1860 1880 1900 1920
Harry M. Nornabell Director (1926-1955)
A BIRD SANCTUARY During the development of the grounds, Edward Bok purchases nightingales and flamingos to live in his bird Sanctuary. In April 1926, a nightingale sang for the first time. Later, an aviary is built for the nightingales and a small protective structure is assembled for the flamingos. There is mixed success with the introduction of these birds into the central Florida climate, and many replacements are purchased through the years.
IMMIGRATES TO THE UNITED STATES Arrives in New York from the Netherlands with his family as a young boy. Oct. 9 1863
SEP. 20 1870
EDWARD BOK IS BORN Born in Den Helder, Netherlands.
BEGINNING A HOBBY As a teenager, Bok begins what becomes an extensive autograph collection when he writes General James A. Garfield, then presidential contender, and receives a reply. Bok's goal is not just to receive an autograph but also to solicit letters to learn something from great men. AUG. 7 1876
1880
OCT. 2 1889
A VISION OF FLORIDA Mr. Bok purchased 14 acres from Mountain Lake Estates atop its highest hill known as Iron Mountain (298' above sea level). He establishes the Mountain Lake Sanctuary, a place of peace and serenity for birds and people. He then hires Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. as landscape architect.
A POWERFUL MARRIAGE Marries Mary Louise Curtis, daughter of Cyrus Curtis, the owner of Curtis Publishing responsible for Ladies’ Home Journal and Saturday Evening Post. OCT. 22 1896
EDWARD W. BOK
THE TOWER CARILLON & MUSIC PINEWOOD ESTATE WILDLIFE INSPIRATION FUN FACTS
A SUCCESSFUL CAREER Becomes editor of Ladies’ Home Journal.
AN INTEREST IN MUSIC Publishes the poem, God's Hand, set to music by Josef Hofmann.
1902
A PASSION IGNITED Bok campaigns against the use of the plumes of herons, egrets, cranes and other wading birds in ladies' millenary (hats) by publishing graphic illustrated articles about the process of killing a nesting bird, leaving the hatchlings to starve. His campaign, together with support from the National Association of Audubon Societies, eventually passed a federal law banning the use and import of aigrette bird feathers.
1916
SEP. 22 1919
MARCH 1926
1925
1922
BEGINNING HIS CAREER At only 12 years old, Bok entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company as an office boy.
THE GARDENS
EVOLVING THE MASTERPIECE In March, Mr. Bok purchases 11 additional acres on the south slope of Iron Mountain in order to build a carillon. He appoints Milton Medary, AIA award-winning architect, to design the carillon for the Sanctuary. Medary completes plans for the Singing Tower carillon to become the centerpiece of Olmsted, Jr.'s magnificent garden. Additional artists for the tower include J. H. Dulles Allen (tile work), Lee Lawrie (sculptor), and Samuel Yellin (metal work). APRIL 1926
A VISION EVOLVES By 1925, the Olmsted Firm and Mr. Bok have overseen the grading, planting, and development of the land atop Iron Mountain. The American Foundation takes over the contract with the Olmsted Firm, and the development of the Sanctuary continues. Evidence shows that proper planting attracts birds and other wildlife. The land is also ideal to demonstrate to visitors what can be accomplished with Florida native plants.
ADVOCATE FOR PEACE Mr. Bok’s proposed American Peace Award which would grant $100,000 to the submission that offered "the best practicable plan by which the United States may cooperate with other nations for the achievement and preservation of world peace." 1923
1924
INTO RETIREMENT Mr. Bok relinquished editorship of the Ladies' Home Journal, completing 30 years of service.
PEACE PRIZE First American Peace Award given to Dr. Charles Herbert Levermore for his proposal for the U.S. to cooperate with the League of Nations. Many American Isolationists and other groups publicly decried this decision, claiming Bok used the award to push a particular political agenda. SEP. 20 1920
1924
AUTOBIOGRAPHY PUBLISHED Upon the 50th anniversary of his arrival in the United States, publishes Mr. Bok’s autobiography The Americanization of Edward Bok. His autobiography goes on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography.
MRS. BOK’S LEGACY Mary Louise Curtis Bok, wife of Edward, founds the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia with the aim of offering quality music education for no cost. The Institute continues to be one of the world’s premier music education institutions.
1926
MAKING PHILLY A BIT BETTER Edward Bok is involved with a group that founds the Philadelphia Commission, an organization devoted to the beautification of the metropolitan area of Philadelphia.
1930
SEPT. 1928
1927
A GENEROUS GIFT Inspired by the generosity of Edward Bok, the residents of Mountain Lake hire Lee Lawrie, sculptor of the Singing Tower, to create the Exedra, a semi-circular seating area made of marble and decorated with distinctive carvings. OCT. 19 1928
1928
CARILLONNEUR APPOINTED Mr. Bok appoints Anton Brees, one of the world's most famous carillonneurs, as the Singing Tower Bellmaster (soon changed to Carillonneur).
1931
JUL. 7 1929
THE FIRST CONCERT Anton Brees plays the first public carillon concert on the newly installed carillon. An estimated 20,000 people were in attendence with an equal number turned away.
