A Florida Heritag I fii 11 :i rafiM H rtiS

^^I^H ^bIh^^^^^^^Ji ^I^^Bfi^^ Florida Association of Museums

The Florida raises the visibility of muse-

Women 's ums in the state and serves as Heritage Trail a liaison between museums ^ was pro- and government. '/"'^Vm duced in FAM is managed by a board of cooperation directors elected by the mem- with the bership, which is representa- Florida tive of the spectrum of mu- Association seum disciplines in Florida. of Museums FAM has succeeded in provid- (FAM). The ing numerous economic, Florida educational and informational Association of Museums is a benefits for its members. nonprofit corporation, estab- lished for educational pur- Florida Association of poses. It provides continuing Museums education and networking Post Office Box 10951 opportunities for museum Tallahassee, Florida 32302-2951 professionals, improves the Phone: (850) 222-6028 level of professionalism within FAX: (850) 222-6112 the museum community, www.flamuseums.org Contact the Florida Associa- serves as a resource for infor- tion of Museums for a compli- mation Florida's on museums. mentary copy of "See The World!"

Credits Author: Nina McGuire

The section on Florida Women's Clubs (pages 29 to 31) is derived from the National Register of Historic Places nomination prepared by DeLand historian Sidney Johnston.

Graphic Design: Jonathan Lyons, Lyons Digital Media, Tallahassee.

Special thanks to Ann Kozeliski, A Kozeliski Design, Tallahassee, and Steve Little, Division of Historical Resources, Tallahassee.

Photography: Ray Stanyard, Tallahassee; Michael Zimny and Phillip M. Pollock, Division of Historical Resources; Pat Canova and Lucy Beebe/ Silver Image; Jim Stokes; Historic Tours of America, Inc., Key West; The Key West Chamber of Commerce; Jacksonville Planning and Development Department; Historic Pensacola Preservation Board.

Edited by staff of the Florida Division of Historical Resources: Catherine Clark Frederick P. Gaske, Susanne Hunt, Julie Weiler, and Rusty Ennemoser.

© 2001 Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources Mr- n tia h

Contents

Introduction 2 North Florida 3 Central Florida 13 South Florida 18 Florida Women's Heritage Trail Sites 26 Florida "Firsts'' 28 The Florida Women's Club Movement 29 Acknowledgements 32

On the Cover: Sections from three 1880s crazy quilt blocks from the Tallahassee Museum of History & Natural Science permanent collection. Crazy quilts, popular during the late 19th century, are made from differently colored and sized pieces of wool, velvet and silk fabrics, sewn together with fancv embroidery stitches.

Many of the sites listed in this publication are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, either indi\iduall\ m- as contributing resources in a historic district. The National Register is a\-\ official list of hisloricalh' significant

properties located throughout llu' countr\'. The list is mainl.iined bv iht.' National Park Sei\ice, and includes places that have been documented as significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture, at

the local, stale, or national level. For information iC)W the National Register, consult the National Park Service's

National Register website at www.cr.nps. go\7nr/, call the I loritia Department ol Stale, bureau ot I listoric Preservation at (850) 245-6333 or (800) 847-727S or visit www.tllu'ritage.com. /> (^ . / Introduction

Zora Neale Hurston, portrayed quilts as ritual. Hurston's novel. Seraph on the Suwanee, features middle-aged Arvay, closing her dead mother's ^W eyes and wrapping her in three quilts of her mother's making. In "Cracker Orange City Elementary Chidlings," a work of short fiction, School students and their Rawlings draws the picture of a 1^1^n| teacher, Miss Pickney. group of women gathered together at Vf 1934. Florida Photo Aunt Mag's for a quilting bee from where the word goes out that a joke ^ Archives ^^mt d will be played that night on a new- Within this book are brief from mother to daughter, it inspired comer to town. outlines of over 100 quilting bees and sewing circles — women significant in the forerunners of modern women's At the beginning of the 21st century, Florida's history. In each case, a clubs. Quilts provided warmth, women continue to redefine their historic site or marker exists to beautified the home, and marked roles as reflected in the achievements illustrate their role in defining the important passages in life — birth, of Floridians such as Gwendolyn state's past, present, and future. marriage, and death. Quilts reflected Sawyer Cherry and Elaine Gordon. These stories begin with early native women's role as mother, daughter, Quilts and quilting have also been Indians and Spanish pioneers, and sister, and wife. redefined. The AIDS Memorial Quilt continue through the end of the 20th became a national symbol, a creative century. The impact of their lives and Into the 20th century, the fabric and means for remembrance and healing. work often reaches far beyond the patterns of American women's daily The quilt has become widely ac- shores and borders of the Sunshine life began to change. Hard won cepted among both male and female State. Although these women are no opportunities redirected energy and artists as a work of art, collected by longer with us, their impact is felt interest toward the working world museums and displayed in exhibits today in the State of Florida and its and public service. Many women re- such as the annual Capital City quilt people. directed their talents to support show of the Museum of Florida social reforms such as the temper- History. Quilts tell women's stories. Patterns of History ance movement and the right to vote. They represent the strong and Historically, the creation of quilts delicate threads which weave was the province of women. These Florida authors of the 1930s and women into Florida's heritage — a products of labor and love came to 1940s, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and past we all share, and that binds us represent the intricate, diverse all together. patterns of women's lives. Quilts speak today of women's changing roles. Details from the blocks of an elaborately embroidered, late 19th- century crazy quilt from the collec- tion of the Tallahassee Museum of Science and Natural History are featured on the cover of Florida Women's Heritage Trail. Details of a 20th-century Yo-Yo quilt illustrate the features inside.

In the 19th century, quilting often Quilting at the Florida Folk Festival^ served as a woman's self-expression. 1957. Florida Photo Archives^ An essential skill, often passed down aS. North Florida

Escambia County Pensacola Barkley House 410 South Florida Blanca Street (850) 595-5985 Built for Clara Louise Garnier Barkley (1800-1867) in 1830, this home is one of the oldest masonry houses in Florida. Once called a "high house" because of its el- evated first floor, the building's construction resembles that of early masonry houses of New Orleans and Louisiana. The Creole influ- ences are evident in its wide gallery porch and gables, combined with a center-hall floor plan. The Barkley freedom of her fellow blacks. The Leon County House was restored by the cottage was later owned by a Pensacola Heritage Foundation. succession of free black women. TALLAHASSEE The simple wooden vernacular Dorr House Bellevue building, built between 1804 and Tallahassee of 311 South Adams Street Museum History 1808 during the Second Spanish and Natural Science (850) 595-5985 Period, is Pensacola's only surviv- 3945 Museum Drive Clara Barkley Dorr (1825-1899), the ing example of "to the sidewalk" (850) 575-8685 daughter of Clara Louise Garnier construction. Its pegged framing Bellexue is the former home of Barkley, grew up in the Barkley and beaded ceilings were carefully Catherine Daingerfield Willis Gray House. In 1870, following the death preserved for its new role as a Murat (1803-1867), great-grandniece of her husband and eldest son, she black history museum. of George Washington, widow oi purchased land in Pensacola's most Achille Murat, Prince of Naples and prestigious residential neighbor- Lavalle House nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. hood and built this classically 205 East Church Street Catherine bought the modest story- inspired house. Here she raised her (850) 595-5985 and-a-half house and 520 acres of five remaining children. During the Carlos Lavalle and Marianna land in 1854. Built between 1838 and 1890s, the home was used as a Bonifay (1760-1829), a French 1841, the house is <\n example of private school for the children of indigenous southern widow, built this rare surviving architecture, Pensacola's wealthv families. The part of a "carpenter tradition" using example of French Creole colonial home remains substantially un- construction practices passed from architecture in 1805 during changed and is completely fur- generation to generation. The high Florida's Second Spanish Period. nished with antiques from the ceilings, central hallway, and wide The house is furnished with 18th- 1850s to the 189()s. porches are well-suited tor a hot, and 19th-centiuv antiques recreat- humid climate. It is a simple, frame ing frontier lite in the 1820s. Julee Cottage Museum \ernacular plantation residence. 210 East Zaragoza Street Catherine Murat li\ ed at Belle\ue (850) 595-5985 part of each year. She was an active The cottage belonged to Julee supporter of the Confederate cause during the Ci\il Panton, a "free woman of color" War and once tired a camion trom the Capitol ^teps who worked to purchase the announcing Florida's secession from Knott House Museum the Union. In 1967, 100 years after 301 East Park Avenue Catherine Murat's death, the Junior (850) 922-2459 League of Tallahassee, the Florida The Knott House was built about Heritage Foundation, and the 1843 as a wedding gift for Catherine Tallahassee Museum of History and Gamble and territorial lawyer Natural Science saved Bellevue, and Thomas Holmes Hagner. Catherine

