Polk County History Center

Transcription

1 Polk County History Center Newsletter June 2016 In This Issue Architectural Tour Historical and Genealogical Library Cemetery Tour Curators of Curiosity Exhibit Opening Special Feature Dad and Me Day Lunch and Learn Recommended Reading Journey into Polk history this month at the Polk County History Center. Programs and events, unless otherwise noted, are open to the public and free of charge. Lake Wales Museum and Cultural Center Reopening May 31, 9 a.m. The Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center and the City of Lake Wales are pleased to announce the re-opening of the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center on May 31.

2 The museum features new exhibits that explore the formation of the city, industry, places of interest and developments in the 19th century that led to the settlement of the area. 325 S. Scenic Highway, Lake Wales Florida (863) Hours: 9 to 5, Tuesday through Saturday Our Symbols June 9, 6 p.m. Railroad Park, Haines City 111 N. 6th St. The third label of the Citrus Label Tour is a cooperative effort between the city of Haines City and the Haines City Citrus Growers Association. This month, explore the important role that symbols serve in identifying Polk County. Specific animals, colors, flowers and even machines help to tell people all about Polk without saying a word. Discover more about local and national symbols, complete the symbol scavenger hunt and design your own symbol while visiting the History Center in June. Make sure to stop by the education desk for some hints. Exhibit Opening Through the Lens: Polk County's Natural Beauty June 2, 4 p.m. The unveiling of the Hill Top label will occur at the

3 conclusion of a historical program, "Beyond Clay Cut - A History of Haines City," a presentation at the Haines City Public Library, from 5 to 6 p.m., offered by Haines City Historical Society in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the city of Haines City. A partnership between the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, Visit Central Florida and the Polk County History Center's History and Heritage Trail inspired the creation of the Citrus Label Tour of Polk County. This driving experience explores part of the historic marketing portion of citrus through the artistic labels that once adorned the wooden crates used to ship the fresh fruit off to northern markets in the early 1900s. Architectural Tour June 18, 11 a.m. Featuring local photographers, this exhibit captures rare and beautiful photos of Polk nature and wildlife. The opening reception for Through the Lens: Polk County's Natural Beauty will include an opportunity to meet the exhibitors: Willie A. Brown, Professional Photography by Brown; Sheriff Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff's Office; Jeff Spence, Parks and Natural Resources director; and Lynette Spence, a clinical trauma registrar with Lakeland Regional Health Systems. Polk has a remarkable natural beauty that can't be found anywhere else in the state. From its vivid wildlife in places like the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, to its delicate ecosystems on the Lake Wales Ridge, Polk's natural resources are an attraction to many. Through the Lens will be on display through October 29, in the first floor northeast gallery. Also featured in the exhibit gallery is an interactive kiosk featuring water. Sponsored by the Florida Humanities Council, the kiosk features a history of the importance of water in shaping the United States from a national, state and local perspective. The History Center

4 produced content highlighting Polk's special connection to water, recounting the stories of Kissengen Spring and Cypress Gardens. Special Feature Lunch and Learn Honoring Judge J. Dale Durrance Join us for a family friendly architectural tour of the History Center and learn more about Neoclassical architecture, the construction of the building and the stories behind the iconic Old Polk County Courthouse. June 8, 11:30 a.m. The architectural tour is at 11 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Featured architectural element: The inclusion of natural light is a fundamental component of the neoclassical architectural style exemplified by the Polk Judge J. Dale Durrance has served on the bench in the Tenth Judicial Circuit since January 6, 1981 and will retire in July. Join his colleagues from the bar and bench, family and many friends as his 35-year career is celebrated at this special lunch and learn program, offered by the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Florida Historical Society in partnership with the History Center. Dad and Me Day

