Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, White Springs, Florida
Yep. They’re still traveling with us. It’s been our observation that they make an appearance when the weather warms up. Needless to say, we haven’t seen too many recently. 😊
But that started changing last evening and this morning as the temperatures in Georgia climbed about 10 degrees each day. I’ve gathered up no less than several dozen – giving some their freedom and others the vacuum tomb.
But more still keep cropping up. Hope they enjoy the ride!
Blaine began this day watching the recorded Georgia/Alabama game. Great game – the way all championships should be – but he wasn’t happy with the outcome. Mostly because Alabama was chosen over Ohio State. “I hate Alabama.” were his parting words after the game. 😊 I went for a long walk. It was serenely quiet in the early morning mist. (he walked later, before we left)
This is the large marsh area.
Can’t see much today, but that’s really not necessary.
It’s perfect just as it is!
And this is what serenity sounds like:
As we crossed the border into Florida today (about 20 minutes after we left), the weather reminded me of my very first visit to this “sunshine” state.
It was 1979. I’d recently won $1,000 from McDonald’s first game and Blaine decided we needed to take the money and go visit his Granny in central Florida. We traveled in a converted van and I was anxious to see this foreign place!
It was drizzling in Florida that day, too. I was expecting sun. I held out until we arrived at Daytona Beach. We got out and I took one look at the ocean I was so excited to see and for some reason, the fact that it was decidedly not sunny, disturbed me more than I can say.
I was devastated and started crying. Blaine was beside himself.
You will be pleased to know, I didn’t have that reaction this time. So was Blaine. 😊
Back then, when you crossed the Florida State Line and stopped at their Welcome Center, they offered you free OJ. Blaine was curious to see if they still did, so we stopped. And they did! And grapefruit juice too, which was my choice. YUMMY!
There were long rows of motorhomes of all types and ages lined up in the parking lot. And more than one of the owners of those rigs walked around/looked like they have no business driving them. Scary!!
Pretty easy drive, despite the drizzle. Nice park, nice site!
But why Stephen Foster? How many of you even know who he is? He was an American ‘minstrel’ song writer from the mid-1800’s, who published over 200 songs that people sang all over the country at a time when there wasn’t even radio to help spread the word. (that didn’t happen until 1895)
Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair, Camptown Ladies, Swanee River, Oh! Susanna! Any of these sound familiar?
This is who the Park is named after.
Not only is it a namesake/memorial, I daresay it’s a shrine.
In 1957 they erected a 200’ tubular carillon tower with 97 bells to his memory.
The white lines you see are Christmas Lights, although they seem randomly placed to us.
They do a huge Christmas Light drive-thru show every December.
There are still some remnants about.
And the State of Florida adopted “Swanee River” (aka “Old Folks at Home”) their state song in 1935.
The inside of the tower is gorgeous with pink marble everywhere and has wonderful acoustics. It’s where you’ll find the first museum on the grounds. This one has information on the building of the tower and also our first glimpse of Stephen Foster.
A scale model of the bell tower
This is an antique sheet music cabinet.
Beautiful!
Stephen’s draft of the song.
Notice how he writes – the type of words he uses. This seems to be typical for him for some unknown reason.
There was a trio singing with a banjo and guitar as we walked around. Very nice! They asked us to join them, but Blaine declined, and they sounded too wonderful for me to join them.
Another museum/concert hall.
We stepped in briefly, but will return for more.
Christmas Lights!
This is at the back of the larger museum house. It also serves as a concert hall.
They have these figures up all around the grounds like people are meandering about. : )
Just an introduction today. We look forward to learning/seeing/doing more in the next two days!
TOTAL MILES: 2
Year to Date: 20.25
Daily Average: 2.25 (slipping…)