moved it to its current site. Catherine was the sister of Major Robert

Murat is buried in the St. John's Gamble, builder of the 1845 Gamble Episcopal Cemetery in Tallahassee. House near Bradenton and South Florida's only surviving antebellum State Library of Florida, Division of plantation house. In the Spring of Library and Information Services 1865, Union Brigadier General R. A. Gray Building Edward M. McCook arrived in First and Second Floors Tallahassee and established his 500 South Bronough Street Elaine Gordon headquarters in the Knott House. On (850) 245-6600 May 20, 1865, while residing at the Dorothy Dodd (1902-1994) was the State Legislator Knott House, McCook issued Presi- first archivist for the State of Florida. Elaine Gordon was born in New dent Lincoln's Emancipation Procla- She was largely responsible for York City in 1931 and moved to mation. Each year on May 20 a beginning the Florida Collection of Florida in 1964. In 1972, she was ceremony commemorating the event the State Library of Florida. elected to the Florida House of is held at the Knott House. In the The collections of the Florida State Representatives-the first woman early 20th century, three Florida Archives include State Government ever elected to represent her Supreme Court justices and their Records, Local Government Records, district. Representative Gordon families lived there in succession. Manuscripts (Non-Governmental was the prime sponsor of a series Louella Knott (1871-1965) and her Records), the Florida Photographic of women's rights bills including family acquired the home in 1928. All Collection, and the Genealogical the Equal Rights Amendment and of the furnishings in the house date Collection. A published guide to a bill that eliminated mandatory from the Knott family. Poems she women's history resources is also divorce for spouse abuse victims wrote hang from the furniture just as available. Dr. Dodd wrote and edited seeking restraining orders. In she left them, giving the Knott House Florida Becomes a State in 1945. 1976, she was instrumental in its nickname, "the house that passing legislation establishing a rhymes." Displaced Homemaker Program offering job counseling, wellness Maclay State Gardens clinics, and financial and educa- 3540 Thomasville Road tional services to divorced (850) 487-4556 women who spent their lives as This park was once part of a 3,760- homemakers. She sponsored acre hunting estate owned by Alfred legislation creating the Florida B. Maclay, a New York financier. He Commission on the Status of and his wife designed ornamental Women and, in 1982, was the first gardens for the property, including a woman inducted into the Florida Camellia Walk, Walled Garden and Women's Hall of Fame. In 1992 Secret Garden. After her husband's she became the Dean of the death in 1944, Louise Maclay (1885- Florida House, a ceremonial title 1973) opened her 28-acre ornamental reserved for the longest-serving garden to the public and in 1953 member. She was the first woman donated 307 acres to the state. Today, elected Speaker Pro-Tempore and close to 100 varieties of camellias and the first recipient of the State of 50 varieties of azaleas bloom from Florida United Way Humanitar- December through April. ian Award. Elaine Gordon died on February 25, 2000. Museum of Florida History R.A. Gray Building, Ground Floor 500 South Bronough Street (850) 245-6400 Many of the museum's permanent exhibits and collections provide information on the role of women in the development of Florida. The First Ladies' Gown Collection commemo- rates the wives of the state's gover- nors and includes several inaugural gowns. Portions of the collection are sometimes on display at the Museum of Florida History. The museum also hosts an annual quilt show and maintains archival records of the Florida Quilt Heritage Documenta- tion Project, which are available to researchers upon prior request. fort on July 27, 1816. Some 270 of the world. In 1963, Lois Maxon of New 300 defenders were killed. On the York purchased the property and Robert Strozier Library Manning grounds is a historic marker com- made extensive changes to what had Florida State University memorating Millie Francis (1803- once been the old Wesley home. In Dogwood Way 1848). She was the daughter of Hillis 1968, she donated the restored 644-2706 (850) Hadjo, a Muskogee Indian chief. In "Eden" to the State of Florida so that Lois Lenski (1893-1974) was an March 1818, the Georgia Militia had it could become a state park. The author and illustrator of almost 100 joined General Andrew Jackson's 1895 plantation-style house has books and illustrated more than 50 army in the invasion of Spanish period furnishings including Louis writers. In books by other 1946 she Florida. The army called a rest stop XV, Louis XVI, and American for won the coveted Newbery Medal at Fort Gadsden. Duncan Empire. The gardens feature large the most distinguished contribution McKrimmon, a Georgia Militia live oaks, azaleas, and camellias. to literature for American children private, was captured by Creek published in the previous year. The Indians and taken to their village on Alachua County award was given for Strawberry Girl, the banks of the Wakulla River. The a novel set on a strawberry farm in Indians tied Duncan to a tree and rural Florida, probably near Lakeland. Cross Creek prepared to kill him. Malee, or as she In a collection Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State 1958 she donated large was later called, Millie, begged for of her illustrations, manuscripts, and Historic Site his life. He was spared and returned Off County Road 325 background materials to Florida to his companions. In 1844, the (352) 466-3672 State University's Strozier Library. United States awarded Millie Francis Cross Creek, the home of Marjorie a Congressional medal and a pension Kinnan Rawlings (1896-1953), is for her act of compassion. Franklin County where the world-famous author wrote her most popular books, T}ic Sumatra Walton County Yearling and Cross Creek. Rawlings Historic Millie Francis Marker came to Cross Creek when she was Fort Gadsden Site Point Washington 32 and drew inspiration for her Apalachicola National Forest Eden State Gardens books from the land and the Florida of Six miles south Sumatra Off U.S. Highway 98 Cracker communit\'. In 1939, she was 643-2282 (850) (850) 231-4214 awarded the Pulit/er Prize for fiction Fort," Also known as the "Negro One hundred years ago, Eden State for The Yearling, the stor\ o( a 12- is located the Fort Gadsden on lower Cuirdens was the center of a large year-old bo\' and his pet deer who Apalachicola River. It was built and lumbering business founded by lived in the llorida scrub. With its the British provisioned by and William Henry Wesley. The timber, raised floor and pitched roof, the black and Indian forces manned by logged from Northwest Florida Rawlings house is a fine example of under a black commandant named forests, was barged to IVnsacola "Cracker architecture" and is well- Garson. American forces attacked the where it was shipped around the suited for the hot Florida climate. />^.

The Rawlings home is open to the played tennis in college at Florida public and guided tours are pro- A&M University; Doris Hart, winner vided. Many of Marjorie Kinnan of 35 Grand Slam tennis titles; Betty Rawlings' books, drafts, letters, and Skelton Frankman (1926-present), photographs are included in a the first woman inducted into the collection not far from Cross Creek, International Aerobatic Hall of Fame at the Smathers Library East on the and the International Automotive University of Florida campus in Hall of Fame; Patty Berg (1918- Gainesville. present), founder and charter mem- MiCANOPY ber of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and its first Payne's Prairie State Preserve president (1948-1952); Tracy U.S. Highway 441 Caulkins (1963-present), who as a 10 miles south of Gainesville swimmer won three gold medals in (352) 466-3397 Marjorie Kinnan the 1984 Summer Olympics; Chris Marjorie Harris Carr (1915-1997), Evert (1954-present), winner of 157 Rawlings through her leadership and commit- singles tennis titles (a record for men ment, made a significant impact by and women); and Lyn St. James, Author protecting part of Florida's environ- "America's top woman race car Born Marjorie Kinnan in 1896 in ment. She began her work in the driver." Washington, D.C., she graduated early 1960s by bringing attention to from the University of Wisconsin in what would become the Payne's

1918 with a B.A. degree in English. Prairie State Preserve. The preserve is Hamilton County The next year she married Charles now the last protected example of the A. Rawlings, Jr., and moved with Florida prairie that once stretched White Springs him to Rochester, New York, where across this part of the state. Stephen Foster State Folk she worked as a newspaper writer. Carr led the Florida Defenders of the Culture Center In 1928, Rawlings purchased an Environment during the 1970s and Off U.S. Highway 41 orange grove in Cross Creek, focused its efforts on stopping (904) 397-2733 Florida, where she and her husband construction of the Cross-Florida This beautiful park on the Suwannee subsequently moved to restore the Barge Canal. In 1976 the barge canal River contains folklife memorabilia, farm to working condition. They was deauthorized and the museum displays, dioramas, and divorced in 1933, but Rawlings Ocklawaha River was restored to its musical instruments, as well as a 97- stayed in Cross Creek and in 1941 pristine beauty, thanks largely to her bell carillon in a 200-foot-tall tower married Norton Sanford Baskin, a perseverance and foresight. The that plays medleys of Foster's music restaurant and hotel operator. group was also instrumental in the at regular intervals. Each year the The rural atmosphere of her Florida creation of the National Environmen- park is the site of the Florida Folk surroundings inspired Rawlings to tal Policy Act of 1980. Festival, which was founded by write fiction, including the novels Thelma Ann Boltin (1904-1992), Jacob's Ladder (1931), which was Lillian Saunders (1893-1985), and originally published as a short story, Columbia County others in 1952. The two women and South Moon Under (1933). She worked tirelessly to preserve folk Lake City also wrote a semi-autobiographical arts, crafts, and traditions within the Florida Sports Hall of Fame and work entitled Cross Creek (1943). state. Museum of Florida Sports History Rawlings is best known for The 601 Hall of Fame Drive Yearling (1938), the tale of a boy, his (904) 758-1310 Duval County pet deer, and his sad passage to Exhibits and video displays highlight adulthood. It was made into a some of Florida's great women Jacksonville motion picture in 1946 and has been athletes, including Babe Didrikson Community Club and Marker published in more than 20 lan- Zaharias (1911-1956), called the 12447 Mandarin Road guages. Its popular and critical "Greatest Woman Athlete of the First (904) 268-1622 success made her one of the most Half of the 20th Century" the In the 1870s and 1880s, Harriet beloved of American authors. by Associated Press; Althea Gibson Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) and her (1927-present) who broke the color family wintered in Mandarin. Best barrier at Wimbledon in 1953 and known for Uncle Tom's Cabin, Stowe wrote Palmetto Leaves while living in inch bronze, to the museum. Savage

Mandarin. It was published in 1873 was recognized in the New York art and describes Northeast Florida and community both as an artist and a

its residents. In 1870, Stowe created teacher, and was part of the Harlem an integrated school in Mandarin for Renaissance. She is known for her children and adults. This was an portrait busts of famous men and early step toward providing equal women, and for her images of education in the area and predated everyday people in the black the national movement toward community. The Cummer collection integration by more than a half includes arts and artifacts from the century. The marker commemorating ancient world, as well as altarpieces, the Stowe family is located across the tapestries, porcelain, painting and street from the former site of their sculpture from the Middle Ages to

cottage. It is on the property of the the 20th century. It contains one of Community Club, at the site of a the world's largest collections of church where Stowe's husband once early Meissen Porcelain, featuring served as a minister. 700 pieces of tableware. The museum estate is surrounded by two and one- Tf Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens half acres of formal English and 829 Riverside Avenue May Mann Italian gardens on the St. Johns River. (904) 356-6857 Nina M. H. Cummer (1875-1958) Jennings Doggett-Tucker House (private) was instrumental in developing and 1548 Lancaster Terrace Conservationist/Activist nurturing the arts in Jacksonville. The Doggett-Tucker House is the One of the most powerful women She commissioned the Olmsted childhood home of Carita Doggett in Florida history, May Mann Brothers firm to design Memorial Corse (1891-1978), daughter of Judge Jennings (1872-1963) was a Park in Riverside and founded the and Mrs. John Locke Doggett. Corse conservationist and women's Garden Club of Jacksonville. is best remembered for her service as rights activist, who worked for Cummer is best known as the the Florida State Director of the educational reforms and improve- founder of the Cummer Museum Federal Writers' Project, part of the ments in public welfare. Jennings where visitors can see one of the few Depression Era's Work Projects served as Florida's First Lady remaining works of sculptor Administration (WPA). From its when her husband William Augusta Fells Savage (1900-1962). inception in 1935, Corse served as Sherman Jennings was governor Cummer bequeathed one of state director, where she vigorously from 1901 to 1905. As early as Savage's works. The Diving Boy, a 34- advocated African-American partici- 1905, she helped develop a strategy for acquiring the unpro- tected land which became Royal Palm Park and would later be part of the Everglades National Park. In 1914, she was elected president of the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs. Through the years other leadership, the Florida women's club network worked for the environment, child welfare, and much more. Club women across the state worked in campaign drives, lobbied legisla- tors, and appealed to the NatitMial Audubon SociolN and other organizations for assistance. pation in the collection and writing Clara White Mission of Florida history. During this time, 611-13 West Ashley Street she became a mentor to writer and (904) 354-4162 folklorist Zora Neale Hurston. As her The Clara White Mission is a memo- supervisor. Corse is credited with rial to the humanitarian activities of giving Hurston the leeway that her Clara English White (1845-1920), a artistic personality required, afford- former slave, and her adopted ing her the freedom to complete her daughter, Eartha Mary Magdalene novel Moses: Man of the Mountain. White (1876-1974). Clara White was Born in Jacksonville, Corse earned a a pioneer member of the Bethel Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar Baptist Church. Her influence was College in 1913 and a Master of Arts continually felt throughout the degree from Columbia University in community as she devoted her life to 1916. The mother of four children, in helping those less fortunate. The 1943, Corse became the Florida State masonry vernacular building was Director of the newly created designed by noted architect Henry Planned Parenthood where she John Klutho to serve as a symbol of advocated for the right for women to hope for the needy. Her daughter, control their own biological destiny. Eartha Mary Magdalene White, was In her letters, speeches and publica- also a humanitarian, educator and tions. Corse eloquently described publisher. Through her efforts, a Florida's rich heritage. She earned prison mission was formed. She distinction as a historian, writing Dr. founded the Eartha M. M. White Jessie Ball duPont Park Andrew TurnbuU and the New Smyrna Nursing Home, which specialized in North bank of the St. Johns River Colony (1919) and Key to the Golden caring for the needy, and created a Jessie Ball duPont (1884-1970) and Islands (1931). Corse received an senior citizens' home for African- her husband, Alfred, became winter honorary Doctor of Letters from the Americans. White donated land for residents of Jacksonville in 1927. The University of the South in 1932. She the city's first park for African- duPonts and Jessie's brother, Edward died in Jacksonville in 1978 at the age American children and was twice Ball, had many business interests in of 87. honored at White House receptions. Florida. She was personally involved White served as a lobbyist for in the Florida National Banks, the St. African-Americans with the Jackson- Joe Paper Company, and the Florida ville City Commission and the East Coast Railway. When her Florida Legislature. husband died in 1935, she became the principal trustee of his estate. In his memory, she created three foundations, including one in Florida to assist the state's needy. When she died in 1970, her will established the Jessie Ball duPont Religious, Chari- table and Educational Fund.