SEP. 4 1933
FIRST FESTIVAL OF THE BIRDS The first Festival of the Birds takes place February 13-14.
DEDICATION DAY Calvin Coolidge, in his last public speech as President, dedicated the Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower (now Bok Tower Gardens) as a state and national treasure and a gift to the American people for their visitation. An estimated 67,000 people attend the dedication, and activities were broadcast by WRUF, a Gainseville station.
DEC. 2 1928
A FITTING MEMORIAL The marble slab was placed on Mr. Bok's grave around Easter.
FEB. 12 1930
NOV. 1929
FIRST MOONLIGHT CARILLON CONCERT A special moonlight carillon recital takes place and approximately 6,000 people attend. This continues to be a popular tradition.
JAN. 9 1930
1931
1932
RADIO BROADCAST Carillon recitals are broadcast via radio. For a number of years, Brees and Nornabell collaborated with local radio stations, coordinating an average of two live carillon broadcasts each year. EDWARD BOK DIES Edward W. Bok dies in his Mountain Lake Estates home within sight of the Singing Tower. A private service is conducted in the Founder's Room the next day, and he is laid to rest in the vault before the Great Brass Door.
MAR. 23 1928
1933
TOWER TOUR TRADITION Lake Wales High School seniors and their faculty are brought into the Tower for a tour of the completed structure. About 450 were included in this group of students and educators. The tradition of a Singing Tower tour for area high school seniors continues to this day.
Credit: A.L. Alexander
A LOVE OF NIGHTINGALES Mr. Bok had a special affection for the nightingales he introduced to the Sanctuary. He would often name them and inquire about them in his correspondence with Major Harry Nornabell, the Gardens’ first director. One weekly report from March of 1928 includes this unusual note: "Mrs. Carr was killed by Mr. Newton. Post Mortem revealed her to be a cock."
HURRICANE DAMAGE Treasure Coast hurricane passes through the Gardens and destroying 11 pines, 6 cherries, 4 acacias, 1 magnolia, and 2 loblolly bays. The azaleas were not damaged, but many of the oaks had their leaves ripped off.
FEB. 13 1931
DRINKING FOUNTAINS In April, the school children of Polk County set out to raise $2000 to cover the cost of installing two drinking fountains made of pink Etowah marble to compliment the Singing Tower in the Sanctuary.
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE The first Easter Sunrise Service is held. Rev. G. W. R. Cadman formally dedicated the Sanctuary during the service.
APR. 17 1927
APR. 13 1929
LIGHTNING DAMAGE A lightning strike causes damage to the top of the Tower. “Eight feet of west-NW [heron] pinnacle shattered. Three sections of the top iron walk broken. One piece of marble edging of West plinth broken." One visitor said that it was hit by a ball of fire and exploded in a cloud of smoke. A new marble heron was ordered from Tate, GA to replace the one damaged in the strike. FEB. 1 1929
CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES By September, the structure of the Singing Tower was almost complete. The 13 largest bells enter through the space occupied by the sundial and are hoisted into the bell chamber through the center of the Tower. By October, all of the bells are in place, the sundial is put in place, and the fireplace in the Founder's Room is near completion.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS Construction of Mr. Buck’s home begins. The end result is "El Retiro," a 12,900 square foot Mediterranean-style home.
TAKING SHAPE Mr. Buck finalizes the purchase of his Mountain Lake property and hires Charles R. Wait to design the house to fit within the already planned gardens.
1929
Credit: National Archives
BREAKING GROUND Ground is broken and construction begins on the Singing Tower. During two weeks in February, 160 concrete pilings are driven into the ground to support the 205-foot tower.
MR. BUCK’S ESTATE C. Austin Buck, Vice President of Bethlehem Steel, hires the Olmsted Firm to design the landscape for his Mountain Lake Estates home. William Lyman Phillips of the Olmsted Firm begins the design of the gardens and the placement of the house.
APR. 12 1929
MAY 1 1929
WORLD’S FAIR DEBUT The Sanctuary and Singing Tower are featured in a panoramic display at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago. This display generates an overwhelming response. Many see the Tower as the only thing stable in an otherwise unstable economy and world. 1932
DRESS CODE The American Foundation institutes a dress code for the Gardens and posts signs at the Gardens’ entrances.
Boy Scouts The first large group of Boy Scouts arrives for a special recital. Camporee continues until 1969 when Flaming Arrow opens.
1940
1950
DAIQUIRIS AT EL RETIRO William Morse highlights Mr. Buck's home in the Mountain Lake Chronicle: "Mr. Buck served a cocktail one moonlight night on the court side of his beautiful house. The name of the concoction is taken from a place in Cuba (Daiquiri). It consists of a portion of baccardi rum, a couple of healthy pinches of lemon juice, some extra bitters plus plenty of fine ice, and cooled to requisite temperature, preferably with the ice. The combination never leaves a headache behind it." APR. 15 1937
APR. 1 1933
WEDDING BELLS The first documented wedding in the Gardens takes place after the Midnight New Year's Eve carillon recital. Two couples from Orlando are married at the Exedra. Mr. Bok complained in July of 1929 about "these young, thoughtless things" that "just turn up without any previous notice."
