Tallahassee Magazine- November/December 2015

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THIRD IN THE COUNTRY.

AT OUR HEART & VASCULAR CENTER, TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE REACHING NEW HEIGHTS.

FIRST IN THE SOUTHEAST.

The size of a penny. It may not seem like much, but through an incision that small, physicians at the Tallahassee Memorial Heart & Vascular Center are implanting a device to prevent strokes for patients with irregular heartbeats. In fact, we were the third hospital in the country to commercially offer this procedure. Learn more at TMH.org/Heart.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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Spend the Season

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Come one, come all and celebrate the holiday season with the TSO! This unique evening provides the perfect opportunity to gather together as a community with family, friends, and loved ones during this special time of year.

The Tallahassee symphony socieTy presenTs The

23rd annual Tour oF homes

Celebrating the Season!

Friday, December 4, 2015 s Saturday, December 5, 2015 Tickets $25 available for purchase at: TSS members s Beethoven & Company s Esposito Garden Center Native Nurseries s Tallahassee Nurseries s TSO Office.

For further information, call 850.668.6619.

MORE THAN A STORE.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift?

Consider purchasing a TSO concert gift certificate!

For further information, call 850.224.0461.

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»contents VOLUME 38, NUMBER 6

features

104 We Unveil the

112 Awakening

122 The Mansion

The 2015 Best of Tallahassee award winners were chosen by an erudite, sophisticated and worldly group: the readers of Tallahassee Magazine.

Consider: Businesses that earn plaudits like these surely deserve your patronage.

Star Wars fans and fanatics whose lives were changed by the on-screen arrival almost four decades ago of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Darth Vader look forward to the release of Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Already, their inner 7-year-olds are stirring.

Florida First Lady Ann Scott adheres to a basic guideline when dressing up the Governor’s Mansion for the holiday season: Adornments are best kept simple. Mrs. Scott offers decorating advice and shares a few time-honored recipes.

LAWRENCE DAVIDSON

Best of Tallahassee the Child Within

at the Holidays

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»contents VOLUME 38, NUMBER 6

special edition

Warm Holiday W

JOYEUX N 94 Happy Kw

Peace on E

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A Salacious Scandal Rankles a Dynasty

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Pioneering Patriarchs Lent Names to Landmarks

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Midtown Evolved Naturally to Become Ideal Neighborhood

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City’s Parks Serve as History Preserves

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Cotton Plantations Gave Way to Bradfordville

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Alabama’s Bid for Panhandle Almost Succeeded

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The Wakulla Volcano and Other Unsolved Mysteries

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A Deadly Waterfall and a Hellish Swamp

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Half and Half Not: Tallahassee’s North vs.

South Dynamic

Original print dates in Tallahassee Magazine spanned from

1982 to 2005

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John Phipps: A Conservation-Minded Developer As Tallahassee Grew, Its Media Options Expanded A Taste for Medicine Infects a Doctor’s Son; FSCW Goes Co-Ed Folks Gathered on Porches and from There Hailed Neighbors

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As Tallahassee Grew, Would Elegance Trump Diversity?

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Malcolm Johnson: Editor Espoused Optimism

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What a Difference 16 Years Made

culture 174 Calendar

185 Social Studies 191 The Buzz

Peace on Ea Ha

in every issue

149 A Nickel Would Buy You a Big Baby Ruth

16 Publisher’s Letter 18 Director’s Column 20 Contributors 22 Feedback 91 Ms. Grow It All 101 Agenda 203 Dining Guide 2 10 The Last Word

153

Tallahassee’s Junior Museum Embraced Adulthood

157

Paddling the Lower St. Marks River

162

Little Lanark Village Helped Save the World

167 Hanging Chads: World Stood Focused on Tallahassee 199 Holiday Recipes from Christmases Past 201 A Dining Guide from a Simpler Time

HISTORY  hearsay

PAGE 27  As a community hurtles into the future, it’s a good idea to check the rearview mirror.

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PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE DAVIDSON (94), COLIN HACKLEY (185) AND COURTESY STATE OF FLORIDA ARCHIVES, FLORIDA MEMORY. MAP ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA TAYLOR

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On the Cover

This painting shows Florida's Old Capitol as it might have appeared in 1902 beneath a dramatic twilight sky. The original oil painting was done by Ed Jonas in 1982 and resides in the collection of the Secretary of State, State of Florida.

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EL Happy Holidays! JOYEUX NOEL MY100BANK.COM

Happy Kwanzaa! Seasons G

A Home BancShares Company (Nasdaq: HOMB)

Holiday Wishes!

Happy

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»contents VOLUME 38, NUMBER 6

special sections 94 Deal Estate

The Ox Bow Neighborhood continues to impress.

Commercial real estate makes a strong finish to 2015.

Holiday Gift Guide

130

Local businesses offer helpful hints for choosing the perfect present.

156 Forgotten Coast Map

Find your way along the coast. We've highlighted great places to play, shop, dine and stay.

170

Top Singles 2015

A recap of the summer’s hottest event, and the amazing amount raised for 19 charities.

2015 Top Singles Raise Record Breaking $71 ,000 for Charity

The 6th Annual Tallahassee Magazine Top event, held for Singles the first time at the Donald Civic Center, L. Tucker broke records and won hearts. the main event, Prior to the nine male and 10 female each raised money Singles for their chosen joined forces charities and to raise funds often at events around Top Singles event town. The introduced each one, onto the participant, one main stage to by announce their totals and then fundraising wrapped up their philanthropic with a live auction. efforts Each Single was package that paired with a unique may T a lhave l a included h a s s eaewhitewater getaway to a BOTE paddleboard rafting a weekend and Yeti cooler, to on 30A at a ResortQuest combined efforts raised a record-breaki property. The for 19 local non ng $71,000.55 profits. This event was made in part by the possible generous support of presenting Tallahassee sponsor Plastic Surgery.

Plastic Surgery Clinic & Physicians’ Skin Care Clinic PRESENTING

SPONSOR

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Melissa Cone (pictured above) stormed the stage, and rising country star, Machaela Sullivan (pictured below) awed the crowd with her performance, both in stunning minis Couture and high-end from Cole jewelry from sponsor Gem Collection.

The Singles provided entertainment for the show throughout evening with their the own surprise factors, many snagging the for a heartfelt speech, microphone a performance of “Let’s Get It On” or moonwalking

by Marvin Gay, to Michael Jackson.

Owen Long (pictured stole hearts in his above) sharp outfit provided by men’s clothing Nic’s Toggery and sponsors Southern Compass Outfitters.

Photos by

from denim to lace and everything in between…

Dan Gilbertson made it rain on and beloved charity, the Leukemia and off the stage, raising money for his Lymphoma Society.

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e Plastic Surgery Clinic SPONSORED & Physicians’ BY Skin Care Clinic The Governors Club TALLAHA

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Plastic Surgery Clinic & Physicians’ Skin Care Clinic

Blake Rawlings Charity representatives, and bid on the various friends and supporters of the Singles cheered getaway packages Crystal River Plantation on their favorites provided and Capital Eurocars, by ResortQuest, Whitewater Governors Inn, Express, along with stay-cations Aloft and Hotel Duval. at DoubleTree,

179 TMH Foundation Newsletter

Meet the 2016 Top Salon Nominees

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Two philanthropists have combined to fund a $100,000 endowment benefitting the TMH/FSU Medical Music Therapy Program.

next issue 1240 THOMASVILLE ROAD SHOP COLECOUTURE.COM (850)553-3327

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZ

SPECIAL PROMOTION

your dining experience

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»all access ONLINE

tallahasseemagazine.com EXTRA CONTENT ONLINE ONLY

2015 BEST OF TALLAHASSEE RECAP Text TMAG to 20673. Or visit tallahasseemagazine.com and look for the Top of the Town logo to sign up for special promotions, events and exclusive offers. (Text STOP any time to opt out.)

Check our website to see how you can sign up for promotions and offers from these local businesses: ▪ Benson’s Heating & Air Conditioning ▪ Hotel Duval ▪ New Leaf Market Co-op ▪ Orangetheory Fitness ▪ Polished

▪ ResortQuest by Wyndham ▪ Sparkle by Madison ▪ Tallahassee Downtown ▪ Tallahassee Museum ▪ Walter Green

» NUTCRACKER TICKETS GIVEAWAY A holiday classic of sugarplums and dancing mice! Two winners will each receive two tickets to the Tallahassee Ballet’s Nutcracker performance.

Enter to win through our Top of the Town program.

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» BEST OF THROUGH THE AGES Want to see who has been winning Best of Tallahassee awards since 2007? Visit our Best of Tallahassee database, which includes past winners in each category.

This is a valuable tool for those who are new to the area. tallahasseemagazine.com/Best-of-Tallahassee

CHRISTMAS AT THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION Have you ever wondered how the Governor and the First Lady celebrate a Florida Christmas? We give you a peek into the Governor’s Mansion complete with cherished decorations and plenty of family time. The first lady even shares her decorating tips and recipes.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

CARLIN TRAMMEL

Join the Club!

The city’s best of the best were unveiled to a celebratory crowd at The Edison Restaurant during our 2015 Best of Tallahassee event on Oct. 28.

Presented by Capital City Bank, this year the identities of our Best of Tallahassee victors were kept a secret till the night of. The anticipation and energy was truly electric.

If you missed it (or are ready to relive the good times!) our recap video captured over 100 of Tallahassee’s best mingling and congratulating at Cascade Park’s newest, most stunning venue.

Re-introducing You to the Outdoors

Patios • Landscape • Drainage • Decks, Gazebos and Pergolas • Fire Pits • Walkways Retaining Walls • Outdoor Kitchens • Water Features • Design Plans

(850) 224-LAND (5263) • contactus@fielderlandscapes.com • fielderlandscapes.com TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE President/Publisher

BRIAN E. ROWLAND EDITORIAL Director of Editorial Services STEVE BORNHOFT Senior Staff Writer JASON DEHART Staff Writer CHAY D. BAXLEY Contributing Writers JULIE S. BETTINGER CHANDLER BROWN ANN BANNERMAN CAMP HETTIE COBB LAWRENCE DAVIDSON GORDON EPPERSON NICK FARRELL GEORGE FLEMING KATHY GROBE JEN GUY SHARYN HEILAND TERRI VAN HOUSE JENNIFER IRELAND SCOTT KNOBLOCK JERRY LUNDQUIST THORBJOERN MANN KAREN MOORE WILLIAM L. NEEDHAM GIL NELSON REBECCA PADGETT T. BART PFANKUCH AUDREY POST KASEY REAVE MARION SIMPSON MARTEE WILLS PAUL WILLS ALLEN WOODRUFF Production Specialist MELINDA LANIGAN CREATIVE Creative Director LAWRENCE DAVIDSON Production Manager/ Network Administrator DANIEL VITTER Senior Art Director SAIGE ROBERTS Art Director JENNIFER EKRUT Publication Designers SHRUTI SHAH REBECCA TAYLOR Advertising Designers JILLIAN FRY AMANDA HARTSFIELD Contributing Photographers STEVE BORNHOFT MATT BURKE LAWRENCE DAVIDSON ELLE BELLE PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN HACKLEY

Everett Thompson Owner — Designer

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SHEMS HAMILTON DAVID JAMES TRISTIN KROENING LORI MAGEE RAY STANYARD CARLIN TRAMMEL

SALES, MARKETING AND EVENTS Director of Sales and Marketing MCKENZIE BURLEIGH LOHBECK Director of New Business DANIEL PARISI Advertising Services Coordinator LISA SOSTRE Account Executives BESS GRASSWICK LORI MAGEE WILL PATRICK LINDA POWELL PAULA SCONIERS ALICE WATTS Sales and Marketing Assistant CHRISTIE GREEN Events and Special Projects Coordinator LEIGHA INMAN Corporate Client Liason SARA GOLDFARB OPERATIONS Staff Accountant ROBIN BALLARD Accounting Assistant TABBY HAMILTON Administrative Assistant CARYN NELSON Receptionist LISA SNELL WEB Digital Services Manager CARLIN TRAMMEL Digital Services Coordinators JENNIFER IRELAND REBECCA PADGETT Digital Services Producer CHELSEA MOORE SUBSCRIPTIONS One Year (6 issues) is $30 CALL (850) 878-0554 OR GO ONLINE TO TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM Single copies are $3.95 PURCHASE AT BARNES & NOBLE, COSTCO, BOOKS-A-MILLION, WALGREENS AND AT OUR MICCOSUKEE ROAD OFFICE

Tallahassee Magazine is published bimonthly by Rowland Publishing, Inc. 1932 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. 850/878-0554. Tallahassee Magazine and Rowland Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. Editorial contributions are welcomed and encouraged but will not be returned. Tallahassee Magazine reserves the right to publish any letters to the editor. Copyright November 2015 Tallahassee Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Partners of Visit Tallahassee and Member, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

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»from the publishers

Original print date:

Mar/Apr 1991

The Torch Passing Recalled

In the spirit of our History & Hearsay edition, we thought it appropriate to revisit the thoughts of Tallahassee Magazine founder and publisher Jerry Lundquist and his successor, Brian Rowland, expressed as the magazine was changing hands. The year was 1991. Jerry was filled with gratitude and Brian, with anticipation.

COURTESY HOMES & LAND AFFILIATES, LLC

O

W

hen we began Tallahassee Magazine 12 years ago, Marge and I believed that there was a wealth of warmth in the people and positive values of Tallahassee that could be chronicled in a magazine format.

The magazine’s content has been positive and good because it reflects upon you, the positive and good citizens of Tallahassee. Our first editor was Bill Needham, who served in the position for the first 10 years of the magazine. Then Marion McDaniel served as editor, and currently Dave Fiore fills that post. All have done an exceptional job, but I must particularly thank Bill Needham for the way in which he shaped the ongoing philosophy of the magazine.

Many times, people have stopped and made appreciative comments about the magazine. Generally, I do not know these folks, but we part with warm feelings toward each other, recognizing how important the magazine is in the lives of so many people throughout the city.

In the decade ahead, Tallahassee faces some tough issues: » Race/cultural relations. » Drug use and alcohol dependency. » Growth management. » Revitalizing public schools. » Economic diversification.

There are many more issues which I have tried to raise in the past, but these seem to be some broad and key ones.

This is my last editorial as Marge and I have concluded it is time to sell the magazine. We have done so to a very capable young man, Brian Rowland, who has expressed a desire to maintain the philosophy and image of the magazine which has been developed over the past 12 years. Marge and I wish Brian immense success in the coming years, and we look forward to maintaining contact with many of you friends whom we have come to know through the magazine.

» The 397 businesses who have chosen to invest their advertising dollars in Tallahassee Magazine over the past 12 years. » The tens of thousands of readers that have allowed the magazine to enter their lives. » The talents of our many contributing writers who bring the people and places of Tallahassee alive in every issue. » The many talented employees of The Printing House and Vista Chrome Inc. who are responsible for the production and printing process which creates the beautiful four-color presentation you are holding.

With my eyes on the future, I look forward to bringing Tallahassee Magazine to a new zenith and closer to its potential while maintaining the fundamental premise and values that have been the magazine’s foundation. My goal is to provide you with an oasis of interesting articles that will stimulate thought and be visually pleasing. If we can bring just a few enhanced moments to your life, then we have done our job.

Tallahassee Magazine is very honored to be part of your life, and we look forward to being your city magazine into the next century.

Enjoy,

Thanks again,

Jerry Lundquist

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ver the past 11 years, I have worked with the business community and people of Tallahassee on a publication that I feel has done a good job reflecting the needs and interests of our community. As the new publisher, I feel that those experiences give me a good understanding of what Tallahasaeans want out of their city magazine.

The prospect of guiding Tallahassee Magazine into the next century presents the biggest challenge of my professional career. There are a few critical people whose influences have made a difference in my life: My parents, whom I lost many years ago, for their love and values; Tim Mathew, the publisher of the Gadsden County Times, for serving as my mentor in all aspects of publishing and Jerry Lundquist, for 11 years of employment and the wonderful opportunity to acquire Tallahassee Magazine.

In a similar vein, there have been several keys to the growth and success of Tallahassee Magazine. Here are some of the most important:

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

Brian Rowland

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»director’s column director’s picks

The true measure of a person goes beyond the world of work

MATT BURKE

When I first met Joseph Kuciauskas eight years ago, he was able to operate the joy stick on his wheelchair and, surrounding a pencil with a fist, he could, painstakingly, produce a legible script.

His muscular dystrophy had contorted his hands, making them more like the claw-like extremities of an anteater than yours or mine.

Still, he was industrious.

I once helped him write City Hall seeking curb cuts that would make his trip from the bus stop to his school easier and less dangerous. We prevailed.

We wrote county officials asking that a subsidized system of public transportation be maintained. It was. Thus encouraged, Joseph was ready to write Oprah Winfrey and the president of these United States on behalf of persons with disabilities.

Perhaps we should have.

Joseph attended a service-learning charter school for disabled young adults and joined classmates in swamping out a nearby high school after every lunch hour. He wasn’t content to wipe down tables, a task for which he was poorly equipped, so he conspired with buddies to affix a janitor’s broom — you know, the kind that looks like a giant Swiffer — to the back of his motorized chair. Joseph moved about that cafeteria like a farmer disking his fields.

No longer.

Joseph is homebound these days. The dystrophy’s advances have made it difficult for him even to breathe.

I reflect on Little Joe, a man who never contributed a dime to the Gross State Product, and recognize that he nonetheless has had great value. He changed the world in meaningful ways, modeled tremendous resolve despite his limitations and was for me and countless others a big-time inspiration.

Mr. Kuciauskas demonstrates that we must move beyond “Let’s Get to Work” to “Let’s Get to Worth.” We should embrace the notion that we were all born a miracle with inherent value

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and dignity and, personally, I’m inclined to extend that outlook to include every living thing, every unspoiled vista.

The other day, I read an anecdote among those collected in Robert Fulghum’s “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”

It concerns Donnie, a deaf boy who went door to door and, with paper and pencil, negotiated leaf-raking jobs.

Approached, Fulghum was reluctant. Like me, he likes leaves. Describing the matronly trees in his yard, Fulghum writes, “ The leaves lie about the ladies’ feet like dressing gowns they’ve stepped out of in preparation for the bath of winter.”

Why choose to rake away such a metaphor, unless approached by a deaf boy with a harmless proposition? (Fulghum relented.

Commerce proceeded.)

I was unsurprised, but disappointed nonetheless, to read in the daily that our state government harbors an environmental protection secretary who would allow logging, cattle grazing and hunting on state park lands so that they might be made financially self-sustaining.

So much for stewardship. Here we find instead the kind of thinking that channelizes rivers and decapitates mountains. No allowance is made in the secretary’s equation for the inherent value, immemorial specialness and restorative powers of the natural world.

Dude. Let’s get to worth.

And, let’s all of us make contributions to the sense of self-worth of the people we meet.

There will be fewer shootings that way.

There is dignity in work, yes. But validation yields a person who is both more productive and … better.

Steve Bornhoft Director of Editorial Services

THE RIGHT DEMEANOR WHEN I NEEDED IT MOST For his cool and calm; his thoroughness, competence and professionalism; his empathy, compassion and understanding; his frankness, honesty and experience; his time, generosity and accessibility; for the laughs we shared about a man named Dan; for the agreement we discovered about the Bright Futures scholarship program, the nature of Jacksonville, the merits of the University of Florida and the vagaries and shifting mores of the modern workplace and all the Catberts out there; for the measured and collected but supportive way in which he delivered the dreaded news — Mako’s hemangiosarcoma — I am grateful to Kevin Drygas, D.V.M., Capital Veterinary Specialists.

STEVE BORNHOFT

Let’s Get to Worth

YO, MISS YOLANDA, HERE’S TO WHAT YOU DO Take if from someone who has lived hither and yon and beyond. The amiability, pleasantness and even the appearance of Tallahassee’s service culture is exceptional. About that, I have a theory: Tallahasseans, as a rule, have a favorable outlook on their town and that comes shining through in people like Yolanda Perkins, the lady at the GATE station who I encounter most every morning when I pick up my stimulants: a can of Monster and the New York Times. Her approach to her customers is not the product of corporate prescriptions for behavior, but of a generous and gregarious nature and maternal instincts. Should I not pass through the GATE for two days, Yolanda will turn to me on the third to ask where I’ve been and then answer her own question. “I know where you’ve been,” she’ll say. “You’ve been em eye eh.”

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»contributors JASON DEHART senior staff writer

A self-described “bread ’n’ butter” writer with a historical bent, Jason got his start as a small-town, general-assignment newspaper reporter in the early ’90s.

Today, as RPI’s senior staff writer, his “G/A” background often comes in handy as he deals with a variety of business, community and environmental subjects.

Considered the office history buff, it’s not uncommon for Jason to write a “Looking Back” article about Florida’s colorful past during the week — and then re-enact it that weekend.

▪ In this issue, Mr. Dehart shares what he's learned about the latest Star Wars film, Episode VII: The Force Awakens, and checks in with Star Wars fans who are united in their confidence about new director, J.J. Abrams.

EDWARD JONAS artist

Edward Jonas’ art career as a representational painter and sculptor has spanned 50 years. His work has earned him a national reputation and is included in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian and the Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas. He writes for the International Artist Magazine and is Chairman of the Portrait Society of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1998, with 3,800 active artist members representing 17 countries from across the world. Jonas maintains a home and studio in Tallahassee and Amelia Island, Florida.

WILLIAM L. NEEDHAM editor emeritus

Bill Needham has a long history with Rowland Publishing. He helped establish Tallahassee Magazine in 1979 and edited it for 10 years and later was the start-up editor for 850: The Business Magazine of Northwest Florida. He also served as vice president for finance and administration for Rowland Publishing. Today, he serves RPI as a consultant at the ready whose experience and wisdom are highly valued.

In this issue, we resurrect a history piece written by Bill about nearly successful efforts by the state of Alabama to acquire the Florida Panhandle.

▪ The collection of stories from our archives contained in this issue includes one written by Mr. Needham about the year when Florida almost lost its Panhandle to the state of Alabama. That eventuality came closer to occurring than you may think.

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PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE DAVIDSON (NEEDHAM) AND COURTESY EDWARD JONAS AND JASON DEHART

▪ Few Tallahasseans know more about our city’s rich history than Mr. Jonas, who for decades has applied his ample gifts to bring the past alive. His artistic interpretation of the 1902 Florida Capitol exemplifies his passion for preserving history through art. For that reason, we thought Mr. Jonas’ painting a perfect cover choice for this special issue and thank him for his permission to use it.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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» from our readers

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.

feedback

Carrying on the fight against cancer

{or Sara, or Kyle or… anyone really!} The Happy Everything gift that you choose says a lot about you, but mostly that you’re awesome.

With more than 70 attachment designs and umpteen bases to choose from, there’s literally something for everyone on your Christmas list.

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ringTallah

We appreciated your story on our camp

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Happy C ampers »life HERE

Earlier this year, senior staff writer Jason Dehart wrote about the Rotary Youth Camp, a Tallahassee-based nonprofit organization that hosts a series of three week-long summer camps at the Wallwood Boy Scout Reservation on the shores of Lake Talquin. The program accepts young people from ages 7 to 21 with limitations that preclude them from attending other summer camps.

The Rotary Youth Camp is very special to me, and I am very glad that the program received coverage in your magazine.

I am looking to start my own program, and I feel certain that Tallahassee Magazine will be an important ally as I go about that work.

Leslie Smith co lle get ow n’s

The Gather family and ing at College Town colleag boasts ues. Located is a private unobstructed above famedevent and enterta screen views HDTV’s . Guests of Doak Campb Madison Social,inment space T-Alley. for up Great for will ell Stadium the any occasio enjoy the attache and is equipp4,000 square to 250 of your closest foot open-co n, party ed with friends, or tailgati d 2,500 square foot outdooan audio-visual ncept interior ng experie space system nce, The r FOR MORE and five Gathering deck overloo large is the place king Colleg INFORMAT eTown’ in College CALL AMAN ION OR TO Town to s BOOK be.

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It warms my heart beyond words to hear of so many individuals and companies, including Rowland Publishing via your Top Singles event, who make it a priority to support the American Cancer Society.

This support benefits not only the American Cancer Society, but the patients and families they serve and support, people including my husband, Doug.

A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Doug was an enlisted man when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the ripe old age of 23. In March of this year, 28 years later, he was diagnosed with a recurrence. The American Cancer Society housed us for three weeks while he underwent pre-surgical chemo and radiation. They have provided us and countless others with support.

Shortly after his second diagnosis, I created a Relay for Life team called Kick Cancer in the Butt to try to give back to the American Cancer Society. I was a team of one and raised nearly $1,300. Relay 2016 just launched and we have registered again.

I hope that you and many of your employees and readers will give your support and encouragement to Relay for Life–Leon/Havana. We will continue to fight this dreaded disease in hopes that some day others won't have to.

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What a great year we have had at the Alys Foundation. I thank McKenzie Burleigh, the members of her team and all of the folks at Rowland Publishing in Tallahassee for their amazing support and the awesome party you sponsored at the Digital Graffiti event.

We look forward to continuing our relationship with Rowland Publishing.

Kelli Siler Have a thought? Write to us at tmag-editor@rowlandpublishing.com, facebook.com/tallahassee or through twitter @tallahasseemag.

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SELECTED STORIES FROM THE ARCHIVES OF TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE

Tallahassee Railroad Company’s muledrawn car proceeding south between Pensacola and Jefferson Streets in 1894.

Below, the view looking from the steps of the Old Capitol in the 1870s.