Kingsley Plantation Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve 11676 Palmetto Avenue Fort George Island (904) 251-3537 Anna Madgigine Jai (1793-1870), a princess from Senegal, West Africa, was sold into slavery at the age of 13 to Zephaniah Kingsley, who she soon married. After the birth of their third child in 1811, Anna Kingsley and her children were given their manumis- sion papers. Anna acrively partici- steps on each of its four sides with Eyck Brown. Dozier also designed pated in plantation management, tripled columns, which support a the Lampru Court Apartments and running several plantations with mansard roof. A figure of a Confeder- several other Jacksonville buildings Zephaniah. In 1813, Anna burned her ate woman stands atop the roof. and homes. own plantation to the ground to keep Old Brewster Hospital (private) it from falling into the hands of Old St. Luke's Hospital (private) 915 West Monroe Street invading American troops. As a 314-318 Palmetto Street The Women's Home Missionary reward for her bravery, the Spanish During the 1870s, many of the Society of the Methodist Church Crown gave her lands of her own. thousands of tourists who came to established the first hospital for Although Kingsley left Florida when Jacksonville were invalids seeking blacks in Jacksonville in this home it became an American territory, she moderate weather. There was no built in 1885 by Hans Christian would return after the Civil War to hospital in the area to care for all of Peters. A gift from Mildred Brewster live on her daughter's plantation the sick people who arrived. In 1873, established the nurses' training where she died in 1870. The Kingsley Anna Doggett, Susan Hartridge, and facility here in 1901. By 1910, the Plantation is one of the few remain- Myra Mitchell raised enough money hospital had outgrown the space and ing examples of the plantation in three months to establish St. moved to other facilities. The Queen system of Territorial Florida and is Luke's Hospital in a small temporary Anne style building features a two- the site of the oldest plantation house building. That building burned to the tier verandah with jigsaw scrollwork. in the state. Visitors to the plantation ground just days before it was to It now serves as a multifamily today can see Anna's house, situated open. The second building was residence. over the separate kitchen, as was the completed in 1878. By 1885, Florida's Senegal custom. Old Federal Reserve first modern nursing school was part Bank Building (private) of the hospital. The hospital played a Marabanong (private) 421 North Hogan Street major role in treating victims of the 4749 River Point Road In 1899, Henrietta Cuttino Dozier yellow fever epidemic of 1888, the Thomas Basnett, a noted astronomer (1872-1947) was one of three women typhoid epidemic of 1898, and the from England, built Marabanong. In graduates of the Massachusetts Great Fire of 1901. The hospital 1880, he married Eliza Wilbur (1850- Institute of Technology with a degree moved to a larger facilitv in 1914. 1930), a scientist and inventor from in architecture. Known as The original building subsequently New York who was the first woman Jacksonville's first woman architect, served as a coffin factory and a to lecture science students at she designed the Old Federal Re- warehouse and was vacant for a Harvard. While living at serve Bank Building with A. Ten number of years. During the 1970s, a Marabanong, Wilbur patented several inventions, including a large astronomical telescope and an airplane. Following the death of Basnett, she married E. Matthew Souvielle, a French doctor, and they turned the home into a health resort. In 1914, she sold the property to her cousin, Grace Wilbur Trout (1864- 1955), an author and activist in the national women's suffrage move- ment.

Monument to the Women of the Confederacy, Confederate Park Hogans Creek from Hubbard to Sixth Street In 1914, Jacksonville hosted a Con- federate Veterans Reunion, where plans were made to create a monu- ment "in memory of the women of the Southland." The Monument to the Women of the Confederacy was completed in 1915. It features a set of .\

and resumed her teaching. She is buried in the church's cemetery.

S fi^' St. Johns County m Anastasia Island kM^- St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum 81 Lighthouse Avenue (904) 829-0745 In 1860, upon the death of her husband, Maria de Los Dolores Mestre Andreu (1801-1871) became one of the nation's first female

lighthouse keepers. The St. August- ine Lighthouse is one of Florida's er's Episcopal Churcf Fernanaina Bea<^ first official lighthouses authorized by Congress, and was built in 1824 on Anastasia Island. The present 165- nonprofit group was able to save the including a school in Malawi and the foot tower dates from 1874 and is the building from demolition. It now Seuhn Industrial Mission in what is state's only spiral-banded lighthouse. serves as the office of the Northeast now Liberia. She is buried in the It also contains its original first-order Florida Arthritis Foundation. Bosque Bello Cemetery in Fresnel lens. Fernandina Beach. Bosque Bello Flagler County Cemetery is also the site of the St. Augustine of the Sisters of St. graves Josephs Abbott Tract Historic District Palm Coast who treated victims of the 1888 Twelve blocks between San Marcos yellow fever epidemic. Washington Oaks State Gardens Avenue and Matanzas Bay 6400 North Oceanshore Boulevard St. Peter's Episcopal Church Residential construction in the (386) 446-6780 801 Atlantic Avenue Abbott Tract Historic District began In 1936, Owen and Louise Young (904) 261-4293 during the 1840s and continued into (1887-1965) purchased part of the A stained glass window in this the early 20th century. It takes its historic Bella Vista Plantation, south spectacular Gothic Revival church name from Lucy Abbott who spear- the of this of St. Augustine. It became their commemorates Mary Martha Reid headed development winter home. They created a garden (1812-1894), often called the "Flo- district. She came to St. Augustine in which contained almost every kind rence Nightingale of the Confed- the 1860s and was one of the city's of plant, shrub, tree, and flower that eracy." She was married to Robert earliest real estate speculators. The could be grown in the area. Follow- Raymond Reid, a federal judge who neighborhood contains many ex- ing her husband's death in 1964, was appointed Territorial Governor amples of Victorian architecture. Louise donated the property to the of Florida. After his death in 1841, Bridge of Lions state. Their home now serves as the Reid came to Fernandina Beach and Cathedral Place at Matanzas Bay park's interpretive the early center. taught school. During days Completed in 1927, the Bridge of of the Civil War, one of her sons Lions links the mainland portion of enlisted in the Confederate Army. As Nassau County St. Augustine to eastern neighbor- a result, she soon realized that there hoods across Matanzas Bay on was a great need for medical care for Fernandina Beach Anastasia Island. The bridge's design Florida Confederate soldiers near the Bosque Hello Cemetery reflects the city's Mediterranean battle sites. Reid was instrumental in St. Michael's Roman Catholic heritage. The bridge draws its name establishing a 150-bed hospital on the Church from the two lion statues on its outskirts of Richmond, Virginia in Fourteenth Street western approach. Clarissa Ander- 1862, where more than 1,000 soldiers Emma B. Delaney (1871-1922) grew son Gibbs' (1895-1990) father. Dr. were treated. She fled Richmond up on Amelia Island and was the Andrew Anderson, helped Henry when it fell to federal troops on April first black woman missionary to Flagler begin his Florida rail and 2, 1865. Reid then returned to travel alone in East Africa. There she hotel empire. In the 1920s, when he Fernandina Beach, opened a school. established schools and churches. purchased the lions for the bridge.

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Clarissa and her brother presented vancement of Colored People rare, she was ordained a deacon in them to the city. Romanelli Brothers (NAACP) during the 1960s civil the Florida Conference of of Florence, Italy was the firm rights movement in St. Augustine. Methodism in 1924. Five years later commissioned to reproduce the lions, Fulwood, who earned her living as a she was ordained an elder, becoming which are similar to those that adorn housekeeper and maid, was the the first woman to receive this the Loggia di Lanzi in Florence. recipient of numerous awards, certificate. As she traveled around Gibbs' philanthropic endeavors including the St. Augustine de Aviles the world, she maintained her included Echo House, an African- Award and a fellowship award from association with Grace Church American learning and social center; the Unitarian Universalist Church. serving as a church pastor, working the Dr. Peck House and Women's with youth and studying in Boston Gonzalez-Alvarez House Exchange; Flagler Hospital; Flagler and the Middle East. Oldest House Museum College, located in what was for- 14 St. Francis Street Flagler Memorial Presbyterian merly the first Flagler Hotel in (904) 824-2872 Church Florida; and the St. Augustine When the British took control of St. Valencia and Sevilla Streets Historical Society. Augustine, Major Joseph Peavett, (904) 829-6451 Abbie M. Brooks House (private) paymaster for the English military, The 1890 Memorial Presbyterian 50 Water Street purchased this house. He married Church is a spectacular example of Abbie M. Brooks (1830-1914) was a Mary Evans Fenwick (1730-1792), a the Venetian Renaissance Revi\'al writer who sometimes worked under widow and midwife. Upon his death, style. It was built by hotel magnate the pen name Silvia Sunshine. She she remarried twice and became Henry Flagler in memory of his lived in St. Augustine for many years Mary Evans Fenwick Peavett daughter, Jean Louise Flagler and was best known for her travel Hudson. In addition to her business Benedict (1855-1889). The church guide. Petals Plucked from Sunny as a midwife, she operated an inn was designed by the internationally Climes, which told of her travels and tavern in what is today thought renowned architects Thomas throughout Florida between 1876 to be the oldest house in Florida. She Hastings and John M. Carrere. The and 1878. She also traveled to Spain died in 1792 at her New Waterford remains of Flagler and his first wife, to research and transcribe colonial Plantation several miles north of St. Mary, lie beside those of his daugh- archives which resulted in her 1907 Augustine, now Guana River State ter in a mausoleum within the Unwritten Historx/ of Old St. Augustine. Park. Two hundred years later, a church. The building's copper dome She lived her last seven years under fictional account of her life and times is modeled after the the care of the Hopkins family at this was recorded in Eugenie Price's Basilica de San Marco in house. book, Maria. Built in the early 1700s, Venice. the Gonzalez-Alvarez House is now Fountain of Youth Park Mission of Nombre known as the Oldest House Mu- 155 Magnolia Avenue de Dios seum, where nearly 400 years of life (904) 829-3168 101 San Marco in St. Augustine are exhibited. "The The park is the site of early Indian Avenue Oldest House" is one of the country's villages and the probable location (904) 824-2809 most studied and best-documented where the 1565 colonizing expedition The Mission of historic houses and has been occu- led by Pedro Menendez de Aviles Nombre de pied since the Spanish built the came ashore. The legend of the Dios was ground floor of the structure. location of the magical Fountain of established Youth began with Luella Day, who not long after Grace United Methodist Church promoted it as one of the city's first St. Augustine 8 Carrera Street tourist destinations. Day was a was founded in (904) 829-8272 pioneering woman physician during 1565. Today it is The 1887 Grace United Methodist the Canadian Klondike gold rush the site of the Church was designed in the elabo- who wrote of her experiences in The Shrine of Nuestra rate Spanish Renaissance Re\ i\al Tragedy of the Klondike. Senora de la style by the New York architects jolin Loche \' Buen Fulwood House (private) M. Carrere c\v\d Thomas Hastings. Parto. It consists 83 Kings Ferry Way When Wilma E. Davis (1S90- 1992) of a small This simple building was for 71 years was baptized there in 1893, it marked Missii>n-st\le the residence of Fannie Louise the beginning of lier lifelong associa- building, riie Fulwood (1910-1944), a leader ol the tion \\ ith the Methodist C hurch. At a mission is close National Association for the Ad- time in which women ministers were

