbone at a cattle ranch near Weeki Wachee. The 4-year-old female dubbed Victoria recovered at Busch Gardens for four months and was then sent to Weeki Wachee to be rehabilitated for two months. In order to retrain the eagle, Bonnie had to train the bird to fly short distances from perch to perch and reward Victoria with treats. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer, and the rest of her time at the park as the bird department's manager. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original color photograph of Bonnie Georgiadis and Bald Eagle, c. 1980s: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection.
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis Announcing a Show
Mermaid Bonnier Georgiadis sitting on the edge of the underwater theater's windows holding a microphone, announcing a show. Two mermaids are pictured behind her in mid pose. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer, and the rest of her time at the park as the bird department's manager. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original black and white photograph of Bonnie Georgiadis and Mermaids, c. 1960s: Private Collection of Sharon Cihak Elliot.
Geanie L.W. Brooks with her Four Children in Front of Weeki Wachee's Mermaid Villa
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Geanie L. W. Brooks and her four children, 2 sons and 2 daughters, sitting under a Weeki Wachee Sign outside of the Mermaid Villa. Geanie learned how to weld andoperate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War II. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot, she left the workforce upon turning eighty-years-old. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original Black and white photograph of Geanie Brooks and her children, c.1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge.
Mermaid Geanie L.W. Brooks Dressed as a Witch Posing Underwater
Mermaid Geanie L. W. Brooks dressed as a witch posing underwater at Weeki Wachee Springs. In the background is a sign in the shape of a jack-o-lantern in a tophat. On the tophat are the words "Weekii Wachee Witches." Geanie learned how to weld andoperate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War II. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio Restuarant at Weeki Wachee Springs and later became a mermaid. She left this position in 1957. After Weeki Wachee, Geanie drove bulldozers, repaired bulldozer tracks, and drove a dump trunk. Even later she worked as a bookkeeper, real estate agent, bowling instructor, and department store manager. Her last job was at Home Depot, she left the workforce upon turning eighty-years-old. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original Black and white photograph of Geanie Brooks Underwater, c.1950s: Private Collection of Shirley Herdge.
Weeki Wachee Mermaids Sitting in Front of Hercules Beetle Statue
Color postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids sitting in front of a Hercules Beetle Statue and the May Museum of the Tropics. For a little over a decade, the May family of Colorado displayed some of their family's private collection of tropical bugs and animals in a museum on Weeki Wachee Springs property. Photograph taken sometime in the 1950s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original color photograph of May Museum of the Tropics, c.1950s: May Natural History Museum Collection.
Postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis Posing Underwater in Costume
Color postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in a costume, mid-ballet move during an underwater performance. Text on back of postcard reads, "The underwater acrobatic butterfly ballet is just one of eight big scenes produced for the new underwater spectacle at the Spring of Live Mermaids, Weeki Wachee, Florida. Color Photo by Ted Lagerberg." Handwritten beneath previous text reads, "Feb 13-64." Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Lagerber, Ted. Original color postcard of Bonnie Georgiadis Underwater, February 13, 1964: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection.
Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids Performing on the Hydraulic Lift
A Weeki Wachee Springs underwater performance. The image shows two Weeki Wachee mermaids standing on the hydraulic lift that ABC installed in the springs in the 1960s. There is a third mermaid mid-pose in front of the bydraulic lift. As the picture was taken in August 1971 and there is a treasure chest prop in the left corner, the show is presumed to be "Peter Pan." After ABC took over Weeki Wachee Springs, the performances changed annually. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original color photograph of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids and Hydraulic Lift, August 1971: Private Collection of karen Geiken.
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Feeding a Fish Underwater
Mermaid Rita King feeding a fish underwater. In one hand she is holding food and the other hand is holding an air hose. She is kneeling on the spring floor. Photograph taken in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Black and white photograph of Rita King, c. 1960s: Private collection of Rita King.
Weeki Wachee Springs Underwater Theater Postcard
Color postcard with an image of Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids posing on top of the newly constructed underwater theater. Text on the back reads, "Weeki Wachee, Florida's underwater grand canyon presents a new million dollar underwater aqua-theatre and underwater musical revue daily from 9 to 5, rain or shine. Located at the junction of U.S. 19 and Florida 50 north of Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa." This Postcard made sometime in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original color postcard of Weeki Wachee Mermaids atop Underwater Theater, c.1960s: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Collection.
