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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staged Underwater Footrace Scene
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Motion pictures--Production and direction
subject: Underwater photography
subject: Florida--In motion pictures
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of a staged underwater footrace scene some time between 1950 and 1970. Three men crouch in a starting position on the floor of a body of water as a fourth man prepares to shoot a starting pistol. One woman appears to yell through a megaphone, and a second woman is seated at the right of the scene. 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. Sin…
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of staged underwater footrace scene, ca. 1950-1970: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Perry Family
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Swimming--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of Perry family members in swimming costumes at Hampton Springs, Florida, in 1912. On the back of the photograph is a handwritten caption that partially reads "Kate Perry" and "Augusta Lee". Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Family of Newton Perry
source: Original photograph of Perry family members in swimming costumes, 1912: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida
coverage: Hampton Springs, Florida

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

Football Players
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Football
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of two men wearing football equipment some time between 1920 and 1940. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of two football players, ca. 1920-1940: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

Man with Advertising Posters
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Photograph of a man standing in front of advertising posters on the exterior of a building some time between 1920 and 1930. One poster is for the film "Captain Fly By Night," which was released in 1922. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Perry, Newton
source: Original photograph of man with advertising posters, ca. 1920-1930: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
type: Still Image
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida

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

"Newton Perry Has Enviable Record"
subject: Weeki Wachee Springs (Fla.)
subject: Tourism--Florida
subject: Springs--Florida
subject: Parks--Florida
subject: Mermaids--Florida
subject: Swimming--Florida
subject: Perry, Newton, 1908-1987
description: Clipping of newspaper article "Newton Perry Has Enviable Record" published in the Atlantic Coast Line News about Newton "Newt" Perry's athletic, educational, and professional accomplishments, in September 1929. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
creator: Atlantic Coast Line news
source: Original clipping of a newspaper article about Newton "Newt" Perry, September 1929: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
publisher: Atlantic Coast Line News
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpeg
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida
coverage: Ocala, Florida

Oral Memoirs of Jesse Cutler (Part Two)
subject: Music--Florida
subject: Winter Park (Fla.)
subject: Godspell (Motion picture)
description: Part Two of an oral history of Jesse Cutler conducted by Geoffrey Cravero at Trevor Colbourn Hall at the University of Central Florida on February 23, 2024. Cutler has spent an illustrious career, beginning at age 12, as a musician, composer, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Starting in New York City in the 1960s and then in Los Angeles from the early seventies through the late nineties, Jesse performed with his bands and in the original cast of Godspell on Broadway, made records that saw Billboard’s Top 100, formed his own companies and appeared on TV and radio and in national print. Some of the topics covered include getting starstruck meeting Marvin Gaye in the R & B Room of the Shrine Auditorium at the Grammy Awards, repackaging his album and forging a relationship with Quincy Jones, putting a band together and touring the West Coast, composing new songs, beginning a new romantic relationship, and developing Disco Diet, meeting Richard Simmons, creating and distributing the Eddie Rabbitt Mask, recording with Alice Cooper’s and Aretha Franklin’s Bands, forming his childhood band, The Young Executives, being managed by his father, performing for celebrities, signing to Mercury Records, charting a single, being on television, experiencing success and the breakup of the group, attending preparatory school in Queens and becoming involved in the Broadway musical Godspell, leaving Godspell, finding a manager and the importance of management and agency to a successful music career, repackaging his music and re-releasing it, moving to Winter Park, recording an album inspired by the city, getting re-married, recording a 12-album set of music inspired by astrology and marketing it through eclectic sound pallets, advice for aspiring entertainers, running a marketing company, writing his autobiography and finding a publisher, his closing remarks and future goals.
creator: Cutler, Jesse
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: Cutler, Jesse. Interviewed by Geoffrey Cravero, February 23, 2024. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
coverage: The Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
coverage: New York, New York
coverage: Highland School Preparatory, Jamaica, New York
coverage: Winter Park, Florida