Wf^^^' to the landing site of the Pedro Press Association Newspaper Hall of and the last Confederate general to Menendez de Aviles expedition. Fame. surrender in the Civil War, was born Menendez was Captain General of here in 1824. His mother, Frances St. Francis Inn the Indies Fleet and Governor of the Kirby Smith, was rumored to be a 279 St. George Street Province under the King of Spain. Confederate spy and was banished (904) 824-6068 His wife, Maria de Solis, is generally from St. Augustine during the Union Caspar Garcia built the St. Francis regarded as Florida's first "First occupation. Today, the building Inn in 1791. Anna and Sarah Lady." serves as the research library of the Dummett operated it as a boarding St. Augustine Historical Society. house beginning in 1845. During the St. Augustine Historical Society Civil War, sentiments in St. August- Ximenez-Fatio House Museum ine were intense. When Union forces 20 Aviles Street 16 St. Francis Street took over St. Augustine, Anna heard (904) 829-3575 (904) 824-2872 that the Union flag had been raised Constructed between 1797 and 1802, Emily Lloyd Wilson served as at the St. Francis Barracks. Upset that this building was a fashionable historian and librarian for the St. St. Augustine had surrendered to the rooming house for most of the 1800s Augustine Historical Society from Union, she led a group of women operated by a succession of women 1919 to 1953. She is largely respon- who chopped down the wooden owners. In 1821, when Florida sible for the society's outstanding flagpole, thus preventing the Stars became a United States territory, library, where she devoted her life to and Stripes from flying in place of Margaret Cook began to buy prop- securing copies of old maps and the Stars and Bars. erty in St. Augustine. By 1830, she Spanish documents. The museum owned the building and decided to contains exhibits on the history of St. Segui/Kirby Smith House use it as a boarding house. Eliza Augustine and a museum shop. 6 Artillery Lane Whitehurst managed it from 1830 to St. Augustine Record Building (904) 824-2872 1838. In 1838, Sarah Anderson 154 Cordova Street Bernardo Segui, a prominent purchased the house and property. In (904) 829-6562 Minorcan businessman, constructed 1855, Louisa Fatio bought the house.

Since its construction in 1906, this this imposing house about 1800, Sometime after her death in 1875, the two-story Mediterranean Revival during the Second Spanish Period. house became a gift shop and club. style building has been the home of Edmund Kirby Smith, the In 1939, the National Society of the the local newspaper. Nina Hawkins t highest ranking Confeder- Colonial Dames of America in the (1890-1972) was 21 years old when ate officer from Florida State of Florida purchased the she began her first day on the job property. Today's visitor can tour the as a reporter in 1910. Her "boarding house" restored as it career would span 43 years, might have been when Eliza of which 19 were spent as Whitehurst managed it. editor and editor-in-chief of Flagler Memorial the Record. In 1999, she was Presbyterian Church, inducted into the Florida St. Augustine Central Florida

Orange County of her personal philanthropy went toward assisting organizations Eatonville serving crippled or handicapped Zora Neale Hurston National children, the blind, the deaf and private higher education. Museum of Fine Arts 227 East Kennedy Boulevard (407) 647-3307 Winter Park For African Americans in Florida and The Charles Hosmer Morse throughout the country, Eatonville Museum of American Art has great significance. It is the oldest 445 Park Avenue North surviving incorporated black munici- (407) 645-5311 Zora Neale pality and possesses a rich tradi- Jeannette Genius McKean (1909- tional culture immortalized in the 1989), an artist, and her husband Hurston works of Zora Neale Hurston (1901- Hugh, president of Rollins College Folklorist/ 1960). The Zora Neale Hurston from 1951 to 1969, were committed to National Museum of Fine Arts offers American art. They collected over Anthropologist a kaleidoscope of exhibitions repre- 4,000 pieces, most notably the works Born in Notasulga, Alabama in senting the work of African diaspora of Louis Comfort Tiffany. One of 1891, Zora Neale Hurston artists. Each January, the nationally many significant works in the moved with her family to renowned Zora Neale Hurston collection. Tiffany's 1893 Chapel for Eatonville in 1893. A recipient Festival of the Arts and Humanities the World's Columbian Exposition, of Rosenwald and presents a vibrant street festival with has been reassembled and is on Guggenheim fellowships, vendors and performing artists, as display at the Morse Museum. Hurston was one of the first well as a series of lectures, dramatic blacks to receive a bachelor's works, exhibitions, and poetry Annie Russell Theatre degree from Barnard College readings by influential African- Rollins College Campus in New York City. Her autobio- American scholars and cultural 1000 Holt Avenue graphical work. Dust Tracks on figures. In addition to Eatonville, (407) 646-2501 the Road, won the Anisfield- Hurston also lived in Miami, Fort Annie Russell (1864-1936) was an Wolf award from the Saturday Pierce and St. Augustine, where she innovative stage producer and a Review in 1943. She was a taught at Florida Normal College noted British and Canadian actress. master storyteller. Her works, (now located in Miami and called She was the first to introduce the use however, faded into obscurity Florida Memorial College). of electric lighting for dramatic effect and, after receiving a rejection to New York Theater. When she of her manuscript on King Orlando retired in 1918, she moved to Winter Herod, she died nearly penni- Edyth Bush Theatre Park, and in 1929 became head of the less in a welfare home in Fort Pierce, Florida in 1960. Years Civic Theater of Central Florida dramatic arts program at Rollins later, Pulitzer Prize-winning 1001 East Princeton Street College. She enlisted the financial novelist Alice Walker rediscov- (407) 896-7365 support of her friends to fund the ered Hurston's powerful Edyth Bush (1900-1972) and her construction of a theatre for the performing arts. It was built in 1932 writing and brought her work husband, Archibald, were heirs to the back to the public's Minnesota Mining and Manufactur- and she supervised its operations attention. until her death in 1936 at the age of Todav' her novels, stories, and ing fortune, who wintered in Winter 72. The Annie Russell Theatre autobiography are on reading Park. Throughout her life, Edyth was combines the styles o\ Itali.in- lists of scht)ols acrt)ss the committed to the arts and to the nation. metropolitan Orlando community. Romanesi|iie Rexival and Spanish MeditiMianean and provides a She established the Edyth Bush continuation ol thosi- themes in the Foundation, an important force in buildings on the campus. the cultural growth of the area. Much

13 Osceola County Volusia County

St. Cloud Daytona Beach Mount Peace Cemetery Mary McLeod Bethune Home SL Cloud 641 Pearl Street off Second Avenue Kaku Sudo (1861-1963) was born in (386) 255-1401 Northern Japan. She immigrated to The Mary McLeod Bethune (1875- the U.S. in 1891 and to Florida in 1955) Home is a National Historic 1907. Sudo attended medical school Landmark. The daughter of former in Cincinnati and became the first slaves, Mary McLeod Bethune rose to woman doctor of Japanese descent in become a noted educator and the United States. She never married advisor to presidents. She lived in and spent most of her life in or near this house from the 1920s until her St. Cloud where she died at the age death in 1955. The simple, two-story of 102. frame vernacular structure is now a

house museum. It contains original Brevard County furnishings and serves as the ar- chives for the Mary McLeod Bethune Mary McLeod Cocoa Papers. Bethune Florida Historical Society Tebeau-Field Library Hillsborough 435 Brevard Avenue Educator (321) 690-1971 Born in 1875, the daughter of County In 1927, Jeanette Thurber Conner of former slaves, Mary McLeod New Smyrna Beach organized the Tampa Bethune became a noted educator Florida State Historical Society with Margaret L. Chapman Papers and advisor to presidents from Colonel John B. Stetson, Jr. It later University of South Florida Coolidge to Truman. She w^as merged with the Florida Historical 4202 East Fowler Avenue President Franklin Delano Society acquired the current which (813) 974-2731 Roosevelt's Director of Black building in 1997 to house its growing Margaret Louise Chapman (1916- Affairs in the National Youth collection of maps and historical 1981) was the first director of Special Administration and later was a documents. Collections at the University of South consultant to the founding Florida. She used her unique knowl- conference of the United Nations. edge of the state to build an out- She launched a school for girls in Daytona Beach in 1904 with $1.50 and sheer determination. As she wrote, "We burned logs and used the charred splinters as pencils and mashed elderberries for

ink... I haunted the city dump and the trash piles behind hotels, retrieving discarded linen and kitchenware, cracked dishes, broken chairs. Everything was scoured and mended." That small girl's school evolved into Bethune-Cookman College with an enrollment of more than 2,200 students by the end of the 20th century. Mary Mcleod Bethune died in 1955.

14 standing Florida history collection. Pinellas County An enthusiastic participant in state and local matters, she served on the Belleair Hillsborough County Historical Florida Gulf Coast Art Center Commission and lectured on Florida 222 Ponce de Leon Boulevard history and library collections. Her (813) 584-8634 papers are now part of the University Georgine Smith (1873-1955) was an of South Florida's collection. artist and art patron. She donated time and money to help expand a Ybor City State Museum small art museum in Clearwater. In 1818 East Ninth Street the late 1940s, she donated buildings, (813) 247-6323 equipment, and a portion of her The history of Ybor City's Cuban Belleair estate to create the Florida community is told at the Ybor City Gulf Coast Art Center. When she State Museum. The museum com- died in 1955, a significant endow- plex covers approximately one-half ment and works of art were left to of a city block. It includes an orna- the center. Since that time, the mental garden, three restored cigar Florida Gulf Coast Art Center has workers' houses and a bakery Babe Didrikson developed into an important cultural building. The Ferlita Bakery build- institution for the area. Today's ing, with ovens, colorful sign dis- Zaharias collection focuses on contemporary plays and exhibits, forms the core of Florida art from 1960, and Southeast- Athlete the museum complex. One cigar ern American fine crafts. The Associated Press called Babe worker's house. La Casita, is a Didrikson Zaharias the "Greatest museum. Luisa Capetillo (1879-1922) St. Petersburg Woman Athlete of the First Half was an advocate of workers' and Princess Hirrihigua Marker of the 20th Century." Born in women's rights. She was also an 1800 block of Pinellas Point Drive 1911, she started out playing experienced labor organizer. Local In 1528, Juan Ortiz was on one of basketball, then went on to track cigar workers elected Luisa to the Spanish explorer Panfilo de and field. At the 1932 Olympics, important position of lector. Selected Narvaez's ships, returning to Cuba she won gold medals in the and paid by the workers, she would for supplies. Ortiz and three ship- javelin and the 80-meter hurdles read to them as cigars were being mates were captured near Tampa Bay and a siher medal in the high hand-rolled. when they went ashore, beckoned bv jump. Zaharias took up golf in Indians who claimed to have a 1935 and went on to win 82 pro message from Narvaez. The Indian Manatee County and amateur events. In 1946 and ruler. Chief Hirrihigua, executed 1947, she won 17 amateur Ortiz'companions and condemned Bradenton tournaments in a row, including him to death. The chief's wife and Electra Arcotte Lee the British Women's Amateur daughters pleaded with the chief to Homestead Marker and the U.S. Women's Amateur. spare Ortiz, and saved his life. Ortiz Corner of 17th Street East and In her golf career she won ten lived as a slave, often under the Manatee Avenue East major championships and in threat of death for about fi\'e years, This historic marker commemorates 1950 helped found the Ladies until the chief's eldest daughter Electra Arcotte Lee (1807-1860) who Professional Golf Association helped Ortiz escape to live among taught in the first school in Manatee (LPGA). Zaharias was named the another tribe. There he lived under County in the 1840s and 1850s. For Associated Press Woman Athlete better conditions until his rescue by five dollars per term, pupils were of the year six times from 1931 to Hernando de Soto's men. His story taught in an upstairs room of her 1954. She lived in Tampa at the was recorded around 1605 in house. end of her career and died in Garcilaso de la Vega's account of the 1956. de Soto expedition.

