Pasquetta 2024 🐣 🌳💐🌿🌷 #floridiana #napoli #vomero #fourcolorflorida #naples #natura #nature #vintagepostcard #villafloridiana #coco #italy #vintagefont #antiquelabel #photography #s #commercialart #vintagedesign #citrussunday #citrusfruit #juicy #citruscrate #treegold #citruslabel #posillipo #fruit #photolithography #fruitlabel #floridacitrus #freshsqueezed #campania
“Oranges and Grapefruit require a full twelve months to mature instead of three or four months which is the growing time of other fruits. This is the reason why, when you travel through Florida groves, you will see both blossoms and fully ripened fruit on the same tree.“ A 1973 takeaway pamphlet from the Old Fort Citrus Shop in #staugustine #florida, in perfect condition no less. According to Sierra Club, “The state’s $6.8 billion citrus industry ended the 2022–2023 season with just 16 million boxes of oranges, according to the USDA—one of the lowest yields since the Great Depression. In comparison, the state produced close to 250 million boxes in 2004, before orange groves started showing signs of citrus greening.” #fourcolorflorida #floridacitrus #oldflorida #vintageflorida #floridaoranges #floridiana
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Parco della Villa Floridiana al Vomero #floridiana #napoli #vomero #fourcolorflorida #naples #vintageflorida #florida #vintagepostcard #villafloridiana #coco #italy #vintagefont #antiquelabel #photography #s #commercialart #vintagedesign #citrussunday #citrusfruit #juicy #citruscrate #treegold #citruslabel #posillipo #fruit #photolithography #fruitlabel #floridacitrus #freshsqueezed #giusepponeamare
Neoclassico #floridiana #napoli #vomero #fourcolorflorida #naples #vintageflorida #florida #vintagepostcard #villafloridiana #coco #italy #vintagefont #antiquelabel #photography #s #commercialart #vintagedesign #citrussunday #citrusfruit #juicy #citruscrate #treegold #citruslabel #posillipo #fruit #photolithography #fruitlabel #floridacitrus #freshsqueezed #giusepponeamare
Mentre si percorre una strada non è mai un male fermarsi a risposare, l’importante poi è riprendere il percorso. #floridiana #napoli #vomero #fourcolorflorida #naples #florida #vintageflorida #vintagepostcard #villafloridiana #italy #floridacitrus #napolivomero #citruscrate #treegold #napolidavivere #citruslabel #tree #vintagedesign #photolithography #citrussunday #commercialart #photography #citrusfruit #bhfyp #bwflower #bwportraits #bw_addiction #bw_perfect #bw_photooftheday #bwstyleoftheday
At this “living billboard,” tourists could pose in the place of the usual Indian princess cutout figure. For this shot, one of the models had the same idea. 1960s. Today’s Homosassa Springs State Wildlife park features a nostalgic re-creation of the original Indian princess billboard. Homosassa Springs Collection . . . #fourcolorflorida #homosassasprings #floridatourism #floridasprings #naturesownattraction #flstateparks #homosassaspringswildlifestatepark #flgulfcoast #citruscountyfl #signgeeks #vintagesigns #bluebirdspringspark #fishing #indianprincess #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #vintageflorida #billboard #floridiana
Homosassa Springs Luggage sticker, 1960’s Though it remained reasonably popular through the 50’s, it was not nearly a destination in the same class as Weeki-Wachee or Silver Springs. After its purchase in 1962 by Chicago millionaire Bruce Norris, the park was renamed and most of the ads for the “new” Homosassa Springs included the slogan “Nature’s Own Attraction.” Using this as a selling point meant that fewer man-made attractions would have to be constructed” Tim Hollis- Glass-Bottom Boats and Mermaid Tails. P. 122 Homosassa Springs Collection #fourcolorflorida #homosassasprings #floridatourism #floridasprings #naturesownattraction #flstateparks #homosassaspringswildlifestatepark #flgulfcoast #citruscountyfl #yuleesugarmillstatepark #bluebirdspringspark #fishing #flrivertour #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #vintageflorida #luggagesticker #floridiana
Luggage sticker for Weeki Wachee Springs. . . . #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #luggagesticker #touristattraction #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaaquifer #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #floridiana
1966-1967 Wizard of Oz Grueling auditions quickly thin the ranks of mermaid wannabes, including a 300-yard endurance swim and treading water for ten minutes -- and that's just the first interview. Mermaids have to be able to cross the span of the theatre windows in a single breath and freedive 117 feet to the mouth of the spring. "It takes up to six months of training before a mermaid swims even one part of a show," said John. "As for how you look, what we care about is that you don't look panicked." (Roadsideamerica.com) Photo by Bruce Mozert #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #maymuseumofthetropics #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings # #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #goldenageoftelevision #abctv #floridiana
