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Weeki Wachee Springs Memo (February 21, 1963)
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…
Letter from John M. May to Myrtle Colson (January 14, 1959)
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…
Letter from John M. May to the Employees of the May Museum of the Tropics (January 8, 1959)
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…
Letter from Myrtle Colson to John M. May (March 1, 1959)
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…
James “Bobby” Maddox and Betty Bryson
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…
Headstone Inscription and Interment Record
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,…
Missing Air Crew Report for Aircraft 44-6126
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…
Second Lieutenant Jack Julian Little
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…
General Order for First Lieutenant Donald Ross
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…
B-17 Arkie-II
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…
"Come Out Fighting"
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…
St. Petersburg High School Yearbook
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…
Air-Snoop Comic, April 1, 1944
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…
493rd Bombardment Group (H)
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…
Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Hopewell, Florida, 1940
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,…
New York State Census, Population for Brooklyn, New York, 1925
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…
Fifteenth Census of the United States, Population for Baker County, Florida, 1930
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…
Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Atlantic Beach, Florida, 1940
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…
Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Lake City, Florida, 1940
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…
Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Coffee County, Alabama, 1940
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…
Sixteenth Census of the United States, Population for Jacksonville, Florida, 1940
The Sixteenth United States Census records for Jacksonville, Florida, in 1940. Individuals are identified by name, titles and terms, gender, age, marital status, race, relationship to head of household, birthplace, birth year, the last place of…
Fourteenth Census of the United States, Population for Titusville, Florida, 1920
The Fourteenth United States Census records for Titusville, Florida, in 1920. Individuals are identified by name, titles and terms, gender, age, marital status, race, relationship to head of household, birthplace, birth year, the last place of…
French Erect Monument to Tampa Flier
A newspaper article reporting the construction of a memorial for Lt. Connie O. Walker and his crew. The article discusses the crash that killed Walker, efforts to save the sole survivor of the mission, and French success towards the memorial’s…
Oral History of Kelley Muller-Smith
An oral history interview of Kelley Muller-Smith, a Sanford native raised in Oviedo and professional singer. The interview was conducted by Dr. Connie Lester and Jessica Oldham over Zoom in Orlando, Florida, on July 28th, 2022. Some of the topics…
The Citizens Bank of Oviedo Checkbook
A Citizens Bank of Oviedo checkbook from Nelson and Company containing stubs made out to various recipients, many of which include Riverside hospital. The dates of the written checks range from April 15, 1948, through May 8, 1948.The company was…
Special Drainage District Bond
A special drainage district bond for the Black Hammock Drainage District. The $500 bond with 6 per cent interest is dated January 1st, 1930, and the principal due January 1st, 1938. The principal and interest are payable at the Bank of Oviedo or at…
Oral History of Oviedo Plane Crash (1962)
On Saturday, March 6, 2021, a historical marker was unveiled honoring the crew of a 1962 plane crash in Oviedo. A Naval A3D Skywarrior Airplane based at the Sanford Naval Air Station would crash in the Oviedo area narrowly missing a school ground…
List of Outstanding Tax Certificates in Black Hammock Drainage District from Creation of District to February 17, 1939
A list of outstanding tax certificates in Black Hammock Drainage District from the creation of the district to February 17, 1939. The 67-page report was compiled for the Black Hammock bond trustees. The information includes the tax sale date,…
Black Hammock Drainage District Orange Co. Fla., Nov. 1, 1912
A map of the Black Hammock drainage district of Orange County, Florida, from November 1, 1912, and a description of cross sections of canals and ditches. The map shows the location of canals and ditches. The elevation of the surface of ground is…
Descriptions Locating Canals & Ditches, Salt Creek System
A four-page packet of descriptions locating canals and ditches for the Salt Creek System in Lake Jesup, Florida, from 1913. Lake Jessup is one of the largest lakes in Central Florida, one of many that make up the St. Johns River.