LS Tarpon Springs cal exhibits which interpret the Safford House region's rich history. Bertha Honore 23 Parkin Court Drive Palmer (1849-1918) purchased the (727) 942-5605 property in 1911 for her estate and Dr. Mary Jane Safford (1832-1891) protected its resources. Four gardens was a Civil War nurse who later interpret early 20th-century Florida became the first practicing woman gardens as they would have looked physician in Florida. Constructed in when they were part of the Palmer

1881, the Safford House is the oldest estate. known residence in Tarpon Springs. Sarasota It is a fine example of Florida ver- Historic Marker nacular architecture, and was built for Emma E. Booker by her brother, Anson P. K. Safford, a Orange Avenue at 35th Street founder of Tarpon Springs. Emma E. Booker (1886-1939) taught African-American children in Sarasota County Sarasota from the 1910s to the 1930s and was named principal of OSPREY Sarasota's first school for black Historic Spanish Point children. A high school for black Pedroso 500 North Tamiami Trail students was named for her. In 1935, Paulina (941) 966-5214 during the Depression, it graduated

Historic Spanish Point is a hands-on its first class of four students. Cuban Patriot outdoor museum. The property The failed war of 1878 in Cuba spans more than 4,000 years of (1826- forced Paulina Pedroso prehistoric and historic occupation. It 1913) and her husband Ruperto, combines nature trails, historic prominent Afro-Cuban leaders, to buildings, gardens, and archaeologi- move to Key West and then to Ybor City. Ruperto rolled cigars and Paulina managed a boarding house, while working on behalf of a free Cuba. Jose Marti was a frequent guest. Ruperto slept in the hallway near the Cuban leader's bedroom, to guard against would-be assassins while Paulina nursed Marti back to health after his tiring travels throughout Florida. Paulina worked to rally Afro-Cubans and women to help gain their country's freedom from Spanish rule. In 1910, the Pedrosos re- turned to Cuba where they were honored as heroes of the revolu- tion. The Pedroso homesite is part of the Park of the Friends of Marti in Ybor City. The site is owned by the Cuban government. A^

Bertha Honore Palmer

Real Estate Developer when she visited relatives in Sarasota, wealthy Chicago

Florida State University Ringling Mable Ringling Museum of Art. socialite Bertha Honore Palmer Center for the Cultural Arts: When John Ringling died in 1936, his (1849-1918) often said the area The John and Mable Ringling will stipulated that their home, art was more lovely than the Ba\' of Museum of Art collection, and 86 acres of their Naples in Italy. Mrs. Palmer 5401 Bayshore Road, gardens and properties be given to was nationally and internation- U.S. Highway 41 the State of Florida. ally known as a patron of the (941) 359-5700 arts. When she discovered Sarasota in 1910 at the age of 60, In the years after the Ringling Circus Marie Selby Botanical Gardens she invested in extensive real became a success, John and Mable 811 South Palm Avenue estate holdings in Sarasota and Ringling (1875-1929) moved the (941) 366-5731 Hillsborough counties. circus's winter quarters to the In the early 1920s, Marie Selby One condition of her purchase Sarasota-Venice area. They found a (1885-1971) built a Spanish-style two- of the land was that a railroad piece of property along beautiful story house on seven acres of land on line be extended between Sarasota Bay and decided to build Sarasota Bay. Marie's love of nature Tampa and Sarasota. Once that their winter home there. Mable was her most consuming passion commitment was made, she worked closely with the architects and she created an extraordinary tirelessly promoted the area and designing the estate. They toured garden for the property. When she times seeking art was largely responsible tor the Europe many and died in 1971, she left the property to real estate boom that followed furnishings. Named Ca'd'Zan, the the community as a botanical garden as the West Coast of Florida "House of John" contains 30 rooms which was opened to the public in became known as a winter and 14 baths. The house incorporates 1975. The garden specializes in resort tor the wealthy. design elements from the French and epiphytes (air plants) and has what Italian Renaissance periods and is many consider the most beautiful one of Florida's most impressive collection of orchids in a botanical mansions. Over the years, Mable's garden in the United States. .Adjoin- interests turned to fine art. The ing Sarasota Bay, the park also has Ringlings were avid collectors of Old seven greenhouses, and a botanical Masters, Late Medieval, and Renais- research center. sance works of art. I'lieir colk'c tion can now be seen in The John and

17 South Florida

Hendry County their own hunting and fishing areas. women to hold office. Moore In 1967, Seminole Tribe member Haven was one of only three Betty Mae Tiger was elected Clewiston Jumper Florida cities to grant these rights Tribal Chairman, becoming the first Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum prior to the adoption of the 19th female Tribal Chief in America. With Big Cypress Seminole Reservation Amendment in 1920. When Moore many honors and awards in recogni- Alligator Alley to Exit 14, then 17 Haven's first city election was held tion of her achievements and leader- miles north on County Road 833 to in July of 1917, Horwitz was ship, Betty Mae Tiger Jumper contin- West Boundary Road elected mayor. With that election, ues to work on behalf of her Tribe (863) 902-1113 she became the first woman mayor today. During the 1830s and 1840s, the in Florida, the first in the Southern Seminole Indians fled to the Ever- United States, and one of the first glades from U.S. Army troops who Glades County in the country. had orders to move them west to Oklahoma. The Seminoles who Moore Haven managed to avoid capture remained Moore Haven City Hall Highlands in the Everglades. Almost a century 99 Riverside Drive County later, Harriet Bedell (1886-1967) (863) 946-0711 arrived in Everglades City. An In 1916, Marian Newhall Horwitz's LORIDA Episcopal deaconess, she renovated (1880-1932) husband joined a part- Pearce Homestead an old mission and dedicated her nership to purchase 3,600 acres of U. S. Highway 98 and C.R. 721 later years to surviving members of land west of Moore Haven. When he (561) 686-8800 the Miccosukee and Seminole died a short time later, she became The Pearce Homestead is owned by Indians. Throughout her life, Harriet the owner of a large tract of property. the South Florida Water Management Bedell worked with the Native Horwitz moved to Moore Haven in District and serves as a demonstra- Americans to help them gain tribal 1917 and developed a 2,000-acre tion of a working farm of the early status and acquire 200,000 acres of farm. That same year, the city was 1900s. In 1944, Edna Pearce Lockett land in the Everglades where they incorporated. The charter provided (1908-1991) inherited her father's established a school and controlled for female suffrage and entitled 50,000-acre ranch, which boasted one of Florida's largest cattle herds. She went on to become the most prosper- ous woman rancher in the South, raising range and Brahman cattle. She also entered the political arena and was the third woman to serve in the Florida House of Representatives. During her tenure (1948-1953), she successfully sponsored a bill that allowed women to serve on Florida juries. Hattie Gale's Little Red Lee County Schoolhouse Fort Myers Phipps Park Palm Beach was quite small in 1886 Dr. Ella Piper when Hattie Gale arrived to open Senior Citizen Center her schoolhouse, the first in South- 1771 Evan Avenue east Florida. When the school (941) 332-5346 opened, she had seven pupils, Dr. Ella Piper (1884-1954) came to ranging in age from six to 17. The Fort Myers in 1915 and opened a schoolhouse was built with lumber beauty parlor on Jackson Street. She brought by schooner from Jackson- later became a foot doctor, with ville. The building was moved offices on Hendry Street and still several times before being located at later started the Big 4 Bottling Phipps Park. Company, then located at Mango and Evans Streets. She held annual Julia Deforest Christmas parties for children of the West Palm Beach Sturtevant Tuttle Dunbar community. Throughout her Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry House life, Dr. Piper was known as a 623 Division Avenue Real Estate Developer philanthropist and often helped (561) 833-5836 Known as the "Mother of young people obtain scholarships to Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry (1923- Tuskegee College. her Miami," Julia DeForest attend Upon 1979) was the first black woman Sturtevant Tuttle (1848-1898) death, she left her property to the admitted to the University of Miami of Fort for the benefit of arrived in the area in the late City Myers Law School, Dade County's first senior citizens. 1800s. In 1891, shortly after her young children and black female attorney, and the first husband's death, she bought one black woman elected to the Florida square mile of land at the mouth Legislature, where she served from Palm Beach of the Miami River. There were 1970 until her death in 1979. Her few settlers and she lived a rustic County masonry vernacular home is the life. Julia Tuttle was aware of the home of the Black Historical Preser- efforts of Henry Flagler and his Palm Beach vation Society of Palm Beach County. expanding railroad and hotel Henry Morrison Flagler Museum A park named for her is located at empire. She wrote to him many (Whitehall) 2591 N.W. 71st Street in Miami. times to tell him about her land. Coconut Row at Whitehall Way Mickens House (private) As his rail lines moved down the (561) 655-2833 801 Fourth Street East Coast of Florida, she knew Henry Flagler became interested in Dr. Alice Frederick Mickens (1873- that if she could convince him to Florida in the 1880s. In 1901, after 1950) rose to national prominence build a railroad terminal and a developing Palm Beach as a luxury promoting higher education for tourist hotel in Miami, her winter resort, he built Whitehall as a African-Americans. She was chosen property values would soar. wedding gift for his third wife, Mary "Outstanding Woman of the Cen- Finally, they met. Henry Flagler Lily Kenan Flagler (1867-1917). Sold tury" at the American Negro Emanci- and Julia Tuttle came to an by members of the family in 1925, the pation Convention in 1963. Dr. agreement and modern-day building was used as a luxury hotel Mickens made outstanding contribu- Miami began. Julia gave every until 1959. At that time, a Flagler tions in helping to curb juvenile alternate lot to the Flagler granddaughter, Jean Flagler delinquency. Her home was often interests and Henry Flagler Matthews (1910-1979), acquired the u.sed as a clearinghouse for dispens- agreed to build a railway station building, restored it, and opened it as ing articles to the needy. Her hus- and a luxury hotel in Miami. the Flagler Museum in 1960. Today's band, Halen Mickens, built tiie house Both kept their promises. The visitors see this American palace as it in 1917. Dr. Mickens was the railroad reached Miami in 1896 was when Mary Lily and Henry Founder and President Emeritus for and, scum alter, a land bi>om and Flagler lived there. Many of the many years of the City Association, population explosiini began. building's original furnishings have an affiliate of the National Associa- been returned and its rooms carefully tion of Colored WomcMi's Clubs. restored.