This unfinished dinosaur was meant to be an attraction on State Road 471 near Weeki Wachee. The pink brontosaurus still stands alongside US 19, even though its related attraction, the Foxbower Wildlife Museum, is long gone. . . . #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #dinosaurs #holidayinn #fortherestofyourlife #floridasprings #floridaaquifer #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #floridiana
Weeki Wachee entered the psychedelic era with this Day-Glo ad. . . . #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaaquifer #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #floridiana
Florida Pictorial sounds as though it would cover the whole state, but it was published by ABC-Paramount and featured stories only from Weeki Wachee and Silver Springs. 1970's . . . #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaaquifer #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #floridiana
Off-duty mermaids pose on the scalloped roof of the underwater theater, 1960’s. Photo by Sparky Schumacher . . . #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #luggagesticker #touristattraction #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaaquifer #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #floridiana
Holiday Inn opened a new location directly across US 19 from Weeki Wachee and used many of the performers in advertising. . . . #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #holidayinn #fortherestofyourlife #floridasprings #floridaaquifer #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #floridiana
Bonita Colson rides “Bubbles” the sea horse, ca. 1960’s. Photo by Ted Lagerberg. A Weeki Wachee Mermaid poses with “Bubbles,” the star Seahorse from the past Mermaid Show, “ALICE IN WATERLAND"…Bubbles is featured in the Memory Lane at the STAR GARDEN HALL OF FAME at Weeki Wachee, Florida. #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #bonitacolson #maymuseumofthetropics #glassbottomboat #mermaidtails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #abctv #bobhope #elvispresley #floridiana
Alice in Waterland postcard (left to right) Genie Westmoreland Young, Terry Ryan Hamplet, De De Palmer, Rita McKenna, Tammy Gyarmathy, and Diane Fry, 1964. Florida Natural Color, Inc. Miami Fla. Photo by Sparky Schumacher. . . . #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #maymuseumofthetropics #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #aliceinwaterland #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #goldenageoftelevision #abctv #floridiana
Off-duty mermaids in front of May’s Museum of the Tropics, ca. 1955… Photo by Ted Lagerberg. #fourcolorflorida #mermay #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #maymuseumofthetropics #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #abctv #floridiana
Captain Carol Parrish rides a seahorse in a program brochure for underwater musicals at Weeki Wachee. Shows included Alice in Waterland, The Wizard of Oz, Mermaids and the Pirates, and Underwater Circus, the latter of which which featured the psychedelic face creature dubbed “Calamity Jane” seen in the upper right. 1960’s. ""Calamity Jane" was a retired Weeki Wachee prop who took up residence in the attraction's Star Garden. But no matter how much male visitors would have liked to take these specimens home with them, the mermaids were safely housed in their orn living quarters in a remote part of the property." - Tim Hollis I knew the image of Calamity Jane was familiar from an album cover I’d seen back in the 90’s. After a little digging thru the old CD collection, I came across the image: the single for The Chemical Brothers’ Elektrobank used an image from Underwater Circus. The block-rocking British EDM/House music producers must’ve thought the image was suitably psychedelic for their taste, and I totally agree. #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #maymuseumofthetropics #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #abctv #floridiana #calamityjane #thechemicalbrothers
Anne Tappey Tomlin graces the cover of a 1950’s brochure. Around 1851, Weekiwachee was split into the more easily readable Weeki Watchee. #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #maymuseumofthetropics #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaaquifer #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #abctv #bobhope #elvispresley #floridiana
Interior view of Weeki Wachee’s million-dollar theater, 1960. #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #maymuseumofthetropics #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaaquifer #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #abctv #bobhope #floridiana