876

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

HISTORY 

hearsay

A city’s history is its heritage, an inheritance that should be preserved and passed along even as new chapters are added to it. It’s not only quaint but relevant. A city that truly knows where it’s going has a command of where it’s been. Knowledge and foresight are products of experience. In its 37-year history, Tallahassee Magazine has taken seriously its role as a chronicler of events, a spotter of trends and a window on the past. Over the following pages, we throw that window wide open in presenting stories from our archives that are captivating, often curious and in some cases, ironic. It’s not a bad thing for a city poised for unprecedented growth to pause and look over its shoulder.

COMPILED BY LAWRENCE DAVIDSON AND STEVE BORNHOFT // NOTES BY STEVE BORNHOFT // MAPS BY REBECCA TAYLOR TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

Nov/Dec 2004

SCANDAL IN OLD TALLAHASSEE A 19th-Century Story of Disloyalty, Gunplay, Lawsuits and a Mysterious Death

SON OF FLORIDA’S FIRST MILLIONAIRE

Martha’s future husband, Charles Powell Chaires, was born in 1830 in Leon County, the youngest son of Benjamin and Sarah Chaires’ 10 children. Benjamin Chaires was Florida’s first millionaire and an influential territorial pioneer. When Charles was 8 years old, his famous father died at Verdura, the family’s ancestral plantation in southeastern Leon County on land now owned by the St. Joe Company near the SouthWood development. Charles was to become Verdura’s owner, and the property was to remain in his estate until it was declared insolvent — a decline in which Martha played a role.

As Charles grew up on the family farm, his siblings left to establish plantations and families of their own, finally leaving him and a brother as the last family members residing in the grand mansion. The two lived at Verdura until about 1851, the year of Charles’ first marriage to Sarah Ann Raines. By 1861, Charles had established his second plantation, Ever May, also in Leon County, located east of the present-day Capital Circle, roughly between Old St. Augustine Road and U.S. Highway 27. He had also purchased property and

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ABOUT THIS STORY Charles Chaires, the son of Florida’s first millionaire, despite his vast inherited riches, proved unable to deter his wife Martha’s affections for his nephew, Ben. The illicit union produced a child and estrangement. It seems that things went awry as soon as Charles carried Martha away from the relative refinement of Duncanville, Georgia, to the isolation of Leon County.

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nder a blanket of pine needles, a solitary grave marker rests in a lonely corner of a small rural churchyard. It bears this simple inscription: Martha Chaires Thomas/Feb. 18, 1842–Nov. 2, 1911.

The sparseness of the words belies the complexities of a life marked by scandal and disgrace. This is Martha’s story, and it begins long before her birth with the prominent Florida dynasty she was to join and disturb.

The story of the Chaires family and its intrigue was lost to history until it was recently uncovered by research into official documents, old news clippings and other historical records. This complex tale of human frailty, greed and jealousy reveals that scandals surrounding power, prestige and family are not restricted to modern society.

Adultery and Intrigue

By Sharyn Heiland

had business interests about 100 miles to the southeast in Cedar Key on the island of Atsena Otie.

Though Sarah is buried in the family graveyard at Verdura, the year of her death is unknown. What is known is that on July 23, 1867, Charles married Martha Mash at the “palatial” home of her planter father, Maj. Jackson J. Mash, in Duncanville, Georgia (near the present community of Beachton). With her marriage to Charles, Martha was transplanted from her father’s socially elite circle to the rough seacoast town that was Cedar Key and to the lonely life of a rural plantation mistress in Leon County. In a later letter to Charles’ brother, her depression is clear: “I never … have felt so desperately unloved, unappreciated and neglected for so long a time.”

After nine years of marriage, in 1876, Martha’s dissatisfaction with her life took a drastic turn, one that became painfully public in 1880, when Charles petitioned the Leon County Court to dissolve his marriage to Martha Mash. The petition began with a startling charge: adultery. Charles asserted that in January 1878, he had returned to Ever May and discovered that his 35-year-old wife was pregnant. He knew immediately the baby was not his.

Martha refused to reveal the identity of the father, telling Charles only that “he knew.” Stunned, Charles said he thought Martha “too pure for anything of this kind” and evicted her from their home, forcing her to go to her parents’ residence in Thomas County. A month later, she was back, begging to come home and admitting that she had not told her parents the true reason for “visiting” them. Charles did.

When he took her back, he told her father he wanted to “do the honorable thing.” The plan was for Charles to take Martha with him on the first leg of an upcoming business trip. She would give birth in New Orleans, place the baby in an “asylum,” and then he would take Martha to Tennessee, where she would establish a school. Charles would then continue on his trip to Ohio.

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

By the time Charles arrived in Ohio in late May, he had learned the identity of his wife’s lover: his 31-year-old nephew, Benjamin Cadwallader Chaires, son of Charles’ older brother Benjamin Chaires Jr. Ben, the nephew, lived close by.

THE SECRET LOVER: UNCOMFORTABLY CLOSE

By the time Charles arrived in Ohio in late May, he had learned the identity of his wife’s lover: his 31-year-old nephew, Benjamin Cadwallader Chaires, son of Charles’ older brother Benjamin Chaires Jr. Ben, the nephew, lived close by. His plantation, Fauntleroy, was adjacent to Ever May, where he often attended to Charles’ mules, a point made in court hearings on the dissolution of marriage.

While Martha was in Tennessee, Charles was suspicious that Ben visited her. Martha’s written defense shows gossip was flowing: “I can send you a certificate from this family (with whom she boarded) that he made me no visit while here. It was by a mere accident that I even heard that he was here. If I am not mistaken, he only remained one

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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HISTORY  hearsay

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night. If he told Bro. Tom he wanted to see me before leaving Florida he certainly changed his mind.” Eventually, Charles discovered the affair had been going on since February 1876.

A year after his return from Ohio in October 1879, Charles wrote his will. Then on Nov. 17 in downtown Tallahassee, he and his nephew engaged in what a local newspaper referred to as a “shooting affray”: “Yesterday on Monroe Street, an encounter occurred between Ben C. Chaires and C.P. Chaires, in which several shots were exchanged, resulting in the wounding of the former in the left leg below the hip. The encounter was the result of a feud of long standing, growing out of domestic troubles.

Mr. Chaires’ wound is not considered a dangerous one. Both parties were promptly arrested, which, perhaps, prevented more bloodshed.”

Charles died — mysteriously — at the St. Marks Lighthouse on Aug. 17, 1881, before the judge decided the case.

His newspaper obituary — which did not appear until October — cites an incorrect date of death and offers no cause.

Both men were indicted for “carrying secret arms,” and Charles was indicted for “assault with intent to murder.”

Charles was imprisoned in the Leon County Jail until Dec. 4, 1880, when three associates put up bond to free him until the scheduled March disposition of the case. At that time, the indictments for carrying secret arms were transferred to the Leon County Justice of the Peace, and Charles’ indictment for murderous assault was dismissed.

On the same day that assault charges were dropped, Martha responded in the judge’s chambers to Charles’ charges of adultery. She stated that she had told him she was pregnant in September 1877, that she had lived with him executing her wifely duties until after the birth of the child, and that on his return from Ohio he had “kept himself aloof from her.” She had nothing to say, though, about what happened to the baby or why, if it had been Charles’ child, she left it in New Orleans.

Charles’ testimony later that year defied Martha’s version — and pulled no punches. He said they had lived apart since January 1878, and the cause was “her adultery with Ben C. Chaires at my residence on the Ever May Plantation in this county.” He also claimed that she had confessed everything.

A MYSTERIOUS DEATH, A LINGERING LAWSUIT

Charles died — mysteriously — at the St. Marks Lighthouse on Aug. 17, 1881, before the judge decided the case. His newspaper obituary — which did not appear until October — cites an incorrect date of death and offers no cause. According to a family story, Charles died of yellow fever, but this story’s many inaccuracies make the cause of death uncertain. Other facts are intriguing but not helpful: The executors of his estate paid the lighthouse keepers on Aug. 21 for “attention to Mr. Chaires,” and they paid individuals for hunting down and caring for his horse.

Charles is said to be buried in the graveyard at Verdura, but his grave marker is not visible today. He had purchased a plot in the cemetery at Atsena Otie Key, but it is doubtful his body would have been transported such a long distance in the summer heat.

It is not surprising that Charles did not include his estranged wife in his will, nor perhaps that Martha petitioned the court for dower from Charles’ estate. The executors made every attempt to keep her from benefiting. Litigation dragged on for 15 years before she was finally awarded acreage from the Ever May and Verdura plantations and income from both properties.

For once, hearsay worked in her favor. No one except Martha and Ben (who refused to testify) had firsthand knowledge of their affair — all other testimony the court considered hearsay, insufficient to refuse Martha her widow’s due.

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EPILOGUE

VERDURA Court costs associated with Martha’s dower petitions, the decline in cotton production and heavy mortgage debt resulted in the insolvency of Charles’ estate in 1896.

The only solution was to give Verdura over to creditors, and the plantation passed from the Chaires family. The ruins of the once-grand home are still visible but not accessible to the public.

BEN Benjamin Cadwallader Chaires continued to live and farm at Fauntleroy. He was a member of the 1897 Florida Legislature and became a well-respected resident of Leon County and the father of four daughters and one son. He died May 2, 1902, from “acute indigestion” (possibly appendicitis) and is buried in St. John’s Episcopal Cemetery in Tallahassee.

MARTHA In 1906, Martha married her sister’s widower, William Frank Thomas, in Thomasville. Although both daughter and widow of wealthy plantation owners, she was nevertheless working before the marriage as a “matron of sanitation.” She was a landlady when she died from a respiratory illness on Nov. 2, 1911. Martha’s grave is in the New Ochlocknee Baptist Church cemetery in Beachton — alone with neither of her husbands nor with family. Her parents, second husband (interred next to his first wife), and other family members are buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Thomasville. n Editor’s Note: This story was researched and written by Sharyn Heiland as part of her work on her master’s thesis in historic archaeology at Florida State University.

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

Spring 1987

LEGACY OF TWO FAMILIES The Betton and Meginniss Families Are Part of the City’s History and Its Present

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ABOUT THIS STORY The families who pioneered Tallahassee traded relative civilization for adventure in coming to Florida.

The associated risks were high. Yellow fever claimed the lives of many and fortunes once won sometimes went up in smoke.

876

T

he names of some of Tallahassee’s most familiar landmarks can be traced to two patriarchs who came here in the early 1800s. Betton Hills, Meginnis Arm (the road name is spelled with one “s”) Lively Area Vocational Technical School, the MeginnissMunroe House (home of LeMoyne Art Foundation) and Leonard Wesson Elementary School are all namesakes of either one of the two men or their descendants.

The men were Turbot R. Betton and George H. Meginniss, both from coastal Maryland. Both men were community leaders, wealthy merchants and probably the county’s largest landowners in their day. They were contemporaries, and the lives of their progeny would be intertwined through marriage, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles and cousins by the literal dozen. As one said, “I call them cousin, whether they may be kin to me or not, for fear of offending a relative.” Together or separately, for several generations the two families would produce some of Leon County’s leaders in education, law, medicine, land and real estate development, and the retail business. A list of the names of the descendants sounds like a roll call of Old Tallahassee: Meginniss, Oven, Munroe, Lively, Carraway, Skelton … but no Bettons. The last ones who lived here moved away years ago.

The story of how Turbot R. Betton and his first wife, Eliza, came to Tallahassee sounds daring, when told by granddaughter Emily Lively: “They joined several other adventurous young couples from Maryland who came to the new territory, looking for an exciting new life on the Florida frontier. (Historian Bertram Groene puts the date at about 1825, saying Turbot Betton and his father, George, opened a general store here in February of 1826.) “They landed at St. Marks, where my grandfather later had a large general store near the docks. The couples came overland to Tallahassee by horse-drawn coach.”

Foundational Families

By Hettie Cobb

For some of the happy group, the adventurous new life would end tragically. Eliza Betton would die of yellow fever in the epidemic of 1841 that struck the capital.

Turbot would make a fortune, lose much of it in the fire that followed the yellow fever plague two years later and regain it, only to lose it again during the Civil War. But first he would help start the territory’s first bank, the first railroad (a mule-drawn affair), the first learning institution (The Leon Academy) and the first Episcopal church, St. John’s.

After Eliza died, Turbot married again. He had only one child by his second wife, Sarah Ann, a daughter, Griselle, who married a druggist from Milledgeville, Matt Lively. Lively later bought a drugstore from Cheever Lewis, who sold his business to go into

Munroe children pose in front of their home at 133 N. Gadsden, ca. 1916. Present-Day Lemoyne Art Foundation is located in the original Meginniss-Munroe house at 125 N. Gadsden.

banking. (Lewis State Bank, now First Florida, was Florida’s oldest bank, and the Lewises are among the old banking families.) Matt and Griselle’s only child was a son, Lewis M. Lively, for whom the vocational school is named.

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

THE BETTONS OF BETTON HILLS

Soon after Turbot Betton arrived in Tallahassee, he bought about 1,200 acres from the Lafayette estate. It lay roughly between Thomasville and Centerville roads south to Seventh Avenue, and north to and including Noble Drive (Betton Woods), Goose Pond and Potter Road on the east.

Will Oven, son of Bershe Meginniss and W.J. Oven, remembers the “modest” home that the wealthy Betton built, near what is now Seventh and Lee avenues. The house was torn down after Gus Winthrop acquired it and began developing it as Betton Hills, naming the rather exclusive area for Turbot Betton.

THE MEGINNISS FAMILY

While Betton built his house in the country, his fellow pioneer George Meginniss built a somewhat more elaborate home almost within the shadow of the Capitol, at 123 N. Gadsden St. For the next hundred years, this oakshaded, white-frame house would be the home of several generations of Meginnisses and relatives.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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Brilliance in Bloom

HISTORY  hearsay Built in 1854, the house is now owned by Lemoyne Art Foundation. But long before it became a gallery, it was the home of the Ivan Munroe family. Betty Ann Munroe Skelton, great-granddaughter of George Meginnis and a distant cousin of Turbot Betton, remembers the place as a “happy house,” where she and her brother slid down the bannister and found a child’s paradise of adventure, exploring the shadowy corners of the cavernous basement. In 1954, the 100th birthday of the

I remember especially the beautiful, solid mahogany staircase.

I also remember how infuriated my mother was to find later that tenants had burned the staircase bannisters for firewood. Said they were cold and burned the wood to keep warm!

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old house, she and her brother discovered, and sampled, some communion wine the women from St. John’s handmade in the early 1900s.

“One sip cured us from wanting any more,” she recalled.

She and her sister Jett, who lost a long battle with cancer in September, invited fellow cheerleaders from Leon High School, and later FSU, to practice in their living and dining rooms.

“It shocked Daddy so to have all those energetic young girls jumping up and down in the house, that he actually had special supports put under the floors to make sure they would withstand all the activity,” she said.

Soon after George Meginniss came to Florida, he was joined by a nephew, Ben Meginniss, who helped him with the business. Several other brothers followed, among them Dan Meginniss, who like his Uncle George, became a big landholder. He owned several thousand acres along the southern tip of Lake Jackson, later called Meginniss Arm, and built a plantation house somewhat more elaborate than Betton’s.

Mary Harris, Ben Meginniss’ granddaughter, says she thinks her grandfather lived with his brother, Dan, for a while before he got married. In any case, Mary remembers visiting the old home as a child. It bore none of its original splendor.

“I remember especially the beautiful, solid mahogany staircase,” she said. “I also remember how infuriated my mother was to find later that tenants had burned the staircase bannisters for firewood. Said they were cold and burned the wood to keep warm!”

THE LIVELY FAMILY

When Lewis Lively was 5 years old, his parents, Matt and Griselle Betton Lively, died. He was raised by George Meginniss’ spinster daughter, Jessie. George, who died in 1895, had willed the house at 125 N. Gadsden to her. Lewis eventually moved away, but returned with his bride, Frances Scott of Quincy, when he got married, to live in one of the apartments. Lewis acquired the first Coca-Cola franchise here soon after the turn of the century and later converted it into a bottling company. It stayed in the family’s hands until a few years ago.

Lewis’ great passion was education.

Emily recalled how enthusiastic her father was about getting a vocational school started here: “It was during the Depression, and people couldn’t get jobs because they weren’t trained for anything. My father donated the vacant upstairs space of several downtown buildings he owned as a place to start training. Then he went around begging for equipment.

He loved doing this. The federal government would match with money anything the community would provide in equipment and services.

“With the coming of World War II, there was a great spurt in the need for trained mechanics and others to help in the war effort. Courses such as airplane and auto mechanics were added to the program. Thus the school grew and expanded rapidly.”

Emily, a wisp of a graying woman with a girlish chuckle and a steel trap memory, never married. She lives with her widowed sister Polly in the rambling old house their father built on the corner of North Gadsden and Park about 1910 — just down the street from the Charles Knott House, originally occupied by Dr. George Betton, son of Turbot and Eliza Betton. George was probably the territory’s first doctor.

When he came to Tallahassee from Newport, where he had been a physician for a few years, he lived and had his practice in the house.

Emily’s sister Polly married the late Wilson Carraway, who helped start the Tallahassee State Bank, now Barnett, and was in the Florida Senate for years, serving once as its president.

(Wilson Carraway is remembered as the rare bank president who would call up overdrawn depositors and tell them to bring him some money to cover a check!)

Emily and Polly’s only other sister, Winifred, was married to the late Leonard Wesson, a state road contractor who, like his brother-in-law Lewis Lively, also had a passion for education, and for whom the elementary school is named.

Raney Oven Jr., grandson of Bershe Meginniss Oven, said he wasn’t aware of all the achievements of his forebears and their descendants.

“I’ve always been proud of my roots in Tallahassee. Maybe all of that is why I love Tallahassee so much,” he said.

Said a young cousin, “The legacy left by all of them certainly gives our generation a lot to live up to!” n

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

MIDTOWN A Glance Backward and Fast-Forward, Slowly, Please

I

n our search for an ideal community, there’s no need to go to the drawing board. In the heart of Tallahassee, the area now called Midtown is what urban planners strive to create: a living, breathing community where businesses and homes rest happily side-by-side. It’s no contrived development but one that’s evolved since the turn of the 20th century.

How fitting it is that an enthusiastic, visionary group of entrepreneurs realizes that with a bit of direction, what has developed spontaneously as a living and working community can surpass the efforts of the most creative urban planners and architects. Diverse architectural styles — Arts and Crafts, Bungalow, Colonial Revival, Spanish Revival, Mediterranean Revival — are a natural occurrence in Midtown, and many buildings have been spared from thoughtless destruction. Both the “natural” and the “built” environments have created a compatible diversity through the years.

Within this architectural mix is an equally diverse blend of colorful, interesting people who have lived and worked here. They spanned the income scale and formed the core of the community during each decade. What a mix it was — and is. Memories are abundant. Although it would take a book to adequately recognize all the folks who lived and worked in my immediate neighborhood — a small part of what is now designated as Midtown — a few individuals stand out as reminders of those who contributed to the business and residential community.

I grew up on the corner of Thomasville Road and Fifth Avenue, where the new Manor@Midtown is being built. My telephone number was 826. It was my privilege to witness and participate in the leisurely, gracious lifestyle that sociologists would describe as ideal.

My grandfather, William Tennant Bannerman, was first to sign a petition allowing Ralph Duval to build Duval’s Grocery. The store was quite upscale for the time, on the site where Whataburger is now. Eventually, T.B. Byrd bought the business, which flourished until the 1960s. How nice it was to walk across the street from my house with my mother’s groceries or to call in an order that they charged and delivered.

Probably the only remaining continuous business is now the Paradise Grill. To the best of my knowledge,

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Jan/Feb 2005

An Urban Dreamscape

By Ann Bannerman Camp

ABOUT THIS STORY Tallahassee’s Midtown neighborhood exhibits many of the qualities that urban planners try to create. But, in its case, those characteristics emerged organically, not as the product of a preordained scheme.

Plus, inherent in Midtown is something that cannot be built into a planned community: a pervasive sense of history.

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37

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it started out as The Little Dipper, became Blue Heaven and then Mutt and Jeff ’s. Slaw dogs are still served at the current business in honor of Arthur Pichard and Jeff Dubose — the original Mutt and Jeff. The Chez Pierre restaurant was the home of Fred Carroll, who owned Capital City Ice Company and delivered ice in the days before widespread refrigeration. His wife, Clara, helped establish the Garden Club of Tallahassee. She made sure her yard was a fitting tribute to a variety of plant life.

Around the corner on Lafayette Circle off Sixth Avenue, Marguerite Steinmeyer taught piano. Many students went on to find successful careers in music after realizing piano lessons could actually be fun. The tinkling ivories wafted lovely melodies that could be heard in my house when our only air conditioners were wide-open windows.

Lucius Adolphus Yates, owner of Yates Grocery Company, a wholesale supplier, built his Thomasville Road home on the site that now houses an oil-changing business. He proudly owned the only private pool in town, which he generously shared with children and teenagers in the neighborhood.

All the young people in our neighborhood anticipated the few glorious days — usually in the spring and summer — when one of the two paved streets, Seventh Avenue or Williams Street, was blocked off by the city to provide a place for roller skaters to hone their skills. What a change from trying to skate in streets made of nothing more than packed red clay.

Many homeowners had detached garages with second stories that were used as garage apartments and often rented to young married couples or single professionals.

Jack Culpepper, founder of the still-flourishing Culpepper Construction Company, had one of these on his Fifth Avenue property, as did Frank Winthrop on the corner of Third Avenue and Thomasville Road. His home now houses the Tallahassee Ballet and The Parlor.

Farther north, the Winthrop property, later developed as Betton Hills, was known as Horse Hill and provided many courting couples a place to “park.” On moonlit nights, the hills were packed with cars. In the neighborhood, rental properties stood proudly beside those of homeowners, and many owners of fine homes rented rooms and served meals to a more temporary population. Mrs. Ethel Bell, whose lovely home sat where the Waterworks is now, was one of those who did so.

Even then the value of mixed land and home use was apparent. Monroe Street, always a bit ahead of Thomasville Road in commercial development, was home to both Tully’s and Gatlin’s stores. These predecessors to today’s quick-stop stores offered a little bit of many kinds of merchandise, and many proprietors lived next to the businesses. It makes just as good sense today for innovators Julian Mathis and Phil Summers to live happily above the Midtown Design Center.

A great old idea — creating a sense of community and reducing urban sprawl — is reborn.

How fitting that Midtown is enjoying a revival as the successful living and working environment it has always been. What was once one of the most beautiful and successful mixed-use areas in Tallahassee is enjoying a renaissance.

Those of us who have been a part of its history applaud the effort. What has worked for more than a century is bound to be successful again. n

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

NAMES OF DOWNTOWN PARKS REFLECT CITY’S HISTORY

C

an you name all seven of Tallahassee’s downtown parks? If so, you’re unusual. Many people don’t realize that there are seven parks, or that each is named for an individual. Originally the strip that encompasses the parks was a 200-foot wide buffer zone surrounding the city and intended to protect the residents from the Indians in the area.

At that time, it was simply a wide road meandering among groves of trees and through small open patches of land, but it eventually became the hub of a growing city and played a dominant role in its development.

The northern boundary of what was once known as Two Hundred Foot Street remains today as Park Avenue, lined with governmental and commercial buildings, churches and so many historic houses that it has been placed on the National Register as the Park Avenue Historic District.

The three center parks — Leon, Bloxham and McCarty — have always been prominent in Tallahassee’s public life, while the eastern and western portions evolved into residential neighborhoods of distinctly different characteristics.

Until 1905, Two Hundred Foot Street was officially called McCarty Street, when it was renamed Park Avenue, although the only part of the strip that actually served as a park was Lewis Park, known at that time simply as “The Green.”

It was on The Green, beneath the same majestic live oak tree still standing, that the daughters of prominent Tallahassee residents celebrated May Day, complete with a dance around the May Pole, and vied with each other for the honor of being crowned the May Queen.

678

Spring 1983

Green Spaces

By Allen Woodruff

ABOUT THIS STORY Tallahassee was at one time surrounded by a buffer zone that served to allay fears that relative newcomers to North Florida had about people they referred to as Indians.

That strip of land has been preserved in part in the form of downtown parks.

The western edge of the park area once was designated as a public burying ground, and although it has long since been purchased by both the city and St. John’s Episcopal Church, it remains as Tallahassee’s oldest cemetery. It holds a cross-section of the city’s inhabitants, ranging from governors to slaves, and includes the graves of some 200 Confederate soldiers. An obelisk in the Episcopal Cemetery marks the graves of Napoleon’s nephew, Prince Achille Murat, and his wife, Catherine.

1. Cherokee Park 2. Peck Greene Park 3. McCarthy Park 4. Ponce DeLeon Park 5. Bloxham Park 6. Lewis Park 7. Genevieve Randolph Park

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HISTORY  hearsay Until the 1880s, there were no formal parks in the city of Tallahassee. However, when the old Leon Hotel was planned, the builders decided to construct a park opposite the hotel, and they named it Leon Park. This was the beginning of Tallahassee’s downtown park area.

In 1885, Capt. William C. Lewis, a prominent resident whose mansion fronted the 200-foot-wide strip, asked for and obtained permission from the City Council to plant a second park opposite his home. The park was 340 feet long and 120

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Until the 1880s, there were no formal parks in the city of Tallahassee.

However, when the old Leon Hotel was planned, the builders decided to construct a park opposite the hotel, and they named it Leon Park. This was the beginning of Tallahassee’s downtown park area. feet wide on each side, with a drive 40 feet wide bordering it.