Saints & Sinners Pub T-Shirt
subject: Ormond Beach (Fla.)
subject: Nightclubs
description: A t-shirt for the bar/nightclub Saint &amp
description: Sinners Pub. The pub is part of Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona Complex, which is an internationally recognized commercial and residential real estate complex in Ormond Beach, Florida. In addition to Saints &amp
description: Sinners, the complex includes Rossmeyer's Harley-Davidson showroom, several retail shops, restaurants, and a luxury hotel. The complex is a popular tourist destination, especially during Daytona's Bike Week. The Saints &amp
description: Sinners Pub is located at 1635 North U.S. Highway 1.
source: Original color digital images: Private Collection of Mick Dolan.
contributor: Dolan, Mick
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Physical Object
coverage: Saints & Sinners Pub, Ormond Beach, Florida

Stiff Kitten T-Shirt
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Tampa (Fla.) Rock music--United States
subject: Music--Florida
description: A t-shirt for the band Stiff Kitten. Originally called Bulz Eye, Stiff Kitten was formed in Orlando, Florida, around 1983. The group consisted of Deryle Hughes on lead vocals, slide guitar, and harmonica
description: Jamie Baker on bass and vocals
description: Gary Groves on keyboard and vocals
description: and Greg Saxonis on drums. Saxonis would be eventually be replaced by Dave Tinney and then Jeff Bonenfant. The band moved to Tampa for a brief time before returning to Orlando, eventually changing their name to Sons of Doctors, which became the name most closely associated with them. Largely a classic rock cover band during the 1980s and early 1990s, Hughes began composing music by the mid-1990s. Joe Stump joined in 1996 and contributed guitar and vocals. The group regularly performed at Orlando clubs such as Junkyard, Townsend's, Green Parrot, as well as at the Full Moon Saloon in Daytona Beach during bike weeks. They opened up the Daytona 500 on the infield on February 14, 1999. The band signed with Sony Records and recorded several original tracks, but disbanded in 1999. Deryle Hughes formed Simple Southern Boys with keyboardist Doug Bare in Orlando in 2004. He opened a recording studio called Big Shot Studios in Altamonte Springs in June 2006.
source: Original color digital images: Private Collection of Mick Dolan.
contributor: Dolan, Mick
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Physical Object
coverage: Orlando, Florida
coverage: Tampa, Florida

Bluebird in glass
subject: Orlando (Fla.)
subject: Citrus--Florida
subject: United States--Business
description: Three color promotional advertisements for Bluebird Citrus Products line of orange and grape fruit juice. The advertisements display a variety of juices of various sizes in glass bottles and cans. Bluebird brand citrus juices were manufactured and distributed by Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., a company founded by Philip Caruso. The Bluebird juice company is currently part of Florida's Natural Food Service.
creator: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
source: 3 original color promotional advertisements: Private Collection of Judith LaRue
publisher: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc.
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Southern Fruit Distributors, Inc., Orlando, Florida