Arthur Godfrey says, “Weeki Wachee is one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World”. Bob Hope says, “The live Mermaids are the greatest at Weeki Wachee… and it’s fun!” Ted Mack says, “This is the finest underwater talent in the world.” Don McNeil says, “What a thrill. What a joy. You’ll love the mermaids at Weeki Wachee!" 1960’s brochure. . . . #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #maymuseumofthetropics #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #springoflivemermaids #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #goldenageoftelevision #abctv #bobhope #elvispresley #floridiana
Welcome to Weeki-Wachee, an enchanted spring where you can see live mermaids, take a trip on a river boat cruise, learn about Florida wildlife, and swim in the pristine waters at Buccaneer Bay. You can also embark on a paddling adventure down the pristine waterway of the Weeki Wachee River. (L to R) Lou Sikes, Mary Sue Wernicle Clay, Martha Steen Lambert, Florence Gothberg McNabb, Judy Shockley, Terry Ryan Hamlet, and Shirley Walls, ca. 1956. Photo by Ted Lagerberg . . . #fourcolorflorida #weekiwacheesprings #weekiwachee #weekiwacheemermaids #mermaid #mermaids #touristattraction #maymuseumofthetropics #glassbottomboat #mermaitails #florida #floridatourism #floridasprings #floridaaquifer #floridaattractions #vintagepostcards #realflorida #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #underwatertheater #americanbroadcastingco #vintageflorida #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #abctv #bobhope #elvispresley #floridiana
Lee Koplin’s sculptures are so eye-catching that most people don't notice the full-size house behind the brontosaurus. That's where Lee lived with his family (which still owns Goofy Golf) until he died in 1988. In the turbulent ecosystem of beachfront amusements, Goofy Golf has made a quiet virtue of stability. The attraction has remained nearly unchanged since 1959 except for periodic repaintings of its concrete behemoths in new combinations of garish colors and designs. Killer storms and Spring Break morons have thrown their worst at Goofy Golf; it has survived with few visible scars. Lee Koplin's outsider art vision of miniature golf has mostly failed to survive elsewhere, but his idea that miniature golf need not be miniature has thrived. The next time you play mini-golf inside a volcano or a Mayan pyramid, thank Goofy Golf. It's still a great miniature golf course, and a mind-expanding alternative to those prefab, franchised, absolutely interchangeable courses with Ty-D-Bol blue waterfalls. (from roadsideamerica.com) . . . #fourcolorflorida #goofygolf #panamacityfl #panamacity #miniaturegolf #minigolf #puttputtgolf #peeweegolf #roadsideattraction #brontosaurus #dinosaurs #outsiderart #springbreak #springbreakers #touristattraction #vintageminigolf #signgeek #vintagesign #vintagefont #dixiebeforedisney #predisneyflorida #familyvacation #bringthekids #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #beachfrontamusements #goldenageoftourism #1960s #touristbrochure #floridiana
Although linked to the Goofy Golf that was later built by Lee Koplin in Panama City Beach, this Goofy Golf was designed and built by James W. "Jimmy" Hayes. It opened in October 1958. Hayes' son-in-law, Robert Fleskes, who owned a bowling alley in Mississippi, took over the business in the early 1970s and lived on the property in a trailer with his family. He ran it until early 2011, when he sold it to a long-time employee with the understanding that nothing about it would be changed. Calamity struck in 2003 when Goofy Golf's 23-foot-tall green cement dinosaur "Hammy" collapsed. He lay in pieces in a boatyard for five years until a local developer spearheaded Hammy's successful repair and return, just in time for Goofy Golf's 50th birthday in 2008. The developer had grown up playing at Goofy Golf, and wanted future generations to have the same experience that he did. (From roadsideamerica.com) . . #fourcolorflorida #goofygolf #ftwaltonbeachfl #fortwaltonbeach #miniaturegolf #minigolf #puttputtgolf #peeweegolf #roadsideattraction #touristattraction #vintageminigolf #signgeek #vintagesign #vintagefont #floridiana
The Sea-Dip Beach Resort… Located at 1233 S. Atlantic Ave. On the beautiful Atlantic Ocean with 270 feet of white sandy beach front. Overlooking the World's Most Famous, Daytona Beach! You can’t pass such a place and not smile at their color choices and of course, that sign! . . . #fourcolorflorida #seadip #seadipbeachresport #seadipdaytonabeach #daytonabeach #daytona #vintageflorida #midcenturymodern #chevycorvair #chevybelair #spaceage #1950’s #1960’s #goldenageoftourism #beachresort #beachgetaway #vintagetravelbrochure #floridatoursim #radsideamerica #roadsidemotel #beachhotel #sundeck #vintagefont #1950s #signgeek #vintageneonsign #neonsign #floridiana