FEB. 9 1940
ENGLISH IRIS The University of Pennsylvania presents four Iris Pseudo-acorus (English Iris) to the Sanctuary in celebration of Easter Sunday. FEB. 1953
APR. 9 1944
1942
NOV. 11 1940
MAR. 7 1943
MAR. 5 1950
LIBERTY SHIP Major and Mrs. Nornabell travel to Jacksonville, FL to launch and christen the Liberty Ship Edward W. Bok (10,500 tons) built by the St. Johns Rivers Shipbuilding Co.
AUDUBON SOCIETY RECITAL In celebrating Mr. Bok's vision of creating a sanctuary for birds, a special recital is held honoring the Audubon Society of Florida. GLEE AT BOK TOWER The Yale Glee Club gives a special concert with the carillon, singing from the 6th floor of the Tower.
MAR. 10 1944
FEB. 15 1936
MAR. 10 1935
FESTIVAL OF STATES FLOAT Major Nornabell wrote that the people of Lake Wales honored the Sanctuary by placing a replica of the Singing Tower on a parade float for the Tampa Fair. The float went on to participate in St. Petersburg’s annual Parade of States, a part of the Festival of States which dates back to 1896.
BECOMING A POPULAR ICON Bok Tower Gardens is featured in the popular Gasoline Alley comic strip by Frank King. Uncle Walt and family take a visit to the Singing Tower and Gardens. The image of the Tower has been featured in many popular culture media outlets, including a Kellogg's Rice Krispies box in the 1940s.
THE YEARLING The soundtrack for the Florida film The Yearling is recorded in the Gardens. Reproduction courtesy Collection of the Museum of Florida History
JAN. 29 1953
MOONLIGHT ECLIPSE Visitors experienced a total eclipse of the moon that lasted an hour during the moonlight carillon recital.
HONORING GHANDI The Sanctuary has a long history of honoring and remembering notable international figures and events. The Tower flag was flown at half-staff in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, and Brees played an impromptu recital of Song of India by Rimsky-Korsakoff and Chopin's Funeral March.
DEC. 3 1944
1941
PRINCESS ILEANA Exiled from her native land, Princess Ileana of Romania visits the Gardens soon after moving to the United States, where she lectured against communism from 1950-1961. The same year, Princess Ileana’s work “I Live Again” was published as a series of articles in Ladies’ Home Journal.
FEB. 6 1948
SEMINOLE INDIAN FESTIVAL The first Seminole Indian Festival takes place, which included a special carillon concert attracting about 10,000 visitors. This annual event continues until 1942. Gas rationing of WWII made the drive from Big Cypress Reservation impossible. 1936
1952
Esther Slater dies
LAKE WALES MURAL Artist Denman Fink paints a mural in the Lake Wales Post Office of an orange harvest on the slopes of Iron Mountain with the Singing Tower in the background. In 1995, this image was made into a postcard to celebrate the CELEBRATING one-year anniversary of our designation as a FLORIDA National Historic Landmark. Anton Brees plays a special concert celebrating the 105th anniversary of the HONORING OUR MILITARY admittance of the Territory Special carillon concert to recognize Armistice of Florida into statehood. Day, made a legal National Holiday by an act His song selections reflect of Congress on May 13, 1938. Over 800 each of the different eras of American Legionnaires were in attendance. Florida's history.
FLORIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Mountain Lake Sanctuary welcomes the Florida Historical Society and honors them with a special concert. It is noted that the "Florida Historical Society does its finest service, sorting out and definitely establishing truth from untruth." Mrs. Henry L. Richmond of Jacksonville helps to research the song selections to honor Florida's rich and varied history. MAR. 29 1935
SEPT. 7 1951
1947
CHARLES AUSTIN BUCK DIES Mr. Buck dies leaving his estate to his sons.
FIRST FREEZE Worst freeze in 40 years lasted January 26-29, 1940. It spoiled all the azalea, calla lily, rose, tecomaria, capensis, and begonia blooms. Though many blooms were damaged, most of the plants survived. JAN. 26 1940
JAN. 1 1934
EL RETIRO BECOMES ENCIERRO C. Austin Buck's sons, Robert and Louis, sell the property to Esther Slater, a Massachusetts-born textile heiress from New York. She renames the home "Encierro." JUL. 13 1945
DEED PASSED TO SONS C. Austin Buck passes the deed for El Retiro to his sons, Robert and Louis.
ENCIERRO BECOMES KEENWOOD Esther Slater’ sons, Benjamin and Arnold Welles, sell Encierro to William Woodward and Ruth G. Keen of Ohio. The Keens decide to call the home Keenwood.
ENDING THE FLAMINGO TRADITION After many unsuccessful attempts to keep flamingos in the Sanctuary, the last flamingo dies, and no more flamingos are purchased.
MAR. 13 1949
GIRL SCOUTS First mention of a large gathering of Girl Scouts in the Gardens where 300 girls were honored with a special concert. Events took place after this on a regular basis. The Gardens continues to support opportunities for scouts to come to the Gardens for trips and to earn badges.