It was the plan for Lewis Park that established the pattern for the rest of the downtown parks that followed.

A group of local women, headed by Genevieve Randolph, formed the Tallahassee Improvement Association in 1891 and within the next 10 years had planted and named five more city parks along what was once McCarty Street.

The first park, between Gadsden and Meridian streets was named for Mrs. Randolph; the next park, between Calhoun and Monroe streets, honored William D. Bloxham, a Tallahasseean who had served two terms as Florida’s governor in the late 19th century; and the last three parks were named Lafayette (between Adams and Duval streets), Cherokee (between Duval and Bronough streets) and Duval Park, which lies between Bronough and Boulevard streets.

The work of the Tallahassee Improvement Association was carried on by the Tallahassee Woman’s Club and by the Tallahassee Garden Club. In 1938, in cooperation with the city, these groups permanently named and planted all seven of the downtown parks.

Leon, Lewis, Bloxham and Randolph parks all retained their original names, but the three western parks were renamed. One was named for the first Secretary of the Florida Territory, William M. McCarty; the second, for E. Peck Greene, a longtime leader in the city’s beautification efforts; and the third park was named Cherokee in honor of that variety of rose. n

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T a l l a h a s s e e s y m p h o n y

.

o r g

HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

BRADFORDVILLE THROUGH THE EYES OF YESTERDAY

678

Fall 1987

Cotton, Then Quail

F

rom cotton to quail to upscale living — each of these in turn has typified Bradfordville, the north Leon county community where 150 years of history lie just beneath the surface of daily life.

Not much of this history is written. It lives in the names, memories and possessions of today’s residents.

It appears in the casual talk about ancestors who first tamed the wildlands after the Florida Territory was bought by the United States in 1821.

Each era left its indelible mark on the community; they are still there for today’s residents to see and remember.

Dr. Edward Bradford came in 1832, and soon was followed by his three brothers, Thomas, Henry and Richard. All were well-educated North Carolinians, descended from the Mayflower Bradfords of Massachusetts. The community became their namesake and monument.

Remaining today from the cotton era that began in the 1830s is the Pine Hill cemetery where Dr. Bradford and many of his descendants and related families are buried. A three-story manor house, from which he ran his self-sufficient plantations, stood in front of the cemetery.

The house passed into the ownership of Bradford’s daughter, Susan, and his son-in-law, Nicholas Eppes, but it was abandoned after Eppes was murdered in 1904. The house slowly disintegrated but, according to family members, not before trespassing Tallahasseeans removed Dr. Bradford’s books and other valuables.

One original cotton plantation house — Oaklawn — still stands sturdily beside Bannerman Road. The home was built by Capt. William Lester more than 150 years

By Paul and Martee Wills

ABOUT THIS STORY The north Leon County community of Bradfordville, pioneered by a doctor and his three brothers from North Carolina, was sharecropper country until the boll weevil wiped out cotton and quail became Bradfordville’s leading “crop.” Rich quail-planting Northerners bought up large tracts of land largely for recreational pursuits.

Eventually, those large tracts would be subdivided and see the development of fine homes and commercial enterprises.

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HISTORY  hearsay

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ago when he established his plantation there. Pine timbers and boards, held by wooden pegs and square nails, show marks of hand tools throughout. Two giant magnolias as old as the house shade the front. It is now the home of Mrs. John Lauder, whose late husband was manager of Water Oak Plantation when it was owned by Miss Frances Griscom as a quail preserve.

Early in the present century, Bradfordville had three large mercantile stores. One stood where Chesley Rehberg, the unofficial “mayor,” ran his store 23 years prior to selling it last year. The others were across Thomasville Road, and the largest was that of “Judge” J.E. Whitehead, whose title stemmed from his Justice of the Peace office. He held court in a room adjoining the store, and elsewhere in the building a post office was operated. In recent years, the Rehbergs also ran a mail receiving office, though they did not distribute the mail. Three of Judge Whitehead’s children still are living in the Tallahassee area and are the great-grandchildren of Dr. Edward Bradford. They are Ruth Whitehead Roberts, Margaret Whitehead Laird and James Whitehead. Another brother, Richard, also is represented by three living greatgrandchildren — Martha Bradford Roberts, Emma Bradford Parker and Richard Henry Bradford.

Other tangible history from early this century includes two schoolhouses. One was the one-room school now standing near the Moby Dick restaurant; in it, the Whiteheads and many other children learned to read. The little white building now serves as a community meeting place and voting precinct. The other is Lake McBride School, which closed in the 1960s. Pisgah Methodist Church, established in 1830 and one of the county’s oldest, always has served some Bradfordville members. The Wickery, a gift shop in a converted barn, was the place where illegal cockfights were quietly held in the 1940s for betting visitors.

Fortunately for Bradfordville, the quail plantations began developing before cotton was obliterated by the boll weevil.

In the 1890s, rich Northerners came to hunt the abundant quail thriving amid the primitive agriculture practiced by the sharecroppers. Soon the visitors began buying up huge acreages for themselves. Most of the land in Bradfordville was purchased beginning in 1901 by C.A. Griscom, a Philadelphia industrialist and father of Miss Frances Griscom. Eventually, he owned thousands of acres south of Lake Iamonia. Other quail planters located nearby, and only now are their recreational enterprises giving way to other land uses.

While some quail plantations remain, the land increasingly is being developed for real estate of a very high type. Killearn Lakes Plantation showed the way with its vast operation, every inch of which was carefully planned and well maintained. There are miles of paved roads and many hundreds of fine homes among the pines and oaks of these beautiful hills.

Commercial development at the crossroads includes the restaurant and gift shops but also a shopping center, convenience store and a veterinarian. Further commercial development is just around the corner. Hundreds of residents travel daily to jobs in Tallahassee. Everywhere, there is the look and atmosphere of pleasant, relaxed and healthy country living.

Amid so many visible relics of past eras, it is not difficult for today’s residents to remember that their lawns were yesterday’s quail reservation or cattle pasture and yesteryear’s cotton plantation. n

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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APALACHICOLA . ST. GEORGE ISLAND . CARRABELLE . EASTPOINT . ALLIGATOR POINT

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Visit Saltyflorida.com to enter to win a weekend getaway to experience cultural events and activities happening in Franklin County beginning in early 2016. The Dixie Theatre in Historic Apalachicola begins its 19th Annual Professional Season in January with the Tallahassee Swing Band, the Pas de Vie Ballet and a Ragtime Piano concert in addition to a full lineup of theatre performances that will run through March. A new culture alliance marries modern jazz and classical performances as part of the Ilse Newell InConcert Series beginning in January. Pair this with dozens of museums, galleries and art exhibits and you have a weekend of coastal culture.

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www.SaltyFlorida.com/tm 48 November–December 2015

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

THE YEAR WE ALMOST LOST THE PANHANDLE

T

here once was a year in which Alabama offered to buy Florida’s Panhandle — and Florida almost agreed to sell!

It was in 1869 that representatives of Alabama and Florida actually signed a cession agreement that would have given to Alabama all of the land west of the Apalachicola River, an area that included 27,000 people and harbors at Pensacola, St. Joe and Apalachicola. In return, Alabama would pay $1 million in 8 percent bonds, payable in 30 years.

When residents of the area were asked their opinion in an election, they agreed: 1,162 voted in favor, while 681 were opposed.

This wasn’t the first time, nor the last, that Alabama had sought a wider border on the Gulf. At least seven times between 1811 and 1901, Alabama petitioned for cession of western Florida. Indeed, the latest effort was only 20 years ago when the Alabama Legislature discussed the possibility of buying just the area west of the eastern shore of Pensacola Bay — including, by the way, the city of Pensacola. Needless to say, Florida wasn’t selling.

But in 1869, a sale was almost made. The Alabama Legislature sent three commissioners to Florida to propose cession. This was no new thing because Florida had almost developed as two territories, one centered on St. Augustine and a western one under Pensacola. Western Florida had, at that time, strong bonds of kinship, trade, culture and geography with

678

Spring 1984

Lower Alabama

By William L. Needham

ABOUT THIS STORY Among those who today refer to the Florida Panhandle as the Redneck Riviera or L.A. — Lower Alabama — are few who know that Alabama once came close to acquiring Florida from Apalachicola to Pensacola. Today, Alabama’s offer of $1 million seems preposterous. In Bay County, more than $1 million in bed taxes was collected in the first seven months of 2015.

Eglin Air Force Base in the western Panhandle has a $3.7 billion annual impact on the local economy.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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south Alabama, and extending Alabama to the Gulf seemed a “natural” idea.

In response to the visit of the Alabama commissioners, the Florida Legislature authorized the governor to appoint a committee to confer on cession of West Florida. On May 19, 1869, a cession agreement was signed and an election arranged for.

Alabama Gov. David Lewis, an ardent annexationist, urged the Alabama Legislature to approve the agreement “in ringing terms worthy of an advocate of Manifest Destiny.”

Lewis said that West Florida was designed “by the laws of nature” to be part of Alabama.

Alabama Gov. David Lewis, an ardent annexationist, urged the Alabama Legislature to approve the agreement “in ringing terms worthy of an advocate of Manifest Destiny.” Lewis said that West Florida was designed “by the laws of nature” to be part of Alabama. “The necessities of commerce, the outlets to the great highways of the world’s trade and travel, reciprocal wants, necessities and benefits,” he said, cried for annexation. In 1873, the Alabama Legislature agreed and approved the arrangement (though not without opposition).

Meanwhile, enthusiasm in Florida had cooled. Gov. Harrison Reed had come to oppose the project. He offered the view that he couldn’t believe that many people of Florida “seriously entertained the idea of ceding one-fifth of their territory and population, and the finest harbor in the gulf, for such an insignificant consideration.”

If Reed felt that $1 million was insignificant, one wonders what price would have been acceptable?

The Florida Legislature took no action, and the issue died. But for one brief time, 115 years ago in May, West Florida was on the auction block, and the highest bid was almost accepted. n

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

May/June 1995

t was a time of conjecture and even mystery. Strange words like “scoria,” “ash,” “pumice” and even “volcano” seemed to hang on every lip. All eyes strained toward the southeast where, some 30 miles distant from Tallahassee, in the heart of the great Wakulla Swamp, a column of dense smoke rose almost daily, year after year, never varying in its location. Numerous theories as to the origin of the smoke abounded: a “lost” volcano, a moonshine still, a camp of renegade Seminole Indians, even perhaps the Devil’s Tar Pit, replete with its legion of lost souls. During the 1870s and 1880s, numerous expeditions were launched to solve the smoky enigma, but all returned disgruntled, defeated. It was, as one New York newspaper aptly put it, “one of the greatest mysteries of our century.”

Following is a series of legends that have long puzzled both citizens and historian alike and — who knows? — some of them could actually be true!

THE WAKULLA VOLCANO

There are actually two accounts of the famous volcano of the Wakulla Swamp: the conventional one, as depicted in the articles and books of various authors and reporters (usually not native Floridians), and a somewhat different one gleaned from the local literature (especially newspapers) of the day. The conventional story runs something like this: From the earliest days of Florida’s settlement, perhaps even going back to deSoto’s invasion of the state in 1539, there has been seen from any high elevation in or near Tallahassee a large column of smoke emanating from the Wakulla Swamp some 30 miles southeast of the city.

Various expeditions sought the source of the smoke but all of them failed, their members returning exhausted and ill from yellow fever, malaria and even snake bites.

A certain northern newspaper (usually cited as the New York Herald) even offered the sum of $10,000 to anyone

52 November–December 2015

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ABOUT THIS STORY Florida has spawned more than its share of myths, tall tales and fanciful legends.

Tales of lost gold, sunken cities, ghostly apparitions, sea monsters and the like abound. And what’s to be made of the Wakulla volcano, a phenomenon that suddenly disappeared due, some say, to a seismic shift in South Carolina.

876

THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH KEEPS LOCAL LEGENDS ALIVE I

Mystery and Myth

By Scott Knoblock

who could solve the mystery — a reward that was never collected.

In 1886, a major earthquake rocked the city of Charleston, South Carolina. In Florida, church bells in St. Augustine were set to ringing and the water in Lake Jackson suddenly vanished. Only minor structural damage occurred in Tallahassee itself, but this was nothing compared with what happened to the volcano: It disappeared! No doubt a hapless victim of “subterranean commotions,” its smoky plume was never again seen rising over the North Florida landscape. Recent research, especially in period newspapers, provides, however, a considerably different story.

Accounts that the volcano smoke was sighted as far back as the 1820s, or even back to deSoto’s arrival, seem

insupportable. Instead, a shorter lifespan from about 1875 to 1893 appears far more likely. Concerning the numerous attempts to locate the volcano, however, there can be no question. In 1875, an expedition sailed from St. Marks, eastward along the Gulf coast to the mouth of the Pinhook River (about 10 miles east of the St. Marks lighthouse). Nearing the mouth of the river, the members were surprised to see a town with chimneys and “gable ends of houses.” It soon proved, however, to be a “mirage,” with the large rocks of “Red Fish Dar” supplying the “chimneys.” Suggestively, the expedition leader mentions that in addition to the “cool water” stored aboard, “other fluids” were available to party members.

Traveling up the Pinhook River, the expedition plunged into the dense swamp. They soon discovered an “immense rock rising to the height of 100 feet from its base.” It appeared to be an “inverted cone” and was “undoubtedly the cone of an extinct volcano.” Fragments of the rock were reported to be light like pumice, and an abundance of “scoria” and “ashes” were found near the scene of the “volcanic disturbance.” The most amazing incident of the expedition was, however, also a rather amusing one.

One dark night, the explorers were startled to see “an immense glare in the heavens, just in the direction of the volcano.” Determining it to be about five miles distant,

Accounts that the volcano smoke was sighted as far back as the 1820s, or even back to deSoto’s arrival, seem insupportable.

Instead, a shorter lifespan from about 1875 to 1893 appears far more likely. they began hacking their way toward it. It proved to be a devilishly long trip. All night was consumed without the volcano getting any nearer. It was not until the group returned to Tallahassee that they discovered that what

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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HISTORY  hearsay

they had actually been pursuing was a large fire in the business district of Monticello, some 20 miles away!

Probably the most famous of all expeditions occurred in 1876. Financially underwritten by the New York Herald, it spent 10 fruitless days searching the swamp.

One expedition member became locally notorious by falling out of a tall tree that he had climbed to get a better view of the smoke. The reporter accompanying the expedition allegedly became ill with fever and died before the group could return to Tallahassee. Once back in town, the party members refused to talk about their experiences, saying that a full account would appear in an upcoming issue of the New York Herald. Strangely enough, a careful perusal of the 1876 editions of the newspaper shows that it was never published.

Throughout the 1880s, the volcano sightings increased. The New York Times, quoting the Tallahassee Patriot of June 12, 1880, reported that a loud rumbling noise from the volcano was frequently heard in Wakulla County. The sound was so intense that it caused the sleeping family of a Mr. Frank Duggle to “get up and run outdoors, thinking another earthquake was at hand.” The volcanic discharge itself resembled “a large fire shooting its flaming tongue high up into the upper realms, frequently reflected back by passing clouds.”

Probably the biggest misconception about the Wakulla volcano is that it vanished after the 1886 Charleston earthquake. What actually seems to have happened is that the volcano went “dormant” (no sightings) for about four years, then reappeared. In 1890, J.C. Powell, in his classic book “The American Siberia,” noted that at night, under favorable atmospheric conditions, a “strange vivid illumination” lit up the sky to the southwest of his convict work camp in Jefferson County. He scoffed at the idea that it was an illicit moonshine still, but he could not explain its origin.

Finally, in 1891, the Jasper News reported that the smoke from the volcano was easily seen daily from the top of the Leon County Courthouse.

In 1893, the unthinkable finally happened — the volcano was proclaimed found! In an account that has a ring of authenticity to it, a phosphate prospector named Martin claimed to have discovered an “expanse of burning earth” deep within the swamp. The air was filled with smoke and the ground honeycombed with holes made by fire. A booming sound, like that of a cannon, was also frequently heard.

He found no “crater,” ash, scoria, pumice, or volcanic material of any type. Instead, he observed that the ground was covered with a layer of thick roots and “coarse vegetable fibers protected by a waterproof moss,

like an immense peat bog.” It was this vegetable layer that had burned for untold years. After 1893, reports of the volcano’s smoke cease. In 1894, a large expedition financed by the Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville) combed the swamp but could find neither a crater nor even a wisp of the fabled smoke.

As the 20th century dawned, the volcano slowly slipped into history, a curiosity remembered by only a few old-timers who had been lucky enough to see the smoke from the “wonder of the Wakulla Swamp.”

TALES OF LOST TREASURE

Although lacking in precious metals and minerals, North Florida’s Gulf coast is nonetheless rich in stories of lost gold and pirate treasure. Her sparsely inhabited coastline was the haunt of various well-known pirates, including Blackbeard, Jean Lafitte, Billy Bowlegs and others. Even today, old-timers talk about secret finds, and occasionally an old gold coin will be found along the beach after a particularly severe storm.

On Bald Point, in Wakulla County, Billy Bowlegs supposedly buried three chests near an old palm tree.

He fixed the location by carving special marks into the tree. Nearby is a small freshwater spring with marked stones encircling it. Near the mouth of the Ochlockonee River are buried several chests of pirate gold. Supposedly, after crossing the bridge over the

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HISTORY  hearsay river, a large Indian mound, on the left-hand side, marks the treasure site. In the 1920s, state highway workers allegedly dug up the area searching for the booty, but none was found.

Probably the most famous lost-treasure story involves the small town of St. Marks. A Spanish gunboat loaded with $5 million in gold foundered off St. Marks. Fearful of pirates, the captain of the vessel buried the gold ashore. After doing so, he returned to his wrecked vessel, from which he and his

On Bald Point, in Wakulla County, Billy Bowlegs supposedly buried three chests near an old palm tree.

He fixed the location by carving special marks into the tree.

Nearby is a small freshwater spring with marked stones encircling it. crew were rescued by a ship bound for Peru. In the ensuing years, several members of the gunboat’s crew returned to the area to find where the treasure had been secreted. None, however, were successful.

During the Civil War, a local resident of St. Marks, known only as Mr. Smith, somehow came across a map of the treasure site. The spot was indicated by three large trees, into one of which an iron spike had been driven. Finding the tree with the spike in it, Mr. Smith began digging. Day after day went by as he unsuccessfully sought the hidden gold. Armed with only spades and shovels and being an elderly man, he was soon exhausted and discouraged. Finally, the Civil War came to an end and he was financially ruined, losing most of his slaves and property.

After the war, other citizens took up the quest. One of these was George Ladd, son of Daniel Ladd, one of the founders of the nearby ghost town of Magnolia. Unfortunately, he and his assistants could not agree on how the treasure should be divided once it had been found, and they eventually gave up the search. Today, the treasure slumbers unmolested, mocking the dreams of all who tried to find it. But hope remains eternal, and perhaps someday the marshes near St. Marks will be persuaded to give up their golden secret.

THE MYSTERY OF ORCHARD POND

North Florida’s many lakes and ponds have long been a source of universal wonder and amazement. Many of them have the unsettling habit of periodically going dry, their waters vanishing into subterranean outlets. Others flood frequently, inundating nearby property and homes. A few even are formed when the roofs of underground caverns collapse and the resulting depression fills with water. These foundations are usually referred to as “sinks” or “sinkholes.”

Orchard Pond, in northern Leon County, is perhaps the most intriguing of such formations. According to local legend, the bottom of this pond was once a large peach orchard.

One day in the early 1820s or 1830s, water began gushing from underground and kept rising until if had covered the entire orchard. Although no one was drowned in the flood, numerous farm buildings and several homes were submerged.

At least until the 1930s, locals claimed that many of these structures could still be seen on the bottom. A calm, windless day was best, with the sun nearly directly overhead.

It is tempting to dismiss the Orchard Pond legend as historical nonsense, but one wonders. In 1829, the Key West Register noted that the surface of nearby Lake Jackson had recently dropped 10 feet. Astonishingly, Indian cabins and peach trees suddenly became visible on the lake bottom!

Today, the pond is privately owned and is not open to the public. Bass and bream, not historical relics, are most often brought up from its crystalline depths. Yet old-timers still smile knowingly at the mention of Orchard Pond, and allow that although history may tell some dubious tales, it tells some unbelievably true ones as well. n

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

678

Fall 1984

LEGENDS AND LORE OF NORTH FLORIDA

Foremost Folklorist

W

By George Fleming

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

hen folklorist J. Russell Reaver talks of the legends and lore of North Florida, nature listens. A thunderstorm appeared just minutes into an interview at his Tallahassee home. Then the power went off, shrouding his basement study in darkness. Perhaps a warning to let rest certain old tales?

Reaver only smiled at nature being so accommodating.

A scholar who has tracked down folklore for decades, and a professor of American literature at Florida State University since 1947, Reaver has every right to be at ease with the unusual and the seemingly coincidental.

When it comes to folklore, he has few rivals in the United States, and particularly in Florida. John Fenstermaker, chairman of FSU’s English department, pointed out, “Russell Reaver is an institution of folklore who is known nationally and internationally.”

Reaver’s accomplishments are most impressive.

He helped found and is past president of the Florida Folklore Society. Among his nine published books is “Fundamentals of Folk Literature,” and some of his many articles and reviews have appeared in Southern Folklore Quarterly and the Journal of American Folklore. His travels around the country have paid off handsomely; in 1972, Reaver donated more than 2,000 manuscripts of American tall tales to the Library of Congress’ folklore archives.

“Dr. Reaver is one of the most widely read scholars I have known,” said Bruce Bickley, associate dean of FSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. “His teaching and research integrate impressively his several areas of expertise — folklore, music, literary criticism and 19thand 20th-century literature.”

During the interview, Reaver centered on largerthan-life figures and peculiar places of the Florida Panhandle. We interrupt him only long enough to set the stage. So pull up a chair, settle back and listen to a veteran storyteller weave a yarn or two.

ABOUT THIS STORY J. Russell Reaver, founder of the Florida Folklore Society and for many years a professor of American literature at Florida State University, was a researcher, scholar and a collector and teller of stories. A favorite concerned the namesake for Tate’s Hell Swamp and his encounter with a bald giant in the wilds inland of Carrabelle. Tate emerged from the encounter and the swamp unscathed, save for the fact that his jet black hair had turned white.

Florida State University professor J. Russell Reaver speaking at the 1954 Florida Folk Festival in White Springs, Florida.

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HISTORY  hearsay

Reaver first spoke of Prince Murat, a nephew to Napoleon Bonaparte who moved to Tallahassee in 1825.

A year later, he married Catherine Willis Gray, a greatgrandniece of George Washington.

“A good many of the older people around here know that Murat and his wife are buried in the Old City Cemetery, the only royalty I know of that are actually buried in Tallahassee,” Reaver said. “But he’s not really remembered because he was related to Emperor Napoleon so much as for his eccentric kind of character.

He apparently was a difficult man to get along with.

There was a sort of mischievous or unthinking side to his personality.

“His habits were interesting and varied. Perhaps one of the most typical kind of incidents was a dinner party he had where he invited friends from the North, which was supposed to be a more civilized part of the country at that time.

“At the party, the guests tended to emphasize the unusual kind of meat that was the main entree. They learned from Murat that they had been eating buzzard.

“Perhaps one of the least disagreeable aspects of this local hero’s personality was that he used chewing tobacco a great deal and was usually provided with a spittoon wherever he went. He was never upset, though, when there wasn’t one available, because he often took his big, shaggy dog with him and spit tobacco juice into its thick fur. Another floating kind of story was that Murat liked to experiment with wild plants and flowers of the countryside. One day when his wife wasn’t home, he put together a mixture of all sorts of plants and cooked them in an open pot.

“He determined that he had created a dye of a reddish-pink shade, the story says, but he didn’t have any way to be sure that his dye would take to different kinds of fabric. As a result, he went upstairs and took all of his wife’s dresses from her closet and dunked them into the pot. So when his wife returned, she found an entirely pink wardrobe,” Reaver said.

THE DEADLY WATERFALL

The folklorist then shifted to late in the 19th century and told the tale of the rise and fall of Tallahassee’s Cascades.

“There used to be a waterfall down by the place where the Tallahassee railroad station is. People called the waterfall there the Cascades,” Reaver said. “It is still remembered that it used to be a very beautiful spot, which may have been one of the reasons why the original men, one coming from St. Augustine and the other

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

THE ECCENTRIC PRINCE

Prince Achille Murat

… He invited friends from the North, which was supposed to be a more civilized part of the country at that time.

At the party, the guests tended to emphasize the unusual kind of meat that was the main entree.

They learned from Murat that they had been eating buzzard. from Pensacola, decided this would be the ideal place for starting the new capital of the state of Florida.”

“Be that as it may, the Cascades was a pivot for political activities in Tallahassee. And this makes sense if you can imagine that the seven hills around Tallahassee, which make it resemble Rome in many people’s minds, have their more or less accurate center in the Cascades.

“People enjoyed this area until 1880, when a woman named Mrs. Lewis Lively, it is said, became very depressed and deliberately walked into the Cascades, where she drowned.

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HISTORY  hearsay

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1839 Lithograph from a drawing by Comte Francis de Castelnau of “The Cascades”

“The people in town became so horrified that they thought they had better just fill up the place all together so that no one could ever commit suicide in the Cascades again.

“They went ahead, then, and hauled a tremendous amount of earth until they managed to stop the falls. But they weren’t able to stop the source of the Cascades. The water is still running under the city of Tallahassee and is known as the Old St. Augustine Branch,” Reaver said.