Exterior of Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum Before Renovations
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: The exterior of the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, previously St. James AME Church, located at 2170 James Drive in Oviedo, Florida, on March 10, 2020. The 23 color photographs depict the building before any renovations were made. The roof is stripped and damaged, the steps are broken, the wood on the doors is rotten and missing in parts, and some of the windows are broken or cracked. A banner hung over a set of doors says, "Historic Jamestown Colored School Museum hjcdm.org." In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: 23 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Interior of Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum Before Renovations
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: The interior of the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, previously St. James AME Church, located at 2170 James Drive in Oviedo, Florida, on March 10, 2020. The 27 color photographs depict the building before any renovations were made. The roof shows signs of water damage, mold, broken wood and peeling paint. The bathroom sink appears broken. Some of the windows are broken or cracked, and parts of the blinds are broken. A musical organ stands next to one of the restrooms. In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: 27 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Pews in the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum Before Renovations
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: Wooden pews from St. James AME Church on March 10, 2020, before renovations were made to convert the building into the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum. The building is located at located at 2170 James Drive in Oviedo, Florida. In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: 12 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Jamestown Historic Marker
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: Seminole County Historic Marker for the Jamestown neighborhood. The marker stands outside the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, previously St. James AME Church, located at 2170 James Drive in Oviedo, Florida. The marker reads, "The name 'Jamestown' is a tribute to Benjamin and Esther James. The James' homesteaded about 1900 on 160 acres in the area known as 'The Woods' on the northern edge of the settlement of Gabriella. Mr. Ben James built a home and farm on some of his acreage in an area called 'The Woods.' After the hurricane of 1926, in the Miami area, where four hundred people died, Mr. Ben James sold acre lots to some of the new settlers that moved into this area. 'The Woods' had no real name so the residents began calling it 'Jamestown,' after Mr. Ben James. The first lots were sold to Bob and Flossie Wells, George and Nettie Davis, Morris J. and Margaret Williams. Other early settlers were: The Nails, Olivers, Perrys, Bryants, Evans, Brannons, Walkers, Ryans, and many more families in years to come. (Continued on other side) (Continued from other side) Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church was the first church built in Jamestown. The church was shared by both Baptist and Methodist members, who alternated Sundays for church services, and it was a school for the children during the week. Mrs. Ethel Burney was the principal and teacher for the students in 1930. Ben James built St. James A.M.E. Methodist Church, named for him and his family in 1938. The school then moved to the St. James Church. Mrs. Louise Williams was the teacher until 1951-51, when the school was consolidated with Jackson Heights School in Oviedo. Ben James placed a corner stone on the front of the Church, which says: 7-30-38, St. James A.M.E., BEN JAMES &amp
description: FAMILY, REV. J.H. HOLLINS, PASTOR, REV. A.P. POSTELL, P.E.br&gt
description: The 'JAMESTOWN' community believes that they are blessed to have had ancestors who instilled in them, The Golden Rule." March 10, 2020. located at 2170 James Drive In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: 4 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