Kenneth Morrison Director (1956-1980)
1960
VISITING MOUNTAIN LAKE Betsie Keen writes about her friend Mary's visit to Mountain Lake. "Mary was so impressed by our house & we went to the Tower & saw the black and white swans after supper." They also visited Cypress Gardens and Marineland and ate at Las Novedades in Tampa and Chalet Suzanne in Lake Wales during Mary's stay. JUL. 3 1961
LONG-RANGE PLANNING The Board appoints William Lyman Phillips, landscape architect of the Olmsted Firm, to review visitor circulation through the Gardens. The Board also initiates a long-range plan to acquire 60 additional acres over the next 10 years to protect the Sanctuary viewshed.
William Woodward Keen dies
KEENWOOD PASSES TO FAMILY Ruth G. Keen dies; Keenwood passes into the hands of her son, Daniel Woodward "Woody" Keen, and daughter, Alice Elizabeth "Betsie" Keen.
MAR. 23 1962
MAR. 14 1967
HURRICANE DONNA Hurricane Donna sweeps through the state, ripping out pine trees in the Gardens, battering oaks, and stripping trees of leaves. For the first time in Sanctuary history, the grounds are closed to the public for five days to allow for clearing of debris. By January of 1961, most people can't notice the damage that Hurricane Donna inflicted on the grounds.
1956
1958
ST. FRANCIS STATUE Ken Morrison installs the Saint Francis Bird Feeder at the termination of Mockingbird Trail to encourage birds to spend time in that area of the garden. This is later developed into one of the most stunning areas to view azaleas during peak bloom.
1970
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower is recorded on the National Register of Historic Places. 1973
1966
1968
1964
PINE RIDGE NATURE PRESERVE The Board acquires 25 acres of land to be known as Pine Ridge Nature Preserve. OCT. 9 1963
TIGER CREEK PRESERVE REALIZED Ken Morrison, director of Bok Tower Gardens, seeks the help of preservationist George Cooley and The Nature Conservancy to acquire the land around Tiger Creek. Finally, after more than 40 years following Edward Bok's original vision, vital land was secured for preservation.
MAR. 6 1967
1976
1968
Centennial Birthday The 100th birthday of Edward Bok was observed with a special recital by Anton Brees.
MILFORD MYHRE APPOINTED CARILLONNEUR Milford Myhre, internationally recognized carillonneur, is appointed after serving as a guest performer for approximately one year.
ANTON BREES DIES Anton Brees dies unexpectedly with no immediate replacement for his position. His family donates his professional library to the American Foundation, and that served as the impetus for the formation of the Anton Brees Carillon Library.
LESSONS AND CAROLS Using the newly installed sound system of the Singing Tower, the first Lessons and Carols event was held at the Gardens. Then President of the Board Nellie Lee Bok gave permission when John M. Hartley, a native of England, approached the Sanctuary with the idea. Mr. Hartley gave no less than 35 performances between 1968 and 1988 when he returned to England. The tradition continued for many years after his departure.
1955
ANTON BREES CARILLON LIBRARY Nellie Lee Bok provides funds for the renovation of the 5th level of the Singing Tower to become the new home of the Anton Brees Carillon Library. The Library serves as a research facility for the historical and technical study of the carillon; a collection of carillon music, related publications, and audio-video recordings of recitals; and an archive to house documents pertaining to the construction of the Tower and Gardens, later moved to the Chao Research Center Archives. At the same time, a new practice keyboard room was built on Level 5 1/2.
1977
A GENEROUS TRIBUTE The Japanese Lantern arrives and is installed. This monument was donated by Usaburo Tsujita, an attendant in the Bok home for three years. Mr. Tsujita raised funds for many years to build this nine-foot tall lantern and requested that it should always be within sight of Mr. Bok's grave.
VIEWING THE TOWER Binoculars are installed in the Gardens to allow visitors to better view the birds and the Singing Tower. The viewing tools were relocated several times to provide the best viewing angles for guests.
1956
1966
SWANS IN THE REFLECTION POOL A pair of white Mute Swans is placed in the Sanctuary from Black Swan Park in McIntosh, FL, and one female wood duck is added to replace one that died. The swans become a regular fixture of the Gardens until 2011 when the last pair was moved to Lake Morton in Lakeland, home of many other swans.
Credit: Wolcott
Credit: Patty Kohler
1979
BOK TOWER GARDENS After more than 50 years, the official name Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower is changed to Bok Tower Gardens.
JUN. 14 1957
SUMMER CARILLON MUSIC Schulmerich Company installs an electronic "carillon" with four different sounds: English bells, Flemish bells, harp, and celesta. This electronic instrument was installed to broadcast summer concerts for the first time. While Brees favored the instrument and went on to have a long professional association with the Schulmerich Company, the sound of the instrument could not compare to the original Taylor bells. It was disconnected shortly after Brees' death and uninstalled completely by 1970.
1970
RESTORATION WORK Major restoration of the structural elements of the Singing Tower takes place due to corrosion of the steel work from prolonged exposure to humidity. Bells for the top 24 notes of the carillon are returned to the Taylor Foundry (32 in all, since some notes had two bells) to be re-cast into 24 new and heavier bells. Major restoration is completed of the Tower exterior where the coquina had buckled.