Trifold brochure of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park highlighting the park's attractions in the 1950s, such as the May Museum of the Tropiscs. For a little over a decade, the May family of Colorado displayed some of their family's private collection of tropical bugs and animals in a museum on Weeki Wachee Springs property. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original color trifold of Weeki Wachee Springs, c. 1950s: May Natural History Museum Collection.
General Company Rules for Mermaids, Swimmers & Trainees
Weeki Wachee Springs employee handbook for mermaids, swimmers and trainees. The first four pages detail scheduling rules, dress code and rules of conduct. Some of the rules for mermaids cover what makeup to wear in and out of the water, where to keep bathing suits and costumes, how to act in the villa, how to announce the shows, as well as how to act in public when off duty. Pages 5-10 detail safety measures for diving. There are rules for how to care for the sinus, answers to an air lock test, and a list of diving diseases and their symptoms. Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, an show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs began steadily declining until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history.
10-page typewritten handbook by Weeki Wachee Springs, c.1950s: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Weeki Wachee, Florida.
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Posing Underwater with a Welcome Home Sign for Her Parents
Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History;
Weeki Wachee mermaid Rita King posing underwater with a handmade sign, dressed in a mermaid tail. The sign reads, "Welcome Home Mom, Dad Your Mermaid Missed You!" Rita surprised her parents with this sign at the beginning of the first mermaid show they came to after coming back home from an extended trip. It was routine during performances to shout out visitors who were celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions. When VIP's visited the park, the mermaids welcomed them more elaborately. For example, when Elvis Presley visited Weeki Wachee, the mermaids began the underwater show with a cardboard cutout of Elvis as well as with several signs. As seen here, it was also acceptable for mermaids to personalize their shows under special circumstances. Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, an show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs began steadily declining until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history.
Original B&W photograph of Rita King, 1967: Private Collection of Rita King.
Advertising card for Weekiwachee Spring from around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter, Delee Perry, took over Perry's swim school following her father's death in 1987. It was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original Weeki Wachee Springs State Park advertising card, ca. 1950: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
Rita King, a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, in costume, performing an acrobatic routine. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular reunion happened on December 1, 1960. Text cut off at the top of the image reads, "Acrobatic Dance Routine for a Mermaid Reunion Show - Age 21." Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by Newton Perry along with a group of investors. This attraction opened as the roadside era of Florida was ramping up and consisted of an amalgamation of vendors including an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction- the mermaid show that took place in an underwater theatre. The attraction grew to include The May Museum of the Tropics, an ‘abandoned Seminole village’, an show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo. As theme parks became the new norm for Florida’s tourist industry, Weeki Wachee Springs began steadily declining until the state of Florida absorbed the attraction into the state park system in 2008. The attraction now focuses on appealing to a modern audience, while still preserving its rich history.
Original black and white photograph of Rita King, December 1, 1960: Private collection of Rita King.
Group photograph of participants at a Weeki Wachee mermaid reunion event from May 13 to 15, 1983. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original photograph of Weeki Wachee Mermaid Reunion event, May 13-15, 1983: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
An oral history of Doris McClendon, a former member of the U.S. Navy. This interview was conducted by Andrew Glen Weeks at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, on April 11, 2014. The interview was conducted as part of the UCF Community Veteran's History Project (CVHP) and background research for a memorial honoring the for Naval Training Center Orlando (NTC Orlando). McClendon attended recruit training at the NTC Orlando in 1976. At that time, the training center was the only naval facility to train both male and female recruits. In this oral history, McClendon describes her experience as a female recruit at NTC Orlando. She also talks about her role as a legalmen in the Navy. McClendon left the Navy in 1995 with the rank of E-7.