The Black Hammock Drainage District of Orange County, Florida, March 1913
The Black Hammock Drainage District of Orange County, Florida, for March 1813, Topics covered include text of the drainage laws of Florida, advertisement for letting contract, engineer's report, committee's report, general information,…
Nelson and Company Bound Ledger - Black Hammock
A bound ledger for the Nelson and Company Packing Plant covering the Black Hammock region from November 18, 1913 to May 23, 1936. The ledger inlcudes transactions with W.H. Browning, W.A. Beasly, Davis and Giles, E.A. Douglas, Clerk of Circuit Court,…
Nelson and Company Bound Ledger - Black Hammock
A bound ledger for the Nelson and Company Packing Plant covering the Black Hammock region from May 23, 1936 to November 13, 1948. The ledger inlcudes transactions with Sanford Atlantic, the Citizens Bank of Oviedo, J.D. Jinkius, O.P. Herndon, and…
Newt Perry Announcing a Mermaid Show at Weeki Wachee Spring's Underwater Theater
Newt Perry announcing a mermaid show in the first underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs. There are 15 guests watching the performance, sitting on fruit crates. This image was taken sometime between 1948 and 1960.
Newton "Newt" Perry was born…
Newton "Newt" Perry was born…
Newt Perry and Weeki Wachee Mermaid Performing Show
Newt Perry and a Weeki Wachee mermaid posing underwater, performing a show. The two are swimming near a prop that resembles a castle.
Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922.…
Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922.…
Weeki Wachee Mermaids Sitting in a Circle
20 Weeki Wachee mermaids posing for a photograph by sitting in a large circle. The photograph was taken sometime in the 1950s.
Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a…
Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Posing Underwater in Costume Tail
Weeki Wachee Springs
Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The…
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…
Weeki Wachee Mermaids Eating Watermelon Underwater
Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids eating watermelon underwater. Before the mermaids performed plays, their shows consisted of underwater ballet, a deep dive into the depths of the spring, and other stunts. A common stunt the mermaids performed was to eat…
Weeki Wachee Springs Swimming Area, c. 1950s
Early image of Weeki Wachee Springs swimming area and parking lot, taken sometime between 1948 and 1960.
Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the…
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…
Weeki Wachee Springs Brochure, c. 1950s
Trifold brochure of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park highlighting the park's attractions in the 1950s, such as the May Museum of the Tropiscs. For a little over a decade, the May family of Colorado displayed some of their family's private collection…
Two Weeki Wachee Mermaids in Costume Performing a Scene from "Peter Pan"
Kodak Safety Film Strip consisting of two images. These images show two Weeki Wachee mermaids performing a scene from "Peter Pan." One mermaid is in a Captain Hook costume and the other is in an alligator costume. A prop pirate ship is pictured…
Weeki Wachee Springs Underwater Theater Postcard
Color postcard with an image of Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids posing on top of the newly constructed underwater theater. Text on the back reads, "Weeki Wachee, Florida's underwater grand canyon presents a new million dollar underwater aqua-theatre…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Feeding a Fish Underwater
Mermaid Rita King feeding a fish underwater. In one hand she is holding food and the other hand is holding an air hose. She is kneeling on the spring floor. Photograph taken in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki…
Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids Performing on the Hydraulic Lift
A Weeki Wachee Springs underwater performance. The image shows two Weeki Wachee mermaids standing on the hydraulic lift that ABC installed in the springs in the 1960s. There is a third mermaid mid-pose in front of the bydraulic lift. As the picture…
Holiday Inn Staff Posing in Front of Hotel Sign in Celebration of 9th Anniversary
The staff of the Weeki Wachee Holiday Inn standing in front of the hotel's iconic sign. The marquee on the sign reads, "Our 9th Anniversary June 5 1975." This Holiday Inn was located directly across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs and opened in…
Postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis Posing Underwater in Costume
Color postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in a costume, mid-ballet move during an underwater performance. Text on back of postcard reads, "The underwater acrobatic butterfly ballet is just one of eight big scenes produced for…
Weeki Wachee Mermaids Sitting in Front of Hercules Beetle Statue
Color postcard of Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids sitting in front of a Hercules Beetle Statue and the May Museum of the Tropics. For a little over a decade, the May family of Colorado displayed some of their family's private collection of tropical…
Weeki Wachee Tourist Standing Near Sign Advertising Mermaid Positions
Color photograph of a tourist visiting Weeki Wachee Springs in 1964. The tourist is standing beside a sign that reads, "Openings for Mermaid Training School Apply Here." Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of…
For Freedoms Town Hall on the Carceral Landscape and Art as Activism
Police brutality and mass incarceration are among the most crucial legal and social issues of our time and their study illuminates the ways in which “We the People” conceive of ourselves and our societal responsibilities. Art is an important vehicle…
Panel Discussion on Racism and Mass Incarceration
Mass incarceration affects millions of Americans, and even though 1 in every 4 adults has a prior conviction, returning citizens face significant discrimination. A prior conviction can make it hard to find employment, a place to live and the right to…
"Illuminating the Darkness: Our Carceral Landscape" - Exhibition Walk Through
Over 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States today, yet the prison system remains largely invisible to the majority of Americans. Illuminating the Darkness: Our Carceral Landscape presents the work of twenty-five artists whose practice…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Posing Underwater with a Welcome Home Sign for Her Parents
Weeki Wachee mermaid Rita King posing underwater with a handmade sign, dressed in a mermaid tail. The sign reads, "Welcome Home Mom, Dad Your Mermaid Missed You!" Rita surprised her parents with this sign at the beginning of the first mermaid show…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Lydia Dodson Posing Underwater
Lydia Dodson posing underwater in June of 1970. Lydia Dodson was a Weeki Wachee Mermaid in the 1970s and more recently joined ranks of the Legendary Sirens.
Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by…
Weeki Wachee Springs is a state park that opened to the public in October of 1949 by…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Performing at a Mermaid Reunion
Rita King, a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, in costume, performing an acrobatic routine. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This particular…
Mermaid Geanie L.W. Brooks Dressed as a Witch Posing Underwater
Mermaid Geanie L. W. Brooks dressed as a witch posing underwater at Weeki Wachee Springs. In the background is a sign in the shape of a jack-o-lantern in a tophat. On the tophat are the words "Weekii Wachee Witches." Geanie learned how to weld…
Geanie L.W. Brooks with her Four Children in Front of Weeki Wachee's Mermaid Villa
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Geanie L. W. Brooks and her four children, 2 sons and 2 daughters, sitting under a Weeki Wachee Sign outside of the Mermaid Villa. Geanie learned how to weld andoperate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War…
Geanie L.W. Brooks in Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Uniform Operating a Caterpillar D-7 Bulldozer
Geanie L. W. Brooks in her Weeki Wachee uniform (a swimsuit) operating a Caterpillar D-7 bulldozer. Geanie learned how to operate heavy machinery at the McCloskey Shipyard during World War II. In the 1950s, Geanie worked as a waitress at the Patio…
Geanie L. W. Brooks in her Welding Uniform at the McCloskey Shipyard in Tampa during WWII
Geanie L. W. Brooks in her welding uniform at the McCloskey Shipyard. Geanie learned how to weld and work with heavy machinery at this shipyard during World War II. McCloskey Shipyard paid welding trainees 63 cents and hour to train there and 17% of…
Bonnie Georgiadis at an Archeological dig at Weeki Wachee Springs, July, 1970.
Bonnie Georgiadis assisting an archeological dig of a Native American burial mound at Weeki Wachee Springs in July of 1970. She is using archeological tools to uncover a vase. The dig was conducted by the University of Florida. Along with a group of…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis Announcing a Show
Mermaid Bonnier Georgiadis sitting on the edge of the underwater theater's windows holding a microphone, announcing a show. Two mermaids are pictured behind her in mid pose. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years…
Bonnie Georgiadis Releasing Rehabilitated Bald Eagle
Weeki Wachee Springs Bird Department Manager Bonnie Georgiadis about to release one of the two bald eagles she helped rehabilitate. She rehabilitated an eagle in 1985. The eagle got caught in some barbed wire and broke its collarbone at a cattle…
Mermaid Trainer Bonnie Georgiadis Displaying Proper Form for 6 Trainees
Mermaid Trainer Bonnie Georgiadis training six mermaids on proper form of a position for a publicity photo. Bonnie Georgiadis worked at Weeki Wachee for a total of 37 years. 13 years as a mermaid and trainer, 7 as a show producer and choreographer,…
Bicentennial Edition of Weeki Wachee Springs' Trifold Brochure, Featuring Mermaid Rebecca Young
Bicentennial edition of Weeki Wachee Springs' trifold brochure, c. 1976. The mermaid mock playing the flute is Rebecca Young (previously Stahlhut). This photoshoot is the one she is most proud of from her time as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The…
Letter from Dorothy Gray, Ltd. Publicity Director Mayreen Logan to Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rebecca Stahlhut Thanking Her for Modeling Their Products
Letter written by Dorothy Gray, Ltd. Publicity Director Maureen Logan to Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rebecca Stahlhut (later Rebecca Young). The letter was written on April 24, 1975. In the letter Maureen thanks Rebecca for modeling Dorothy Gray products,…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb Drinking an RC Cola Underwater
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb drinking an RC Cola underwater in the 1960s. Florence is kneeling on some seagrass, holding the airhose to her side. Weeki Wachee mermaids drank soda and ate bananas during their shows, before the mermaid shows…
Weeki Wachee Springs Gift Shop
Black and white photograph of a portion of Weeki Wachee's gift shop, taken in the 1960s. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming…
Map of Weeki Wachee after ABC Bought the Attraction
This map is a part of a booklet about Weeki Wachee Springs. The booklet was made sometime after the corporation American Broadcasting Company (ABC) purchased the park. The map also shows the underwater theater, labeled D, as having a flat roof. This…
Weeki Wachee Company Van
Photograph of the Volkswagen van that Weeki Wachee used to bus employees to the springs. The van is parked in from of the Weeki Wachee entrance sign.Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of…