SEP. 12 1960
RAIN SHELTERS ADDED Several rain shelters are constructed in the Gardens. Coquina is used for the support structures to echo the stone used in the Singing Tower.
KEENWOOD BECOMES PINEWOOD ESTATE Nellie Lee Holt Bok, daughter-in-law of Edward Bok and then head of the American Foundation, encourages the Board to acquire Keenwood. "The primary reason for some of us wishing to acquire Keenwood is that it constitutes the only parcel of land which bites into our holding. A second reason for the purchase of Keenwood is to add to Olmsted's design of the Sanctuary a design of one of his loveliest residential sites." After the purchase is finalized, the home is renamed Pinewood.
WINDOW BY THE POND Mrs. Edward (Betty) Komarek is brought in to design a "bird window" to sit by the wildlife pond as well as create a habitat that will attract various bird species. This structure becomes the Window by the Pond. Betty was well known for her interest in education, and she and her husband Ed founded the Birdsong Nature Center in Thomasville, GA which has a viewing window installed by the Komareks in 1958. 1970
A MORE COMFORTABLE EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE For the first time in the history of the Easter Sunrise Service, chairs are provided for guests. For many years, wooden orange crates were used as seats for the many guests that attended the event.
1977
SNOWFALL AT THE GARDENS January of 1977 saw a full week of freezing temperatures, but the Gardens’ staff had learned from the freezes of 1962 and 1966 and loss was minimal. Snow fell in the garden for the first time in 20 years, and some areas had enough coverage to make snowballs.
1980
1990
Johnathan Shaw Director (1980-1998)
NELLIE LEE BOK DIES Nellie Lee Bok dies. Her daughters donate her 1917 Steinway & Sons piano to Pinewood Estate in her memory. Piano concerts continue to this day. 1984
PINEWOOD BECOMES HISTORIC PLACE Pinewood Estate is placed on the National Register of Historic Places. A Historic Preservation grant partially funds restoration of Pinewood Estate, and nationally recognized preservation architects are hired for the house and landscape restoration.
PINEWOOD OPENED FOR PUBLIC TOURS For the first time, guests are invited to participate in guided public tours at Pinewood Estate.
1985
THE CRACKER HOUSE OPENS The first visitor center, "The Cracker House," opens to the public and a volunteer docent program is established in honor of the 50th anniversary of the dedication. The Cracker House was one of a handful of buildings and homes on the property used for a variety of reasons. 1981
MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM BEGINS The Friends of Bok Tower Gardens Membership and Development program begins. This effort was motivated by Terri Austin, then director of development.
APR. 25 1993
JAN. 31 1986
21 MILLIONTH VISITOR Bok Tower Gardens welcomes its 21 millionth visitor, the Langdon family of Muncy, PA: Howard, Rachel, Kevin (6), David (4), and Bryan (2). Rachel actually visited the Gardens when she was in 2nd grade and wanted to bring her family back to experience the beauty of this place. The family was treated to a special tour of the Gardens and inside the Singing Tower.
NATIONAL COLLECTION The Board authorizes participation with the national Center for Plant Conservation and establishment of a living collection and gene pool of endangered Florida plants. Seven species are nominated for inclusion.
1985
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK Bok Tower Gardens is declared a National Historic Landmark. Senator Bob Graham serves as the keynote speaker for the event.
1989
1986
1992
TOWER RESTORATION CONTINUES Further restoration of the carillon by Taylor Bellfoundry is funded through a grant from the Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Department of State. The restoration includes a new keyboard, a new practice keyboard, the addition of four bells, and the transposition of the pitch of the instrument one tone higher.
1980
1986
1987
CANDLELIGHT AND CAROLING The first Candlelight & Caroling takes place and continues until 2000. The mysterious "Treebeard" would often appear during this annual tradition. BOK TOWER NEWSLETTER The Bok Tower Gardens Newsletter is printed for the first time. This two-tone newsletter was shared free of charge with guests until March of 1986, when it became a member-only benefit. Changing formats several times, the full-color, award winning Garden Path member magazine was introduced in 2009. 1984
THE KNOLL ACQUIRED The Gardens acquires 27 acres of key land which includes the knoll near the flagpole on the entrance road.
1991
A LASTING MEMORIAL The Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association presents an ornamental drinking fountain to the Gardens in honor of the late David K. Stabler, Sr. Mr. Stabler was a fixture in the Florida nursery industry and was responsible for the planting of the Tower Live Oak Grove. The fountain is located near the Olmsted House.
CONCERT UNDER THE STARS The first Imperial Symphony Orchestra "Pops Concert Under the Stars" is presented in the Live Oak Grove. HELPING NEIGHBORS In September, four members of Bok Tower Gardens' staff traveled to Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami to assist for one week with restoration efforts after the destruction of Hurricane Andrew.
Credit: Charlene Johnston
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM BEGINS Jeannie Rayburn, Sue Boyd, and Helen Morrison approach Director Jonathan Shaw and Horticulturalist Barney Alford to start a volunteer program to restore the gardens of Pinewood Estate. Among their first projects was the unearthing of the waterfall and pool long buried in the grotto. These gardens continue to be maintained largely by a dedicated group of volunteers.