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The next story takes us to Carrabelle, a nearby fishing village on the Gulf coast. Noted for its catches of shrimp, oyster and mullet, Reaver said, Carrabelle also is known for its dense inland swamps inhabited by the rare Florida black or hog bear that attracts hunters.

“The fullest version of Tate of this countryside came to me from members of the huge Crum family, who have lived in that region for generations and are great fishermen and talkers,” Reaver said. “So I’m giving you mainly the Crum family version of Tate’s Hell, although you will find it in several other versions, including a ballad and even a recent movie. I think this is an example of how a story can be known only in bits and pieces. Here, I think, is the fullest version that has ever been given.

“Tate’s Hell is actually a swamp on the other side of Carrabelle. It’s very spooky looking, and the legend goes that no man who has gone into Tate’s Hell has ever come out; that is, except Mr. Tate himself.

“Tate was a fisherman from Carrabelle who was big and strong and had long curly black hair. He had heard about this swamp since he was a little boy, so he decided to explore it as soon as he became a man.

“He started out when he was in his early twenties. He entered the swamp all alone, doing it this way because he didn’t want to be responsible for anyone else. And also because he didn’t have too many volunteers to go with him.

“After Tate had been gone for several weeks, with nothing bothering him except the gators, the panthers and the

snakes, he came across a huge clearing that sat high and dry. It had green grass growing everywhere and one big oak sticking right in the middle of the clearing.

“Tate decided to rest for awhile. He leaned against this big oak, and no sooner had he closed his eyes when he saw this vision, or perhaps a dream. There standing right in front of him was this giant man. He just stood there and looked at Tate. And Tate just looked at him, too afraid to do anything else.

“The only strange thing about this giant was that he was completely bald. This giant motioned for Tate to follow him, and they started off through the swamp, with Tate trying to go as fast as he could to keep up with the giant’s huge strides.

“After what seemed an eternity to Tate, they came to another clearing that was much larger and prettier than the other one. Here there were other giants and several giant women. Tate used to say he had never seen such beautiful women in all his life. They had long black hair and a kind of olive-white skin.

“It seemed these giants took a liking to Tate, mostly because of his long curly black hair. These giants liked him so much they decided to give him one of their women. Tate was deeply flattered, as any man would be.

“After about two weeks of living in this paradise, Tate started to lose weight and his black hair started to turn gray.

One night he decided he’d best get out of there while he could, because these giants were strange people and, besides, this woman was just a little too much for him.

It seemed these giants took a liking to Tate, mostly because of his long curly black hair. These giants liked him so much they decided to give him one of their women. Tate was deeply flattered, as any man would be.

“So he sneaked away and ran all the way back to Carrabelle.

When he got there, he didn’t have a scratch on him, and everyone was amazed. The only thing that had happened to him was that his beautiful black hair had turned to white,” Reaver said.

Reaver reflected for a moment on the importance of these Florida tales.

“They are emotional, even illogical,” he said. “But they are very human.”

An enchanted swamp, an ill-fated waterfall and an eccentric nobleman — all local tales still alive and well, thanks in part to folklorists like J. Russell Reaver. n

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

Nov/Dec 1993

he letter was angry in its tone … ‘‘I am a production expert with street smarts.

I want those idle rich in Killearn to dig up that blasted golf course and plant potatoes. They aren’t producing anything. All they do is hold a stopwatch over other people and dance their lives away at country clubs and resorts.”

Published as a letter to the editor in the Tallahassee Democrat, it raised the ire of those on the north side who read or heard about it. Once again, the wedge that divides the north and south was being driven ever deeper.

The northeast side of town, with Killearn as its representative, was being positioned as home to the affluent and privileged class. But people who live there disagree with the portrayal.

Dorothy Reiner, a resident of Killearn Estates for five years, says, “Everybody targets Killearn, and it’s unwarranted. These are not rich here; they are hard-working people. And some have a lot more money than others.”

The perception that all people with money are somehow privileged is also misguided.

“The so-called ‘idle rich’ are the ones who create jobs,” she says.

Reiner isn’t surprised by the resentment, though.

Her experience has been that every town or community has a north and south boundary that serves as a divider of social classes.

The reason is that often the land on one side of town is developed later and conforms to more stringent regulations, making it inevitable that the homes and buildings are more modern. Aesthetics alone act as a conduit for newer development, which often leaves another part of town lagging.

But trying to blame the people who make their homes in the newer areas for the decline is ludicrous, says Reiner.

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ABOUT THIS STORY The roots of a north vs. south dynamic in Tallahassee may be found in the soil, itself.

Land in the northeast part of town given to lakes and soil of a high quality would give rise to affluent neighborhoods — and resentment from other quarters. But, as is often the case, such dichotomies are the result of oversimplification as much as anything else.

876

IS TALLAHASSEE’S GROWTH PART OF A MASTER PLAN, OR A NATURAL EVOLUTION? T

LAND QUALITY STARTS THE TREND

Two sides of the tracks

By Julie S. Bettinger

Will Butler, a real estate consultant and appraiser with Boutin, Brown, Butler Real Estate Services, says he’s also seen the north-versus-south mentality in other communities.

“It’s one side of the tracks versus the other side of the tracks in just about every community,” he says. “It’s a natural progression for residential developments.”

A quality development like Killearn can start a chain reaction, and people will pay a premium to be next to the Joneses.

“Atlanta and Orlando are good examples,” he says. More desirable developments become a magnet for growth, and they can drastically alter the demographics of an area.

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

NEW YEAR’S DAY PARTY AT THE MACLAYS — KILLEARN GARDENS, FLORIDA, 1929. Killearn Plantation and Gardens (later Maclay Gardens after 1965) were planted and designed by Alfred Barmore Maclay starting in 1923. Maclay featured camellias as the “backbone” of the gardens design but also included hundreds of other flowers. The name “Killearn” came from a village in Scotland where Mr. Maclay’s great-grandfather, the Reverend Archibald Maclay was born. Maclay died in 1944, and two years later his wife made the gardens public. In April 1953, Mrs. Alfred B. Maclay and children gave the 307-acres Killearn Gardens (including the Maclay house) to the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials as a memorial to Alfred Barmore Maclay. The Maclay House and most of the associated buildings were constructed circa 1906 to 1909, when the land was used as a hunting plantation. In 2002, the park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Killearn Plantation Archeological and Historic District.

Even with the phenomena occurring time and again in other communities throughout the United States, there’s no way to predict where and why it’s going to happen. The trend can start as a result of any number of factors, including land ownership and historical uses. It’s fueled by politics, community leaders and sometimes the perception of the people who reside in that community.

As in Tallahassee’s case, often the trend is started by the quality of land.

More affluent growth to the north was driven by unique topographical characteristics in Leon County. There’s sandier and scrubbier types of topography on the south end, Butler says, whereas the northeast was plantation property with spring-fed lakes and better-quality soil.

“There’s always been more affluent residential growth to the north and northeast,” he says. “In turn, that’s going to be followed by commercial growth, while more industrial uses have traditionally been located to the south due to the quality of land.”

This natural progression is viewed as a problem, mainly when schools are affected negatively in the older parts of town. It’s not that they have less resources, necessarily; it’s the perception people have about the backgrounds of students enrolled there.

There’s always been more affluent residential growth to the north and northeast.

In turn, that’s going to be followed by commercial growth, while more industrial uses have traditionally been located to the south due to the quality of land.

— Will Butler, real estate consultant

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HISTORY  hearsay

“Everyone wants their kids to grow up in a certain kind of environment,” Butler explains. The financial status of families whose children attend schools in less affluent areas of the city comes into question, even if the teachers are equally qualified. It’s a stigma that’s hard to erase.

GETTING THEIR SHARE

What can the south side do to reverse the trend?

“Fight like crazy — that’s the only thing you can do to make a difference,” says Butler.

Residents from south-side neighborhoods are doing just that, and they’re winning support from both city and county government.

“Our community seems to be more aware and more sensitive than most,” Butler says. “We have commissioners who represent those areas and are vocal.” That can boost efforts on behalf of the cause.

Economic development will help reverse the trend, too. The state’s satellite office complex, scheduled to be

In 1993, the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department loosely defined the southern part by everything south of Tennessee Street up to Monroe Street and everything south of Apalachee Parkway, with North Monroe Street serving as the east and west boundary.

completed in January 1995, will increase the commercial demand for services to support the employment base.

And Butler believes the SouthWood project — a huge planned community originally proposed by St. Joe Paper Company in 1988 for southeast Tallahassee — is likely to be revisited in the late 1990s.

Wendy Grey, director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department, says positive changes are already underway. With the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, a facility with international stature, opening in the south side’s Innovation Park, there is tremendous potential for new support businesses to move into the area.

Florida State University is undergoing major expansions, as is Florida A&M with student housing. So the future looks bright on the south side. There is no comparable development being planned anywhere on the north side, she points out.

One of the things over the past 20 years about which you can’t argue is that urban development on the south side has seen an increase in percentage of

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HISTORY  hearsay lower-income population. It’s also gone from high home ownership to high rental.

“That can indicate a disinvestment in the area,” Grey says, and it’s a negative trend that will take time to reverse.

SOUTHERN INEQUITIES: TRUE OR FALSE?

Economic development or not, there’s still a perception of past inequities for the south side, as compared to its northern neighbors.

Tom Flagg, who lives on Capital Circle Southwest, outlines how many south-side residents feel about southern projects: “The south side has the airport, the sewer plant, the effluent spray fields, and the now covered-up garbage dump, which was filled prior to separation of hazardous waste. The south side has the Humane Society, with its dead animals, hazardous-waste incinerators, Munson Slough, Lake Munson, the Potter’s Field and more.”

Doug Osborne, too, would like to hear more announcements of positive development on the south side like ones the north-side neighborhoods seem to be in opposition of, including a Publix in Bradfordville and a putt-putt/go-kart facility near Eastgate. Osborne’s solution? “Build the putt-putt/gokart facility and the Publix Shopping Center both in south Tallahassee. And in return, the next wastewater-treatment facility and landfill can be built at Thomasville Road … It seems that would better balance the locations of consumption and disposal anyway.”

Osborne, a computer-systems programmer for the state, defends his reasoning: “I just get fed up with the ‘not in my backyard’ mentality,” especially when it involves projects that can enhance an area. And having been a south-side resident for many years, he says, “There is a feeling of being dumped on.”

The perception of a lack of positive projects is echoed by Ruby Fay, who doesn’t live on the south side but believes it needs more recreational facilities. Expressing her concern in a letter to the editor, she proposed using funding for the cultural arts center to enhance recreational opportunities for south-side children. ‘‘With this large city of Tallahassee, we could certainly use a decent and nice recreation area on the south side,” she wrote.

The truth is that the majority of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department community centers are located on the south side. Jake Gaither Community Center, Palmer Monroe and Walker Ford are all located south of Apalachee Parkway. Only one community center, Lafayette Park, falls in the northeast quadrant. The northwest is served by Dade Street and Fourth Avenue, located close to the center of Tallahassee in Frenchtown. Five playgrounds on the south side have summer programs, while the northeast has two and the northwest, three.

The problem, then, is not that the south side has less. It just has needs that differ from those of its northerly neighbors.

That’s the way Penny Herman, a city commissioner who lives on the northeast side of town, likes to look at it.

“I see this as one community, and I see each quadrant of the community with different needs,” she says. “What one end of town may need does not necessarily coincide with what the other side needs.

“What I strive for is balance.”

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Economic vibrancy in the northeast brings with it a completely different set of problems: traffic, development encroaching on neighborhoods and overcrowded schools, to name a few. Infrastructure to keep up with the volumes of people moving in is also a continuous struggle.

A good example is a group of northwest homeowners who brought to the city commission’s attention that they lack an adequate recreational facility to serve them. It turns out that Forest Meadows Swim and Racquet Club was considered to be adequately serving their needs. Not so, with Lake Jackson acting as a huge divider of the northwest and northeast parts of town. Funding is currently being sought to resolve the problem.

I see this as one community, and I see each quadrant of the community with different needs. What one end of town may need does not necessarily coincide with what the other side needs.

What I strive for is balance.

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Like northwest residents, the best thing the south-side property owners can do is make their needs known, says Herman. “Who better knows their needs that the people who live in that area?”

Residents need to prioritize their needs and work with government to help them achieve their priorities. “Government can’t do it all,” she says.

Debbie Lightsey, a south-side resident and city commissioner, says the need for organization was the reason she initiated the southern strategy, which resulted in a comprehensive South Side Study Report by the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Department.

“The south side has been undervalued as an asset in the community,” she says. “It has viable neighborhoods, a convenient location and thriving small businesses. It does have some problems, but then all areas do.”

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

69

HISTORY  hearsay Including such suggestions as enforcing codes to improve external appearances of property, funding capital improvement projects and supporting crime prevention to affect change in a pilot study area, Lightsey hopes the south-side plan, completed in February 1993, will become a model for other pockets within the city.

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

STRIKING A BALANCE Environmental Protection and Real Estate Development Were Both Concerns of the John H. Phipps Family

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

T

he John H. “Ben” Phipps family is one of the few “Yankee” plantation owners to put their roots down in Tallahassee and become a part of the community.

Through their personal efforts and the Phipps Company they established, cattle raising in Florida was improved, trees in Tallahassee were preserved, the area’s first television station was built, and a downtown hotel was renovated, to name but a few of their contributions.

Mrs. “Clippy” Phipps is still active in the Garden Club, Goodwill, the Tallahassee Symphony, St. Johns Episcopal Church, Grey Ladies and many other charities. Before Ben’s death in 1982, they traveled the world promoting conservation of trees, wildlife and the natural environment. Ben, Dr. Archie Carr and J. Powers started the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, the premier sea turtle conservation organization seeking to save the green turtle.

Ben went to great lengths to establish purebred French Charolais cattle in the United States, shipping them first to St. Pierre and Miquelon, an island off the coast of Nova Scotia, then to Canada and finally, after four years of waiting, to Tallahassee, all necessary to make sure they would not bring in hoof-and-mouth disease. Ben had hoped his cattle, about 100 heifers, would revolutionize the beef industry. At that time, they did.

One of the early conservation fights Ben and Clippy took on was an unsuccessful effort to save the ancient oaks along North Monroe Street. But they did succeed in saving those along Meridian Road, making it one of the five canopy roads. Ben planted the magnificent stands of oaks along Miller’s Landing Road from acorns.

Not only have the Phippses succeeded in saving much of what was here, they have ploughed millions of dollars into the economy through real estate development, cattle, timber and communications. Before World War II, Ben bought radio station WTAL. Clippy managed

678

Fall 1987

Conscientious Cattleman

By Hettie Cobb

ABOUT THIS STORY Ben Phipps was far more than just a cattle baron. He was a pioneering rancher who went to elaborate lengths to bring French Charolais cattle to North America and ultimately Tallahassee, a place that he and his wife, Clippy, adored because they found it reminiscent of Kenya, where they had honeymooned.

Phipps worked to preserve natural features of the Tallahassee environment while also developing real estate and bringing a medium called television to town.

the station as well as the farm while Ben was away at war. Clippy said she only did what Ben, in long letters from overseas, told her to do.

In 1955, Ben built this area’s first TV station, WCTV, originally located on North Monroe Street, and now in a sprawling new complex on State Road 12.

The Phipps Company has renovated apartment buildings and recently remodeled the old Duval Hotel and its restaurant, now called the Radisson. Along the way, they bought Cash Hall and television station W17AB. Their 10,000-acre Ayavalla Plantation is devoted almost wholly to growing timber. Near the house, fruit trees are cultivated and the fruit carefully canned or preserved for the winter, when the house is alive with visitors who come down for hunting season. Domestically raised quail are not permitted to be used or raised on the place, as on some neighboring plantations.

It is felt that the natural wild quail are much more challenging to hunt.

After their marriage in 1928, Ben and Clippy spent a long honeymoon in Kenya and decided they would like to stay there and run a coffee plantation. But through the insistence of family and the children starting to come along, they decided they should return home.

Ben was very active with his family’s business investments, and Clippy said they moved around a good bit in the

John H. “B en” Phip ps

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

73

HISTORY  hearsay

early years to wherever Ben’s work took him. They decided to settle in Tallahassee and moved here in 1937. They found that in north Leon County, “with its rolling countryside, broom sage and giant live oaks, they could easily imagine themselves in Kenya,” as Ben’s sister Peggie Boegner described it.

Ben engaged the late Horrie Culpepper to build a home on Brill Point for approximately $3,600. Later, Durrel Stone, architect for the new Capitol, and the House and Senate buildings, helped Ben design the present home with its breathtaking view of Lake Jackson.

Ben once said that he and Stone sat on the ground beneath a big oak tree at the site and that he drew a sketch of the kind of house he wanted to build. Clippy said Ben did much of the design himself, because he wanted something warmer and less stark than Stone had envisioned.

“He made a paper model and moved the parts around until he finally got what he wanted,” she said. “He wound up with both in the front and back.”

University Center Club, located inside Doak Campbell columns The story of the Phipps family’s rise from poverty to Stadium, is the perfect location for your next fraternity orwealth reads like something straight out of a storybook.

Peggie Boegner tells it in a recently published book, “Halcyon Days,” spanning three generations of Phippses, from Henry J. orority function. With expert party planners ready to assist (Harry) to John S. (Jay) and finally John H. (Ben). you every step of the way.

“It encompasses a memorable 100 years of our country’s history that began as a dream of ‘rags to riches’ in 1850, evolved into the gracious way of life in the early 1900s, and University Center Club, located inside Doak Campbell all but ended by 1950,” she wrote.

Stadium, is the perfect location for your next fraternity or Harry was the son of Henry Sr. and Hanna Frank Phipps, University Center Club, located inside Doak Campbell sorority function. With expert party planners ready to assist emigrants from Shropshire, England. They settled in Stadium, is Center the perfect location forinside your next fraternity or University youClub, everylocated step of the way.Doak Campbell Pittsburgh in an area known as Barefoot Square with their sorority function.

With expert party ready to assist ormals & Semiformals • Parent's Weekend Brunchesthree sons and one daughter. A neighbor and later business University Center Club, located inside Doak Campbell Stadium, is the perfect location for planners your next fraternity or you every stepparty offor the way.

Stadium, is the perfect location your next fraternity or partner of one of the sons, Harry, was Andrew Carnegie, function.

With expert planners readyDinners to assist Orientationsorority & Welcome Events •inside Initiation THINK OF UNIVERSITY CENTER CLUB FOR : University Center Club, located Doak Campbell sorority function.

With expert party planners ready to assist whose mother worked for Henry Sr. binding shoes. you every step of the way. is the perfect location for your next fraternity or It was a hard life on Barefoot Square, and the Phipps you every step of the way. hilanthropy•Stadium, Fundraisers • Founders Day Formals & Semiformals • Parent's Weekend Brunches THINK OF UNIVERSITY CENTER CLUB FOR : brothers and Carnegie determined early to escape its pov• Orientation & Welcome • Initiation Dinners sorority function.

WithEvents expert party planners ready to assist ush Events •• Formals • Big/Little Celebrations & Semiformals •• Parent's Weekend THINK OF UNIVERSITY CENTER CLUBBrunches FOR : erty. Escape they did, William into the ministry and Harry Philanthropy Fundraisers Founders Day you every step of the way.

THINK OF UNIVERSITY CENTER CLUB FOR : •• Rush Orientation & Welcome Events • Initiation Dinners eventually into steel. John died an early death.

Events • Big/Little Celebrations Celebrations ate Parties • Graduation • Formals & Semiformals Parent's Weekend Brunches •• Philanthropy Fundraisers •• Graduation Founders Day Years later, Carnegie wrote of keeping an eye on Harry, thinkDate Parties • Celebrations • Formals & Semiformals • Parent's Weekend Brunches • Orientation & Welcome Events Initiation Dinners •• Rush EventsOF ••• Big/Little Celebrations Mother/Father's Weekend Events • And somore! much ing him a bright young man. He told of a revealing incident: THINK UNIVERSITY CENTER CLUB FOR more! : Weekend Events And so much • Mother/Father's Orientation & Welcome Events • Initiation Dinners • Philanthropy Founders Day • Date Parties Fundraisers •• Graduation Celebrations “Once he asked his brother John to lend him a quarter. John • Philanthropy Fundraisers • Founders Day • Formals & Semiformals Parent's Weekend Rush Events Big/Little Celebrations • Mother/Father's Weekend Events •• And so much more! Brunches handed him the shining quarter without inquiry. Next morn• Rush Events • Big/Little Celebrations • Date Orientation & Welcome Events • Graduation Initiation Dinners Parties Celebrations ing an advertisement appeared in the Pittsburgh Dispatch: ‘A • LET Date Parties Graduation Celebrations USFundraisers HANDLE ALL ••OF THE DETAILS! • Philanthropy Founders Day Mother/Father's Weekend Events Andso somuch much more! willing boy wishes work.’”

• Mother/Father's Weekend Events • And more!

• Rush Events • Big/Little Celebrations The ad brought Harry to the attention of an iron and railLET US HANDLE ALL OF THE Contact your University Center Club DETAILS! Private Event • Date Parties • Graduation Celebrations road spike firm that hired him as an errand boy.

Directors today at 850.644.8528 •Contact Mother/Father's Weekend Events Center • And so muchPrivate more! Event your University Club “He launched himself on a sea of business. There was no LET OF THE THE DETAILS! LETUS USHANDLE HANDLE ALL OF DETAILS! holding back a boy like that,” Carnegie said.

Directors today at 850.644.8528 Eventually, Harry became the second largest stockholder Contactyour yourUniversity University Center Contact Center Club ClubPrivate PrivateEvent Event in Carnegie Steel.

LET Directors US HANDLE OF THE DETAILS! Directors todayALL today at 850.644.8528 850.644.8528 When Harry was close to 60, the company was sold to J.P. Morgan’s U.S. Steel, with Harry’s share coming to $40 million, * Some restrictions and exclusions may apply. Contact club for details.

Contact your University Center Club Private Event © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 28389 0715 SMJ Peggie said. After setting up various trusts for this children and Directors atmay850.644.8528 * Some restrictionstoday and exclusions apply. Contact club for details. grandchildren, he spent the rest of his life giving money away © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 28389 0715 SMJ on housing for low- and middle-income people, tuberculosis hospitals, education and numerous other causes, “giving only * Some restrictions and exclusions may apply. Contact club for details. * Some restrictions may apply. Contact clubSMJ for details. where his heart and mind told him the cause was just.” © ClubCorpand USA,exclusions Inc. All rights reserved.

28389 0715 © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 28389 0715 SMJ Leon County and conservation causes around the world are still reaping the benefits of some of Grandfather Phipps’ * Some restrictions and exclusions may apply. Contact club for details. millions, made more than 100 years ago, but still shared by his * Some restrictions and exclusions may apply. Contact club for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 28389 0715 SMJ modern-day heirs. n © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved. 28389 0715 SMJ

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

AIRTIME TALLAHASSEE

T

allahassee may not be the biggest media market in the state (Nielson ranks it 135th in the nation), but it still has a variety of radio and TV stations to entertain and inform its residents. There are public radio and TV, an expanding cable system and, in the immediate listening area, nine commercial radio stations. And with the arrival of long-awaited WTWC Channel 40, all three major TV networks are now represented locally.

This is also a time of growth, change and vigorous competition. The biggest news is the sign-on of television Channel 40. It will, at first, show mostly NBC network and syndicated shows. With new staff and equipment, general manager Bill Fouch says it may take a little while to work all the bugs out, so that’s why he’ll wait a few months before premiering a local news show.

“We only have one chance to make a good impression,” he says. “We want to control the situation, not have the situation control us.”

And he’s ready to compete with the two existing local stations, WCTV and WECA. Noting that the area is economically sound and has a population of desirable income and age, he says it can only continue to grow.

That makes it ripe for a new station.

“We very much want to be a part of this market,” Fouch says.

Top-rated WCTV Channel 6, on the air since 1955, has always had a firm lock on the market, ratings-wise.

Program director Jerry Williams is not worried that the new station might take a part of that market away. ‘‘We’ll hold our own,” he says. Referring to Channel 40, he says, “I don’t know that there’ll be that much new offered.” He refers, of course, to the fact that cable TV viewers have been able to watch NBC stations from Albany and Panama City. He also feels Channel 6 will continue to lead the ratings with its local news.

News anchor Frank Ranicky has been on the air for 10 years and likes it here.

“This town is big enough yet small enough to get involved in the community as well as report on it,” Ranicky says. “I identify really strongly with this area.”

Two other well-known Channel 6 personalities extend their talents beyond that station alone.

Weatherman Mike Rucker also does call-in forecasts

678

Winter 1982

Getting Networked

By Terri Van House

ABOUT THIS STORY There was a time when a community was judged to be well networked provided it was home to three network-affiliate television stations. Tallahassee achieved that distinction in 1982 when WTWC Channel 40 signed on the air. Meanwhile, big-signal radio stations competed to be Arbitron ratings king, while others targeted niche audiences. Competition was especially fierce among country stations, which already had demonstrated their enduring popularity.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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HISTORY  hearsay

for several radio stations, and sportscaster Gene Deckerhoff is featured on WGLF-FM radio. But Deckerhoff is best known for his play-by-play work with the FSU Seminoles.

Williams is proud of the news overall, saying, “I think we’re presenting it the way people want to see it.” He also notes the popularity of the Farm Report, “Good Morning Show” and “Midday” for providing a local touch.