St. James A.M.E. Ben. James and Family Rev. J.H. Hollins Pastor 7-30-38
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: A stone marker at the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, previously St. James AME Church, located at 2170 James Drive in Oviedo, Florida. The marker reads, "7-30-38 St. James A.M.E. Ben. James and Family Rev. J.H. Hollins Pastor." In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: 3 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum During Renovations
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: The exterior of the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, previously St. James AME Church, located at 2170 James Drive in Oviedo, Florida, on February 21, 2023. The six color photographs depict the building during renovations. A blue tarp covers part of the roof. In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Lester, Connie
source: 6 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Roofers at the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum During Renovations
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: Roofers working on the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, previously St. James AME Church, located at 2170 James Drive in Oviedo, Florida, on February 21, 2023. The two color photographs depict the building during renovations. In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Lester, Connie
source: 2 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Tree Stumps at the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum During Renovations
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: Tree stumps at the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, previously St. James AME Church, located at 2170 James Drive in Oviedo, Florida, on February 21, 2023. The two color photographs depict two tree stumps from renovations to the yard and building. In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Lester, Connie
source: 2 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Jamestown Historic Marker
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: Seminole County Historic Marker for the Jamestown neighborhood. The marker stands outside the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, previously St. James AME Church, located at 2170 James Drive in Oviedo, Florida. The marker reads, "The name 'Jamestown' is a tribute to Benjamin and Esther James. The James' homesteaded about 1900 on 160 acres in the area known as 'The Woods' on the northern edge of the settlement of Gabriella. Mr. Ben James built a home and farm on some of his acreage in an area called 'The Woods.' The photograph was taken during a groundbreaking ceremony for the museum on February 13, 2023. After the hurricane of 1926, in the Miami area, where four hundred people died, Mr. Ben James sold acre lots to some of the new settlers that moved into this area. 'The Woods' had no real name so the residents began calling it 'Jamestown,' after Mr. Ben James. The first lots were sold to Bob and Flossie Wells, George and Nettie Davis, Morris J. and Margaret Williams. Other early settlers were: The Nails, Olivers, Perrys, Bryants, Evans, Brannons, Walkers, Ryans, and many more families in years to come. (Continued on other side) (Continued from other side) Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church was the first church built in Jamestown. The church was shared by both Baptist and Methodist members, who alternated Sundays for church services, and it was a school for the children during the week. Mrs. Ethel Burney was the principal and teacher for the students in 1930. Ben James built St. James A.M.E. Methodist Church, named for him and his family in 1938. The school then moved to the St. James Church. Mrs. Louise Williams was the teacher until 1951-51, when the school was consolidated with Jackson Heights School in Oviedo. Ben James placed a corner stone on the front of the Church, which says: 7-30-38, St. James A.M.E., BEN JAMES &amp
description: FAMILY, REV. J.H. HOLLINS, PASTOR, REV. A.P. POSTELL, P.E.br&gt
description: The 'JAMESTOWN' community believes that they are blessed to have had ancestors who instilled in them, The Golden Rule." March 10, 2020. located at 2170 James Drive In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: 1 original color photograph: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Groundbreaking Ceremony at Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: A poster advertising the groundbreaking ceremony for the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum. The poster reads, "Groundbreaking Ceremony. You are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate the start of renovation and repair of the HOCSMUSEUM (Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum) Monday, February 13, 2023, 12:00 PM. 2170 James Drive Oviedo, Fl 32765. This venue is a place where people all over the world can visit to see the rich history of colored schools in Oviedo and the surrounding areas. 407-234-3374. hocsmuseum.org." A photograph of the museum and a gold shovel sticking out of a mound of dirt appear at the bottom. In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum
source: 1 original color poster: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida.
publisher: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Ceremonial Shovels
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: Five ceremonial shovels rest on the wooden steps of the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum at a groundbreaking ceremony on February 13, 2023. A banner hangs at the top of the doors that reads, "Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Inc. hocsmuseum.org." A brown welcome mat that reads, "Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Inc." sits at the foot of the steps. In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: 3 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Group Wielding Ceremonial Shovels
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
description: A group wields ceremonial shovels in front of the wooden steps of the Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum at a groundbreaking ceremony on February 13, 2023. President Judith Dolores Smith appears in all seven photographs. A banner hangs at the top of the doors that reads, "Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Inc. hocsmuseum.org." A brown welcome mat that reads, "Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Inc." sits at the foot of the steps. In 2000, Gloria Godwin and Gracia Muller Miller began talking about a reunion for the Jackson Heights Elementary School, a colored school in Oviedo during segregation. Reunion Historian, Judith Smith, began to look for artifacts from that era and struggled to locate any pictures or other information. She put the word out amongst the former students, asking to borrow photographs or other materials related to the colored school. Immediately, items began to pour in, and the result was a book entitled: “A Written and Pictorial History of the Oviedo Area Colored Schools 1890-1967, Oviedo Elementary, Jackson Heights Elementary, Geneva, Wagner, Kolokee (Snowhill), Gabriella (Jamestown).” From there, the mission was born.
creator: Cravero, Geoffrey
source: 7 original color photographs: RICHES, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
format: image/jpg
language: eng
type: Still Images
coverage: Historic Oviedo Colored Schools Museum, Oviedo, Florida

Oral Memoirs of Dillard Alan Gould
subject: Oviedo (Fla.)
subject: African Americans--Florida
subject: Schools
subject: Education--Florida
subject: Segregation--Florida
subject: Elementary schools--United States
subject: Students--Florida
description: An oral history interview of educator Dillard A. Gould. The interview was conducted by Dr. Connie Lester and Jessica Oldham over Zoom on August 2nd, 2022. Some of the topics include his early life and education in Oviedo and playing sports, his military service, experiencing discrimination in the United States Army, and being stationed in Germany, working for AT&T, and his thoughts on African American advancement and the Oviedo Colored School Museum.
creator: Gould, Dillard Alan
creator: Lester, Connie
creator: Oldham, Jessica
source: Gould, Dillard Alan. Interviewed by Connie Lester and Jessica Oldham, August 2, 2022. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
publisher: RICHES
contributor: Schramm, Noah
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
coverage: Oviedo, Florida