EDWARD BOK AZALEA Rhododendron mucronatum is officially named the Edward Bok Azalea by the Royal Horticultural Society. The white azalea with a yellow-green blotch on its standard petal was first obtained by the Gardens in 1979 from W. V. Merideth of Orlando. The origin of the plant can be traced to Taiwan and was collected by N. H. Fritz in 1952.
1992
SAND SCULPTURES IN THE SCRUB This new event features guest speaker Steve Morrison, The Nature Conservancy's Central Florida preserves manager, and a special presentation about the art and science of sand sculpting.
WOOD DUCK BOXES DONATED Third graders from Lake Wales' Spook Hill Elementary donate five cedar nesting boxes for the colony of wood ducks at Bok Tower Gardens. The students raised money for the project by baking and selling cookies. FEB. 26 1986
WOODPECKER POPULATION An increase in the woodpecker population of the Gardens is noted and may be attributed to the prescribed burn program, which left perfect homes for the birds to nest. 1994
1988
1985
1995
PRESCRIBED FIRES Bok Tower Gardens institutes a prescribed fire program for restoration and maintenance of its natural lands. The schedule for burns is set to mimic the natural burn cycle. 1991
FIRST INTERNATIONAL CARILLON FESTIVAL The first International Carillon Festival is held in conjunction with a meeting of the World Carillon Federation at Pinewood Estate.
CHRISTMAS AT PINEWOOD The first Christmas at Pinewood event takes place. Running for just 3 weeks, the theme was Music and Angels. This also introduced the popular Christmas Angel volunteer opportunity, serving as a guide to the holiday adorned Pinewood Estate.
MAY. 11 1991
APR. 25 1992
TEA PARTY AT PINEWOOD The first Mother-Daughter Tea at Pinewood Estate is held. This hugely popular event often had a waiting list for attendance. The event continued through 2003 and attracted local female speakers and guests of all ages.
1994
GARDEN SHUTTLES Louise Adams encourages the Board of Directors to investigate the purchase of a tram that can shuttle visitors to important points, providing greater access to the Gardens.
Robert Sullivan Director (1998-2007)
2000 PINEWOOD ESTATE WEDDING LOCATION Due to severe damage to the Gardens during the 2004 hurricane season, venues in and around Pinewood are made available for rental to the general public for the first time. Pinewood soon became one of the most popular wedding venues at the Gardens.
WATCHING CARILLON PERFORMANCES A video kiosk is built and dedicated so that visitors can view the carillonneur playing during live performances. DEC. 1 2001
2001
Credit: Ed Lamar
SEP. 11 1997
Credit: Rick Pezzimenti
GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW VISITOR CENTER After over a decade of discussion and planning, ground is broken and construction begins on a new Education and Visitor Center representing the first significant construction project in the Gardens since the Singing Tower. The building is designed to provide space for interpretive exhibits, audio-visual presentations, office space, a new cafe, and an expanded retail space.
ENDANGERED PLANT GARDEN Ground is broken for the new Endangered Plant Garden located near Window by the Pond in the lower East side of the Gardens. The design was done by David Price, then Horticulturalist for the Gardens. The dedication of the new space took place during the 2002 Earth Day Celebration.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION BEGINS April 22-24, 1999 is the first Earth Day Celebration at Bok Tower Gardens, celebrating Florida's Ancient Islands, a theme that carries over for several years. APR. 4 1998
APR. 22 1999
1996
GREAT FLORIDA BIRDING TRAIL The east portion of the Great Florida Birding Trail is opened and includes Bok Tower Gardens. This is the first section of the trail to be linked. The Great Florida Birding Trail, a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is a 2,000-mile, self-guided highway trail connecting nearly 500 birding sites throughout Florida.
UNCOVERING THE PAST A small pool is discovered east of the North Walk. The pool is lined with the same materials as the Reflection Pool and may have been made in order to test materials. JAN. 14 1999
BERTIE THE SQUIRREL In the November 1995 Bok Tower Gardens Newsletter, Pat Hall begins a series of stories about Bertie the Squirrel, a feature geared towards the young and young at heart. The squirrel chronicles were a regular feature in the newsletter until the fall of 1998. One memorable episode entitled "The Gift" (April 1996) shared the development of the Gardens from a squirrel's perspective.
Credit: David Woods
1995
2004
SUNSET & SYMPHONY The first Sunset & Symphony concert featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra takes place. This now annual concert series was established in conjunction with the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven.
MILFORD MYHRE RETIRES Milford Myhre retires after 36 years as the carillonneur.
2000
INSPIRING ARTISTS Petronella Wensing from Canberra, Australia donates a masterful bobbin lace panel depicting the Singing Tower. In 2002, she travelled back to Lake Wales to present two additional panels of bobbin lace work depicting the faiences of the Singing Tower. Ms. Wensing was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013 in recognition for service to the creative arts and the community of Canberra.
