Quick Review
For quick access to my stories on this page–if you don’t want to scroll down–simply click on the PDF links below.
Lost Cities merged_document_11
Those Daring Young Men merged_document_3
Stetson University merged_document_13
The Tale of the Rattler merged_document_14
DADE’S MASSACRE
The Pearl Harbor of the Second Seminole War
The battle re-enactment of this powerful but tragic conflict is dramatised every year on its original ground–the Dade Battlefield Historic Site–just south of Bushnell, FL.
This page in Florida history, so authentically portrayed by “top-notch” volunteers, was tragic for both sides: Yes, this was a bloody slaughter of white U.S. cavalrymen. But, it was also the beginning of the end of an era for the Seminoles who were continually being driven from their homes, hunting grounds and way of life by the encroaching white man.
Though the federal government had forbidden the white settlers to claim as their own the land which was long possessed by the Seminoles, they kept coming. Finally, after withstanding the broken promises of whites for so long, the Native Americans made a stand—and ultimately lost.
Read my account of this sad affair, according to researcher and author Frank Laumer, by clicking the link below, or, right click the link to download to your computer by choosing “save link as.”
LOST CITIES
of Ocala National Forest
Campers and vacationers who enjoy the serenity of the woods and springs of the Ocala National Forest may have no clue of the lives that once populated this area.
Once-thriving settlements built around sawmills or turpentine stills disappeared after the twin killer freezes of 1894-95, along with destroying fires, devastated their livelihoods.
Read my fascinating story of Florida’s forgotten yesteryear by clicking the link below, or, right click the link to download to your computer by choosing “save link as.”
Lost Cities merged_document_11
THOSE DARING YOUNG MEN IN THEIR RACING MACHINES
Whether you enjoy the privilege of driving on the beach or consider that cars don’t belong on the seashore, this is what put the east coast of Florida on the map!
Relive those exciting days of land speed trials on the hard-packed sands of Ormond and Daytona beaches through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy: “Ev’ry time that whistle’d blow, I was there.”
Read my fun adventure about the beginnings of Daytona Beach racing by clicking the link below, or, right click the link to download to your computer by choosing “save link as.”
Those Daring Young Men merged_document_3
John B. Stetson University
School Days in the Early 1900s
Discipline was the order of the day in early Florida academies. But, the strict rules regarding behavior and study didn’t totally prevent the dubious activities of prankish college boys as divulged by one student’s memoirs. However, his scholastic and professional achievements may be due to those forms of constraint.
Read my engaging story of collegiate life in early Florida by clicking the link below, or, right click the link to download to your computer by choosing “save link as.”
Stetson University merged_document_13
The Tale of the Rattler
“I hate snakes!” was the conviction of cinematic hero Indiana Jones. His sentiment regarding this reptile is that of many.
Before I did this feature on the rattlesnake, I was one who considered these “belly crawlers” with similar distaste. But, researching snakes opened my eyes. Now, I have a respect for them. I stay clear of them but try not to molest or harm them: They are part of nature and have an important role in Nature’s ecology. I have even been known to hold a non-venomous (of course!) snake with actual enjoyment, in the presence of the male of my species who absolutely would not! 😀
Read my informative and folksy tale of the rattler by clicking the link below, or, right click the link to download to your computer by choosing “save link as.”
The Tale of the Rattler merged_document_14
Cindy Ann Lowe Davis 