Horne's was a restaurant chain mainly located in Southern states with a few up north. Its headquarters were in Bayard, Florida, a small town on US 1 between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. It was started in 1948 by Bob Horne, who at one time had worked for Stuckey's in Eastman, Georgia. This may be why Horne's and Stuckey's resembled each other so much. The chain grew alongside America's new Interstate system, evolving into a safe family-friendly alternative to the unknown qualities at local mom & pop type establishments. As you drive through Florida today you may see an abandoned or former Horne's building here and there. (From roadsideamerica.com) Some have been repurposed into retail operations of some kind. Others are just abandoned and deteriorated, like the one on US 301 near Lawtey, Florida (4th image) . . . #fourcolorflorida #hornes #hornesmotorlodge #circusgrillerestaurant #roadsideamerica #yellowroof #travelodge #familyvacation #chevynomad #stationwagon #floridaroadtrip #interstatehighway #roadsideflorida #vintagetravelbrochure #motorlodge #gasfoodlodging #vintageflorida #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #signgeeks #1950s #1960s #floridiana
Stuckey's originated in the early 1930s in Eastman, Georgia. When founder W. S. Stuckey Sr., had a successful pecan harvest from his family's orchard he decided to offer a portion of the crop for sale in a lean-to roadside shed. Many Florida-bound tourists traveling U.S. Route 23 stopped to purchase the pecans. As the roadside business continued to expand, Stuckey's wife, Ethel, created a variety of homemade pecan candies to sell at the stand, including pecan log rolls and pecan divinity. In 1937, Stuckey constructed his first store building. Much like the former roadside lean-to, the new business focused on selling these Southern candies to highway travelers. This first Stuckey's shop added a restaurant, then a novelty section, and then gas pumps. The final addition was a teal blue roof (which would later become the company's trademark). Until the onset of World War II, Stuckey's continued to open stores in Georgia and Florida. The number of stores declined somewhat during the war due to sugar rationing. After the war ended, Stuckey's business once again began to grow and sold a number of new franchises. The company constructed a candy factory to supply an eventual 350-plus Stuckey's stores located throughout the continental US. As the post-war baby boom flourished and families undertook more long-distance auto travel, Stuckey's continued to grow as they were usually constructed along major highways and frequently were paired with Texaco gas stations, as well as restaurants and restrooms. (From Wikipedia) . . . #fourcolorflorida #floridageorgialine #stuckeys #stuckeysflorida #stuckeyspecans #stuckeyspecanlogroll #pecanlogroll #pecanlog #pecanroll #roadsideattraction #georgiapecans #floridaroadtrip #texaco #servicestation #gasstation #gaspumps #vintagesign #fullservicestation #fillerup #vintagetravelbrochure #floridiana
Reginal Lewis, grandson of Eddie Vereen, was featured in one of the ink blotters advertising Paradise Park. Photo by Leroy Roundtree. . . . #fourcolorflorida #paradisepark #paradiseparkflorida #jimcrowflorida #tourism #blacktourism #segregation #silversprings #silverriver #glassbottomboats #vintageflorida #vintagepostcards #1950s #floridiana
Looking Thru Glass-Bottom Boat into 80 Feet of Water at Paradise park on Silver River near Ocala, Florida… The glass-bottom boats were one of the main attractions at Paradise park. Lillian Vereen (center) and other riders look into eighty feet of water while riding down the river. Photo by Bruce Mozert. . . . #fourcolorflorida #paradisepark #paradiseparkflorida #jimcrowflorida #jimcrow #tourism #blacktourism #segregation #silversprings #silverriver #glassbottomboats #vintageflorida #vintagepostcards #1950s #floridiana
Alligator “Old Cootchie” at Paradise Park On Silver River near Ocala, Florida… Bill Johnson, who worked with the alligators, is pictured here with “Old Cootchie” on one of the postcards from Paradise Park. Photo by Bruce Mozert. . . . #fourcolorflorida #paradisepark #paradiseparkflorida #jimcrowflorida #tourism #blacktourism #segregation #silversprings #rossallenreptileinstitute #silverriver #glassbottomboats #vintageflorida #alligator #vintagepostcards #1950’s #floridiana
Ross Allen’s Reptile Exhibit at Paradise park on Silver River near Ocala, Florida... Admiring one of the snakes at Ross Allen’s Reptile Exhibit at Paradise Park are Luresa lake (right), Lillian Vereen (behind snake), and friends. Photo by Bruce Mozert. . . . #fourcolorflorida #paradisepark #paradiseparkflorida #jimcrowflorida #tourism #blacktourism #segregation #silversprings #rossallenreptileinstitute #silverriver #glassbottomboats #vintageflorida #vintagepostcards #1950s #floridiana