Three Weeki Wachee Mermaids Performing Underwater
Postcard depicting three Weeki Wachee Mermaids performing in a show. Two of the mermaids are dressed up in leis and hula skirts and the other is wearing a Hawaiian shirt playing a ukelele. Mermaids are standing on a metal platform that is a hydraulic…
Weeki Wachee Springs' Original Underwater Theater
Weeki Wachee's original underwater theater. Photogrpah taken in 1959.Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in the lobby of the Mermaid Motel Speaking to Guests
Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Bonnie Georgiadis in uniform (wearing an Alix of Miami Swimsuit) speaking to guests in the lobby of the Mermaid Motel. Behind Bonnie are rows of guest books, one for each state for visitors to the motel to sign into. The…
Business Card of E. D. Gothberg, Owner of Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge
Business card of E. D. Gothberg, owner and operator of Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge and Mermaid Motel. The Weeki Wachee Motor Lodge was located near the attraction and the motel was directly across from Weeki Wachee Springs. Many mermaids lived in the…
Florence and Charles McNabb Holding Trophies won During a Diving Competition
Photograph of Florence and Charles McNabb holding trophies they won at an amateur skin diving competition at Rainbow Springs. The couple both worked at Weeki Wachee Springs, and would often participate in swimming competitions. In this competition,…
Florence McNabb, Charles McNabb, and Their Two Sons, David and Michael, Leaving Church
Black and white photograph of Florence McNabb, husband Charles McNabb, and their two sons, Michael and David, leaving church. Florence is shaking their minister's hand. Florence McNabb was a Weeki Wachee Mermaid in the 1950s. Her husband also worked…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Florence McNabb Posing Underwater in Costume
Photograph of Florence McNabb posing underwater in a mermaid costume at Weeki Wachee Springs in the 1950s. Florence was the daughter of Ed and Vera Gothberg, who owned the Mermaid Motel that was across the street from Weeki Wachee Springs until 1966.…
Lauren Dodson Posing in her Mermaid Uniform at the Weeki Wachee Springs Docks
Weeki Wachee Springs mermaid Lauren Dodson in costume with a mermaid tail on posing on the dock of the spring. Lauren Dodson was a mermaid from 2007 to 2012 and is the daughter of Lydia Dodson, who was a Weeki Wachee mermaid in the 1970s. Along with…
Recap of Weeki Wachee Spring's 1969 Annual Mermaid Reunion
"Weeki Wachee Calling" is a 4-page pictoral report of the 9th annual Weeki Wachee Spring's Mermaid Reunion. The first page is written as if it is a telegram and thanks guests for attending as well as informing them of the next reunion in 1970. Over…
1969 Weeki Wachee Springs Annual Mermaid Reunion Schedule
For many years, Weeki Wachee Springs held an annual reunion with their former mermaids. The 1969 reunion schedule gives an overview of the events held throughout these reunions, including a swimming race across the spring, an underwater show…
Document Detailing the Acrobatic Routine Performed by Rita King at a Weeki Wachee Mermaid Reunion
This document lists the choreography of the acrobatic routine Rita King (then Rita McKenna) performed at one of the Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Reunions. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they…
Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rita King Performing at a Mermaid Reunion
Photograph of Rita King, a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, dancing on a platform as a band plays. This event was one of the many mermaid reunions that Weeki Wachee Springs hosted, where they invited former mermaids to attend special events. This…
Arlene Brooks Practicing Ballet in the Mermaid Villa
Three strips of safety film with twelve photographs showing Arlene Brooks in several ballet positions. The photographs are assumed to be taken by Weeki Wachee's resident photographer, Sparky Schumacher. These photos were taken in the 1960s.…
New Basis of Pay for Mermaids Effective August 1, 1956
A three-page document given to mermaid Geanie Brooks detailing updated pay rates for Weeki Wachee Mermaids, effective August 1, 1956. The document expresses that the pay increase was made in order to attract better performers and better retain…
Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid Performance Evaluation Sheet
Performance evaluation of Geanie Brooks. The text reads: "Geanie 1. Dive 2. Introduction – Not long enough 3. Length of time replacing face mask 4. Back Dolphin – Not centered 5. Surface to Limb – check mark 6. Swim to buoyancy position – okay check…
Hand-written Note Admitting Becky Young into Weeki Wachee Springs for Interview