19 Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens another artist, Evelyn Fortune (1887- 253 Barcelona Road 1997), whose creative influences are (561) 832-5328 evident throughout the house. The This 1.7-acre property near West tropical plantation house features 30 Palm Beach is part of the former rooms and was constructed of native residence of sculptor Ann Weaver coral stone, Dade County pine, and

Norton (1905-1982), and features a concrete blocks poured at the site.

collection of 300 species of tropical The subtropical estate is one of the palms. Throughout the house, studio best preserved in Florida. and gardens are more than 100 Stranahan House sculptures by the artist, including 335 Southeast Sixth Avenue nine monumental brick and granite (954) 524-4736 works standing in a dramatic green Ivy Julia Cromartie Stranahan environment designed in the natural- (1881-1971) came to Florida in 1899 at form English style. Now operated as the age of 18 to teach the children of a public foundation, the Gardens six settler families in tiny Fort offer a schedule of exhibitions and Lauderdale. She met and married occasional master artists workshops Frank Stranahan and they lived in on the grounds and in Norton's the combination home and trading original sculpture studio. Lydia Cabrera post. Built in 1901, Stranahan House is the oldest home on its original site Scholar Broward County in Broward County. It has been restored to its 1913-1915 appearance. An ethnologist, artist, historian, Fort Lauderdale For 15 years, Stranahan informally and writer of folk tales, Lydia Bonnet House taught Seminole children and was Cabrera was born in Havana, 900 North Birch Street involved in the Audubon Society, the Cuba in 1899, but developed her (954) 563-5393 Friends of the Everglades and served interest in Afro-Cuban culture in In 1920-21, artist Helen Birch as president of the Florida State Paris, where she had gone to Bartlett (1882-1925), with her hus- Suffrage League. Ivy Stranahan and study in 1927. She moved back band Frederick, designed and built many other Florida women, often to Cuba in 1938, and after the Bonnet House on a 35-acre estate working through the structure of the Castro revolution fled to Madrid which Helen's father had given to Federation of Florida Women's and then to Miami. She wrote 23 them as a wedding present. After Clubs, lobbied for nearly two de- books and compiled a Helen's death, Frederick married cades on behalf of the Seminole dictionary of the Afro-Cuban Yoruba language. She died in 1991. Her best-known work was El Monte, considered the most important book about Santeria, a mix of Catholic teachings and native African religions that evolved among former slaves in the Caribbean. A collection of her important manuscripts is housed in the Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami in Coral Gables.

20 Indians to get federal designation of Homestead land for a reservation in South Homestead Branch Library Florida. 700 North Homestead Boulevard (305) 246-0168 Dade County Lily Lawrence Bow (1870-1943) was Marjory a Florida pioneer. With two young Coral Gables sons, she settled on isolated Cudjoe Stoneman Lydia Cabrera Collection Key and provided for her family through fishing raising citrus. Douglas The University of Miami and Otto G. Richter Library Archives She taught children and adults from neighboring islands in return for Environmentalist/ and Special Collections Author 1300 Memorial Drive food. Shortly before the 1906 hurri- cane, she to the mainland Marjory Stoneman Douglas was a (305) 284-3551 moved acquired a property in the resident of Coconut Grove and Lydia Cabrera (1899-1991) was born where she area that is now part of Homestead. Miami for most of her adult life. in Havana, Cuba, the daughter of She founded the area's first library, Born in 1890, she arrived in 1915 Raimundo Cabrera, a prominent which for many years was named for and became a reporter for the Cuban intellectual. Her interest in her. Inside the present library are Miami Herald. After lea\'ing the Afro-Cuban culture began when she plaques and information concerning Herald, Douglas turned to writing left Cuba for Paris in 1927. While in Lily Bow's contributions to magazine articles and later began France, she wrote and spoke about Lawrence the community. work on a book. In 1947, when her the richness of Cuban culture. Homestead work, Tlie Ever^ladc^: River of Grass After returning to Cuba in the 1930s, Royal Palm Park was published, her life changed. Cabrera wrote 23 books exploring the Everglades National Park She became increasingly identified rich folkore of Afro-Cubans. Several 40001 State Road 9336 with her outspoken efforts to help of her books have been translated 12 miles southwest of Homestead Floridians understand the impor- into French, English, and Portuguese. (305) 242-7700 tance of saving the Everglades and Through her writing, Cabrera made The Royal Palm Park stands as the South Florida enxironment. In valuable contributions in the areas of testament to the work of May Mann her late 70s, Douglas formed the literature, anthropology, and ethnol- Jennings (1872-1963) and the Florida Friends of the Eyerglades to fight ogy. In the 1960s, she went into exile Federation of Women's Clubs which further development of that an?a. in Madrid and then moved to Miami. worked tirelessly to set aside the In l*-)93, she was awarded the Her important collection of manu- land for park use. Through the Presidential Medal of Freedi>m for scripts and other materials are now efforts of members of the organiza- her collective work on environ- housed in the Otto C. Richter Collec- tion under her presidency, the funds mental issues. She died in 1998 at tion at the University of Miami in to purchase a 960-acre tract of land the age of 108. Coral Gables. were raised. The park was dedicated

in 1916. In order to keep it open, the Florida Federation ot Women's Clubs lobbied the legislature for annual

21 7^^^

funding and, over time, additional Marjorie Stoneman Esther Mae Armbrister Park land purchases were made. By the Douglas Cottage 236 Grand Avenue mid-1930s, the park had grown to 3744 Stewart Avenue Esther Mae Armbrister (1916-1997) some 500,000 acres. Coconut Grove was a neighborhood historian for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1890- African-American section of Coconut Miami 1998) built this English-style cottage Grove. She provided the research for The Women's Park in 1926 and lived here for 72 years historic markers along Charles West Flagler Street and 103rd Court from 1926 until 1998. While the Avenue, and led the effort to pre- is for public tours, The Women's Park, the first in the cottage not open serve the Mariah Brown House and United States, honors the women of the building features eclectic archi- the Coconut Grove Cemetery. She Dade County and their contributions tecture blending Tudor and Medieval also chaired the Oral and Historical roof, half-timbering to the quality of life in that commu- Revival, a hip Committee of the Bahamian stucco over Dade County pine. Festival. nity. A time capsule containing and Goombay Over the years, Douglas's cottage mementos of outstanding South Miami-Dade Public Library for is buried beneath a became a center those seeking an Florida women Florida Room rock monument. The capsule end to environmental destruction in coral 101 West Flagler Street contains documents such as writings South Florida. She wrote The Ever- (305) 375-2665 from Marjory Stoneman Douglas, glades: River of Grass while living In An Authentic Narrative of the Zora Neale Hurston, and Lydia here. Seminole VJar and the Miraculous Cabrera. The capsule will be opened Escape of Mrs. Mary Godfrey and her in 2020. Four Female Children, Mary Godfrey described her family's ordeal. In the 1830s, she lived in the New River area of Fort Lauderdale and was caught in the Seminole War. With her four daughters, the youngest only six months old, she took refuge in a "thick and wiry swamp." Without food or water, she hid with her children for four days. On the fourth day a "humane African" discovered them. Although an ally of the Seminoles, at the risk of his own

life, he obtained blankets and food for the family and ultimately led them to safety. The pamphlet de- scribing her ordeal was first pub- lished in 1836. Many years later, the Miami-Dade Public Library located a

copy and purchased it. Although the

original pamphlet is far too fragile to

be viewed, it has been photocopied and can be seen in the library's Florida Room.

Historical Museum of Southern Florida Miami-Dade Cultural Center 101 West Flagler Street (305) 375-1492 The Historical Museum of Southern Florida collects and exhibits materi- als about the history of South Florida. On permanent exhibit is a photograph of Julia DeForest

22 Sturtevant Tuttle (1848-1898), the Albert Dorsey, Miami's first black ported Saint Alban's Day Nursery "Mother of Miami." The museum's millionaire. Coleman helped orga- and the Coconut Grove Clinic and archives contain information about nize the local chapter of the National served as director of Coconut Grove the founding of Miami and Tuttle's Council of Negro Women and served Cares. role in it. The book Julia's Daughters: for 25 years as president of Miami's Women In Dade's History tells of Julia Friendship Garden and Civic Club. Miami Beach Tuttle and other women who helped She worked with other women Miami Beach Architectural develop Miami and Dade County. activists, including Mary Sorensen (Art Deco) Historic District Moore (1877-1956) and Mrs. Mary Fairchild Tropical Garden (305) 672-2014 Jane Wood Reeder, to help increase 10901 Old Cutler Road South Miami Beach's Art Deco opportunities for black people in the District (305) 667-1651 Historic contains the world's then segregated society. Their efforts While Robert Montgomery and Dr. largest collection of Art Deco-st\'led helped the community reach several David Fairchild were developing buildings. A major figure in promot- milestones, including the establish- Fairchild Tropical Garden, Marjory ing its importance and preservation ment of the first library for Miami's Stoneman Douglas (1890-1998), was Barbara Capitman (1920-1990). black children in the 1930s. In the Marian Fairchild (1880-1962), As a journalist specializing in design, 1940s, Coleman received national Eleanor Montgomery (1905-1990) she and other visionaries founded recognition for her work in helping and others were promoting the the Miami Design Preservation curb juvenile delinquency. In 1966, League. Within a year, they reported magnificent site. Partially due to an apartment housing project was their findings on the value of its their combined efforts, it is now the named in honor of her tenacity and largest tropical garden in the conti- unique architectural heritage at a perserverance. nental United States. time when its importance was not Elizabeth Virrick Park and Pool yet widely appreciated. Through her Annie M. Coleman Gardens Public 3255 Plaza Street efforts, the Miami Beach Architec- Housing Project tural District (305) 445-0115 became the nation's 5200 NW 22nd Avenue Elizabeth Landsberg Virrick only Art Deco district to be listed in (305) 638-6055 (1897-1990) moved to Miami the National Register of Historic Annie M. Coleman (1894-1981 Places. in 1925. She spent her life moved to Miami from Quitman, working to better the Georgia in the 1920s with her lives of poor fami- husband Reverend J.E. lies. She sup- Coleman. After her husband's death, she taught music and became secretary to Dana

23 Sanford L. Ziff residents to develop voting blocks. Cross and raised money for relief

Jewish Museum of Florida Through her efforts, Dade County funds. During World War 11, she sold 301 Washington Avenue leaders heard the needs of the $1 million in war bonds, more than (305) 672-5044 elderly. Between 1969 and her death any other woman in Florida. Active The Ziff Museum explores the ways in 1989, Ackerman worked unceas- in local politics, she attended every in which Florida Jews have influ- ingly for elder rights. When Rose city council meeting between 1921 enced the state's history. Its collec- Jeremiah Weiss (1886-1974) arrived and 1959. tions and exhibits include informa- in 1919, Miami Beach was a sparsely Opa-locka tion about many important Jewish populated sandbar, accessible only L. Miller Opa-locka women, including Annie Ackerman by boat. The area became her home Helen Post Office and Rose Jeremiah Weiss. Annie and its residents her family. Weiss Fisherman Street Ackerman (1914-1989) was an earned her nickname "Mother of 550 (800) 275-8777 advocate for the elderly. Ackerman Miami Beach" due to her persistent Helen L. Miller (1925-1996) was the was known as the "Condo Queen," efforts to organize welfare services first black mayor of traveling from condominium to for the needy. Following the devas- woman Opa- locka and the first in County. condominium working with older tating hurricane of 1926, she became Dade She served as Opa-locka' s mayor, an official representative of the Red vice mayor and commissioner for 14 years. She lived in Opa-locka for more than 50 years and raised seven children. Monroe County Key West Mercedes Hospital/ E.H. Gato House (private) 1209 Virginia Street Early in the 20th century, many Cubans arrived in Key West, most of whom were involved in the growing cigar industry. In 1910, a dozen Cuban women founded two chari- table organizations to assist the Cuban poor. Beneficencia Cuban was a charitable organization supporting the hospital, Casa del Pobre, which

opened its doors in 1911 on what is now Truman Avenue and Jose Marti Drive. Maria Valdez Gutsens (1880- 1941) was matron of the hospital until her death in 1941. In 1934 the Cuban government awarded her the Cross of the Order of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes for her charitable work.