Feeding the Tame Deer at Paradise Park on the Silver River near Ocala, Florida... Arlene Sims, Joyce Johnson, Lillian Vereen, Alfonia Johnson, and Luresa Lake pet and feed the tame deer at Paradise park. Photo by Bruce Mozert. . . . #fourcolorflorida #paradisepark #paradiseparkflorida #jimcrowflorida #tourism #blacktourism #segregation #silversprings #rossallenreptileinstitute #silverriver #glassbottomboats #vintageflorida #vintagepostcards #1940’s #1950s #floridiana
Feeding the Black Bass at Silver Springs, Florida… Willie Marsh, one of the first boat captains at Silver Springs, said that sometimes people got so excited feeding the fish their false teeth would fall into the river. . . . #fourcolorflorida #paradisepark #paradiseparkflorida #jimcrowflorida #tourism #jimcrow #blacktourism #segregation #greenbook #silversprings #silverriver #glassbottomboats #vintageflorida #vintagepostcards #1950s #floridiana
The Glass-Bottom Boat Trip from Paradise Park. On Silver River near Ocala, Florida… A group of young women sunbathe at Paradise Park as a glass bottom boat passes by in the background on this postcard. Photo by Bruce Mozert. . . . #fourcolorflorida #paradisepark #paradiseparkflorida #jimcrowflorida #tourism #jimcrow #blacktourism #segregation #greenbook #silversprings #silverriver #glassbottomboats #vintageflorida #vintagepostcards #1950s #floridiana
Sunbathing is Fun at Paradise Park on Silver River near Ocala, Florida… Luresa Lake sunbathes on one of the famous horseshoe palms growing along the Silver River. Photo by Bruce Mozert. At the time, it was one of three beaches open for African Americans in the state of Florida. Admission was free, though swimming cost 35¢, which provided a towel and clothes storage. "Paradise Park drew about 100,000 visitors annually. People came, sometimes by the busload, from as far away as New York and California."At times, the park overflowed with visitors. One day there were 30 buses in the parking lot; on another occasion, 247 cars were counted. "Chartered buses brought visitors from many states." Brochures were distributed in Georgia and Alabama, seeking these customers.In 1953, Ebony magazine called it "the newest and largest recreational facility for Negroes in the South". . . . #fourcolorflorida #paradisepark #paradiseparkflorida #jimcrowflorida #tourism #jimcrow #blacktourism #segregation #greenbook #silversprings #silverriver #glassbottomboats #vintageflorida #vintagepostcards #1950s #floridiana
The Popular Beach at Paradise Park on Silver River near Ocala, Florida... Children play in the water and others bask in the sun while sightseers enjoy the popular beach at Paradise Park. 1949. Photo by Bruce Mozert. Paradise Park was a tourist attraction and recreational facility "for colored people only", as its sign said, about a 1 mile from Silver Springs, near Ocala, Florida, founded and run by the same management. It offered similar features, such as glass-bottom boats, "jungle cruises," a petting zoo, a dance pavilion with jukebox, performers, a softball field, a horseshoe toss, and a sandy beach with lifeguards. It operated from 1949 to 1969, closing soon after desegregation of Silver Springs. It served African American patrons prohibited from Silver Springs' boat rides that were limited to whites only. As was the rule during the allegedly separate but equal period, "Paradise Park was alright, but it wasn't up on a par with the white parts of Silver Springs." (from Wikipedia) . . . #fourcolorflorida #paradisepark #paradiseparkflorida #jimcrowflorida #tourism #jimcrow #blacktourism #segregation #greenbook #silversprings #silverriver #glassbottomboats #vintageflorida #vintagepostcards #1950s #floridiana
Six Gun Territory moved a bit further away from authenticity when it added this skyride in 1964. #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringststatepark #touristattraction #floridatourism #themepark #predisneyflorida #familyvacation #bringthekids #chevynomad #chevycorvair #westernthemedattraction #thegunshinestate #frontierland #oldwest #vintageflorida #floridiana
No Western theme park would have been complete without periodic gunfights in the street, and Six Gun Territory shot it up with all the rest of them. #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringststatepark #touristattraction #sixgunterritory #floridatourism #themepark #predisneyflorida #familyvacation #bringthekids #chevynomad #familytruckster #chevycorvair #westernthemedattraction #thegunshinestate #frontierland #oldwest #vintageflorida #floridiana