1997
WILLIAM DE TURK NAMED CARILLONNEUR Then Assistant Carillonneur William De Turk is promoted to carillonneur.
NOV. 9 2002
2000
JUL. 7 1996
HAWK RELEASE The Wrede Wildlife Rehab Center (Sebring, FL) releases four red-shouldered hawks in the Pine Ridge Nature Preserve at Bok Tower Gardens, providing an ideal home for the birds to thrive.
2004
CARILLON RENOVATIONS Major renovations are made to the carillon by the Taylor Bellfoundry. Three new bells donated by the foundry are added in the bell chamber, increasing the number of bells to 60. The renovations also included new mechanisms, new clappers, and a rearrangement of the treble bells.
1997
REPLACING AN ICON The City of Lakeland donates a swan to join the one at Bok Tower Gardens after its companion was attacked by a nocturnal predator.
HURRICANE DAMAGE The Gardens are severely affected by three hurricanes in one season: Charley, Frances, and Jeanne. The Gardens lost over 200 trees including 25 live oaks, an estimated $1.5 million in damages.
2001
HONORING A LEADER The Guy W. Botts Grotto is dedicated to honor the first Board of Directors member from Florida. Mr. Botts was chairman from 1984-1992 and encouraged other distinguished Floridians to serve on our Board of Directors. Mr. Botts was also the founder of Barnett Bank, a leading Florida bank. The grotto, located just outside the Visitor Center, features a sandhill crane sculpture created by David Price.
RONALD BARNES COLLECTION The personal archive of Ronald Barnes, retired carillonist of the University of California at Berkeley, is donated to the Anton Brees Carillon Library. The 37 boxes of materials include music manuscripts, files on carillons, and correspondence. Barnes knew Anton Brees, was good friends with Nellie Lee Bok, and was Milford Myhre's first carillon teacher.
Credit: Ed Lamar
LIGHTNING PROTECTION New lightning protection system installed using a helicopter to deliver materials to the top of the Tower.
NEW EXHIBIT HALL OPENS The Mary H. Cain Exhibition Hall is unveiled with four interpretive sections: The Life and Times of Edward Bok; America's Taj Mahal; In Giving Rise to Song - the Art of the Carillon; and The Gardens & Five Million Years of Florida History. The space is designed to allow for permanent and rotating exhibits. The exhibit conception and design was done by John Daniels and Keith Reynolds of Artist's Studios and fabrication is by PSI of Orlando. DEC. 12 1995
2004
FAMILY FRIENDLY ADDITIONS Mrs. Ruth Conn and her daughter Claudia sponsor several "family friendly" enhancements to the Gardens including a Sabal Palm house, a vine tunnel arbor covered with honeysuckle vines, and a Secret Garden between the North Walk and the North Glade. The enhancements were designed by David Price, then director of horticulture. Another fun addition to the Gardens is the series of rubbing posts scattered through the property, encouraging kids and families to explore new areas.
KEEP FLORIDA BEAUTIFUL Bok Tower Gardens' staff participate in the Keep Florida Beautiful campaign and the Great Florida Cleanup by cleaning Mountain Lake Cutoff Road.
BOOK UNCOVERS HISTORY Longtime volunteer Margaret Smith, with the help of editor John Caldwell, publishes The Edward Bok Legacy: A History of Bok Tower Gardens. This book chronicles the first 50 years of the Gardens' history.
2000
CELEBRATING MLK JR. Bok Tower Gardens hosts a special event honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., hosting nearly 1,000 fifth grade students. Mark Anthony Brown, actor, depicted George Washington Carver in a production of George Washington Carver: From Slave to Scientist. There was also a special art exhibit entitled The Highwaymen, containing paintings from African-American artists who traveled the highways of Florida in the 1950s and 1960s.
2002
2003
2010
David Price Director (2007-present) VALENTINE’S DINNER The first Valentine's Dinner at Pinewood is held featuring a gourmet meal and romantic serenade.
2011
2008
CHAO RESEARCH CENTER ARCHIVES The Chao Research Center Archives space is completed on the second level of the Singing Tower. This new space, suspended from the third floor of the Tower, houses the historical archives of the Gardens as well as a portion of Edward Bok's personal and professional papers.
IRRIGATION UPDATES The aging irrigation system undergoes an extensive renovation to provide greater and more efficient water coverage throughout the Gardens. For the first time, automated systems will be used to provide better control and regulation of water usage. 2008
MASTER PLANNING Bok Tower Gardens develops a 25-year master plan addressing visitor accessibility, circulation, interpretation, and wayfinding. PRESERVE LAND ACQUIRED Working with the Green Horizon Land Trust, Bok Tower Gardens preserves 260 acres of citrus land and open fields around the Gardens. Green Horizon works with us to help secure grants for pine tree planting, trail construction, signage, and picnic shelters. 2011
2007
2005
HONORING OUR FIRST DIRECTOR MS CITRUS TOUR Ursula Nornabell Whitmire, daughter of Major PARTNERSHIP Henry Nornabell, first director of the Gardens, visits Bok Tower Gardens hosts the National to plant a tree in memory of her parents. Ursula was the Multiple Sclerosis Society Mid Florida goddaughter of Edward Bok and has warm memories Chapter for the Bike MS Citrus Tour. of the dedication and growing up in the Gardens. This continues to be a popular event.