5 County Historic Courthouse. The windows represent varying methods of manufacture and served varied purposes. Historical and Genealogical Library Are you interested in discovering your family roots or learning more about the history of your town? Then stop by the Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library on the second floor of the Polk County History Center. With a wide range of resources, the library is a perfect place to dive into your research projects. June 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Take Dad out to the ballgame at the History Center and enjoy the recently expanded baseball exhibit in honor of Father's Day. In addition to commemorating the early 1900s local leagues, the exhibit also includes artifacts and history on the Detroit Tigers, which has spring trained in Polk since Lunch and Learn Lecture Series "Cypress Gardens: America's Tropical Wonderland" June 21 12:15-1 p.m. History Center Gift Shop Looking for a gift for the history lover in your circle of friends and family? The gift shop at the History Center offers a wide selection of books about Polk history, including a new title "Florida's First Billboards - Florida Citrus Crate Labels," featuring the Author Lu Vickers will speak about Cypress Gardens and Dick Pope. "To the average person weathering a New England winter, Dick Pope's Cypress Gardens must have looked even more exotic than a trip to Alice's Wonderland. The images coming out of his promotional powerhouse appeared in magazines, newspapers, newsreels, and movies. These Technicolor glories depicted everything from bathing beauties aquaplaning through walls of fire to southern belles relaxing beneath huge tropical plants, from Don Ameche proposing to Betty Grable under moss-hung cypress trees to Esther Williams performing a water ballet in the famous Florida-shaped pool."

6 unique and whimsical artwork that adorned citrus crates in an earlier era. Guided Cemetery Tours Available It was all happening in sleepy Winter Haven, where one real estate maverick turned tourism tycoon was out to sell "100,000 [visitors] 25 cents worth of Florida." Recommended Reading "Cypress Gardens, America's Tropical Wonderland: How Dick Pope Invented Florida," by Lu Vickers Book a walking tour with the Polk County History Center and stroll among the legends that shaped Polk County and whose final resting place is at the historic Oak Hill Cemetery. Dating back to 1860, Oak Hill Cemetery is the oldest existing man-made construction in the city of Bartow. On February 12, 2003, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The tour introduces participants to famous Polk residents such as Readding Blount, Jacob Summerlin, as well as veterans of the Seminole Wars, the Civil War, World War I and other notable Polk professionals. Tours may be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Brilliantly illustrated with more than 250 vibrant images, this book reveals the empire Dick Pope built from its origins as remote swampland, to its heyday as a famous water-sports destination and playground for such stars as Joan Crawford, Johnny Carson and Carol Burnett, as well as royalty from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to King Hussein of Jordan. Vickers also discusses the park's decline following the construction of Walt Disney World, changes in management, the evolving interests and vacationing habits of the nation, as well as its outlook for the future as a part of LEGOLAND Florida. Temporary Exhibit: Growing up Jewish: The Jewish Families of Polk County (1909-present) The first Jewish families that came to Polk left their mark on the county's industries, commerce, agriculture, legal and political life. This exhibit provides timelines for seven extended families, offering slices of their rich

7 Saturday. The tour originates from the Polk County History Center and the round trip walk is one mile. Guests may elect to drive to the cemetery depending on individual needs and interest. lives. Artifacts include cultural and religious items with explanations of their usages and significance for Jews. Many of the religious items have been gathered from the families represented on the walls. Special thanks to the Florida Humanities Council for helping to make this exhibit possible. The ground is uneven, so we recommend comfortable shoes and weatherappropriate attire. Please call Jayme Jamison at (863) or at to schedule a tour today For More Information Call: (863) Visit our Website Ongoing Exhibits: "Spessard L. Holland - Polk County's Statesman " Bartow native Spessard L. Holland's career in public service spanned 50 years, serving as county judge, Florida state senator, Florida governor and U.S. senator. The Spessard L. Holland exhibit is the centerpiece in the transformation of the 1908 Courtroom into a museum gallery documenting the history of the 10th Judicial Circuit. Very Much A Lady: Lifestyle and Fashion of the Proper Woman, Return to a more elegant and stylish era with this exhibit featuring unique and vintage couture fashion and accessories. The exhibit is curated from the private collection of Polk County resident Joanna Godwin and is on display through December. Good Reasons for Good Roads: Celebrating the Dixie Highway at 100 Years The exhibit explores early highways, the people who travelled them and a new era of development in the state's history. Artifacts in the exhibit include dozens of mid-century souvenirs from Polk County's early attractions and the first automobile license plate ever

8 issued in Polk County. The Dixie Highway's initial route officially opened in 1915 and transformed the cultural landscape of Florida. The exhibit will be on display through November. Victory Florida: Honoring Polk County's WWII Contributions The exhibit tells the story of ordinary men and women doing extraordinary things for their country during World War II. Last year was the 70th anniversary of Victory Day, which marked the end of World War II in Victory Florida: Honoring Polk County's WWII Contributions will be on display through September.