Old Key West City Hall 510 Greene Street (305) 292-6718 Lena Johnson (1870-1932) spent her life serving as a mentor to many of Key West's youngsters. She founded the Girl's Friendly Society and also worked with the Boy Scouts. When the Boy Scouts needed a meeting

24 place, she gave them a small building for victims of the yellow fever teaching and serving others. Her on the rear of the property. In 1927, epidemics that struck the Keys. For a teaching career was interrupted only less than a decade after the United time, she served as the matron of the when the convent became a military States adopted the 19th Amendment, Naval Hospital. After the deaths of hospital from April to August 1898 she was elected to the city council her oldest son and husband, she ran during the Spanish-American War. and became the first woman elected a boarding house on Fitzpatrick During that time, she and her fellow to political office in Monroe County. Street, which in its day was known nuns nursed 600 of the sick and When she died. Boy Scouts served as as the only comfortable boarding wounded brought to Key West from her honorary pallbearers. house on the island. Her younger the Cuban battlefields and ships of son, Stephen, was elected to the U.S. the Atlantic Fleet. From 1904 to 1914, Key West Historic Memorial Senate in 1851 and reelected in 1857, she managed a kindergarten and Sculpture Garden serving until Florida seceded from gave private art lessons. In 1917, she Mallory Square the Union before the Civil War. became bursar (treasurer) of the One Whitehead Square convent. To commemorate the 25th (305) 294-4142 Elisabetha Smith—In 1846, a ship anniversary of her religious profes- For many years, the Mallory boats carrying a young woman from sion. Sister Louis and the citizens of docked at their family pier, which Germany wrecked on the Florida Key West erected a Grotto to Our today is known as Mallory Square. In Reef. She was rescued and went on Lady of Lourdes and Bernadette. At 1997, a sculpture garden was created to outlive four seaman husbands. the dedication. Sister Louis prayed at Mallory Square to recognize the Elisabetha Merklin Knight Beiglett that, as long as the Grotto remained contributions of many Key West Smith (1828-1898) supported herself standing, Key West would be pro- pioneers. Among those recognized and her children by running a tected from hurricanes. are: boarding house and making and selling cheese and noodles. Ellen Russell Mallory (1792-1855) and her husband Charles arrived in Sister Louis Gabriel (1879-1948) Key West on December 23, 1823. She arrived at the Convent of Mary was an experienced nurse who Immaculate on August 25, 1897. She sheltered the shipwrecked and cared spent the next 51 years dedicated to

25 ttM(lliJLliVit)AlsliMI:ISI:tt4iiilLTfftdlicl'i?lillSiT^H^ NORTH FLORIDA Escambia County Pensacola Barkley House Dorr House

Julee Cottage Museum

Lavalle House

Leon County Tallahassee Marabanong (private) Bellevue Monument to the Women of the State of Florida and Division of Library Confederacy Library & Information Services Old Brewster Hospital (private) Knott House Museum Old Federal Reserve Bank Building Maclay State Gardens Old St. Luke's Hospital (private) Museum of Florida History CENTRAL FLORIDA Robert Manning Strozier Library Orange County Flagler County Eatonville Franklin County Palm Coast Zora Neale Hurston National Museum Washington Oaks State Gardens of Fine Arts Sumatra Millie Francis Historic Marker Orlando Nassau County Edyth Bush Theatre Winter Park Walton County Fernandina Beach Bosque Bello Cemetery Morse Museum of American Art Point Washington Annie Russell Theatre St. Peter's Episcopal Church Eden State Gardens

St. Johns County Osceola County Alachua County Anastasia Island St. Cloud Cross Creek Mount Peace Cemetery St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Historic Site St. Augustine MiCANOPY Abbott Tract Historic District Brevard County Payne's Prairie State Preserve Bridge of Lions Cocoa Abbie M. Brooks House (private) Florida Historical Society Tebeau-Field Columbia County Fountain of Youth Park Library Lake City Fulwood House (private) Florida Sports Hall of Fame and Museum of Gonzalez-Alvarez House Volusia County Florida Sports History Grace United Methodist Church Daytona Beach Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church Mary McLeod Bethune Home Hamilton County Mission of Nombre de Dios St. Augustine Historical Society Museum White Springs Hillsborough County St. Augustme Record Building Stephen Foster State Folk Culture Center St. Francis Inn Tampa Margaret L. Chapman Papers at the Segui'/Kirby Smith House University of South Florida Duval County Ximenez/Fatio House Ybor City State Museum Jacksonville Community Club and Marker

Cummer Museum of Art Manatee County Doggett-Tucker House (private) Bradenton Clara White Mission Electra Arcotte Lee Homestead Marker

Jessie Ball duPont Park

Kingsley Plantation

26 Broward County Pinellas County Fort Lauderdale Belleair Bonnet House Florida Gulf Coast Art Center Stranahan House

St. Petersburg Princess Hirrihigua Marker Dade County Tarpon Springs Coral Gables St. Augustine Safford House Lydia Cabrera Collection at the University' of Miami Sarasota County Homestead Homestead Branch Library Osprey Royal Palm Park Historic Spanish Point Miami a Sarasota Dayton Women's Park Pflf^h Emma E. Booker Marker Marjors' Stoneman Douglas Cottage John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Esther Mae Armbrister Park Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Miami-Dade Public Librar}'

Historical Museum of Southern Florida SOUTH FLORIDA Miami-Dade Cultural Center ENDRY County Fairchild Tropical Garden Armie M. Coleman Gardens Public Housing LEWISTON Project -Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Elizabeth Virrick Park and Pool ades County Miami Beach ORE Haven Miami Beach Architectural (Art Deco) Historic pore Haven City Hall District Sanford L. Ziff Jewish Museum of Florida ghlands County Opa-locka lJ&a Helen L. Miller Opa-locka Post Office Pearce Homestead Monroe County SCOOUNTY Key West VERS (Am Mercedes Hospital /E.H. Gato House (private) Dr. Ella Piper Senior Citizen Old Key West Cit\' Hall Center Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden

PalA Beach County "d®''d3l^ PALM BEACH Henr\' Morrison FlagliT Museum (Whit^iall)

Hattie^iale's Little Red Schoolhouse

WESjji'Ai M Beach Gwen^Un Sawyer Cherrv House

Mickeiw I louse (private) Ann Norton Sculptun^ Gardens

27 Florida "Firsts //

ELECTED AND APPOINTED First Woman Elected to the Florida ELECTED AND APPOINTED Senate, 1962 and First Woman to STATE OFFICE HOLDERS FEDERAL OFFICE Preside over the Florida Senate or House by Election of the Member- HOLDERS First Woman Elected to the Florida ship, Elizabeth (Beth) McCollough Supreme Court, 1986 and first Johnson, Orlando, 1966 woman elected Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice, Rosemary First Republican Woman Elected to Barkett, 1992 the Florida Legislature (House), Mary Grizzle, Indian Rocks, 1963 First Woman to Serve as a Member of the Florida Cabinet, Secretary of First African-American Woman State Dorothy W. Glisson, Tallahas- Elected to the Florida House of see, appointed 1974 Representatives, Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry J.D., Miami, 1970 First Woman Elected to the Florida Cabinet, Commissioner of Education First African-American Woman Betty Castor, Tallahassee, 1987 Elected to the Florida Senate, Carrie R Meek, Miami, 1982 First Woman to Serve on Florida's Little Cabinet, * Motor Vehicle First Hispanic Woman to Serve in the First Elected Commissioner Ina S. Thompson, State Legislature, Ileana Ros- Woman to Congress DeFuniak Springs, 1955-1961 Lehtinen, Miami, 1982 from Florida, Ruth Bryan Owen, Miami, 1928

First African-American Woman to First Woman to Preside Over the Serve on Florida's Little Cabinet,* Florida House of Representatives, First Woman Elected to the United Community Affairs Secretary M. Mary Lou Baker, Pinellas, 1945 States Senate from Florida, Paula Athalie Range, Miami, 1971 Hawkins, Maitland, 1980 First Woman to be Nominated for First Woman Elected to Statewide Speaker of the Florida House, Sandra First Woman Appointed U.S. Attor- Office, Railroad Commission, Mamie Barringer Mortham, Largo, 1992 ney General, Janet Reno, Miami, 1992 Eaton Green, Monti cello, 1928 First Woman Elected Speaker Pro- First Cuban-American and First First Woman to Serve in the Florida Tempore in the Florida House of Hispanic Woman to Head a Congres- Legislature, Elected to the Florida Representatives, Elaine Gordon, sional Subcommittee, Ileana Ros- House of Representatives, Edna Giles Miami, 1985-1986 Lehtinen, Miami, 1994 Fuller, Orlando, 1929 First Woman President Pro-Tempore of the Florida Senate, Betty Castor, Tallahassee, 1984-1986

First Woman President of the Florida Senate, Gwen Margolis, Miami, 1990

*The Governor appoints the heads of First Republican Woman in the several state agencies. Together with the Florida Legislature Elected President Governor's Chief of Staff, they have become the "Little Cabinet," even of the Senate, 1996 and First Senator though that name has no formal in Florida History to Serve Two standing. Successive Terms as President, Toni Jennings, Orlando, 1996-2000

28 The Florida Women's Club Movement

An intrinsic part of women's history The Florida Federation of Women's emerged as the state's most powerful in Florida is the women's club Clubs (FFWC) was formed during women-led organization with some movement. The seeds of the na- this era. It was part of a larger 1,600 members in 1910. Four years tional women's movement were national organization called the later, the FFWC boasted 6,000 mem- sown during the years immediately General Federation of Women's bers enrolled in 36 clubs. By 1917, following the Civil War, a period Clubs (GFWC), which was founded membership had risen to 9,163 with that witnessed the emergence of the in New York City in 1890. The 59 new clubs having joined the first generation of self-supporting GFWC's goals were to unite a wide FFWC. and often unmarried, college- variety of women's organizations educated women. Between the late throughout the country to work During Florida's Progressive Era,

1890s and World War I, during the toward common goals, including generally between 1905 and the start so-called "Progressive Era," the child welfare, conservation, educa- of World War I, the FFWC began to United States experienced a period tion, equitable taxation, health, and test its political effectiveness. In 1907, of significant development, spurred town beautification. The organiza- it drafted a child labor bill which was by economic forces different from tion also contributed to the larger introduced into the Florida Legis- those of earlier decades. women's suffrage movement, which lature and signed bv Governor adopted aggressive tactics to ensure Napoleon Bonaparte Broward. The Characterized by reform move- that women's voices were heard in organization promoted Stephen ments in business, education, the political process. Within five Foster's Old Folks at Home as the state government, labor, politics, and years of its founding, the GFWC had song and lobbied for the estab- women's rights, the Progressive Era established affiliations with 500 clubs lishment of a State Industrial School dramatically altered the nation's nationwide and had an enrollment of for Girls at Ocala and a State Indus- political, economic, and social 100,000 members. By 1914, the trial School for Boys at Marianna. fabric. For the first time in American membership was two million. Subsequent legislation enacted in history, women emerged as a major large part due to the influences of the force in directing policy at local, Florida's involvement with the FFWC led to reforms in the state's state, and national levels. Improved GFWC began in 1895 when represen- school systems, improvement in technology and prosperity of the tatives of village improvement health care, temperance, and early 20th-century provided many associations from Crescent City, women's suffrage. Highwav construc- middle- and upper-class women Green Cove Springs, Jacksonville, tion, land reclamation, cattle dipping with some freedom from domestic Orange City, and Tarpon Springs met legislation, and women's political and burdens that had previously com- in Green Cove Springs to incorporate economic rights were other important mitted them primarily and some- the Florida Federation of Women's activities of the FFWC in the early times exclusively to their homes and Clubs. Within a decade, 20 clubs had 20th century. families. affiliated with the FFWC, which One of the FFWC's most daunting tasks was the development oi Roval Palm Park southwest of Homestead. As early as 1905, May Mann Jennings, a club leader and acti\ist, helped de\elop a strategy for acquiring the unprotected land. Clubwomen worked in campaign dri\es, Kibbled legislators, and appealed to the National Audubon Societv and other t)rgani/ations for assistance. Through the club's strenuous ettorts, funds w I're raised to purchase the 960-acre tract o\ land and the park was dedi-