2013
BUNKER HILL VINEYARD PARTNERSHIP For the first time, the RPCP partners with private land owners, Larry and Lenora Woodham, to introduce a population of the critically endangered Florida Goldenaster (Chrysopsis floridana). The Woodhams own Bunker Hill Vineyard & Winery in Duette, FL and made a 10-year commitment to develop the habitat.
PRESERVE TRAIL COMPLETED The Preserve Trail is completed incorporating original Longleaf Pine forest and restored citrus groves. The path that winds through the land is covered with pebble rock, a by-product of phosphate mining, donated by Mosaic. AUGUST 2011
2012
2013
KNOLL RESTORATION CONTINUES In August of 2011, volunteers and staff came together to plant 33,000 grasses and wildflowers as part of the Knoll restoration project.
REFOCUSING CONCERT UNDER THE STARS This event takes on a jazz flair following a 21-year partnership with the Imperial Symphony Orchestra. Guitarist Frank Vignola and American Irish band Solas perform.
2009
2007
PROJECT BANDALOOP Project Bandaloop at Bok creates an unforgettable performance using the Singing Tower as a vertical stage. This was the troupe's first performance in Florida. KOI FISH DONATED Through the generosity of others, koi fish that were lost during the 2004 hurricane season are replaced. Koi breeders Randy Hess and Joe White donated some of their own stock; Jeanette Von Borstel, Sanctuary visitor, donated several of her personal fish; and George O'Neill, Jr., local resident and rare fish dealer, arranged for the shipment of 10 koi from Israel.
LIGHTNING STRIKE Lightning strikes the Tower and severs the head of one of the 14-foot tall marble herons. Fortunately, the head was not dislodged. The damage is almost identical to that of another lightning strike in 1999. In 2012, the Gardens receives assistance from the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources to repair the heron, using a master mason, and install a new lightning protection system. 2011
KNOLL RESTORATION The 15-acre tract of land referred to as the Knoll is restored to its native state as a sandhill forest through funding from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The dead pine tree, called a snag, at the top of the Knoll is planted to provide a perch for kestrels, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, great horned owls, and other raptors.
TOURISM LEADER Edward W. Bok is inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to Florida's tourism industry.
MASTER PLAN WINS AWARD Bok Tower Gardens, David Sacks, and Tres Fromme receive the Frederic B. Stresau Award in Planning and Analysis from the Florida chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects for the 25-year master plan developed in 2011.
BOKTOBERFEST PLANT SALE The first Boktoberfest Plant Sale takes place, drawing around 5,500 guests for this free annual event.
2007
2009
HEALING IN THE GARDENS A Day of Healing Arts, a day-long retreat with lectures and wellness activities, is introduced. This event continued for several years, encouraging guests to take advantage of the serenity of the Gardens to find healing in their lives. A GENEROUS EAGLE SCOUT Boy Scout Austin Sommer was inspired to build and donate birdhouses to the Sanctuary for barn owls and American Kestrels as a project to earn his Eagle Scout ranking. 2007
2012
YOUTH PEACE AWARD The first award is given to Destiny London, a 10-year-old Cleveland Elementary School student who raised funds for Haiti earthquake relief. The award was given at the second annual WMNF Peace Awards Ceremony. 2010
2012
LOCAL ARTIST INSPIRED Celebrated Florida landscape and wildlife painter Tom Freeman donates an acrylic watercolor of Pinewood Estate. The longtime resident of Lake Wales and retired art teacher first visited the grounds in 1942 and has always been inspired by its beauty.
WILLOW HUT REBUILT The Willow Hut, originally installed in 2003 through a generous gift of Ruth Conn, is rebuilt thanks to artist Anne Rosenvald Moor and volunteers Al Holeton and Owen Campbell. Since the structure is made of natural materials, it must be rebuilt regularly. 2008
GEERT D’HOLLANDER NAMED CARILLONNEUR After a year-long vacancy, the position of carillonneur is filled by Geert D'hollander, internationally known carillon composer, teacher, and performer.
BOK TOWER IN LEGOLAND Legoland Florida opens in October and features a scale model of the Singing Tower complete with moat and bell music (though not the Taylor bells of the real Tower). The replica is made with 200,000 Lego bricks! AUG. 6 2011
2009
FEEDERS INSTALLED Fish and swan feeders are added to the Gardens near the Information Booth and Reflection Pool.
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD Sightings of the Rufous hummingbird at Bok Tower Gardens have bird watchers everywhere all aflutter. While the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds are seen quite often in the Gardens, Rufous sightings are rare.
OCT. 15 2011
WELCOMING FURRY FRIENDS The first Dog Day of Summer event is held. The event welcomes leashed, friendly dogs to the Gardens while sharing a portion of the proceeds with the Humane Society of Polk County. The event is also offered in the winter.
2013
BOOK RELEASED Kenneth Treister and David Price release the first ever fully-illustrated, 224-page book about the history of Edward Bok, the Singing Tower, and Pinewood Estate.