Hand-written note from mermaid manager Genie Young to Pat, requesting Becky Young's addmitance into Weeki Wachee Springs. The note reads, " Pat, Please admit Becky- She is a try-out and hopefully trainee." Becky was interviewing to become a mermaid.…
Newspaper Article Announcing the Employment of Rebecca Young as a Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaid
A newspaper article published on February 22, 1973, in the Marshalltown Times-Republican announcing Rebecca Young's (then Rebecca Stalhhut) employment as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The article reads, "Becky Stahlhut, a mid-term graduate of Marshalltown…
Courtesy Admission Ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs
A courtesy admission ticket to Weeki Wachee Springs, good for one free viewing of an underwater show. The ticket was given to Rebecca Young (then Rebecca Stalhart) on the day of her pre-employment interview and water test, February 20, 1973. Rebecca…
Note from Manager of Weeki Wachee to Becky Young Requesting Interview
A typed note on card stock the size of a business card sent to Rebecca Young from Weeki Wachee Springs, requesting her to come by for an interview. Text reads, "Rebecca: Come up as soon as you can for water test and pre-employment interview." The…
Stock Letter for Those Interested in Becoming Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids, sent to Becky Young in 1972
A typed stock letter sent to Becky Young in 1972 alongside an application for a position as a mermaid. The letter is typed on Weeki Wachee letterhead, which has an image of two performers in a pose underwater as the background. Signed by the Mermaid…
Illuminating the Darkness: Our Carceral Landscape
Over 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States today, yet the prison system remains largely invisible to the majority of Americans. Illuminating the Darkness: Our Carceral Landscape presents the work of twenty-five artists whose practice…
Newton "Newt" Perry Filming Underwater
A photograph of an underwater filming scene showing Newton "Newt" Perry in a diving helmet at an underwater camera, some time between 1950 and 1970. This photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's…
Swimming Area at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
A photograph of a swimming area with bathers in front of a building at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Florida, around 1950.
Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a…
Underwater Diver in Diving Suit
Photograph of underwater diver in diving suit with a sunken treasure chest, some time between 1950 and1970. The photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an underwater filmmaker.
Newton…
Mermaid Swimming in Front of an Underwater Filming Tank Designed by Newton "Newt" Perry
A photograph of a mermaid swimming in front of an underwater filming tank created by Newton "Newt" Perry some time between 1950 and 1970. The photograph may be either from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park or from Newton "Newt" Perry's career as an…
Exterior of Underwater Theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
An exterior photograph of the underwater theater at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Florida, around 1950.
Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming…
Eileen Perry Hogshead
A signed photograph of Eileen Perry Hogshead, the daughter of Newton "Newt" Perry, aged fourteen, as a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. The photograph was taken by Newton Perry around 1950. On the reverse of the photograph is a hand-written caption by Newton.…
Weekiwachee Spring
Advertising card for Weekiwachee Spring from around 1950. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida.…
Letter from Val Darling to Newton "Newt" Perry (March 26, 1981)
A letter dated March 26, 1981, from the Acting Chairman of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Val Darling, to Newton "Newt" Perry, informing Perry of his selection to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame for his "immense contributions to the world of…
Letter from Gaye Guinta to Delee Perry (March 31, 1997)
A letter dated March 31, 1997, from the director of the Museum of Florida History, Gaye Guita, to Delee Perry. In the letter, printed on Florida Department of State letterhead, Gaye Guita invites Delee Perry to attend the opening reception for an new…
Weeki Wachee Live Mermaids
A small poster for Weeki Wachee Springs. The background of the poster is black, featuring a cartoon mermaid and three fish. The text reads, "Weeki Wachee Live Mermaids. U.S. 19 and Florida 50."
Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in…
May Museum Exhibit
The original interior of the May Museum of the Tropics.
The May Natural…