The part of Six-Gun Territory that was next to State Road 40 was dominated by this sign and a massive concrete mountain. One of the principal attractions in Six Gun Territory was the Southern Railway & Six Gun, a 3 ft narrow gauge heritage railroad. The railroad's former train station, as of July 2016, is located at Kirby Family Farm in Williston, Florida, which has its own narrow gauge train attraction and hosts the Six Gun Territory Wild West Weekend and Reunion event each year. The railroad utilized two steam locomotives. #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringststatepark #touristattraction #sixgunterritory #steamlicomotive #floridatourism #themepark #predisneyflorida #familyvacation #bringthekids #chevynomad #chevycorvair #westernthemedattraction #thegunshinestate #frontierland #oldwest #vintageflorida #floridiana
Left: One of the earliest brochures for Silver Springs’ mammoth Six Gun Territory theme park. Middle: The original Six Gun brochure had to be slightly modified to include the new skyride, which did look slightly out of character for the Wild West. Right: This brochure from the National Service Industries’ ownership of Six Gun Territory reflects leaner times than did the lavish ones produced earlier. #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringststatepark #touristattraction #sixgunterritory #floridatourism #themepark #predisneyflorida #familyvacation #bringthekids #chevynomad #chevycorvair #westernthemedattraction #thegunshinestate #frontierland #oldwest #vintageflorida #touristbrochure #floridiana
The Silver Springs U-Drive-It Railroad gave anyone a chance to be an engineer, be it a young kid, an old geezer, or, to judge from this artwork, a bathing beauty. 1950’s. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #thethrillofalifetime #floridasprings #touristattraction #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #holidayinn #midcentury #midcenturymodern #midcenturyadvertising #familyvacation #vintagefont #1950s #vintageflorida #floridiana
The Shalimar Motor Court snagged a prime location directly across the street from Silver Springs. In 1961, the motel was bought by a holiday Inn; notice that the giant chain left the original architecture intact. 1960’s. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #holidayinn #midcentury #chevycorvair #chevynomad #midcenturymodern #deadmotelsusa #motorlodge #vintageneonsign #gasfoodlodging #vintagefont #1960s #vintageflorida #floridiana
Cordrey’s Tourist Court, a relic of the days before true motels, and the later Spring Side Motel, which certainly had a logo that was fitting for its area, both were among the many establishments catering to those who came to see Silver Springs. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #midcentury #chevycorvair #57chevy #chevynomad #midcenturymodern #deadmotelsusa #motorlodge #vintageneonsign #gasfoodlodging #vintagefont #1960s #vintageflorida #floridiana
The Sun Plaza Motel was located across the street and within walking distance of Silver Springs’ entrance. Remarkably, its original signage has been preserved, as well as some of the 1950’s picnic tables on the front lawn. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #midcentury #chevycorvair #midcenturymodern #deadmotelsusa #motorlodge #vintageneonsign #gasfoodlodging #vintagefont #1960s #vintageflorida #floridiana
ABC had this “waterfall” entrance constructed to replace the old Jetson’s-style one. Since then, the entrance has been moved several hundred yards to the west. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #midcentury #chevycorvair #midcenturymodern #spaceagedesign #vintagefont #1960s #vintageflorida #floridiana
Desmond Duck and Ouija the Chicken... These performing animal displays definitely show the influence of artist Val Valentine’s background as a cartoon animator. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #tommybartlettdeerranch #floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #fortunetellingchicken #glassbottomboat #cartooncharacter #goldenagecartoons #touristattraction #spaceagedesign #vintagefont #1950s #vintageflorida #floridiana
Tommy Bartlett visits with kids around Val Valentine’s Santa’s South Pole creation. Tourists were shuttled between Silver Springs and the Deer Ranch in a replica of St. Nick’s sleigh and reindeer. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #touristattraction #silverspringsstatepark #tommybartlettdeerranch #floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #midcentury #chevycorvair #midcenturymodern #silkscreenposter #travelposter #serigraph #spaceagedesign #vintagefont #1950s #vintageflorida #floridiana
This impressive Deer ranch folding brochure shows the many activities available. 1950’s . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #tommybartlettdeerranch #floridasprings #touristattraction #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #midcentury #chevycorvair #midcenturymodern #silkscreenposter #travelposter #serigraph #spaceagedesign #vintagefont #1950s #vintageflorida #floridiana