McClendon, Doris. Interviewed by Andrew Glen Weeks. UCF Community Veterans History Project. April 11, 2014. Audio/video record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries
UCF Community Veterans History Project
Pine Villa Elementary School, Miami, Florida
Mays Junior High School, Goulds, Florida
South Dade Senior High School, Homestead, Florida
Naval Training Center Orlando, Orlando, Florida
Naval Air Station Keflavik, Keflavik, Iceland
Memorandum from C. A. Weeks, Thomas A. Christopher, and Raymond J. Sero (May 31, 1996)
A memorandum from C. A. Weeks, Thomas A. Christopher, and Raymond J. Sero regarding recent appointments and the restructuring of the Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) in 1996. At the time that the memo was written, Weeks was the General Manager of the Generation Systems Division, Christopher was the General Manager of the Energy Services Divisions, and Sero was the General Manager of the Systems and Major Projects Division. In 1983, the Westinghouse power generation business operation, starting with the Steam Turbine Generator Division, was taking shape in its new Orlando headquarters under the management team led by General Manager Dr. Stan Quick (under E. J. "Gene" Cattabiani, Vice President of the Power Generation Group). This series of letters, memoranda, and charts documents the changes in management leadership at the Orlando site from 1983 through 1998, when the Westinghouse Power Genration Business was acquired by Siemens. Following the announcement of the retirement of Dr. Quick in 1984, the management was led by the team of Bob Ractcliffe and Howard Pierce. In 1987, Tom Campbell was appointed General Manager of the Power Generation Technology Systems Division under Nat Woodsen and Jim Moore, Vice Presidents of the Power Systems Business Unit. In 1988, the Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) was formed under Frank R. Bakos, Vice President and General Manager (under Executive Vice President Ted Stern), and, in 1995, Randy H. Zwirn took the helm as Vice President and General Manager of the PGBU. He remained at the executive level for 20 years, through the PGBU acquisition by Siemens in 1998 and beyond to 2016. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando. The PGBU building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail.
Original 9-page typed memorandum from C. A. Weeks, Thomas A. Christopher, and Raymond J. Sero, May 31, 1996: Private Collection of Harry L. Jaeger.
Westinghouse Electric Corporation, The Quadrangle, Orlando, Florida
An oral history with Matt Clancy, a surfer and the owner of Clancy's Mexican Cantina. Clancy moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in 1962 when his father, a member of the United States Air Force, relocated to Central Florida. Clancy began teaching himself how to surf at age six. His six older brothers, as well as friends Mike Martin and Tommy Wright, also helped Clancy learn. As a child, Clancy joined the Smyrna Surfari Club, a social organization founded in 1979 in New Smyrna Beach. He was also a member of the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) and the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) and participated in numerous competitions in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and California. Other topics discussed in the oral history include memories of Central Florida, surfboards, surfing in difficult weather conditions, sharks and shark attacks, surfing injuries, and Clancy's restaurant.
Clancy, Matt. Interview by Erin Wells and Brandon Clark. Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus. July 25, 2013. Audio/video record available. Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Daytona State College
Clancy's Mexican Cantina, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
An article published in The Generation Gap, Westinghouse Electric Corporation's newsletter, regarding the relocation of the company's Steam Turbine-Generator Division (STGD) from Lester and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Orlando, Florida, starting in 1982. A new headquarters building was being constructed at The Quadrangle, at the corner of Alafaya Trail and University Boulevard. Temporary office space was located in a renovated shopping center on East Colonial Drive. Shown in photographs on the second page are executives uncovering the cornerstone of the new building (dated February of 1982), but the building was not ready to have it installed as yet. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business the The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. The company relocated its Steam Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida, beginning in 1981. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought CBS network. It then changed its name to the CBS Corporation.
Westinghouse Communications Department (for Power Generation Marketing Dept.)
Original 4-page article: The Generation Gap, Spring 1982: Private Collection of Harry Jaeger.
Westinghouse Power Generation Business Unit, Orlando, Florida
This Week in Florida History: Woman's Club Makes History
A newspaper article written by Ben Wheeler and published by The Oviedo Voice in February of 2006. The article describes the history of the Oviedo Woman's Club (OWC) and also provides a brief history of woman's clubs in Florida. According to the article, the Green Cove Springs' Village Improvement Association was formed as the first woman's club in Florida on February 20, 1883. The Oviedo Woman's Club was founded in 1906 as the Oviedo Magazine Club by seven charter members: H. B. McCall, Edith Meade, Georgia Lee Wheeler, Lillian Lee Lawton, Mattie Aulin Wheeler, Milcah Yonge, and Mary King. The first clubhouse was constructed in 1914 and also served as Oviedo's first library. In 1916, the club joined the FFWC and officially changed its name to the Oviedo Woman's Club. In 1923, the woman's club was federated under the umbrella of the General Federation of Woman's Clubs (GFWC). A new clubhouse was built in 1961 on property donated by R. L. Croom, a former member, which is located at 414 King Street. The Oviedo Woman's Club is involved in many civic projects, including the annual Great Day in the Country Arts and Crafts Festival, the Spring Fundraiser, Tasting Luncheons, and Celebrate Spring Teas.