The third station, WECA Channel 27, has consistently trailed Channel 6 in the ratings, but that, says general manager Jim Matthews, is partly because the geographical area in which the stations are measured is defined by the Channel 6 viewing area, which extends in a 100-mile radius.

“We can’t beat them in their own territory,” he says.

Instead, WECA emphasizes its identity as a Floridalicensed station.

“News is extremely important to us,” he adds.

The news show is currently anchored by former radio man Jim Knight and former WFSU-TV reporter Beverly Rogers. The co-anchor approach gives a more varied look on the air, Matthews says, and lets the “unique personality of either person be applied to the story.” The sports desk is manned by Ned Smith (formerly “Sandy Beach,” a longtime disc jockey on Gulf 104), and Beth Campbell handles the weather.

“In Person,” another of Channel 27’s locally produced shows, has a new look. Neddy Sumners, who, in her time on the air, has already become an institution, is now co-host of “AM Tallahassee.” She and TV veteran Jack Ridner use the revamped half-hour to, as Matthews describes it, give better advice on how to make the quality of life a little better.

“I hope it catches on,” he says.

Public television station WFSU-TV is feeling the pinch of hard economic times. Its summer fundraising drive came in several thousand dollars below its goal, but still, it collected more money than ever before in its history.

In October, the “Imagination Station” moved into its new headquarters on Pottsdammer Street, even as finishing touches were put on the main production studio. But the move was generally smooth, and most staff members seem pleased with the abundance of space, compared to the old quarters in Dodd Hall on the FSU campus.

For those who have difficulty receiving stations without cable, pressure from residents has prompted local government to look at services provided by Group W, currently the only cable TV provider. There has been talk of adding several new channels for a higher monthly fee, but attorney Steve Slepin of Citizens for Better Cable said he didn’t think much of the change, as he feels increased services should be available for what is now the basic charge.

COMPETITIVE RADIO MARKET

The competition within the local radio market is tough. Even though several stations have recently changed formats, there are rumors that others may adopt “urban contemporary” or “beautiful music” formats. But WANM has no reason to change. The Arbitron rating service has consistently rated it No. 1 for the past three years. Morning disc jockey and program director Joe Bullard says the key is making the station personal.

“We try to tell the listeners they too are involved,” Bullard says. “We give them more than the time and weather. We’re concerned about what they want to hear.”

The black community offers WANM’s most loyal audience, but it attracts others, too.

“No. 1 is not a color,” Bullard says. “It’s all colors.

We’re just good and proud of it.”

Bullard has a national reputation for picking hit songs, but he isn’t tempted to leave.

“I’m happily married for five years,” he says, “and I try to make it a home regardless of where I work.”

His station is tops throughout the day, from his morning shift to midday with Tyrone Giles and into late afternoon with Tony Shabazz. WANM is a “daytimer,” which means it signs off at sunset.

Arbitron puts WBGM (FM-99) in second place.

J.J. McKay’s 7 p.m.-to-midnight show placed first; Ty Richards at midday tied for second with Gulf 104.

General manager Bob McInerny sees the morning as

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

79

HISTORY  hearsay the weak spot. Higher “numbers” there could boost ratings overall, meaning more revenue from ads. He says morning funnyman Vic Swan will stay. (He gained exposure last year with his Bobby Bowden Halloween masks and dashboard saint.) Swan this year plans to offer “Savage Sol” in tribute to FSU’s No. 1 fan. Mclnerny has also hired a new news team headed by Ken Morrison and assisted by Ken Blanton.

Can FM-99 challenge WANM for No. 1?

“It’s almost an impossibility,” Mclnerny says. “But there’s only one way to go and that’s up!” He also notes that WBGM and sister station WKQE’s studios are undergoing a $50,000 facelift to make them more efficient and attractive.

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“Gulf’s got the teeny-boppers,’’ as one insider says. That means WGLF … “GULF 104” … has the teenage market sewed up. But program director Jim Scott says the station is aiming for older folks, too.

“We’re going to be leaning a little more toward adults in the 24 to 35 age range,” he says. “It means not so much repetition, and more old songs … songs people were familiar with when they were in high school or college.” WGLF currently plays Top 40 hits that constantly change, though those few songs are played often, till they drop lower on the charts.

WGLF earned Arbitron’s No. 3 spot, though highly rated morning man Dave Matthews has moved on to a station in Bainbridge. But Scott feels replacement Brian Phillips can keep the numbers high.

WOWD (D-103) leads with listeners 18 years and older, according to the Birch rating service, while Arbitron rates it an overall fourth. (Different rating services often give different results, as they use different sampling methods. Arbitron tells listeners to write their listening preference in a book.

Birch calls listeners on the phone.) Program director Dick Blackmon says the plan is to “maintain,’’ as the station has the audience it wants.

“But we want our music to change with the times,’’ Blackmon says. “People turn to us to see what’s happening.

“The format is album-oriented rock, and the emphasis is on the music, not on peppy personalities. In a listening day, you might hear Led Zeppelin, Grace Slick and the Beatles, as well as whoever is currently hot. We try to do things that relate to our kind of people,” Blackmon says, “whether it’s bringing Jethro Tull and the Producers to town, or organizing a vigil for John Lennon.”

COUNTRY MUSIC GROWING

For those who like their music rowdy, the country music market keeps expanding. Those songs about drinking, cheating, busted heads and broken hearts can mean big money — and tough competition. Counting WPAP, Panama City’s booming country station, Tallahassee has four country stations now.

Arbitron put WTNT ahead of WPAP last time, but as of its most recent survey, Birch says WMNX is now in front. A new, possibly more decisive Birch report is due in December.

WMNX general manager Jack Lenz says he’d consider changing to a beautiful music format, though, “if 20 advertisers would sign $50,000 contracts.” That’s because WLVW abandoned its beautiful music format to go country, too.

“It was not done callously,� WLVW, now WCSN, general manager Rod Meadows says. If the station increases power as hoped, the signal would travel well into the rural areas, making country the best way to go, business-wise. He hopes increasing the news staff will make sister station WTNT a local leader in information.

Even specialty stations, such as WCVC, are in on the ratings race. The Christian religious station has no big format change in mind but does plan to cut down on preaching and play more music.

For those who like their music rowdy, the country music market keeps expanding. Those songs about drinking, cheating, busted heads and broken hearts can mean big money — and tough competition.

Radio station WTAL also plans no major changes. Owner Don Keyes says the “Music of Your Life� format is doing “incredibly well.� “The type of music we play hasn’t been heard in 20 years,�

Keyes says, and hearing Big Band numbers from the ’40s and ’50s is for some people “like meeting an old friend.� The demise of WLVW, he says, may mean a bigger audience for WTAL.

PUBLIC RADIO POPULAR

As for the public stations in town, WFSU-FM program manager Carolyn Austin says her station has received the highest rating ever for a public station, according to Arbitron. Its listenership has risen from 13,000 to 19,500 in one year, and its June fund drive reached its goal two days early. National Public Radio shows “Morning Edition� and “All Things Considered� are the most popular, but the morning “Classical Concert� did well in the ratings, too.

Some people may not know it, but Tallahassee has another public radio station: WAMF, on the campus of Florida A&M. Since the cancellation of “Freefall,� WFSU-FM’s rock and jazz show, WAMF is the town’s only outlet for freeform and progressive jazz. Yet the station has only 10 watts of broadcasting power, and an appeal for a power increase has been blocked by Channel 6, which fears it would interfere with its audio signal. It’s a problem with public stations and TV broadcasters nationwide.

Broadcasting is called a ‘‘fast-paced� business and not simply because of the speed with which it carries information. n

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

81

With Appreciation for your Business, Warmest Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and

a Prosperous New Year!

Changes Hair Studios

Thank you to Shiloh Farms and Jennifer Ward Photography

Tallahassee’s original all-suite salon

Back, left to right: Diane Richardson, Andrea Smith, Dena Coukoulis, Sandy Wurm, Jessica Fletcher, Vicky Lewis, Mary Louise Lawson, LouAnn Bearss, Megan Marks, Johanna Dinkelman, Michelle Register, Barbara Roberts Front, left to right: Debi Keirnan, Kathy McGarvey, Kate Gorman, Christine Taylor, Lynn Milner, Heba Sullivan, Dawn Brown, Kathryn Smith

1471 Timberlane Road, Suite 129 | 850.893.2388 82 November–December 2015

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

WHEN LIFE CENTERED ON DOWNTOWN

T

he son of a physician and a physician himself, George Saxon Palmer watched Tallahassee grow from a sleepy little town of 5,637 in 1920 to more than 130,000 today. Interviewed at his home, he recalls brick-paved streets and listening to lively legislative debate from the sleeping porch of his childhood home at the corner of Adams and Lafayette streets, practically in downtown Tallahassee.

“My father had a barn at Duval and Lafayette, with cows and ponies, and we parked our car there,” Dr. George Saxon Palmer says. “We raised pigeons and had squab practically every Sunday. We had plenty of eggs because we had chickens — right across from the Capitol.

“We could walk one block and get anything we needed,” he continues, “to the grocer, butcher, bakery or clothing stores. Monroe and Adams streets were paved with bricks and Gaines was brick up to Monroe, but it wasn’t paved all the way to the Capitol.”

Palmer notes that, after watching and assisting his father’s practice whenever he could, he never wanted to be anything but a doctor. He recalls driving his father on house calls at the young age of 12 and waiting in the car while the older physician delivered babies. He also remembers fondly a time when life centered on downtown, when he could hear lively debate in the Florida House and Senate from the sleeping porch at home.

Shooting marbles in the yard and skating on the Capitol grounds or down Adams Street when it was finally paved provided all the recreation a child could want, Palmer says. Later, he remembers playing tennis right by Caroline Brevard School (currently the Bloxham Building) and at Leon High (located on the current site of the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library).

“We also played tennis on the court at Goodwood,” he says. “She’d let us come out there to play tennis or swim in the pool. When we were in high school, we’d go to dances at the Woman’s Club at Los Robles.

678

Nov/Dec 1997

Doctors’ Memories

Reflections of Drs. George Saxon Palmer and Daisy Parker Flory

ABOUT THIS STORY Dr. George Saxon Palmer was inspired by his doctor father to pursue a career in medicine.

As a child, he drove his father to house calls and waited in the car as Dad delivered babies, often in exchange for garden produce. Dr. Daisy Parker Flory recalls a certain transformation that the Florida State College for Women underwent.

“Everyone went downtown for everything,” Palmer says. “We had a curb market every Saturday on the site where City Hall is now, where farmers would bring in their produce and sell it. We used to go downtown regularly; College and Monroe was the big congregation area. There were two drugstores, sort of a gathering place for everyone; barbershops, restaurants.

“The annual May Party involved the seniors at Leon High,” Palmer continues. “One girl got elected queen;

Downtown Curbside Market in the 1910s, located where City Hall is today

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

83

HISTORY  hearsay she chose her court, and then the girls would choose their escorts. They would all assemble in the Knott House and march to the May Oak on Gadsden Street.”

Even then, Tallahassee was primarily a government town, with the state, Florida A&M College and Florida State College for Women providing most of the jobs. Because these jobs did not pay particularly well, he says, “People would always pay my father with produce. We always had plenty of food. I can’t remember anybody being wealthy, but everyone had what they needed to get along.”

D

2731 Capital Circle NE Tallahassee, FL 850.386.8689

84 November–December 2015

1501 E. Jackson St. Thomasville, GA 229.226.7438

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

r. Daisy Parker Flory looks at Tallahassee through garnet-and-gold colored glasses. One could say she’s seen it all — the birth of a major research university, the rise of a national football power and an unprecedented era of social change.

How did World War II affect Florida State College for Women? The conflict had both short- and long-term impacts.

“All through the war we had some exciting times,” Flory says with sparkling eyes and an animated smile. “During the war, the aviators stationed at (Dale) Mabry Field would come buzz the campus. Girls would sunbathe on the dorm roofs so that the men could see them.”

War’s end meant major change for the campus of 1,000 women. When Johnny came marching home, demand for higher education overwhelmed the University of Florida, stressing the Gainesville campus beyond its limits. The state Board of Control, which governed higher education, decided that Florida State College for Women would take up the slack.

“During the boys’ first year (1946), we were TBUF, the Tallahassee Branch of the University of Florida,” Flory recalls.

“We had the air base that wasn’t being used, so we used some of those buildings for dormitories and faculty housing. The old officers’ club became the men’s gym, a rickety old building with the wind roaring through it.

“The first group that arrived in 1946 were mainly vets, mostly older men and they weren’t particularly upset about going to a girls’ school. We had about 300 men and 1,800 women at the time. By 1956, enrollment had reached about 8,000 and was pretty representative of the entire state.

“The biggest change the men brought,” she continues, “was the emphasis on science and the technical schools.” Up to that point, FSCW had stressed such disciplines as arts and sciences, education, music and home economics.

Before her retirement in 1984, Flory lived through some tempestuous times at FSU. “Of course, the ’60s were troublesome although we really didn’t have the trouble that they had up North. There was a crisis after the Kent State killings (May 1970). Claude Kirk was governor at the time. In what may have been his finest hour, he came out and sat up all night on Landis Green. Any student could come up and talk to him. It was a time of a certain amount of momentum although I recall that our students were not really dedicated, not really convinced revolutionaries.”

Integration was not a traumatic event at FSU, Flory recalls.

“But of course during the days of FSCW and FAMC (Florida A&M College), there was an open Board of Control ruling that we didn’t go there and they didn’t come to our campus.” n

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85

HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

Sept/Oct 1994

or many Southerners, their “front rooms” are places for end-of-the-day discussion, those stolen first kisses and the memories of days gone by. In Tallahassee, the tradition continues in many neighborhoods. Nobody, it seems, wants to get out of the swing and go indoors. The bits of conversation one hears on a front porch are undoubtedly repeated across the South; everything from religion to politics to grandchildren is fair game for a front-porch conversation.

On a recent weekend, beautiful weather offered the perfect opportunity to enjoy a few serene moments on the porch. For many, this brought back a variety of nostalgic thoughts — vignettes of summer in the South.

“Relaxing on the porch is really a Southern thing,” says Pete Piper, owner of Olsten Services. “My grandmother in Pennsylvania had a large front porch, but no one sat on it. On the other hand, my other grandmother’s porch in Virginia was where the family congregated before dinner each night. It was nice and cool. Everyone would relax and cool off from the day before going in to eat.

“That porch was the center of activity for the neighborhood,” Piper says fondly. “It was screened in, with a rocking chair, a glider and an old sofa. I remember the best feeling was to snuggle up with a book on that old sofa.”

That front porch held a special place in the hearts of both young and old, says Piper.

“The porch was the home base for us as kids,’’ he says.

“You might decide to go swimming or play tennis, but you would always meet back on the porch.

“All of the kids in the neighborhood would congregate on the front porch and drink iced tea,” he says. He laughs and adds, “And you didn’t dare do anything wrong while on the porch, because our parents or neighbors could hear or see you. However, you could plot and plan things on the porch!”

For the adults, he says, the porch was also a social place.

86 November–December 2015

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ABOUT THIS STORY Where can you find swings gently swaying in the warm breeze, tall glasses of icecold sweet tea, and friends and family talking about the weather, politics and football? Ask any Southerner, and they’ll tell you — the front porch.

876

COOL AND FRIENDLY PORCHES OFFER THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE F Southern Comforts

By Karen Moore and Kasey Reaves

“Our porch was the place for the family and friends to congregate and talk. You could have friends over, but you didn’t have to fluff the pillows or clean the room before anyone sat down. It was just comfortable.”

The traditional Southern front porch first gained great popularity in America during the mid-19th century.

Andrew Jackson Downing, a noted architect of the time, seized upon the idea of the British verandah and transplanted it to the United States. Many old farmhouses were “updated” to include porches, and almost every new home was built with a porch.

The Southern porch serves a number of purposes — emotional, functional and social. As Kevin McGorty, the director of the Historic Tallahassee Preservation Board, says, “Porches are both aesthetic and practical. They

The traditional Southern front porch first gained great popularity in America during the mid-19th century.

Andrew Jackson Downing, a noted architect of the time, seized upon the idea of the British verandah and transplanted it to the United States.

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

provide a cool breeze to help in the hot, humid weather of Southern summers.

“Hunting-plantation owners and tenants alike used the porch to cool off in the summer.”

McGorty notes three beautiful examples of porch architecture in Tallahassee: the Brokaw-McDougall House on North Meridian, the E.L. White House on North Monroe Street and the Knott House on East Park Avenue, where General McCook read the Emancipation Proclamation to the citizens in the Tallahassee area.

Although most porch events are not quite as earthshattering, today’s porches are still vital parts of Tallahasseeans’ lives.

“Porches are an extension of the living area — it’s like moving from inside to outside. Porches expand the house,” McGorty says. “They’re also very social. They let people see what their neighbors are doing!”

Porches also have a way of attracting those same friends and neighbors. Flecia Braswell, a columnist for the Tallahassee Democrat, is a faithful fan of “porching.”

“I’d never have a house without a porch,” she says.

“When we bought our house, it didn’t have a porch, but it did have a carport. I knew I could make that carport

Porches were a hub for close-knit families. In photo from 1915 at top, Kate Byrd and Elizabeth Byrd, standing, along with Rubie Byrd and Janet Byrd, shared time at a porch swing.

Porches remained popular through the latter 20th century as evidenced by photo at bottom, taken in 1968.

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HISTORY  hearsay into a porch. We put up lattice work around the sides and put down indoor/outdoor carpet. We got white wicker furniture and lots of plants, flowers and rabbits — it now has the feel of a real Southern porch.

“All of our friends just love it,” she says. “As soon as they come over, we all just go out to the porch. We do a lot of entertaining out there. We have cookouts all year-round. It doesn’t matter what season it is — we enjoy having drinks, appetizers and dinner out there. We sit on the porch in the winter and freeze, and we sit out there in the summer and sweat. We’re on the porch on Christmas Day and on the Fourth of July.”

BOB HOBSON

WWW.HOBSONCHEVROLET.COM • 800-217-8955 • CAIRO GA

Previous generations tell many stories of budding romance on front-porch gliders. The best part of the porch, they say with sly smiles, is that it’s far enough from the rest of the house to provide a little privacy, but close enough to the house to make certain there’s not too much privacy.

The indoor/outdoor nature of the porch opens a whole new category of furnishings. The “front room” requires furnishings that are attractive, yet durable enough to stand up to scorching heat and drenching humidity.

White wicker furniture, plants and flowers, of course, are all essential traditional porch items. Rocking chairs are also favorites, as are pieces of folding canvas furniture. The ultimate in front-porch furniture, however, is probably the porch swing or glider, as many people call them. Previous generations tell many stories of budding romance on front-porch gliders. The best part of the porch, they say with sly smiles, is that it’s far enough from the rest of the house to provide a little privacy, but close enough to the house to make certain there’s not too much privacy.

Functionally, porches are also quite effective in warding off the summer heat. A well-designed porch keeps sunshine away from lower-floor windows and reduces the heat that reaches the home’s interior during the summer. In the winter, the sun’s rays are lower-angled and are permitted to enter groundfloor windows, thus helping to heat the house.

Porches also provide an indoor/outdoor area that enables people and pets to catch even the slightest cooling summer

88 November–December 2015

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STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

breeze in the warm twilight hours and still be sheltered from summer rain showers.

Rebecca Wyatt and her daughter, Minner Smith, have been porch-sitting for most of their lives. At Wyatt’s home on Bannerman Road, the porch is a place for quiet reflection and family gatherings.

“We sit out here every day, especially in the summertime,” Wyatt says. “Sunday afternoons after church is the best time.

We talk about everything — the good things and bad things.”

Wyatt, age 80, says she has lived in the house for 62 years and has been sitting on the porch since it was built.

Some memorable things have come about on their small porch, says Smith. There was the time, she says, when her father had been in an accident, and the family was gathering at Wyatt’s home to monitor his progress and to offer moral support.

“It occurred to us as we were all standing out here,” she says. “It was like a family reunion.” At that point, gathering the family together under happier circumstances became a tradition.

Smith also recalls humorous times. The love in the family is obvious as she discusses an argument she overheard between her mother and father as she sat on the porch many years ago.

“I don’t remember what they were arguing about,” she says.

“I just remember Mama telling him, ‘You’ve gotten my best days, and you’re certainly going to get my worst!’”

All kinds of events — large weddings, small arguments, touching silent declarations of affection between family members — seem more real on the front porch. Like precious few other things, sitting on the porch is an equal-opportunity activity. And in most places in the South, when people are sitting on the porch, it’s almost impolite not to speak to them.

Piper says he regrets what he sees as the diminishing popularity of the porch.

“I think the demise of the front porch came about because of two things — air conditioning and people no longer talking to each other in the neighborhood.

Family members of When was the last time you talked various generations to your neighbors? People used to sit gathered on porches, on the porch and watch the activities engaged in relaxed in their neighborhood. It was ‘crime conversation and watch’ before it was fashionable.” n hailed passers-by.

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90 November–December 2015

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»feature GARDENING

Cool-Weather WEEDS st, Ms. Grow-I t-A y Po ll dre Au

When Winter Arrives, Unwanted Plants May Spring Up

By Audrey Post

Q: After spending most of the summer and fall getting my lawn in good shape and killing the weeds in it and in my planting beds, I have a new problem: Different weeds have sprung up. What am I doing wrong? ®

A: Since I don’t know for sure Ms. Grow-It-All ® what you’re doing, I can’t say you’re doing anything wrong.

But I suspect what is happening with your lawn is simply Mother Nature shifting into a new season here in North Florida. Just as certain herbs are warm-season plants and others are cool-season plants — basil needs heat, parsley needs cool — so it also goes with weeds.

For seasonal weeds, you can do a lot to control them for the next cycle if you remove them before they flower and the wind sends the seeds all around your yard. For plants that creep, such as purslane, dig them out shortly after they sprout, while they’re small. It’s labor intensive and a lot of people would rather grab a bottle of herbicide, but that can bring its own set of problems, including toxicity to people and pets.

Many herbicides, particularly those with glyphosate, such as the Roundup brand, are “broad spectrum.” That means they don’t pick and choose between the plants you want to keep and the weeds you want to get rid of. They’ll have a negative effect on everything they touch. Don’t be tempted to use a lawn “weed and feed” formula, because this is not the time of year you want to encourage growth. Plus, fertilizing feeds the weeds as well as whatever plant — turf grass, flowers or shrubs — you’re tending. If you decide to use a weed killer, be sure to read the label carefully and make sure it’s safe to use on and around your specific types of plantings. Don’t overdo it.

Here’s a list of some of the most common cool-season weeds in our region, USDA Zone 8b: CAROLINA GERANIUM: Geranium carolinianum is a multibranched, low-growing weed with hairy stems and small leaves that resemble the Pelargonium geranium that is so popular in hanging pots. It reproduces by scattering its seeds to the wind.

Pull it up before it blooms.

HENBIT: Low-growing, square-stemmed weed with dark green leaves and small purple flowers. It, too, propagates by seed.

Ms. Grow-It-All

®

PURSLANE

HENBIT

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»feature GARDENING

We’ll go out on a limb for you!

FLORIDA BETONY: Stachys floridana is a year-round weed that will take over if you turn your back. Also known as rattlesnake weed, it grows from segmented tubers; pull one out, another will sprout. Leaves are lance-shaped with rounded margins.

LAWN BURWEED: Soliva sessilis has narrow leaves that sort of resemble the tops of carrots. This one is especially common in sandy soils.

SHINY CUDWEED: Gnaphalium americanum grows in summer or winter. It has a rosette of shiny green leaves.

PURPLE CUDWEED: Gnaphalium purpureum develops from a rosette, too, into a tall, silvery weed with yellow flower clusters at the tip.

CORN SPEEDWELL: Veronica arvensis is a low creeper with two levels of leaves, the lower ones almost round with toothed margins and the upper ones smaller and narrower. Small white flowers sit on top of the plant.

The key to doing battle with all these weeds is not to give up. It might take several years to get rid of some weeds. With others, such as Florida betony, the best you can hope for is to battle to a draw. Keep in mind, however, that one person’s “weed” is another person’s “wildflower.” Some of your “weeds” might grow on you. n

Growing Roots in Tallahassee since 1999

850-894-TREE (8733)

2008-2014

Fax: (850) 765-3147 www.millertreesrv.com | admin@millertreesrv.com 4951 Woodlane Circle Tallahassee, FL

©2015 PostScript Publishing, all rights reserved. Audrey Post is a certified Advanced Master Gardener volunteer with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension in Leon County. Email her at Questions@MsGrowItAll.com or visit her website at msgrowitall.com. Ms. Grow-It-All® is a registered trademark of PostScript Publishing.

FREE ESTIMATES BY A CERTIFIED ARBORIST

Garden Chores for November and December November

» Now is the time to plant bulbs.

Daffodils will grow in USDA Zone 8b, but make sure you choose cultivars for our area. Carlton is a favorite. » Buy your bulbs for hyacinths and tulips early in the month so you can give them the six-week chill period under refrigeration before planting in December.

» Sow seeds for spring-blooming annuals, including larkspur, sweet peas, bachelor buttons and poppies.

Scatter seeds into prepared beds, cover lightly with soil and keep moist until seeds germinate. They’ll slow down when cold weather hits but rebound in spring. » Plant annuals such as snapdragons, pansies, petunias, dianthus and ornamental cabbages now for color throughout the cool season.

» Continue planting cool-season vegetables such as kale, collards, turnips, carrots, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi and green peas.