29 cated in 1916. In order to keep the the Florida Legislature deeded the Royal Palm State Park was deeded park open, the FFWC lobbied the Seminole's Dania Reservation in to the National Park Service as part Florida Legislature for annual South Florida to the federal govern- of the Everglades National Park. funds, and in 1925 published 24,000 ment. picture postcards of various park The FFWC attained its greatest scenes which were sold throughout Mirroring the rest of the country, the popularity in the mid-1960s when Florida. Additional land purchases 1930s saw a downturn in the enrollment hit an all-time high of were made and by the mid-1930s, FFWC's economic fortunes, although nearly 33,000. During this period, the park had grown to some 500,000 the organization continued its work the FFWC was one of the fastest acres. of relieving despair and promoting growing affiliates of the GFWC. culture. In 1931 the FFWC surveyed Within a decade, however, member- Suffrage was also a high priority of Florida's county jails, recommending ship began to decline because of a the FFWC. As early as 1913, an improvements in medical treatment, number of factors, including amendment to the state constitution education reforms, and rehabilita- increasing numbers of women to enfranchise women had been tion measures in the state's penal joining the work force, competing introduced in the Florida Legisla- system. They also undertook general organizations such as the Junior ture. Several legislative attempts to education, health care, and public Welfare League, and more single grant women equal voting rights service projects, and funded art and mothers. In 1995 the state member- failed between 1911 and 1919; music programs in public schools ship consisted of 210 clubs, with 114 however, by 1918, 16 Florida towns that boards of education threatened of those owning clubhouses. The and 20 counties had enfranchised to eliminate because of revenue organization continues to play an women in municipal elections, an shortfalls. important role in voicing concerns achievement accomplished in large and influencing legislation regard- measure because of the efforts of During World War II, clubhouses ing children, crime, education, the local clubwomen. During the were opened to assist in the war environment, and improving the national ratification process of effort. Some 100,000 books were quality of life for all Floridians. women's suffrage, the Florida collected and sent to Camp Legislature continued to resist Blanding, a 125,000-acre U.S. Army Concurrent with the FFWC was the granting women the vote. The 19th training center in North Florida. establishment of a national organi- Amendment to the U.S. Constitu- Clubs developed victory gardens in zation for African-American tion, ratified in 1920, enfranchised municipal parks and around club- women's clubs. In 1896, Josephine women throughout the country houses and sold war bonds. The St. Pierre Ruffin, the founder of the without the blessing of the Florida FFWC's "Buy a Bomber" bond first colored woman's club in Legislature, which eventually went campaign raised $3 million, making Boston, founded the National through the formality of approval in it among the nation's most success- Association of Colored Women's 1969. ful fund-raising state federations. Clubs (NACWC). From 1899 to After the war, the federation re- 1901, member clubs of the NACWC

The FFWC reached its peak in turned to projects it had been in Florida were founded in Jackson- membership and clubhouse con- working on before the war. In 1947 ville. They included the Jackson- struction during the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s. In 1929, the organization recorded that it represented 17,000 women in 228 clubs throughout the state. During the 1920s, the FFWC supported Prohibition, a concern the organiza- tion had first addressed in 1914, as part of its efforts to secure federal designation for a Seminole reserva- tion in South Florida. In 1917, the state set aside nearly 100,000 acres of Monroe County for the Semi- noles, only about five percent of whicli was arable. The FFWC redoubled its efforts and, in 1931,

30 ville Woman's Christian Industrial One of the new programs promoted and Protective Union, the Phyllis by the National Federation in the Wheatley Chautauqua Circle, and 1930s and 1940s was the establish- the Afro-American Woman's Club. ment of Youth Clubs. The National The Afro-American was the first of Association of Girls' Clubs was these clubs to be affiliated with the founded in the 1930s; Florida's first national organization. It had been Youth Club was established in organized at Divinity High School, Bradenton in 1939, eventually later known as Edward Waters leading to the founding of the College. Among its first officers was Florida Association of Girls' Clubs. Eartha Mary Magdalene White, who The National Association of Boys' was well known for her social work Clubs was established in the 1940s. in Jacksonville. The national organizations have since been combined as the National After attending a meeting of the Association of Youth Clubs. Today, Florida's national organization, Mrs. White the Youth Clubs, which include and other Florida delegates issued a chapters on numerous college Women's Clubs call for the formation of a state campuses, are a strong component of organization of African-American the National Association of Colored Clubhouses women's clubs in Florida. Meeting Women's Clubs' program. in St. Augustine on March 10, 1908, Babson Park the State Federation of Colored African-American women's club Bee Ridge Women's Clubs was established. On membership continued to grow in Belle Glade October 27, 1927, the Florida organi- Florida, until by 1980 there were 91 Boynton Beach zation was chartered as a nonprofit local clubs throughout the state. Bradenton corporation in Tampa. The Clubs in six communities had Chipley organization's stated goals included clubhouses: Bradenton, Belle Glade, Clermont maintaining higher and nobler Ft. Pierce, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Coconut Grove ideals; promoting civic movements; Beach, and Palmetto. Other clubs Coral Gables advocating welfare units to support met in homes, schools, or churches. Eustis moral, religious, social, literary, and Also in 1980, the Florida Association Ft. Lauderdale interracial advancement; establishing of Auxiliary of Men was established, Ft. Pierce wholesome recreational facilities for the first boys attended a state con- Hollywood young women; and encouraging the vention as delegates, and a history of Jacksonville organization of new clubs. the Forest Hills Home for Delinquent Kev West Girls was published. Youth work Lakeland Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the well- continued, and in 1984, Youth Clubs Lloyd known educator and founder of were active in Belle Glade, Melrose Bethune-Cookman College in Bradenton, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Pierce, Miami Daytona Beach, served as the presi- Lakeland, Ocala, and West Palm Milton dent of the state federation from 1916 Beach. New Smyrna Beach to 1920. During that time, address- Northeast Miami ing the needs of delinquent girls was Today, there are 45,000 members in Ocala adopted as a major project area, the National Association of Colored Palmetto which eventually led to the Women's Clubs, including Youth Punta Gorda legislature's establishment of Forest Clubs, nationwide. There are 15 Quincy Hills, a facility for delinquent Afri- chapters of the national association Sarasota can-American girls. This paralleled in Florida. They, along with the state Springfield the support the Florida Federation of organization, the Florida Association St. Petersburg Women's Clubs rendered in estab- of Women's Clubs, pursue universal Starke lishing the Florida Industrial School issues related to all women, such as Tallahassee for Girls, a facility for delinquent civic service, education, social service Vero Beach white girls, located in Ocala. and philanthropy, working effec- West Palm Beach tively with other organizations, both White Springs black and white. Winter Park

31 Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the Palm Beach Regional Preservation Augustine Historical Society Re- support and guidance of members of Office; Leslee Keys, St. Augustine search Library; Ann A. Shank, the Women's Heritage Trail Advisory Regional Preservation Office; Ron Sarasota County Government; Dana Committee: Marion Almy, Archaeo- Kurtz, Amelia Island Museum of Ste. Claire, Museum of Arts and logical Consultants Inc.; Dr. Patricia History; Devon Larsen, Florida Gulf Sciences, Daytona Beach; Becki Clements, First Ladies Gown Collec- Coast Art Center; Lee County Tillman, Flagler County Board of tion; Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Women's Commission, Fort Myers; County Commissioners; Sara Van Black Archives of South Florida; Lee Island Coast Visitor's Center Arsdel, Orange County Historical Malinda Horton, Florida Association Bureau; Library of Congress, Wash- Society Museum; Marilyn Wagener, of Museums; and Carole Jean Jordan. ington, DC; Linda W. Mansperger, Alachua County Visitors and Con- Historic Spanish Point; Becky vention Bureau; Jeanne Weismantel, We also wish to acknowledge the Matkov, Dade Heritage Trust; Joel The League of Women Voters of professional advice and support of McEachin, City of Jacksonville; Ruth Alachua County, Gainesville; Sharon staff members of the Florida Depart- A. Meyers, Florida Art Museum Wells, Island City Heritage Press; ment of State, Division of Historical Directors Association; Robin Debra Wynne, Florida Historical Resources: Catherine Clark, Vicki Mitchell, Florida Defenders of the Society, Tebeau-Field Library, Cocoa.

Cole, Frederick P. Gaske, Bill Environment; Joan Morris, Florida Helmich, Allison Herrington, State Archives; Dr. Kathleen A special thanks to the reference Susanne Hunt, Dr. Janet Snyder Monahan, City of Tarpon Springs; librarians of the State Library of Matthews, Barbara Mattick, George Ken Rollins, Florida Gulf Coast Art Florida. Percy, JuDee Pettijohn, Carl Shiver, Center; Rollins College Library, Kathleen Slesnick, Juie Weiler, and Winter Park; Lee Rose, Lee Island Michael Zimny. Coast Convention Bureau; Larry Rosenweig, Morikami Museum and

Contributors to this publication Japanese Gardens; Jodi Rubin, City include: Craig L. Bencz, City of of Orlando; Charles Tingley, Saint Eustis; Jo Ann P. Bennett, Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Jacksonville; Sam Bolderich, Miami-Dade Public Library, Miami; George Born, His- toric Florida Keys Foundation; Cantor Brown, Tampa Bay History

Center; Lori Chester, Tampa / Hillsborough Convention and Visitors Association; Sandra Sue Dent and Bill deTurk, Bok Tower Gardens; Sandra Dillard, Florida Sports Hall of Fame; John Daniels, Marshall Emerson and Tom Muir, Historic Pensacola Preservation Board; Russ Etling, Miami Museum of Science; Dr. Jim Fitch, Museum of Florida's Art and Culture; Al Hadeed, Flagler County Board of County Commis- sioners; Thomas L. Hambright, Monroe County Library; Interna- tional Center for Research on Women, Washington, DC; Nita Jackson, Visit Florida; John Johnson,

32 ; Florida Heritage Trails See Florida Through Our Eyes

Florida Heritage guide Florida Black , books and brochures can Heritage Trail * Florida Hiirlscia introduce you to the best of Cuban Cubana HERITAGE l:i\LA Florida's historic, maritime Trail Florida and cultural places and events. These colorful publica- tions provide valuable infor- mation on the history of Florida's people and places. W^ .^ Let us help you learn about Florida's world-class muse- ums, coastal communities, stately homes, hotels, forts, lighthouses and historic ship- wrecks. We hope you enjoy your travels on Florida's ^ ENVlROVMr-VTC; heritage trails.

Copies of Florida Heritage Trail publications may be purchased by calling the Division of Historical Re- sources at (850) 245-6300 or by writing the Florida Depart- ment of State, Division of Historical Resources, 500 South Bronough Street, Talla- hassee, Florida 32399-0250.

Additional information is available on the Florida De- partment of State website at www.flheritage.com. Florida Women's Heritage Trail

Florida Department of State

Katherine Harris

Secretary of State

Division of Historical Resources

R.A. Gray Building

500 South Bronough Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250

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