Building of the G.A.R. Memorial Hall Postcard
subject: St. Cloud (Fla.)
subject: Grand Army of the Republic
description: A postcard depicting the construction of the G.A.R. Memorial Hall in St. Cloud, Florida. The front of the postcard features four men with a wheelbarrow standing on top of the partially-constructed building. A row of men sit on a bench on the ground in front of the building. Behind them are two rows of men standing. The back of the postcard features a purple stamp in the upper left corner that says, "A.A. MARTIN, KOZY STUDIO, ST. CLOUD, FLA." Handwritten notes say, "ST. CLOUD, FL. 95-" and "half-Built G.A.R. HALL". The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a fraternal organization of veterans of the United States Union Army, Union Navy, Marines and the United States Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War. This postcard is part of a private collection kept by Roger Hipel of St. Cloud, Florida.
creator: A.A. Martin, Kozy Studio
source: Original 5 x 3 inch black and white postcard: Private Collection of Roger Hipel.
publisher: A.A. Martin, Kozy Studio
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: G.A.R. Memorial Hall, St. Cloud, Florida

Mitchell Post National Encampment Postcard
subject: St. Cloud (Fla.)
subject: Atlantic City (N.J)
subject: Grand Army of the Republic
description: A postcard depicting the St. Cloud Mitchell Post at the 44th National Encampment in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The front of the postcard shows men with drums and flags before or after participating in the encampment parade. The group is standing in front of a building called Lawrence's Pharmacy. The back of the postcard features handwritten notes explaining, "ST. CLOUD'S MITCHELL POST AT NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT ATLANTIC CITY 1910". At the top is also a notation number, "88.1.157". The 44th National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic took place September 22-23, 1910 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The total attendence of the gathering was 213,901. Mitchell Post was named after the first G.A.R. veteran soldier to die after the St. Cloud colony was established. Lucius L. Mitchell, a private of the G.A.R., moved with his wife and five of their eight children to St. Cloud, Florida in 1909. He would die later that same year, and be buried in the Rose Hill Cemetary in Kissimmee, Florida. This postcard is part of a private collection kept by Roger Hipel of St. Cloud, Florida.
source: Original 5 x 3 inch black and white postcard: Private Collection of Roger Hipel.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: Atlantic City, NJ

G.A.R Memorial Hall Postcard
subject: St. Cloud (Fla.)
subject: Grand Army of the Republic
description: A postcard depicting the completed G.A.R Memorial Hall building in St. Cloud, Florida. Handwritten on the back of the postcard is the message: "St. Cloud, Fla. August 28, 1918. Dear Frances, This is the hall where grandpa's name and regiment is carved on a brick in the entrance. Papa". The postcard is addressed to Frances Clark in Walnut, Kansas. The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a fraternal organization of veterans of the United States Union Army, Union Navy, Marines and the United States Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War. This postcard is part of a private collection kept by Roger Hipel of St. Cloud, Florida.
source: Original 5 x 3 inch black and white postcard: Private Collection of Roger Hipel.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: St. Cloud, Florida

Dr. Fenelon F. H. Pope's Home Postcard
subject: St. Cloud, (Fla.)
subject: Resident
description: A postcard showing the Pope family in front of their home in St. Cloud, Florida. The family includes Dr. Fenelon F.H. Pope, his wife, Laura, and their daughters, Edna and Gertrude. A note on the back of the postcard reads: "Dr. FFH Pope in front of his home in St. Cloud Fla. About 1910-1912. Dr. Pope was from Dalton, Ohio. And moved to the colony early." Dr. Fenelon F.H. Pope was originally from Dalton, Ohio and served in the Co. 169 in the Ohio Infantry during the Civil War. This postcard is part of a private collection kept by Roger Hipel of St. Cloud, Florida.
source: Original 5 x 3 inch black and white postcard: Private Collection of Roger Hipel.
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Still Image
coverage: St. Cloud, Florida