Original newspaper article: Wheeler, Ben. "This Week in Florida History: Woman's Club Makes History." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XVI, No. 7, February 16-22, 2006: Private Collection of Beatrice Gestrich.
Oviedo Woman's Club
Royal Palm Hammock State Park, Homestead, Florida
Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida
Oral Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler III
An oral history interview of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler III, a descendant of the Wheeler and Lawton families in Oviedo. The interview was conducted by Desta Lee Horner at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, on June 18th, 2019. Some of the topics covered include the family history of the Lawtons and Wheelers, the significance of the pine timber industry in Oviedo, the career path of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr., the role of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. in the incorporation and development of Oviedo, withstanding freezes and destruction of crops and trees, shipping citrus on the railroads and the decline of the citrus industry in Oviedo, working in packing houses, varieties of citrus production in Oviedo, transitioning from citrus to celery production, how packing houses served a social function, building a railroad on muck land and dealing with derailed trains, how Seminole County was formed and the consequences of its formation, George Kelsey and enforcing the law in a small town, eccentric characters and interesting stories from Oviedo, how churches influenced life in Oviedo, how the Oviedo lights became an urban legend, how being a bedroom community shaped the City of Oviedo, how the Oviedo Fire Department evolved, his experience with race relations in Oviedo, how Alafaya Trail became a paved road, deciding on where to build Florida Technological University, and his closing remarks.
Wheeler III, Benjamin Franklin. Interviewed by Desta Lee Horner, June 18, 2019. Audio record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Five Points Operations Complex, Sanford, Florida
Florida Technological University, Orlando, Florida
Nelson and Company Packing Plant, Oviedo, Florida
Oviedo Drug and Meat World, Oviedo, Florida
Letter from Daisy P. White to the Apopka Chief of Police (March 16, 1928)
Letter from Daisy P. White to the Apopka Chief of Police written and mailed on March 16, 1928. Topics discussed in the letter include White's previous attempts to write to the Chief of Police, her plans to return to her home in Florence, South Carolina once her daughter finishes school for the school year, and uncertainty in regards to what papers her sister-in-law, Ella Wall, will need following the death of White's Husband. Ella Wall (1874-1938) was an entrepreneur and businesswoman of Apopka who served as the inspiration for a character in Zora Neale Hurston's novel Mules and Men. Wall was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1874 and moved to Apopka as a widow. Throughout her lifetime, Wall purchased four parcels, of land. She operated an orange grove and also constructed small wooden buildings that she rented out to migrant workers. Wall was also a friend of Michael Gladden, Jr., the executor of the George W. Oden estates, until her death in 1938.
Original letter from Daisy P. White to the Apopka Chief of Police, March 16, 1928: series I, box 1, folder 129, African American Legacy: The Carol Mundy Collection, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A newspaper article from FloridAgriculture, a magazine published by the Florida Farm Bureau (FFB). The bureau was formed in 1941, when Florida Citrus Growers, Inc. was reorganized as the Florida Farm Bureau, affiliated with American Farm Bureau Federation. The FFB represents Florida farmers in the Florida Legislature, studies agricultural practices, and offers insurance products for its members. This article discusses the history of Lake Apopka and its pollution, and describes research findings by Dr. Richard B. Forbes, a chemist working at the Sanford Agricultural Research and Education Center. The article also describes efforts by the Central Florida Agricultural Institute (CFAI) to stop pollution in the lake. The CFAI was a non-profit corporation formed to represent the Zellwood farmers operating on Lake Apopka's north shore and investigate potential methods to reduce pollution. The article claims that the CFAI had donated $50,000 to the Sanford Agricultural Research and Education Center and was working on reservoir systems to prevent polluted discharge water from entering the lake. Lake Apopka is one of Florida’s largest lakes and was once considered to be one of the world’s best lakes for bass fishing. The lake’s sport fish population began to decline in the 1960s, with major die-offs occurring almost yearly. The lake’s problems are generally considered to be the result of over-nutrification from various sources. Twenty thousand acres of wetlands bordering the lake’s north shore were drained in the 1940s and used for highly fertile "muck farms." These farms were routinely flooded to protect the fragile soil, and the fertilizer and pesticide-laden water was then discharged back into the lake prior to each growing season. Other sources of pollution include discharge from citrus processing operations, as well as treated wastewater from sewage plants. The nutrient-rich discharge promoted algae growth in the lake, turning the water to a green color, and blocked sunlight from reaching aquatic vegetation, which provided food and habit to the lake’s fish population. The lake’s bottom soil became increasingly “mucky,” also disrupting aquatic vegetation from taking root. Restoration work on the lake began in the 1960s with attempts by various agencies to remove “trash fish,” such as gizzard shad, from the lake via seining, which would hopefully allow the lake’s sportfish to thrive. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council, an initiative formed under Governor Claude Kirk (1926-2011) in 1967, launched several studies to find methods to improve the lake, though no serious action was taken. Various methods were debated to restore the lake through the 1970s and 1980s, including “drawdown,” which entailed completely draining the lake to allow the mucky bottom to consolidate. Restoration attempts were stalled for lack of funding and research. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council was reformed in 1985 under Governor Bob Graham (b. 1936), and, in 1987, the Surface Water and Improvement Management Act was passed. Together, these actions allowed comprehensive restoration plans to take shape, such as the Marsh Flow-way, a project by the St John’s Water Management District that uses natural methods to remove nutrients from the lake. The Friends of Lake Apopka, a citizen Environmental advocacy group, began to push for further restoration efforts in the 1990s. The lake’s north shore muck farms were eventually purchased by the State of Florida, helping to reduce the amount of nutrient entering the lake.
Photocopy of original magazine article: White, Earl. "Lake Apopka: Operation Cleanup." FloridAgriculture, May 1973: binder 1973, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
FloridAgriculture
Oral History of Edwin White and Carolyn White
An oral history interview of Edwin White and Carolyn White, conducted by Porsha Dossie on April 18, 2015. Around 1967, the Whites moved to Oviedo, Florida, where they established a horse ranch. In the interview, the Whites discuss how Oviedo has changed over time, their horse ranch, and the wildlife that lives around their property. Due to technical difficulties, the first six and a half minutes of the recording lacked audio and were edited out of the final version.
White, Edwin and Carolyn White. Interviewed by Porsha Dossie, April 18, 2015. Audio/video record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
An oral history of Garnett White, conducted by Joseph Morris on October 13, 2011. Born in St. Augustine, Florida, White moved with his family to Sanford at a young age. In the interview, he discusses attending Southside Elementary School during World War II, running a paper route and riding bikes around Sanford, his experiences as a real estate broker, Sanford's celery industry, the history of Chase and Company, Red Hill Groves and the citrus industry, his service in the U.S. Navy, his civic service, and his family.
White, Garnett. Interviewed by Joseph Morris. October 13, 2011. Audio record available. Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
West 10th Street and South Laurel Avenue, Sanford, Florida
Sanford Grammar School, Sanford, Florida
Chase & Company Washhouse, Sanford, Florida
An oral history of Lars D. White, conducted by Sarah Thorncroft on March 27, 2015. In the interview, White discusses the transformation of Oviedo, Florida, from small agricultural community to a suburb of the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. He discusses attending desegregated schools, school bus rides, various school activities, and what people did for entertainment. White also talks about growing up on a horse farm and the different riding shows and competitions that he participated in. White talks about meeting his wife, her community involvement, and how their children’s upbringing was similar and different compared to theirs. He also discusses volunteering as a firefighter and then rising in the ranks to become Fire Chief and the Emergency Management Director. White recalls some memorable moments from his long career with the City of Oviedo, as well as discussing his involvement in the development of the Oviedo Veterans Memorial. White also talks about the iconic Oviedo chickens and the lesser known Oviedo peacocks.
White, Lars D. Interviewed by Sarah Thorncroft, March 27, 2015. Audio/video record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
An article, titled "Ye Town of Maitland," published in The Florida Grower, a magazine in publication since 1907. The article does not contain any dates, page numbers, or publication information, but was most likely published in 1925 or 1926. The article promotes the town of Maitland for prospective settlers and visitors, and focuses on such aspects as the natural beauty of the area, including lakes, flora, and fauna, picturesque estates, the citrus industry, farming, recreation, and the area's schools, churches, and library.
Original 2-page article: Whitman, Frank. "Ye Town of Maitland." The Florida Grower: Newspaper Collection, accession number 2014.002.020V, room 2, case 2, shelf 10, box GV, Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.