92 November–December 2015

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December

» Potted Christmas cacti that spent the summer and fall outdoors should be budding, so bring them indoors to enjoy their blossoms. You can still set them outside on warm days, but temperatures below 45-50 F might kill the flower bud, so protect them on chilly nights. » Plant the tulip and hyacinth bulbs you’ve been chilling for six weeks.

Masses of flowers create a better display than scattering the bulbs. » Add fruit trees to your landscape.

The period between December and February is the best time to plant dormant trees. Take care to locate your tree to accommodate its size at maturity. » Continue to plant cool season vegetables and herbs, including parsley, dill, cilantro and sage.

» Make sure your cold-tender perennials, such as bougainvillea, are well-mulched to protect them from freezing.

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»feature DEAL ESTATE

GO TO TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM FOR UPDATED LISTINGS

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

All About Ox Bow Northside Neighborhoods Provide Space for Families, Connection to Natural Florida

HIDDEN IN THEIR OWN ISOLATED corner of the relatively undeveloped northern Tallahassee, the Ox Bow Hill, Ox Bow Estates and Sleepy Hollow subdivisions house some of the finest estate-style homes in the 32312 zip code. Homes in the neighborhoods sit on spacious plots, usually larger than an acre. This style of living provides what many people love about North Florida: easy access to green spaces and lots of peace, privacy and security.

Homes in the Ox Bow area average in the $500,000 range and upward. The houses are pricey but well worth the expense. While in another neighborhood you might expect to pay the same price for a beautiful home on a half-acre plot, in Ox Bow you get luxury living without having to compromise on space.

The seclusion and privacy that the Ox Bow area provides make the houses highly valued and the land desirable.

94 November–December 2015

“Ox Bow Estates and Ox Bow Hill are areas with a good mix of updated older homes and newer constructed homes,” said Realtor Hettie Spooner. Many homes are older, she explained, but newly renovated and expertly maintained, while some homes were built within the past few years. A few undeveloped lots are also available. Ox Bow homeowners take great pride in cultivating lushly landscaped yards and lawns.

The community is also a part of an A+ school district, with top-notch elementary, middle and high schools just a short distance from each subdivision. With so much space and relatively permissive homeowner’s regulations, the area is perfect for families with children. And with only one main entrance to the subdivision, traffic is limited.

“I do really, really love Ox Bow. It’s just a great place, especially for families,” says local

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

Continued on page 98

LAWRENCE DAVIDSON

LAWRENCE DAVIDSON

By Nick Farrell

An ornate fountain in the middle of a roundabout is a signature commons-area feature in the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood, a developing community characterized by large lots. The home at top is located on nearby Ox Bow Circle.

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»feature DEAL ESTATE JUST LISTED

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96 November–December 2015

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

A Heartwarming Home in Midtown NEW TO THE MARKET IS A VINTAGE HOME in the heart of Midtown.

It’s perfectly suited for anyone who enjoys a laid-back, low-key lifestyle.

The two wings of this former duplex each house two bedrooms and a bathroom and are separated by a central living area. Windows in the spacious bedrooms allow for ample, natural light. The QUICK LOOK bathrooms feature full shower-and-tub combos, storage cabinets and linen closets.

Address: 604 E. 8th The beautiful, original hardwood floors Ave. throughout the house are noteworthy.

List Price: $239,900 The living room and dining area are separated by a half wall allowing Bedrooms: 4 for a completely open living area. The Bathrooms: 2 kitchen boasts granite countertops, custom cabinetry, a sliding door pantry and Square feet: 1,788 bar seating. A fun feature is the passContact: Christie through window that links the kitchen to Orros, Coldwell an outdoor bar on a screened-in porch.

It’s easy to picture trays of snacks exiting Banker Hartung and the kitchen and coming back empty after Noblin, (850) 321-2393 being devoured by football party revelers.

The large porch and deck are strong selling points and provide a comfortable place to gather, rain or shine, in friendly groups or maybe it’s just you and a book. Exit the porch and you’ll find yourself in a backyard surrounded by a hard fence and made all the more private by mature landscaping. A circular driveway along with curbside parking will accommodate lots of guests.

Walk or bike to the popular Miracle Plaza, which is home to Whole Foods, spectacular dining options and unique shops. And, you’re not far from a variety of entertainment venues.

This home has perks that will impress a first-time homebuyer or a couple with a growing family looking to upsize.

“The location, charm and comfortable floor plan make for a priceless total package,” said Realtor Christie Orros. // REBECCA PADGETT

GO TO TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM FOR UPDATED LISTINGS

JUST SOLD

THE NAUMANN GROUP REAL ESTATE, INC.

A Swiftly Sold Southern Beauty SOUTHERN CHARM. COLUMNED PORCH. Flowing floor plan. The three-bedroom home and guest house at 7137 Ox Bow Circle weren’t going to last long on the market.

The home’s flawless exterior lends it extraordinary curb appeal.

Notable interior features include hardwood floors, custom wood cabinetry, large windows and soothing, neutral hues.

The main house’s bedrooms are spacious and sunny and its two bathrooms, luxurious. The kitchen leads into the dining room, a convenience when entertaining and dining.

The living room at the center of the home boasts vaulted ceilings, an intricate stone hearth and an electric fireplace.

It adjoins a spectacular enclosed sun porch with windows all around providing views of the 2.5acre property’s mature trees and lush grass.

The porch is as well suited to QUICK LOOK parties as it is quiet reflection and Address: 7137 Ox Bow Circle opens onto a pool deck. The pool and patio space are fenced in.

List Price: $499,900 A stone pathway leads to the Sold Price: $495,000 front door of the guesthouse, which is perfect for aging parents, Square Feet: 4,177 renters, vacation guests or would Bedrooms: 5 work well as a pool house. Inside are two bedrooms, a full-size Bathrooms: 3 kitchen, a dining room, a living Contact: Jamie Yarbrough, area, a laundry room and a bonus room suitable for use as a storage Broker Associate, The or craft room. The cute, verandaNaumann Group Real style porch adds an extra dash Estate, Inc., (850) 591-8860, of charm. naumanngroup.com The home was built in 1988 and has undergone many updates, including a new roof installed recently. The house attracted multiple offers before selling in less than two weeks. The buyer valued the home’s amenities, beautiful appearance, location and the possibilities afforded by the guest house.

“I wish I had more homes like this one to list,” said Realtor Jamie Yarbrough. “It was meticulously maintained and offered so many great features. Location and price played a large role in the sale and resulted in multiple offers for the sellers to choose from.” // REBECCA PADGETT

BUYING? SELLING? RELOCATING? Call me today for your tomorrow!

Joan H. Raley, REALTOR® CRS, CDPE, SFR, e-PRO GRI, ABR, CHMS

Home Economist, Broker/Owner

www.JoanRaley.com

Office: 850.599.1950 | Cell: 850.545.9390 Joan@JoanRaley.com | 2425 Bass Bay Drive, Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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»feature DEAL ESTATE Continued from page 94

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Ox Bow is also just a short drive from a selection of recreational and natural activities. Located close to the Ox Bow community is The Farm Equestrian Center, where homeowners and visitors board horses at the five-star indoor stables and ride through their elite indoor equestrian ring, dressage ring, crosscountry course and more.

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Morgan Stanley Smith Barneyshould LLC, its affiliates and MorganforStanley Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. consult theirand tax Morgan advisor matters involving taxationdo and taxprovide Morgan Stanley SmithClients Barney com LLC, its affiliates Stanley Financial Advisors not tax planning or legal advice.

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Clients should consult involving their taxtrust advisor matters involving taxation tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. www.morganstanley.com/fa/ planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. © Stanley 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member (12/12) CS 7338805 03/13 Morgan Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates andSIPC. Morgan CRC588469 Stanley Financial Advisors doMAR013A not provide stephen.huggins StanleyStanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley CRC588469 Financial Advisors do not ©orMorgan 2013 Morgan Smith Barney LLC. their Member SIPC. (12/12) CSprovide 7338805 MAR013A 03/13 tax© legal advice.

Clients should consult taxSIPC. advisor for matters involving tax 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member CRC588469 (12/12) CStaxation 7338805and MAR013A 03/13 tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax

planning andand their attorney formatters matters involving and planning estate planning and matters. other legal matters. planning their attorney for involving trust trust and estate and other legal

© 2013 Morgan StanleySmith Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. SIPC.CRC588469 (12/12) CS 7338805 MAR013A 03/13MAR013A 03/13 © 2013 Morgan Stanley Barney LLC. Member CRC588469 (12/12) CS 7338805

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THE FARM EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and CHASE MorganMcNEILL, Stanley Financial AdvisorsPLUMBER, do not provide Lic. # CFC043067 GREEN CERTIFIED Lic. # CFC1427457 tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

Also in close proximity to Ox Bow are several parks, including the beautifully cul- The Farm Equestrian tivated Maclay Gardens with its walking Center, located and bike trails, fishing spots, a boat ramp, near Ox Bow, offers canoeing, kayaking and wildlife observation. five-star stables and an elite indoor Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is located adja- equestrian ring in cent to Maclay and is a more wild, native addition to outdoor park, featuring miles of natural backwoods performance rings. hiking trails.

Built around Lake Charlotte and a short drive from Lake McBride and several other bodies of water perfect for canoeing, kayaking and fishing, Ox Bow Estates is well suited for any outdoor enthusiast. In addition to peace and quiet, Ox Bow provides many opportunities for leisure and recreation.

One would guess that all the seclusion and privacy offered by Ox Bow would be an inconvenience to homeowners who enjoy going out on the town. However, Ox Bow is still only a 20-minute drive to Midtown bars and restaurants. It is also a straight shot to Thomasville Road, which contains options for shopping and groceries. n

GO TO TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM FOR UPDATED LISTINGS

IT’S JUST BUSINESS

Recently Opened ▪ Over the summer, retailers and service providers started setting up shop in Magnolia Grove, located at the intersection of Magnolia and Park. Now completely full, the NAI TALCOR property features a Blaze Pizza, Home 2 Suites by Hilton, Mattress One, Oishii Bento Pan Asian & Sushi, Smashburger, Stanton Optical, Starbucks and Which Wich.

▪ Situated in Cascades Park at 470 Suwannee St., The Edison celebrated its grand opening on Sept. 20. A historic renovation project for restaurateur Adam Corey, also owner of 101 Restaurant in Tallahassee, and business partner Ryan Grindle, The Edison is a multi-level, multi-faceted experience complete with a beer garden, wine cellar, attractive dining room and open-air options.

▪ Hearth & Soul opened its doors in the Market District on Sept.1. The boutique store is a new-to-market concept designed to bring together modern brands, local artisan goods and rare commodities. Co-founders Susie BuschTransou and Jama Manning intend to grow their brand throughout the Southeast in the coming year.

Next Up

SUMMIT GROUP COMMERCIAL, LLC

▪ A new sense of place initiative by the city has allotted $9.4 million to be put toward infrastructure and aesthetic improvements for the Market District. Made possible by Leon County’s recently approved penny sales tax extension, the proposed plan will address the creation of a winding network of sidewalks and trails throughout the district and additional central parking around the existing stormwater drainage ponds, as well as running trails, benches and lighting.

“

Buy & Sell With Your 30A Neighbor

“

Text: 30AFORSALE To: 33444 Bannerman’s Crossing Expansion

▪ New infrastructure is emerging in the northern portion of the county with the Bannerman’s Crossing Expansion at the corner of Thomasville and Bannerman. The addition, spearheaded by Summit Group Commercial, LLC, will see 20,000 square feet of office space and ample commercial and retail opportunities, as well as an event lawn and pavilion.

For all your Real Estate needs on 30A

Contact Mike Cashin

706.347.0770

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

»feature AGENDA AWARDS & ACCOLADES ▪ Leon County Tax Collector Doris Maloy was recently awarded the prestigious Victor E. Martinelli Outstanding Treasurer’s Award by the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers & Finance Officers.

▪ Holland & Knight reports that five of the firm’s attorneys in Tallahassee have been named to Florida Trend magazine’s 2015 Legal Elite list. At 37 in total, Holland & Knight has more Legal Elite honorees than any other law firm in the state. The following Tallahassee-based attorneys were recognized as 2015 Florida Legal Elite and Hall of Fame honorees: Martha W. Barnett — Government & Administrative — Hall of Fame; Sarah S. Butters — Wills, Trusts & Estates; Tiffany Roddenberry — Commercial Litigation — Up & Comer; Lawrence E. Sellers — Government & Administrative — Hall of Fame; Karen D. Walker — Government & Administrative. The firm also announced that Tallahassee-based attorneys Lawrence N. Curtin, Mark K. Delegal, Stephen H. Grimes, James M. Ervin Jr., D. Bruce May Jr., Shannon Hartsfield Salimone, Lawrence E. Sellers and Karen D. Walker have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2016. Ervin was also named “Lawyer of the Year” in Corporate Law. ▪ Roger Bouchard of Live Oak and Bill Powers of Tallahassee received the “Honorary Sheriff” award from the Florida Sheriff ’s Association at the FSA’s recent summer conference in Fort Lauderdale. Powers and Bouchard were presented the honorary title based on their years of service and support for law enforcement and the Florida Sheriff’s Association.

PHOTOS COURTESY PICTURED INDIVIDUALS

▪ Mollie Zajac, a Tallahassee-born esthetician/skin care specialist, has completed certification through Oncology Esthetics-USA and has expanded her practice to serve individuals who have cancer or are recovering from it. The training Zajac prepares professional estheticians to provide safe, customized spa treatments to clients with skin that’s been compromised by health issues.

▪ Cascades Park received the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers’ Engineering Excellence Grand Award in the Water and Stormwater category for 2015.

Mark Llewellyn Sr., P.E., president of Genesis engineering, accepted the award at the 99th annual FES/ FICE Summer Conference and Exposition banquet in July. This is the seventh award Genesis has received for Cascades Park. Genesis was involved in the planning, design and construction of the Capital Cascades Trail and Cascades Park from 2002 to March 2014. The 25-acre urban park is a major flood control/flood plain management system and an outstanding recreational facility for the community.

▪ Leon County District 4 Commissioner Bryan Desloge was elected vice president of the National Association of Counties during the association’s 80th annual

role, he will work directly with business owners in the market to grow business deposits and loans and develop commercial relationships. Before joining Ameris Bank, he w o r ke d a s a s p e c i a list at the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and managed 25 international bank branches and administrative offices in financial and regulatory compliance.

He also acted as the liaison for bank presidents, boards of directors, CEOs NACo Officers 2015–2016 (left to right) First Vice President Bryan Desloge (Leon and executives. Before that, County, Fla.), President Sallie Clark (El Paso County, Colo.), Second Vice President Roy Charles Brooks (Tarrant County, Texas), Immediate Past President Riki Hokama Watson was a commercial (Maui County, Hawaii), NACo Executive Director Matthew D. Chase lender and associate vice president at Farmers and Merchants Bank and a comConference and Exposition. He’ll serve in this role for a mercial credit analyst and branch manager at BB&T. year and then assume the role of association president in 2016. Desloge has served on the Leon County Board ▪ North Florida Women’s Care recently announced that Kendra Marcinowski, ARNP, has joined its healthof County Commissioners for nine years and was chaircare family. Marcinowski is a board certified Women’s man from 2008 through 2009.

Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her bachelor degree in nursing from Florida State University, and her ▪ The National Committee for Quality Assurance Master of Science degree in Nursing from University recently announced that Tallahassee Primary Care of Alabama at Birmingham. Kendra has a wealth of Associates has received NCQA Patient-Centered experience in the women’s health nursing field, much Medical Home Recognition for methods that focus on of which was gained as a labor and delivery nurse at highly coordinated care and long-term, participative Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. relationships.

PROMOTIONS & HIRES ▪ Dennis Gallant, CPA, is the new senior manager of tax services at Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. Gallant has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting and has worked with tax compliance and consulting. He previously worked at Rea & Associates Inc., in Lima, Ohio, as a staff accountant and advanced to principal. In related news, the firm also welcomed Gabe Crook and Trevor Godfrey to the Assurance Services Department. Crook received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida State University in Panama City, Florida. Godfrey received his Bachelor of Accountancy and Master of Accountancy degrees from Missouri State University.

▪ Richard A. Greenberg, a partner with Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, was sworn in as treasurer of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers at FACDL’s 28th annual meeting in Key Biscayne. In addition to criminal defense, Greenberg repGreenberg resents clients in attorney discipline, bar admission and professional licensing matters.

▪ Ameris Bank recently named William “Bill” Watson, MBA, as vice president of commercial and industrial banking for the Tallahassee market. In this

▪ Mary Estes, executive vice president of First Commerce Credit Union, was recently selected to participate in Filene’s 2015 i3 program. This two-year program puts the best and brightest credit union leaders to work on the consumer Estes finance industry’s most challenging problems. John Medina has been promoted to vice president of business, investments and insurance services of First Commerce.

He will retain oversight over Six Pillars Financial Advisors and First Commerce Insurance Agency.

Medina Medina has extensive experience as a commercial banker and high-performing manager of commercial and business banking teams throughout the Southeast. William “Willie” Correa has recently joined the credit union as business service executive. Correa has more than a Correa decade of business and consumer lending experience at Regions Bank, Florida Bank, and Iberia Bank. Christopher Fox was recently named director of information technology at the credit union. He previously worked for ORNL Credit Union in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for six years. Fox will be responsible for all aspects of IT infrastructure, security and performance.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

103

READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS!

Crème de la Crème

THE BEST OF TALLAHASSEE RISE TO THE TOP

w

hen you’re planning the perfect romantic dinner, or you want to find the freshest sushi in town, or you’re preparing to invest thousands of your hard-earned dollars on a new roof … What to do?

Chances are, you’ll seek out the recommendation of a trusted, knowledgeable friend or two. For 16 years, Tallahassee Magazine has asked “friends” — our readers — to recommend their favorite restaurants, businesses, retailers and events in our Best of Tallahassee survey.

“Crowd sourcing” before it became an Internet thing, if you will. And our readers have spoken once again, sharing their top picks in more than 100 categories.

This year’s annual Best of Tallahassee celebration was held Oct. 28 at the Edison Restaurant, located in the magnificently restored historic electric plant that is Cascades Park’s newest landmark. To heighten the anticipation, only the top two vote-getters in each category were announced in advance. Only at the event were the ultimate Best of Tallahassee winners revealed.

So save and consult this special issue when you need some guidance on the best Tallahassee has to offer. And be sure to give up a “well done” when you see the crystal trophies and Best of Tallahassee logos on display at your favorite local businesses.

They have earned the honor — and your patronage.

WATCH VIDEO OF THE BIG REVEAL DURING OUR BEST OF TALLAHASSEE EVENT AT TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

RESULTS TABULATED BY THE ACCOUNTING FIRM OF THOMAS HOWELL FERGUSON

104 November–December 2015

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

Food & Beverage APPETIZER

BRUNCH

THE PAISLEY CAFÉ

BONEFISH GRILL

(850) 385-7268 Thepaisleycafe.com 1123 Thomasville Road

(850) 297-0460 bonefishgrill.com 3491 Thomasville Road

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➳

Honorable Mention Masa

Honorable Mention The Egg Café & Eatery

BAKERY

CAJUN RESTAURANT

COOSH’S BAYOU ROUGE

CAKE SHOP

(850) 386-2253 tallahasseecakeshop.com 1908 Capital Circle NE

(850) 894-4110 Cooshs.com 6267 Old Water Oak Road, #101

➳

➳

Honorable Mention Tasty Pastry

Honorable Mention Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

BAR

CASUAL DINING

MADISON SOCIAL

(850) 894-6276 madisonsocial.com 705 S Woodward Ave., #101

➳

Honorable Mention Liberty Bar & Restaurant

BARBECUE

SONNY’S BBQ

(850) 906-9996 sonnysbbq.com 1460 Timberlane Road Various Locations

➳

Honorable Mention 4 Rivers Smokehouse

BREAKFAST

THE EGG CAFÉ & EATERY

(850) 765-0703 3740 Austin Davis Ave.

➳

Honorable Mention Village Inn

KOOL BEANZ CAFÉ

(850) 224-2466 koolbeanz-cafe.com 921 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention Flying Bear Great American Grill

CATERING

KLASSIC KATERING

(850) 894-0423 klassickatering.com 6753 Thomasville Road, #108

➳

Honorable Mention Black Fig

CELEBRATION/SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT

CYPRESS RESTAURANT (850) 513-1100 cypressrestaurant.com 320 E. Tennessee St.

➳

Honorable Mention Sage Restaurant

COFFEE SHOP

STARBUCKS

★ ONLINE CATEGORY FOOD TRUCK

MOBI

(850) 894-7005 starbucks.com 3425 Thomasville Road Various Locations

(850) 727-6510 mobistreetfood.com Location Varies

Honorable Mention RedEye Coffee

Honorable Mention Street Chefs

DELI

HAMBURGER

(850) 222-1975 publix.com 1700 N. Monroe St. Various Locations

(850) 629-4333 burgerfi.com 1817 Thomasville Road, #710

➳

PUBLIX

➳

Honorable Mention Jason’s Deli

➳

BURGERFI ➳

Honorable Mention Vertigo Burgers & Fries

HAPPY HOUR

DESSERT

CAKE SHOP

(850) 386-2253 tallahasseecakeshop.com 1908 Capital Circle NE

101 RESTAURANT

(850) 391-1309 101tally.com 215 W. College Ave., #101

➳

➳

Honorable Mention Bonefish Grill

ETHNIC RESTAURANT

OSAKA JAPANESE HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR

Honorable Mention Food Glorious Food

SAHARA GREEK LEBANESE CAFÉ (850) 656-1800 saharagreek.com 1241 E. Lafayette St.

➳

Honorable Mention Masa

FINE DINING RESTAURANT

CYPRESS RESTAURANT

HIBACHI

(850) 531-0222 osakahibachiandsushi.com 1690 Raymond Diehl Road

➳

Honorable Mention Mori Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

HOTDOG

DOG ET AL

(850) 513-1100 cypressrestaurant.com 320. E Tennessee St.

(850) 222-4099 dogetal.com 1456 S. Monroe St.

Honorable Mention Sage Restaurant

Honorable Mention Voodoo Dog

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TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

105

BE S T OF TALL AH AS S EE

★ ONLINE CATEGORY ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT

NUBERRI FROZEN YOGURT

(850) 222-2374 nuberri.com 101 N. Blair Stone Road 1870 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention Lofty Pursuits

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

BELLA BELLA ITALIAN RESTAURANT (850) 412-1114 thebellabella.com 123 E. 5th Ave.

➳

Honorable Mention Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant

★ ONLINE CATEGORY LOCAL BREWERY

PROOF BREWING CO. (850) 894-5638 proofbrewingco.com 1717 W. Tennessee St. 644 McDonnell Drive

➳

Honorable Mention Grasslands Brewing Co.

LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT

KOOL BEANZ CAFÉ (850) 224-2466 koolbeanz-cafe.com 921 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention The Paisley Café

LUNCH

HOPKINS’ EATERY (850) 668-0311 hopkinseatery.com 1415 Market St. Various Locations

➳

Honorable Mention The Paisley Café

106 November–December 2015

MARTINI/COCKTAIL

SUSHI

MASA

BONEFISH GRILL (850) 297-0460 bonefishgrill.com 3491 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention Level 8 Lounge

MEXICAN/ LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT

EL JALISCO

(850) 878-0800 eljalisco.com 2022 N. Monroe St. Various Locations

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

THE SEINEYARD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

(850) 421-9191 theseineyard.com 8056 Woodville Highway

➳

Honorable Mention Bonefish Grill

SPORTS BAR

BEEF O’ BRADY’S

Honorable Mention Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina

(850) 222-2157 beefobradys.com 1800 Thomasville Road Various Locations

OUTDOOR DINING RESTAURANT

Honorable Mention Corner Pocket Sports Bar

(850) 270-9396 sagetallahassee.com 3534 Maclay Blvd. S.

STEAKHOUSE

➳

(850) 727-4183 masatallahassee.com 1650 N. Monroe St.

➳

Honorable Mention Kiku Japanese Fusion

WINE LIST/WINEBAR

THE WINE LOFT

(850) 222-9914 winetallahassee.com 1240 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention Clusters & Hops

➳

SAGE RESTAURANT

MARIE LIVINGSTON’S STEAKHOUSE

WINGS

WINGSTOP

Honorable Mention Hurricane Grill & Wings

(850) 562-2525 marielivingstonsteakhouse.com 2705 Apalachee Parkway

(850) 942-9464 wingstop.com 3111 Mahan Drive Various Locations

PIZZA

Honorable Mention Shula’s 347 Grill

Honorable Mention Hobbit American Grill

➳

➳

MOMO’S PIZZA

(850) 412-0222 momospizza.com 1410 Market St. 1416 W. Tennessee St.

➳

Honorable Mention Red Elephant Pizza & Grill

SEAFOOD MARKET

SOUTHERN SEAFOOD MARKET

(850) 893-7301 southernseafoodmarket.com 1415 Timberlane Road

➳

Honorable Mention Capital Seafood Market (Formerly Mike’s Seafood & Oriental Market)

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

➳

Service Providers AIR CONDITIONING/ HEATING

BENSON’S HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

ALTERATIONS

HELGA’S TAILORING AND ALTERATIONS

(850) 562-3132 bensonshvac.com 5402 Tower Road

E. Park Ave. Location (850) 877-1266 tailoringtallahassee.com 2901 E. Park Ave., Suite 2500 1535 Killearn Center Blvd., A-5

Honorable Mention Keith Lawson Company, Inc.