Tommy Bartlett reportedly got the idea for his Deer Ranch at Silver Springs from a similar establishment in the Wisconsin Dells. Tommy Bartlett Deer Ranch souvenir pennant, 1950’s . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #tommybartlettdeerranch floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #midcentury #chevycorvair #midcenturymodern #silkscreenposter #travelposter #serigraph #spaceagedesign #vintagefont #1930s #1940s #vintageflorida #floridiana
Voice of the Trees... For a period of time, Silver Springs had hidden speakers in the trees, and chimes concerts were given at regular intervals. 1950s. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #midcentury #chevycorvair #midcenturymodern #silkscreenposter #travelposter #serigraph #spaceagedesign #vintagefont #1930s #1940s #vintageflorida #floridiana
This beautiful promenade replaced the Silver Springs buildings that were destroyed in the June 1955 fire. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #midcentury #chevycorvair #midcenturymodern #spaceagedesign #vintagefont #1930s #1940s #vintageflorida #floridiana
In the 1950’s Silver Springs’ entrance sported this eye-catching space-age design. How Instagrammable would this sign be if it still existed? . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #floridasprings #signgeeks #vintagesigns #glassbottomboat #midcentury #chevycorvair #midcenturymodern #spaceagedesign #vintagefont #1930s #1940s #vintageflorida #floridiana
At some point in the 1930’s, a promoter named Colonel Tooey approached Ray and Davidson with another idea. Tooey wanted to expand Silver Springs’ coverage area beyond the head of the springs and take people on a speedboat jungle cruise down the SIlver River. To enhance the jungle atmosphere, Tooey imported some rhesus monkeys and set up a residence for them on one of the islands in the middle of the river. More a showman than a zoologist, Tooey was unaware that monkeys are excellent swimmers, and within hours they had abandoned their enforced solitude and escaped to the real-life jungle on shore. Colonies of their descendants have populated Silver Springs’ forests for many decades to come. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #floridasprings #rhesusmonkey #glassbottomboat #badidea #vintagefont #1930s #1940s #vintageflorida #floridiana
The brochure on the left, dating from 1934, mentions that Ray and Davidson had been operating Silver Springs for a decade. The brochure on the right was probably based on The Bridal Chamber legend. The brochure in the middle advertizes Herpatologist Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute and Silver Springs in General. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #rossallenreptileinstitute #touristattraction #floridasprings #paradisepark #glassbottomboat #floridatouristsprings #touristbrochure #vintagefont #vintageflorida #floridiana
Carita Doggett Corse first published her exhaustive account of Silver Springs’ prehistory, “Shrine of the Water Gods,” in the mid-1930’s. It remained on sale in the gift shop for many years thereafter; this is a 1947 edition. . . . #fourcolorflorida #silversprings #silverspringsstatepark #floridasprings #shrineofthewatergods #weddingchamber #fauxhistory #pseudomythology #vintagefont #1930s #1940s #vintagereads #oldbooks #vintageflorida #floridiana
By Streamliner thru Tropical Florida… Train postcard, 1930. I’m excited to hear that among the funds in Biden’s proposed infrastructure bill, there is money to improve rail service between Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami. Let’s ride the rails again, Florida! . . . #fourcolorflorida #streamliner #train #ridetherails #orangeblossomspecial #floridabyrail #moderndesign #streamlinedesign #raymondloewy #vintagelinenpostcards #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
Follow my other page @fourcolorflorida for your daily dose of 20th Century printed Florida ephemera. See vintage postcards, citrus labels, luggage stickers, tourism brochures and so much more. Fans of mid century modern design will dig it. #fourcolorflorida #signgeek #roadsideamerica #thegoldenageoftravel #vintagelinenpostcards #predisneyflorida #floridiana
All Florida Let’s Go… words and music by Selma B. Clabburn… Florida-themed sheet music… courtesy of the University of South Florida. #fourcolorflorida #sheetmusic #oldfolksathome #hiho #heyholetsgo #selmabclabburn #marchsong #foxtrot #vintageflorida #singalong #floridiana