The Florida Grower
"The Entrance of the Faith in the Eastern Part of the Peninsula and Some Early Presbyterian Plantings in the Region of Saint Johns Presbytery" Manuscript
Florida Presbytery (Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.)
An original manuscript titled "The Entrance of the Faith in the Eastern Part of the Peninsula and Some Early Presbyterian Plantings in the Region of Saint Johns Presbytery," written by J. N. Whitner. The first Presbyterians in Florida migrated from the Carolinas and from Scotland beginning in 1820. The St. Johns Presbytery comprised of territory including and surrounding Fort Mellon, Fort Read, and Fort Brooke. In the early 1850s, Francis Lee Galloway, a leading elder of the Presbyterian Church, settled in the Fort Read community after migrating to Florida from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Around 1855, Judge James G. Spear planted orange groves and built his home around Lake Apopka. Called Oakland, Speer's home served as a location for Christians to assemble daily for prayer and for Sunday services conducted by the judge himself. The first group of Presbyterians to arrive in Fort Read after the Seminole War were Dr. Andrew C. Caldwell and his family, who migrated to Florida from Greensboro, North Carolina, in May 1867. In 1869, Reverend John W. Montgomery, the Evangelist of Florida Presbytery, organized the Sumter Church in Sumter County. The name of the church was later changed to the Leesburg Presbyterian Church and a building was constructed in 1884. Plans to organize and build a church at Fort Read began in 1869, with Reverend F. F. Montgomery conducting services. Silver Lake Church was officially organized in February 1870 and the church building was completed the following year. St. Johns Presbytery was organized at Silver Lake Church on March 9, 1878. In 1900, after much of the population shifted toward the growing Town of Sanford, the church dissolved.
Original manuscript by J .N. Whitner: "The Entrance of the Faith in the Eastern Part of the Peninsula and Some Early Presbyterian Plantings in the Region of Saint Johns Presbytery," February 1870: box 173, folder 9.52, Chase Collection (MS 14), box 173, folder 9.52, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
How George Westinghouse Changed the World
An article published in Mechanical Engineering about the impact of George Westinghouse (1846-1914), who founded of the Westinghouse Electric Company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Original 6-page journal article: Wicks, Frank. "How George Westinghouse Changed the World." Mechanical Engineering. 118, no. 10: 74-79: Private Collection of Harry L. Jaeger.
Truck at Chase & Company Packing House in Sanford
Chase & Company packing house in Sanford in 1936. CChase & Company was established in 1884 by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photographs by A. Wieboldt, March 30, 1936: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 214, folder 8.18D, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Workers bathing at a Chase & Company picnic on March 3, 1936 in Sanford, Florida. Chase & Company was established in 1884 by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century.
Original 3 x 5 black and white photograph by A. Wieboldy, March 3, 1936: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 213, folder 15.102, item CC31, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Chase & Company building near the railroad in Sanford, Florida, on March 3, 1936. Chase & Company was established in 1884 by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photograph by A. Wieboldt, March 3, 1936: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 213, folder 15.101, item CC14, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Chase & Company Packing House in Sanford, Florida, in 1936. Chase & Company was established in 1884 by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photograph by A. Wieboldt, March 3, 1936: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 213, folder 15.101,item CC15, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Thirteenth Census Population for Hamilton County, Tennessee, 1910
The Thirteenth United States Census records for Hamilton County, Civil District No. 2, Tennessee for 1910. The census divides the population by sex, race, age, marital status, number of children, occupation, literacy, whether they owned or rented, farm or house, if they were a Civil War veteran, whether they were blind, deaf or dumb, the place of birth and mother tongue of foreign-born persons and their parents. If foreign born, the person was required to provide the year they immigrated, whether they were naturalized and if they were able to speak English. A notable resident listed in this record is Eugene Fricks. Fricks was born on March 26, 1893 to American parents. His father, William Barto Fricks, was from Georgia and his mother, Mattie Jacquess, was from Kentucky. From the 1920s to the 1930s, Eugene was married to his first wife, Ethel, with whom he had three children named Harley, Imogene, and Mattie. Fricks married his second wife, Grace, and had two children named Janette and Joseph. After his service in World War I, he had a career in aviation. Fricks retired from Pan-American Airways in 1961. He lived his remaining years in North Fort Myers and died on May 23, 1976. Fricks is buried in the Florida National Cemetery. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original census record by John B. Willhart, April 21, 1910: Enumerated district: 77, 7A.