Honorable Mention Sunshine Alterations

➳

➳

B E S T OF TA L L A HA S S E E

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

WESTMINSTER OAKS (850) 878-1136 westminsterretirement.com 4449 Meandering Way

➳

CARPET CLEANER

STANLEY STEEMER (850) 656-1777 stanleysteemer.com 3600 Weems Road

➳

Honorable Mention Allegro

Honorable Mention Bowden’s Carpet Cleaning

AUTO REPAIR/BODY SHOP

CHILD CARE PROVIDER

M&M AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES (850) 309-1140 3942 Woodville Highway

➳

Honorable Mention Lisa’s Paint and Body Shop

GROWING ROOM CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (850) 668-4769 growingroomchildcare.com 2636 Centennial Place Various Locations

PROCTOR DEALERSHIPS

(888) 346-9224 proctordealerships.com 1707 Capital Circle NE

➳

Honorable Mention Capital Eurocars

CAPITAL CITY BANK (850) 402-7700 ccbg.com 217 N. Monroe St. Various Locations

➳

Honorable Mention Farmers and Merchants Bank

BANQUET FACILITY

FSU ALUMNI CENTER

(850) 644-2761 alumni.fsu.edu 1030 W. Tennessee St.

➳

Honorable Mention Goodwood Museum & Gardens

(850) 325-1681 naumanngroup.com 2050 Capital Circle NE

(850) 385-7541 blueribbondrycleaning.com 1102 E. Lafayette St. Various Locations

Honorable Mention Coldwell Banker

Honorable Mention O’Brien’s Shamrock Cleaners

➳

DANCE STUDIO

TALLAHASSEE DANCE ACADEMY

(850) 893-3422 tdadance.com 1409 Maclay Commerce Drive, #D

➳

➳

ELECTRICAL COMPANY

LAWSON & LAWSON ELECTRICAL SERVICES (850) 562-4111 llelectrical.com 5019 Metzke Lane

➳

Honorable Mention Sharon Davis School of Dance

Honorable Mention Meeks & Sons, Inc.

CHIROPRACTOR

MILLENNIUM NAIL AND DAY SPA

DAY SPA

FAMILY PHYSICIAN/ PRACTICE

DR. GENE JENKINS (850) 668-4057 genejenkinschiro.com 1298 Timberlane Road

➳

Honorable Mention 100% Chiropractic

CREDIT UNION

BANK

THE NAUMANN GROUP

DRY CLEANER

BLUE RIBBON CLEANERS

➳

Honorable Mention Celebration Baptist Kinderschool

AUTOMOTIVE DEALER

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY/AGENT

FIRST COMMERCE CREDIT UNION (850) 488-0035 firstcommercecu.org 2073 Summit Lake Drive Various Locations

➳

Honorable Mention Envision Credit Union

COMPUTER REPAIR/ SERVICES

ON CALL COMPUTER SOLUTIONS LLC

(850) 224-1008 on-callsupport.com 1114 Thomasville Road, Suite J

➳

Honorable Mention Panhandle PC

(850) 224-2222 millenniumnailanddayspa.com 1817 Thomasville Road, #230 2915 Kerry Forest Parkway, #606

➳

Honorable Mention Chelsea Salon and Spa

TALLAHASSEE PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATES

(850) 297-0114 tallahasseeprimarycare.com 1803 Miccosukee Commons Drive

➳

Honorable Mention Patients First

DENTIST PRACTICE

RUSSELL B. RAINEY DMD (850) 385-3700 drrainey.com 221 E. 7th Ave.

➳

Honorable Mention Murrell & Silvers

DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE

DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF TALLAHASSEE (850) 877-4134 datfl.com 1707 Riggins Road

➳

Honorable Mention Dermatology Advanced Care

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

SIX PILLARS FINANCIAL ADVISOR (850) 410-3568 sixpillarsfa.com 3343 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention Bill Zottolli/Northwestern Mutual

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR/ CENTER

KAOS GROUP TRAINING

(850) 980-5281 kaosgrouptraining.com 2755 Power Mill Court, Suite B

➳

Honorable Mention Premier Health and Fitness Center

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BE S T OF TALL AH AS S EE

FLOORING (CARPET/TILE/ETC)

BRIAN BARNARD’S FLOORING AMERICA

(850) 386-8689 barnardsflooring-america.com 2731 Capital Circle NE

➳

Honorable Mention Southern Flooring

INSURANCE AGENCY

DEMONT INSURANCE AGENCY (850) 942-7760 demontinsurance.com 2400 Mahan Drive

➳

Honorable Mention State Farm

INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM

FLORIST

BLOSSOMS

(850) 385-7363 blossomflowers.com 541 N. Monroe St.

➳

LAURA BRYANT INTERIOR DESIGN

HAIR SALON/STUDIO

MILLENNIUM NAIL AND DAY SPA

(850) 224-2222 millenniumnailanddayspa.com 1817 Thomasville Road, #230 2915 Kerry Forest Parkway, #606

➳

Honorable Mention So Pure Salon & Spa

HOTEL

HOTEL DUVAL, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION (850) 224-6000 hotelduval.com 415 N. Monroe St.

➳

Honorable Mention Aloft Tallahassee Downtown

108 November–December 2015

MAID SERVICE/ HOUSE CLEANING

HELPING HANDS CLEANING, ETC.

Honorable Mention The Maids of Tallahassee

LANDSCAPING/ LAWN SERVICES

➳

➳

Honorable Mention Boys Town North Florida

➳

GYM/HEALTH CLUB

Honorable Mention Kaos Group Training

(850) 878-5310 bigbendhospice.org 1723 Mahan Center Blvd.

(850) 510-1111 tallahasseecleaningcompany.com

Honorable Mention n.d. designs TLH Inc.

(850) 431-2348 tmh.org/premier 3521 Maclay Blvd.

BIG BEND HOSPICE

(850) 694-2297 laurabryantdesign.com

Honorable Mention Designs by Darin

PREMIER HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER

LOCAL CHARITY/NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

ESPOSITO LAWN AND GARDEN CENTER (850) 386-2114 Espositogardencenter.com 2743 Capital Circle NE

➳

Honorable Mention Capital City Lawn Care

➳

BARRETT FASIG & BROOKS

(850) 224-3310 tallahasseepersonalinjury.com 3360 Capital Circle NE

➳

Honorable Mention Manausa Law Firm

LIMO SERVICE

MIKE’S LIMOUSINE SERVICE OF TALLAHASSEE (850) 224-5466 limomike.com 3109 W. Tennessee St.

➳

Honorable Mention Classic Limo

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

NORTH FLORIDA WOMEN'S CARE

(850) 877-7241 nflwc.com 1401 Centerville Road, Suite 202

➳

Honorable Mention Dr. Morales & Dr. Hall

OPTOMETRY/ OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE

EYE ASSOCIATES OF TALLAHASSEE

(850) 878-6161 eyeassociatesoftallahassee.com 2020 Fleischmann Road

➳

Honorable Mention Orsillo Vision Care & Optical

PAINTER

MONOGRAMMING/ EMBROIDERY SERVICES

MARLIN COATINGS INC.

(850) 514-3148 mmmonogramming.com 2030 Thomasville Road, #1

Honorable Mention Superior Painting

Honorable Mention Loli and the Bean

PEDIATRIC PRACTICE

M&M MONOGRAMMING ➳

LAW FIRM/ATTORNEY PRACTICE

OBSTETRIC/ GYNECOLOGICAL PRACTICE

MOVING COMPANY

AMWAT MOVING (850) 877-7131 amwatmovers.com 319 Ross Road

(850) 224-1370 3666 Peddie Drive

➳

NORTH FLORIDA PEDIATRICS

(850) 877-1162 northfloridapeds.com 3606 Maclay Blvd., Suite 102

➳

Honorable Mention Mike’s Moving, Inc.

➳

Honorable Mention (TPCA) Tallahassee Pediatrics

NAIL SALON

PEST CONTROL SERVICE

(850) 224-2222 millenniumnailanddayspa.com 1817 Thomasville Road, #230 2915 Kerry Forest Parkway, #606

(850) 386-2847 callpauls.com 1225 Commerce Blvd., Midway

MILLENNIUM NAIL AND DAY SPA

➳

Honorable Mention Royal Nails

PAUL’S TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

➳

Honorable Mention Capelouto Termite & Pest Control

B E S T OF TA L L A HA S S E E

PHONE SERVICE PROVIDER

VERIZON WIRELESS (850) 514-2355 verizonwireless.com 2110 N. Monroe St. Various Locations

➳

Honorable Mention AT&T

PHOTOGRAPHER

DINA IVORY PHOTOGRAPHY (850) 877-3690 ivoryfineart.com 315 Beard St.

➳

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY/ AGENT

COLDWELL BANKER

(850) 386-6160 coldwellbankertallahassee.com 3303 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention The Naumann Group

ROOFING REPAIR/SERVICES

ROWE ROOFING (850) 386-7663 roweroofing.com 1843 Commerce Blvd.

➳

Honorable Mention Woodland Fields Photography

Honorable Mention Stubbs Roofing Company

PLUMBING SERVICE

SECURITY SYSTEM

KEITH MCNEIL PLUMBING

(850) 562-5504 mcneillplumbing.com 3505 N. Monroe St.

➳

Honorable Mention Keith Lawson Company, Inc.

POOL REPAIR/ SERVICE COMPANY

BARKSDALE CUSTOM POOLS

(850) 556-8348 barksdalecustompools.com 1754-A Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention Terry’s Pool Services

PRINTING/COPYING SERVICES

TARGET PRINT & MAIL (FORMERLY TARGET COPY) (850) 224-3007 targetprintmail.com 635 W. Tennessee St.

➳

Honorable Mention Karmanos Printing & Graphics

SAFE TOUCH

(850) 385-9511 safetouch.com 1962 Village Green Way

➳

Honorable Mention Hi-Tech System Associates Inc.

SIGN COMPANY

SURGICAL PRACTICE

TALLAHASSEE PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC (850) 877-2126 tlhplasticsurgery.com 2452 Mahan Drive, #101

➳

Honorable Mention Southeastern Plastic Surgery, P.A.

TREE SERVICE

MILLER’S TREE SERVICE

(850) 894-8733 millertreesrv.com 4951 Woodlane Circle

➳

SPORTS/PHYSICAL THERAPY

TALLAHASSEE ORTHOPEDIC SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY

(850) 877-8855 tospt.com 1891 Capital Circle NE, Unit 2

➳

Honorable Mention Tallahassee Memorial Rehabilitation Center

➳

Honorable Mention Netphiles

WEDDING VENUE

GOODWOOD MUSEUM & GARDENS

(850) 877-4202 goodwoodmuseum.org 1600 Miccosukee Road

➳

Honorable Mention Mission San Luis

VETERINARY CLINIC

NORTH FLORIDA ANIMAL HOSPITAL (850) 385-5141 nflah.com 2701 N. Monroe St.

➳

Honorable Mention Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital

WEIGHT LOSS/ CONTROL PROGRAM

WEIGHT WATCHERS

(850) 894-1422 weightwatchers.com 1400 Village Square Blvd.

1415 Timberlane Road, #315

➳

Honorable Mention FIT Weight Loss & More

(850) 894-2400 fastsigns.com/373 1920 N. Monroe St.

➳

(850) 402-0027 cuneocreative.com 416 N. Adams St.

Honorable Mention AAA Tree Experts

FAST SIGNS

Honorable Mention Super Signs

WEB DESIGN

CUNEO CREATIVE

Shopping ANTIQUE SHOP

COSMETIC VENDOR

(850) 893-0510 1415 Timberlane Road

(850) 402-0105 sephora.com 500 Apalachee Parkway

Honorable Mention Miss Mandy’s

Honorable Mention Ulta Beauty

KILLEARN ANTIQUES MALL ➳

SEPHORA ➳

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BE S T OF TALL AH AS S EE

COLE COUTURE

WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES/SHOES

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

➳

(850) 668-4807 narcissusstyle.com 1408 Timberlane Road

(850) 553-3327 colecouture.com 1240 Thomasville Road, # 102

LOCALLY OWNED STORE EYEGLASS STORE

MY EYE DOCTOR

(FORMERLY THE HOUR GLASS) (850) 893-4005 myeyedr.com/tallahassee 1480 Timberlane Road 1433 E. Lafayette St.

➳

Honorable Mention Vision Works

FURNITURE STORE

TURNER’S FINE FURNITURE STORE (850) 210-0446 turnerfurniture.com 2151 U.S. Highway 319 S., Thomasville, GA

➳

Honorable Mention Haverty’s Furniture

GIFT STORE

LOLI AND THE BEAN (850) 576-5654 loliandthebean.com 1400 Village Square Blvd.

➳

Honorable Mention Blue Abaco

JEWELRY STORE

THE GEM COLLECTION

(850) 893-4171 gemcollection.com 3501 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention Tallahassee Diamond Center

KIDS CLOTHING

PINK NARCISSUS (850) 597-8201 1350 Market St. lillypinknarcissus.com

➳

Honorable Mention Tres Chic

110 November–December 2015

(850) 553-3327 colecouture.com 1240 Thomasville Road, # 102 Honorable Mention Loli and the Bean

NARCISSUS

➳

Honorable Mention Shoe Station

COLE COUTURE ➳

Honorable Mention Narcissus

MEN’S CLOTHING

NIC’S TOGGERY (850) 385-6866 nicstoggery.com 212 S. Monroe St. 1475 Market St.

Entertainment

➳

Honorable Mention Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear and Apparel

NURSERY/GARDEN CENTER/ LANDSCAPING MATERIALS

TALLAHASSEE NURSERIES

(850) 385-2162 tallahasseenurseries.com 2911 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention Esposito Lawn & Garden Center

SPORTING GOODS STORE

ACADEMY SPORTS & OUTDOORS

(850) 216-3560 academy.com 3122-9 Mahan Drive

COMMUNITY EVENT

SPRINGTIME TALLAHASSEE

(850) 224-5012 springtimetallahassee.com 209 E. Park Ave.

➳

Honorable Mention Downtown GetDown

GOLF COURSE

SOUTHWOOD GOLF CLUB

(850) 591-0074 facebook.com/Sparklebymadison 1108 Thomasville Road

➳

Honorable Mention Forever 21

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

★ ONLINE CATEGORY LOCAL PARK

CASCADES PARK (850) 891-3866 discovercascades.com 1001 S. Gadsden St.

➳

Honorable Mention Tom Brown Park

➳

★ ONLINE CATEGORY LOCAL TV/RADIO PERSONALITY

Honorable Mention Golden Eagle Country Club

➳

SPARKLE

BY MADISON

➳

Honorable Mention Michael Miller Band

(850) 942-4653 southwoodgolf.com 3750 Grove Park Drive

THE WILL DANCE SHOW 93.3 FM ➳

Honorable Mention Dick’s Sporting Goods

TEEN CLOTHING STORE

LOCAL BAND

TOM AND THE CATS

Honorable Mention AJ Malone X101.5 FM

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

CASCADES PARK

PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS

➳

(850) 891-3866 discovercascades.com 1001 S. Gadsden St.

(850) 891-3866 discovercascades.com 1001 S. Gadsden St. Honorable Mention Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

CASCADES PARK

➳

Honorable Mention Tallahassee Museum

Providing 30 years of quality service to North Florida and South Georgia

• • • •

Generator Sales & Service Outdoor Landscape Lighting Pool/Jacuzzi Wiring Fire Alarm Sales and Service

• • • •

Commercial & Residential Service Commercial & Residential New Construction Parking Lot Lighting Communication/Data Cabling

24-Hour Emergency Service

Florida EC13002909 • (850) 514-0003 | Georgia EN214192 • (229) 243-8886 www.westontrawick.com

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LOCAL FANS ARE EAGER TO BREAK OUT THE POPCORN AND RECONNECT WITH THEIR CHILDHOOD ICONS

BY JASON DEHART

“STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE AWAKENS” HITS THEATERS IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

PHOTO BY LAWRENCE DAVIDSON STYLING BY SAIGE ROBERTS

112 November–December 2015

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114 November–December 2015

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LUCASFILM 2015

T

he lights go down in the theater and the show begins. There’s the 20th Century Fox logo, the drum roll and trumpets, a quiet pause and a puzzling storybook intro: “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away … .”

A moment of darkness, then it hits you.

A gladiatorial musical exclamation punches you in the gut as the words “STAR WARS” blaze across the screen before receding into the starry distance as the opening crawl reels into view.

It’s the summer of 1977, and life as you know it is about to change forever. From now on, you will never know a world without Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, C-3PO, R2-D2 and Darth Vader.

Today, the characters and their story are immediately recognizable throughout the known universe. Creator George Lucas built a mega-empire based on this one film. It spawned two sequels, a really bad Christmas special, a prequel trilogy and countless cartoons, games, books and toys. It became the standard by which all future summer blockbusters were to be judged. And it rocked the universes of millions of people, particularly those moviegoers who were 7 or 8 years old at the time.

“It literally just blew me away,” recalled Blake Kandzer, 45, an award-winning Tallahassee illustrator, artist and graphic designer who saw “Star Wars” in a Winter Haven theater when he was 7. “I will never forget it because we were late getting to the theater — I can see it in my mind — and there was a huge line. We rushed to the theater and we got there right as the words were going across and the big ship comes down.”

Erika Peterman, 45, an editor for the Florida Medical Association and a comic book “cosplayer,” was also 7 when she saw the movie at an old Valdosta theater. When she talks about it, the little girl in her still bubbles up with excitement.

“Gosh, what can I say? It really was the first movie that just blew my mind,” she said. “I had never been immersed in a fictional world that way. That very first shot, the imperial ship going across the sky, I just thought, I had never seen anything like this before. It’s amazing.”

Local TV personality and man-about-town Greg Tish, 44, said he has no clear memories of seeing “Star Wars” in the theater, but he played the heck out of “The Story of Star Wars,” an LP he got for Christmas; he memorized every line.

He remembers “The Empire Strikes Back,” but cannot recall when he first saw “Star Wars.”

“I saw ‘Empire’ at Capitol Cinemas, which is now closed, but my first memory of ‘Star Wars’ is the (action) figures and the album, ‘The Story of Star Wars.’”

Tish still has the album, framed and on a wall.

“I can still hear them say, ‘Clear Bay 327, we are opening the magnetic field,’” Tish said. “That is where side one ends and side two begins.”

Even younger fans — too young to have witnessed history firsthand — revel in their memories of how they first experienced the “Star Wars” universe.

Marc Thomas, 39, senior designer for the Office of Creative Services at Florida State University and a comic book artist, was 10 years old when he had his first experience with the “Star Wars” franchise. He saw all three of the original trilogy movies as “one long continuous movie,” and they made a huge impression on him.

“It was the most incredible thing I’d ever seen,” Thomas said. “It was like these worlds were real, and I could one day go to them. I still want to visit that galaxy far, far away.”

Dallas Fillmon, 28, a revenue specialist with the Florida Department of Revenue during the week and a “Star Wars” costumer with the 501st Legion on the weekends, said he “had to work hard to rediscover the original trilogy.” He was 10

NOPE, THE DESERT PLANET IN THE FORCE AWAKENS ISN’T TATOOINE. ABRAMS SAYS THIS NEW PLANET IS CALLED JAKKU.

years old when the movies were re-released as special editions in 1997 but enjoys the memories he has of seeing “Return of the Jedi” on an old VHS tape.

“I didn’t watch it on the big screen,” Fillmon said. “I watched it in my buddy’s basement, on some old VHS, which I’m sure the tracking was off, and I’m sure the picture wasn’t the best, but that’s where we saw Ewoks and Jabba and Rancors and Sarlaccs and all that stuff.”

Nearly 40 years later, Disney owns the “Star Wars” franchise. Most of the cast of the original trilogy is reunited in “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” Helmed by director J.J. Abrams, who previously rebooted the “Star Trek” franchise, “The Force Awakens” picks up 30 years after the events of “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”

At the end of Episode VI, the Galactic Empire lay in ruins. The emperor and his henchman, Darth Vader, are dead. The second Death Star is destroyed. But in “The Force Awakens,” it seems that a new menace, the “First Order,” has risen from the ashes of the old empire to make life complicated for the former Rebel Alliance. Episode VII is the first in a new “Star Wars” movie trilogy.

“Disney and ‘Star Wars’ actually seems like a perfect fit,” said Carlin Trammel, 38, the digital services manager at Rowland Publishing and the creator of “Nerd Lunch,” a weekly podcast. “And J.J. Abrams as the director is a great idea since his ‘Star Trek’ movies are real ‘Star Wars’-y anyway.”

A teaser trailer was released late last year and yielded tantalizing plot clues. A slightly longer trailer was released in April and made fanboys and girls cry like babies when Han Solo appeared onscreen and uttered the immortal words, “Chewie,

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Peterman said. “And then I saw the (Episode VII) trailer. I thought, ‘I think I’m back in again.’ I realize it’s not ever going to be like it was when I was a child. I get that. I just want it to be a good movie, that’s really all I ask of it. It doesn’t have to be mindblowing. I just want it to be good, and something I want to see more than once.”

Kandzer said he wants a great movie, too — at least one that satisfies his childhood nostalgia.

“I will be the first one to tell you a movie sucks, but it’s J.J. Abrams — and nothing he’s done sucks,” Kandzer said. “I own most of his movies, so I’m excited. I just want that warm-blanket kind of feeling again. I’m not expecting it to be awesome — although I think in my childhood heart it will be. I want to go in and just enjoy it. I don’t think Hollywood can ever put the genie back in the bottle for what ‘Star Wars’ did because you have a six-second timespan these days to impress people.”

Speaking of impressing people, Thomas said Abrams knows that revealing too much tends to spoil everything. Just enough has been put out there to whet the public’s appetite for more.

RIGHT: Writer/Director/Producer J.J. Abrams (top center right) at the cast read-through of Star Wars: Episode VII at Pinewood Studios with (clockwise from right) Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Producer Bryan Burk, Lucasfilm President and Producer Kathleen Kennedy, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Writer Lawrence Kasdan

TOP LEFT: FAMILIAR FACES HARRISON FORD AS HAN SOLO AND CHEWBACCA; TOP RIGHT: KYLO REN (ADAM DRIVER) YIELDS A FIERCE LOOKING RED LIGHTSABER

DAVID JAMES/LUCASFILM LTD.

we’re home.” Fans are now thrilled at the promise of what’s to come.

“I’m not going to lie to you, I got goosebumps with the reveal of Han and Chewie. That was amazing,” Peterman said. “I felt that stirring of wonder again, and I think that’s the part that gave me hope, like that 7-year-old is in there, somewhere, and she wants to love these movies again.”

With Abrams at the helm, that might actually happen. Locals all seem to think he’s the right man for the job.

“I love the feelings the trailer gave me: excitement, wonder, fun, nostalgia, all in under two minutes,” Thomas said. “It’s impossible for ‘The Force Awakens’ to go the path of (‘The Phantom Menace’) simply because J.J. is a far more competent filmmaker and writer than Lucas.

“That’s not a dig at Lucas, that’s just the truth.

None of J.J.’s film are splashy without substance. All of his films have something that most of his peers’ films do not: heart. He gets that. He is in the upper echelon of contemporary filmmakers like Spielberg and Peter Jackson who understand that your films can be huge, sprawling epics, with tons of CGI (computer-generated imagery) and bazillion-dollar budgets, but there has to be a beating heart at the center of your film or it’s nothing. I think ‘The Force Awakens’ will be a huge success on every level.”

Peterman said she liked Abrams’ approach to the new “Star Trek” universe and hopes he will craft a movie that will rekindle her passion for “Star Wars.”

“Previously, when I heard, oh, we’re going to get all these new ‘Star Wars’ movies, I thought, ‘I’m done, you know? I’m done with this, I don’t care,’”

DAVID JAMES/LUCASFILM 2015

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LUCASFILM 2015

“I agree with J.J.’s take that the less you know about a film before going in, the better, and with him handling the editing of every trailer for ‘The Force Awakens,’ I’m not too worried about the trailers spoiling anything for me,” Thomas said. “And, yes, I will watch every one before seeing the film. It’s J.J.’s ‘Star

Wars’ — how can you not? But I won’t be reading the novelization and listening to the soundtrack before. I don’t want a new ‘Star Wars’ story that I know nothing about being spoiled for me before going in. I never saw the original films in the theater, and we all knew where the prequels were going to lead, but this is a new era, a new story, a new group of storytellers.

I have no idea what I’m in store for, but I sure can’t wait to find out.”

DAVID JAMES/LUCASFILM 2015

WHAT’S PAST IS PREQUEL

DAISY RIDLEY (REY) AND JOHN BOYEGA (FINN) JOIN THE CAST OF THE FORCE AWAKENS ALONG WITH A BALL SHAPED DROID CALLED BB-8 AND OTHER INTRIGUING CHARACTERS AND CREATURES.

Episodes I, II and III (“The Phantom Menace,” “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith”) are three reasons why many fans are longing for a better “Star Wars” experience. The quality of the “prequel trilogy” from the late 1990s and early 2000s has been a controversial topic for more than a decade.

“I felt like the originality, all of the things that made it special, weren’t there, like the sense of fun,” Peterman said. “The specialness of it for me wasn’t there, and that’s what I’m hopeful that the new film will bring back. I actually trust J.J. Abrams, I liked his take on ‘Star Trek’ quite a bit, so I am cautiously optimistic in a way I haven’t been in a long time.”

Kandzer has some choice words about the prequels.