The tradition continues at the Official Florida Welcome Centers located on I-10 west of Pensacola, I-75 at Jennings (near Lake City) and I-95 north of Yulee (near Jacksonville). Another center is located at the west entrance of the State Capitol Building in Tallahassee. Each center is staffed by personnel who have undergone rigorous training to receive national Information Specialist certification. Along with in-person information, Welcome Center visitors learn about the state’s diverse destinations. Photo from the Kyle Weaver Collection #fourcolorflorida #visitflorida #flwelcomecenter #freeorangejuice #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #signgeeks #vintagefont #americanhighways #fldot #thesunshinestate #floridawelcomesyou #hurrybacktoflorida #vintageflorida #floridiana
Florida Welcome Stations, dispensing free orange juice and travel information, located near the state lines on major highways entering Florida, are very popular with the tourist. This picture shows the latest in Welcome Stations — a Drive-In for faster service located near Havana, Florida on Highway No. 27. Color Courtesy Florida State News Bureau Genuine Natural Color Made by Dexter Press, Inc., West Nyack, N.Y. #fourcolorflorida #visitflorida #flwelcomecenter #freeorangejuice #roadsideamerica #chevycorvair #midcentury #midcenturymodern #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #signgeeks #vintagefont #americanhighways #fldot #thesunshinestate #floridawelcomesyou #hurrybacktoflorida #vintageflorida #floridiana
Since 1949, millions of auto travelers entering Florida along the major thoroughfares have found a warm greeting at the Official Florida Welcome Centers. In addition to the traditional cup of complimentary Florida citrus juice, these visitors have found friendly, informative staff people and a vast assortment of brochures promoting all the state has to offer. Photo from the Kyle Weaver Collection #fourcolorflorida #visitflorida #flwelcomecenter #freeorangejuice #roadsideamerica #roadsidearchitecture #roadarch #signgeeks #vintagefont #americanhighways #fldot #thesunshinestate #floridawelcomesyou #hurrybacktoflorida #vintageflorida #floridiana
Mick Haggarty, famous graphic designer and music video director, truend to Cypress Gardens when he designed the album cover and the video for the Go-Go’s 1982 Vacation album. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #thegogos #belindacarlisle #mickhaggerty #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
Johnny Weissmuller tried to cash in on the arrival of Disney in 1971 with Tropical Wonderland. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #touristbrochure #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #johnnyweissmuller #tarzan #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
Mike Douglas returned to Cypress Gardens for a second round of shows in 1968 and he drove an orange-studded car during his second visit. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #johnnycarson #colortv #weirdwildstuff #mikedouglas #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
Johnny Carson filmed his first color show and his only “special” away from the studio at Cypress Gardens in 1968. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #johnnycarson #colortv #weirdwildstuff #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
Dick Pope Sr. did not waste any time getting into the spirit of Disney; wearing a Donald Duck head, he presides over a meeting at Cypress Gardens, circa 1960’s. Despite Pope’s optimism, the popularity of Orlando’s theme parks and resorts would eat away at Cypress Garden’s crowds, and attendance would decline in the following decades. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #donaldduck #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
Florida Governor Hayden Burns appointed Dick Pope Sr. to head the Florida World’s Fair Authority. 1965. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
Comedian Joey Bishop and Dick Pope Sr. check out the tents set up for the show “Esther Williams at Cypress Gardens” 1960. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #estherwilliams #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #tvmovie #joeybishop #theratpack #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
The Cypress Gardens water-skiers were featured in a 1958 National Geographic article about the “fastest growing sport in the world.” 1960. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
A southern belle poses with the sausage tree, one of the unusual plants found at Cypress Gardens. 1950’s. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #estherwilliams #sausagetree #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana
Esther Williams poses for a promotional photograph, 1953. . . . #fourcolorflorida #cypressgardens #estherwilliams #floridatouristattractions #touristattraction #floridacitrus #winterhaven #southernbelle #waterski #waterskishow #legolandflorida #predisneyflorida #tropicalgarden #themepark #vintagefont #vintagebrochure #vintagepostcards #vintageflorida #floridiana