Declaration of Intention for Herbert Alexander Wells
A Declaration of Intention for Herbert Alexander Wells (1882-1960), the first African American hired by the Florida East Coast Railway Company (FEC). A Declaration of Intention was required for the naturalization of immigrants. Born in the Bahamas in 1882, Wells migrated to Key West, Florida, via the Fearless in 1900 and began working for the FEC as a fireman around 1915. He worked for the FEC for 32 years before retiring in 1947. Wells also owned and operated a drug and grocery store that was located at Northwest 2nd Court and 17th Street in Miami. Wells married Mary Ellen Knowles Wells (1892-1948) in 1916 and had one daughter, Berdina Wells (b. 1930). This item was contributed by Cary Marshall Felton, the great grandson of Wells.
Digital reproduction of original 1-page typewritten document, August 2, 1935: Private Collection of Cary Marshall Felton.
Created in 1954 by Sanford’s city engineer, Fred H. Williams, this surveyor's map depicts Seminole County, Florida. During his tenure as city engineer from the 1920s through the early 1940s, Williams created multiple maps that show how Sanford has changed as the city limits grew and the city become more populated. Unlike some of the previous maps created by Williams, there seems to be no legend detailing the map. This particular map is difficult to read due to fading. The City of Sanford was founded by a lawyer and diplomat from Connecticut by the name of Henry Shelton Sanford (1832-1891), who purchased 12,548 acres of open land west of Mellonville. His vision was to make this new land a major port city. Situated on Lake Monroe at the head of the St. Johns River, the City of Sanford earned the nickname of “The Gate City of South Florida.” Sanford became not only a transportation hub, but a leader in the citrus industry globally. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development.
Original 30 x 22 inch map by Fred H. Williams, 1954: Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
Created in 1936 by Sanford’s city engineer, Fred T. Williams, this surveyor's map depicts Seminole County, Florida. During his tenure as city engineer from the 1920s through the early 1940s, Williams created multiple maps that show how Sanford has changed as the city limits grew and the city become more populated. Unlike some of the previous maps created by Williams, there seems to be no legend detailing the map. Seminole County separated from Orange County on April 25, 1913, and was named for the Seminole tribes that originally inhabited the area. In the early-1900s, Seminole County was known for its agricultural development and close proximity to shipping lanes. By the 1920s, citizens in Seminole County, particularly in Sanford, soon shifted their interests in making the area a tourist destination.
Original 12 x 9 inch black and white map by Fred T. Williams, 1936: Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
Map of City of Sanford and Environs, 1926
Created in October of 1926 by Sanford’s city engineer, Fred T. Williams, this surveyor's map depicts the City of Sanford, Florida, and its environs. During his tenure as city engineer from the 1920s through the early 1940s, Williams created multiple maps that show how Sanford has changed as the city limits grew and the city become more populated. Unlike some of the previous maps created by Williams, there seems to be no legend detailing the map. This particular map is difficult to read due to fading. The City of Sanford was founded by a lawyer and diplomat from Connecticut by the name of Henry Shelton Sanford (1832-1891), who purchased 12,548 acres of open land west of Mellonville. His vision was to make this new land a major port city. Situated on Lake Monroe at the head of the St. Johns River, the City of Sanford earned the nickname of “The Gate City of South Florida.” Sanford became not only a transportation hub, but a leader in the citrus industry globally. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development.
Original 43.5 x 28.5 inch map by Fred T. Williams, 1926: Museum of Sanford History, Sanford, Florida.
Created in 1928 by Sanford’s city engineer, Fred T. Williams, this surveyor's map depicts Seminole County, Florida. During his tenure as city engineer from the 1920s through the early 1940s, Williams created multiple maps that show how Sanford has changed as the city limits grew and the city become more populated. Unlike some of the previous maps created by Williams, there seems to be no legend detailing the map. This particular map is difficult to read due to fading. The City of Sanford was founded by a lawyer and diplomat from Connecticut by the name of Henry Shelton Sanford (1832-1891), who purchased 12,548 acres of open land west of Mellonville. His vision was to make this new land a major port city. Situated on Lake Monroe at the head of the St. Johns River, the City of Sanford earned the nickname of “The Gate City of South Florida.” Sanford became not only a transportation hub, but a leader in the citrus industry globally. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed "Celery City." In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development.
Original 30.5 x 22.5 inch map by Fred T. Williams, 1928: Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.