“I can’t stand the last three movies,” he said. “I can handle ‘The Phantom Menace,’ but the last two were so bad. My daughter and I have this discussion. She’s 14, and she gets mad at me because she’s really worried the new movies aren’t going to be good. I’m like, honey, Lucas isn’t involved at all. That’s the big plus. It can’t be any worse than the prequels. And when Han says ‘Chewie, we’re home,’ that was just awesome. So I told her you have memories of the old characters mixed with the new story, and a great director, so what

more could you ask for? But she’s one of those people who is worried because the last three were so bad.”

Tish recalled being excited about seeing “The Phantom Menace,” but he left the theater shaking his head.

“I wanted to like it so bad, but then Episode II was probably one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. I just hated Episode II. The acting was horrible,” he said.

“At least they listened to the fans about Jar Jar Binks and reduced his role down to nothing in Episode III.” Reactions like that stand in stark contrast to the excitement fans felt before the movie actually premiered. In the months before “The Phantom Menace” came out, people paid full price to sit in a movie they didn’t necessarily want to see just to see the trailer.

“The trailer was actually a really big deal,” Thomas said. “I remember watching it online the moment it was made available but otherwise had to go see Brad Pitt’s film, ‘Meet Joe Black,’ to see the trailer.

“I remember the theater being packed for ‘Meet Joe Black’ and people cheering like crazy when the Lucas logo appeared. And after the trailer was over, more than half of the theater got up and left. People paid the full price of admission just to see one trailer and leave. If that isn’t excitement, I don’t know what is. I particularly loved ‘The Phantom Menace’ when I initially saw it. I actually paid to see it 16 times in the theater. Yeah, I got it pretty bad. I think the overall feelings of disappointment really came after seeing all three prequel films when it really sunk in what was promised and what was delivered. But I think that has more to do with the audience’s expectations; it’s not on the filmmakers.”

So is this merely a case of jaded adults viewing the new movies through a 1977 prism? Possibly, but Fillmon said he just couldn’t quite warm up to the prequels once he saw them as a whole. When “The Phantom Menace” came out in 1999, he was 12, which he said is the “perfect age” to see a Star Wars movie.

At that age, he thought Darth Maul was awesome, the pod race was cool and that alien comic, Jar Jar Binks, was funny. His perspective changed as he got older and the other two movies were released.

“It wasn’t this massively negative thing. That really didn’t hit until I think 2002, when Episode II came out and that’s when, you know, you’re in 10th grade and you know everything. You see the horrible,” Fillmon said. “Hayden Christensen maybe isn’t the best actor in the world, and maybe him rolling around the fields of Naboo with Padme isn’t exactly the most Darth Vader-y thing we want to see. We enjoyed the scene where he kills all the Tuskens but other than that, the movie doesn’t offer a lot. Then I was a senior in high school when Episode III came out so, for me, those were my adolescence. That was my set of movies.”

Thomas said that “The Phantom Menace” had the advantage of having sort of a “honeymoon” period with an audience hungry for a new “Star Wars” movie.

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DAVID JAMES/LUCASFILM 2015

R2-D2 RETURNS WITH C-3PO AND HIS INEXPLICABLY RED ARM

STAR WARS TRIVIA

» A rejected design for » “Star Wars” was the

name of the movie when it originally hit the big screen in May 1977. Director George Lucas had no idea his gamble of a project would pay off; when it did, he immediately set out to film more of the story, and assign each a chapter. Starting with the 1981 theatrical re-release, the original “Star Wars” would forever be known as “Episode IV: A New Hope” (followed by “Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” and “Episode VI: Return of the Jedi”).

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the Millennium Falcon became the basis for the Rebel Blockade Runner.

» The fictional sidearm

Han Solo carries is a BlasTech Industries DL-44 heavy blaster.

The prop is a converted German Mauser C96 “broomhandle” pistol.

Imperial Stormtroopers carried the BlasTech E-11, modeled after the British Sterling Mk. 4 L2A3 submachine gun.

Princess Leia’s prop gun in the original “Star Wars” is a Drearian Defense Conglomerate “Defender” sporting blaster pistol and was derived from a Soviet-era .22-caliber target pistol.

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

» At one point in the

scripting process, the Force was a large crystal or galactic holy grail called the “Kyber crystal.” This idea was used in the 1978 “Star Wars” novel “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye.”

» Harrison Ford, who had

previously had a small role in Lucas’ “American Graffiti,” didn’t audition for Han Solo but wound up feeding lines to actors auditioning for other “Star Wars” roles.

Al Pacino, Nick Nolte, Burt Reynolds, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell, Bill Murray, Steve Martin and Christopher Walken all were said to have considered the role of

Han Solo. After seeing Ford’s interaction with other actors, Lucas realized he was perfect for the part.

» “Star Wars” grossed more than twice as much as 1977’s other summer blockbuster, “Smokey and the Bandit.”

» Notable science fiction

author Alan Dean Foster was the ghostwriter for the original movie’s novelization.

» The diameter of the

first Death Star was a mere 160 kilometers (99 miles). The diameter of the second Death Star from “Return of the Jedi” was 900 kilometers (559 miles).

» Although it’s known as

the “Mos Eisley cantina,” the actual name of this iconic location is Chalmun’s Spaceport Cantina. Exteriors of the cantina were shot at a building in Ajim, Tunisia.

The name of the band was Figrin D’an and the Modal Nodes.

» According to the

“Star Wars Technical Commentaries,” the explosion of the second Death Star in “Return of the Jedi” would have triggered an ecological and environmental disaster on Endor that would have led to the extinction of the Ewoks.

much of it at the time of its initial release,” he said. “I think people were just so happy to see Jedis on screen again. I do remember thinking that we didn’t need to see Darth Maul ignite his double-bladed light saber in the trailer. That scene comes late in the film and would have been a great surprise but that was ruined in the trailer. We didn’t need to see new light sabers to get excited about this film. It was ‘Star Wars.’

The masses would show up.”

Thomas disagrees with some of the criticism directed at the prequels from adult fans of the franchise. Was Lucas a bad director? Not necessarily, he said. Again, it may have had much to do with viewer perceptions.

“I can’t accept the idea that the same man that created this world to begin with and brought us all so much creativity and wonder could also possible ruin that same world 16 years later,” he said. “So I reject this idea of bad directing. What I think the prequels suffered from the most was an aging audience. The same people that loved these films as kids were now adults. I think people just grew up and lost their sense of wonder. They lost their ability to get lost in a world of melodrama and Saturday morning serials. These films were made for kids, like the originals, not for cynical adults. We’ve laid claim to something that’s not really ours. I, for one, really enjoy the prequels and specifically ‘The Revenge of the Sith.’ Anakin and Obi-Wan’s final confrontation was a battle for the ages.

And one I’d been wanting to see since I’d learned that Anakin had betrayed Obi-Wan.” Ultimately, legions of fans will be compelled to see the new offering.

“The fandom around ‘Star Wars’ is ridiculously faithful,” Trammel said. “Despite a much-maligned prequel trilogy and numerous other perceived missteps, the fandom follows ‘Star Wars’ at levels comparable to religious fanaticism.”

watched the first one, ‘Jurassic Park,’ and then went and saw ‘Jurassic World,’ and we’re like, the CGI hasn’t gotten any better. But for Episode VII, they built the ships, they went (on location) in Dubai, they went to these places. BB-8, the new droid, is an actual thing that can move around, it’s not a little CG thing, like a General Grievous or what they did with Yoda in Episode II and III. What we saw with Abrams’ “Star Trek” reboot is they built the bridge, and the Enterprise looked like a big, functional ship in the same way the Millennium Falcon looked in the trailers. We see a couple of glimpses of hallways and of Han and Chewie, and it all looks like it’s still there.”

Thomas said he doesn’t think there’s any special pushback against CGI, and he says it’s been used to tell some remarkable stories that couldn’t have been told otherwise. The prequels, in particular, used top-notch computer animation and special effects, and these techniques have improved a great deal over time.

“It looked incredible and was far ahead of its time,” Thomas said. “The best films of the last 20 years have been doing that and have been hugely successful. You look at films like ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ ‘The Hobbit,’ ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ ‘Harry Potter,’ and more recent films like ‘Life of Pi,’ ‘Gravity’ and ‘Interstellar.’ They all blur that line and make it nearly impossible to tell the difference. I think when special effects are done to perfection, you don’t even notice them. Many stories would simply be impossible to tell without them.”

So what does a new “Star Wars” trilogy mean for generations of fans old and new?

“More than anything, it means we’ll never be able to see all of them,” Trammel said. “Before the announcement about Episode VII, fans had been told twice there would be no more movies. From that standpoint, we thought we’d be able to die having seen them all. Now, it’ll never end.” n

THE STORY CONTINUES

Whether “The Force Awakens” turns out to be the one movie that returns balance to the franchise is something we will know soon enough, as it’s slated for release on Dec. 18. One thing we do know is that Abrams is a known quantity and that he took an “old school” approach to making Episode VII. That is, he eschewed the heavy use of modern computer graphic imagery and animation of the prequels and went for more practical effects such as real sets, real environments and “real” aliens.

“I think in the last 20 years, movies have embraced CGI almost too much, and we especially saw that in ‘Jurassic World,’” Fillmon said. “Me and my buddies

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LAWRENCE DAVIDSON

First Lady Ann Scott stands in front of the Florida Governor’s Mansion ornament collection; a unique ornament is designed each year by artist Doug Pyron. Now in their 13th year, the ornaments have become a true collectible for many Floridians. For the 2015 holiday season, the ornament will be celebrating the City of St. Augustine’s 450th birthday.

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Governing the Holidays WITH

SIMPLE, SOUTHERN STYLE First Lady Ann Scott on Christmas Traditions, Holiday Decorating and Life at the Mansion

B

BY CHAY D. BAXLEY

eing holed up in a mansion for Christmas might sound a bit glamorous, but for Florida’s first family, the holiday season is in many ways traditional.

Duties are upheld, of course, with fanciful holiday celebrations honoring worthy Floridians monopolizing many of Gov. Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott’s evenings. Somehow though, family time, food and festive decorations still manage to take center stage.

Well, at least until some lucky local entity opens with The Nutcracker. Then those pastimes have to share the limelight. For the Sunshine State’s well-traveled first lady, no matter where her family has resided, the timelessness of the ballet has always been a welcomed tradition.

“I think the holidays are about being surrounded by family and friends,” said Ann Scott. “I’ve lived in nine states and 23 homes,

including the Governor’s Mansion. I think for me, just being surrounded by family and friends is so important.”

Situated in the Florida Room at the mansion — a beautifully lighted, tastefully appointed sitting area on the north side of the estate — her words ring extra true. Pictures of the Scotts’ adult daughters, Allison and Jordan, and their growing families punctuate nearly every vantage point. Their smiling faces have been thoughtfully placed alongside Scott’s personal seashell collection, a small library’s worth of books and an array of must-see Florida memorabilia.

“The grandchildren are taking over,” she laughed, noting that photos of longtime family friends had previously been allotted more space on her shelves. The arrival of new family members, however, has prompted their relocation to the private side of the mansion.

Along with the freshening of decor, the Scott’s standing Christmas traditions are also being revisited as a result of their new familial additions — three grandsons and a fourth grandchild due this November.

WATCH BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO WITH FIRST LADY ANN SCOTT AT TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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PHOTOS COURTESY GOVERNOR’S MANSION FOUNDATION/RAY STANYARD

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Florida Room at the Governor’s Mansion is a space First Lady Ann Scott says showcases her personal style. During the holidays, touches of Florida charm and Christmas cheer can be seen throughout. At the mansion, the largest tree of the holiday season is displayed in the reception hall, often highlighting metallic decorations in gold and bronze. Also in the reception hall, the eye-catching mantel is kept green and lush with Scott’s preferred white poinsettias.

First Lady Ann Scott’s

STEPS TO A BEAUTIFUL HOME DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND

1 Stick with the classics,

from traditional Christmas nutcrackers to everyday home furnishings.

★

2 Keep it simple.

Utilizing neutrals and adding pops of color through accessories and art is always in style.

★

3 Be sure to display plenty of up-to-date family photographs.

“Our kids are grown up,” she said, “and now we have grandchildren, so our Christmas traditions are changing. But when the girls were growing up, we would typically go to church on Christmas Eve — and it was usually a 5:30 p.m. service. And then we would probably grab something to eat, come home, get in our pajamas and watch The Muppet Christmas Carol.”

“The girls loved Christmas Eve service,” she added. “In fact, I asked them. I wanted to know what it was that they loved about Christmas. And it seemed like they mirrored me. The things that were always important to me became important to them, too.”

This season, the once-favored cinnamon rolls might be getting pushed out for blueberry pancakes at her daughter’s house, but for Scott, the holidays still look and feel pretty much the same. Her understated, family-centric style means that handmade ornaments from their daughters’ youth are the showstoppers on her personal Christmas tree, which is located about

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a six-hour drive south of Tallahassee at the family’s home in Naples, Florida.

As for the switch in breakfast preferences — the grandparents harbor no hard feelings, she assured. They’re just glad Santa found the place.

“They want to come up with their own traditions,” smiled Scott, “just like Rick and I did.”

A diehard for the classics, Scott’s decorating mantra is always “less is more.” For the holidays, that means a nativity scene, lots of lush greenery and a traditional red and gold

“ ”

— First Lady Ann Scott

color scheme. On the tree itself, globes of similar colors in varying sizes and textures complement lifelong keepsakes. She also favors white poinsettias to their more brash red counterparts.

“I find that the less (decorations) people have, the more you notice them,” she said.

“When there are too many, you don’t.”

Back at the mansion, her desired style of “casual elegance” is upheld throughout the season. Before vacations get into full swing for Thanksgiving, staffers and volunteer “elves” devote two days to dolling up the place. Last year, the color palette for the primary tree was an eye-catching gold and bronze combo. A half dozen happy helpers, three Christmas trees (in the entry way, reception hall and Manatee Garden) and countless garlands and knickknacks turn the place into a real life winter wonderland.

No fake snow — but still plenty to admire.

“I don’t like anything to be overdone or too formal,” she emphasized. “Even the Florida Room here, that’s more my style.” n 126 November–December 2015

GOVERNOR’S MANSION FOUNDATION/RAY STANYARD

I’ve lived in nine states and 23 homes. For me, just being surrounded by family and friends is so important.

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READ THIS!

★

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE BOOK DRIVE With a focus on improving literacy rates throughout the state, First Lady Ann Scott hosted her inaugural Holiday Open House Book Drive back in 2011 — right along with another big first for the Scott family. This holiday season, just as in years gone by, the Florida Governor’s Mansion will be accepting book donations both big and small toward this mission.

“We decided that that’s going to be a tradition here,” stated First Lady Ann Scott, “that we will do a holiday open house book drive every year.

We ask everyone who comes to the mansion to please bring a new or gently used book. It doesn’t matter what ages — we’ll figure out which organizations to give them to after the holidays. We’re going to continue on with it throughout Rick’s administration.”

LAWRENCE DAVIDSON

The Governor’s Mansion all decked out for Christmas. Below, custom-made ornaments from the Governor’s Mansion Foundation from 2003, 2008, 2014 and a rendering of the 2015 design.

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PHOTOS COURTESY GOVERNOR’S MANSION FOUNDATION/RAY STANYARD

Red Wine-Poached Pear Salad Baby Arugula, Bleu Cheese, Macadamia Nuts Red Wine-Poached Pears Ingredients

» 4 Anjou pears » 5 sprigs of thyme » 1 bay leaf » 5 black peppercorns, whole » 1 tsp orange zest, grated » 6 sprigs of parsley » 1 cup sugar » 8 fl oz water » 16 fl oz red wine Directions

Peel pears and soak in cold acidic water (about 1 tsp lemon juice per quart of cold water) to avoid discoloration.

Core and small dice pears. Return to acidic water.

Wrap thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns, orange zest and parsley stems in cheesecloth and secure in a pouch using butcher’s twine.

In a 1 qt stockpot over medium heat, bring sugar, cheesecloth bundle and 8 fl oz of water to a simmer and cook until water evaporates; deglaze with wine and bring to a simmer.

Strain pears from water and poach in red wine until tender (3–5 minutes).

Remove pears using a slotted spoon; set aside and cool. Meanwhile, reduce red wine until around 6 fl oz remains.

Mixture should have a thick and syruplike consistency (about 30 minutes).

Strain through a fine mesh sieve and cool. Store red wine reduction in a plastic container and refrigerate.

Eggnog Ingredients

» 8 eggs, separated » 1 qt milk » 16 fl oz heavy cream » 2 vanilla beans, split » ½ stick cinnamon, whole » ½ tsp orange zest, grated » ½ tsp lemon zest, grated » ⅛ tsp nutmeg, grated » 1 cup sugar » 8 fl oz bourbon (optional) Directions

In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Refrigerate.

In a 4 qt saucepot over medium heat, bring milk, heavy cream, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, orange zest, lemon zest and nutmeg to a gentle simmer.

Heat to scalding (180 degrees).

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and yolks. In quarter-cup size portions, slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly (this is known as the tempering method). Once incorporated, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a container over an ice bath.

Fold egg whites into cooled eggnog mixture and refrigerate.

When ready to serve, add bourbon (optional) and top with freshly grated nutmeg.

Maple-Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Toasted Hazelnuts Ingredients

» 2 lbs Brussel sprouts, split in half lengthwise » 4 fl oz maple syrup » 2 fl oz olive oil » 1 fl oz fresh lemon juice » 1 cup hazelnuts, coarsely crushed » 1 tsp kosher salt » ½ tsp black pepper, ground Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, toss all ingredients until incorporated and spread on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Roast until caramelized (about 20–25 minutes).

Remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter.

Holiday Worthy RECIPES

Compliments of the Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation and the “Viva la Florida” cookbook.

Pear Salad Ingredients

» 10 oz Baby Arugula » 2 fl oz olive oil » ½ tsp kosher salt » ½ tsp black pepper, ground » ½ cup bleu cheese, crumbled » ½ cup Macadamia nuts, crushed » red wine-poached pears » 4 fl oz red wine reduction Assembly: Toss arugula with olive oil, salt and pepper in a serving bowl. Top with bleu cheese, Macadamia nuts and red wine poached pears. Drizzle red wine reduction over salad.

» FOR MORE HOLIDAY RECIPES, SEE PAGE 199.

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2015

Holiday GIFT GUIDE

Wrap up one of these local goodies for the special someone in your life

Whether you want to deck yourself out for date night, thank a friend or find a unique gift for someone on your list, our handy Holiday Gift Guide, will make your shopping spree in Tallahassee easier. With fabulous finds ranging from upscale designer duds to keepsake souvenirs, sensational seasonal shopping is simply in the bag! Now, that’s the spirit!

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PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE DAVIDSON (1, 2, 3, 5)

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PHOTOS BY LAWRENCE DAVIDSON (1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10) AND SCOTT HOLSTEIN (12)

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12. TALLAHASSEE AUTO MUSEUM

W.R. Case & Sons produces beautiful knives that make great Christmas gifts. To see a full selection, visit capitalcityknives.com. Better yet, spend an entertaining afternoon at the world famous, locally owned museum and shop our knife collection. 6800 Mahan Drive, 850.942.0137, tacm.com

Wrap up one of these local goodies for the special someone in your life

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

Spring 1981

ELEGANCE OR DIVERSITY? Two Visions of What Lies Ahead My Projections Terminal seemed to be out of tune, giving me a very unlikely looking future projection for the Talleon-Oyster Belt economy interface on which I was working. To see what was wrong with the machine, I decided to test it by running projections of old Tallahassee, starting back in the early 1980s. I entered the base variables and adjusted the set, then sat back to watch an amazing future-past unfold on the screen.

ELEGANCE

Tallahassee, Florida, 1997 — We’ve been lucky and successful in “eating our cake and having it too.” The heading of a 1980 brochure of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce read “The Elegant Tallahassee,” and it has become a pleasant reality, despite a growing population.

The heritage of the past has been preserved. Old houses, mansions and some historic buildings have been saved, tastefully restored and put to good use. The Capitol Complex presents a serenity and style hardly matched by other state capitals, let alone other cities in Florida. The live oaks, Spanish moss and canopy roads still dominate the landscape.

Downtown has regained its full vitality. Store offices and parks are pleasant and attractive and different enough to remind residents and visitors that this is not just any Main Street, U.S.A., but a unique and distinct place, Tallahassee.

Even the surrounding countryside retains its charm.

The new suburbs are scarcely visible to the casual observer from the roads or from the air. The drainage problems that plagued many parts of Leon and Wakulla counties have been solved, and the marine ecosystem, the fishing, shrimping and oystering industries, and the numerous recreation facilities along the coast, lakes and rivers are doing well and not disturbing each other.

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ABOUT THIS STORY In 1981, an associate professor of architecture at FAMU boarded a time machine in his mind and projected two possible futures for Tallahassee.

In one, the city becomes an increasingly exclusive community and one of the most expensive places in the country to live.

Serenity and scenery are prized. In the other, the city invites investment in small business, embraces immigration and becomes home to a TV tower topped by a revolving restaurant.

876

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ALLEON PLANNER’S LOG WKO 487

Divergent Ways Forward

A Fantasy by Thorbjoern Mann

The economy is stable and continuing a steady but controlled growth. There is a sizeable base of clean industry. Education is doing well, and the quality of teaching and research is the hallmark of both universities.

CONSOLIDATED, COMPETENT GOVERNMENT

How was this possible? Many things contributed, not the least of which was the recession in the early 1980s, which may have been a blessing in disguise. For a while, it slowed things down enough to give people time to carefully think through the next steps toward their future. This coincided with the consolidation of city and county governments. From luck or inspired foresight, the structure of the new government and its ways of keeping a continuous dialogue with residents

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

BIRD’S EYE VIEW LOOKING SOUTH ALONG S. ADAMS STREET TOWARD THE CAPITOL BUILDING, 1995. The Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority (TDIA) authorizing legislation was created by an act of the Florida legislature in 1971, as a special assessment district. The mission of the TDIA is to promote downtown Tallahassee as a place for business and entertainment. The TDIA was created as a special assessment district by authorizing legislation passed by the Florida Legislature (chapters 71-935 and 91-394, codified as Chapter 2003-356, Laws of Florida). The district’s boundaries are Tennessee Street on the north, Gadsden Street on the east, Jefferson Street on the south and Bronough Street on the west. A board of directors appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City of Tallahassee Commission governs the TDIA. Board members must be property owners and tax payers within the TDIA district.

and interest groups were based on the most advanced findings of political science, planning theory, governmental policy and management information systems.

This ensured that competence, efficiency, transparency, honesty and performance became the continuing standards of the new government.

GROWTH OF ‘CLEAN’ INDUSTRIES

When overall economic conditions began to improve, Tallahassee was ready. A number of prestigious, advanced and “clean” industrial research companies were attracted to settle here, giving the local economy still more stability. This injected money into the economy without too much population growth. The research and development institutes needed to bring only a few people from elsewhere and soon reached a stimulating symbiosis with the universities and state government. This kept to a manageable level the growth of the suburbs and the demand on housing and municipal services.

The major anticipated problem — inadequate transportation — did not materialize. True, traffic volume increased for a while, and some road construction had to be carried out, but the impact on the appearance of the city was minimized by splitting roads with medians with large trees still standing, and by perfecting the one-way

An underground bypass tunnel system connects key streets, and for incidental travel downtown, the city has installed a fleet of rental electric mini-cars, operated by inserting a credit card. road system. Downtown, an underground bypass tunnel system connects key streets, and for incidental travel downtown, the city has installed a fleet of rental electric mini-cars, operated by inserting a credit card. These are found at convenient locations and can be left at another location after use.

A commuter train on the old Seaboard Coastline track, with a new extension to Woodville, Wakulla, St. Marks

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HISTORY  hearsay

and Shell Point, helps reduce traffic. An improved bus system, with smaller buses and more frequent runs, complements the train and the roads.

COMMUNICATION REPLACES TRANSPORTATION

Most significant in its impact on Tallahassee life has been a trend started by some research companies. They were the first to install video computer work consoles in the homes of their employees, making it unnecessary to travel to the office more than once or twice a week.

State and local government offices and the universities followed suit, though at a much slower pace. But already, only about two-thirds of the total work force actually commutes downtown on a given day. The gift of the year for the person who has everything is a golf cart or a fishing boat. With a video computer console.

The universities, after a period of retrenchment and review of strategy, have settled into a new pattern.

Enrollments are slightly lower, but teaching quality has improved. Continuing education and retraining have become major emphases.

CULTURE BLOSSOMS

Culture and the arts have thrived. There is now a long-awaited permanent State Art Museum and a symphony orchestra. The Civic Center Auditorium hosts frequent theater performances, and there are several excellent art galleries and studio theaters. A 24-hour elegant coffeehouse/wine restaurant, the Cloak and Dagger, where the best of a Viennese coffeehouse, English pub and French brasserie combine into a unique concept in restaurants, has already surpassed Berns of Tampa in fame.

Of course, this happy turn of events did not come cheaply. In the span of a decade, Tallahassee became one of the most expensive cities in the Southeast in cost of living. This forced some of the less affluent residents to move to adjacent counties. They easily stay in touch with the city, however, while being able to preserve a variety of quaint lifestyles of an earlier period. Those who stayed have joined the move toward a stable, solid prosperity in this advanced, serene and attractive community.

Fascinated, I watched this pleasant tale and had to force my attention back to the present.

Obviously, the Projection Terminal was severely uncalibrated, its Hurwicz Alpha factor way off balance. After checking a few circuits and making some readjustments, I tried again, only to encounter another and stranger report.

DIVERSITY

Tallahassee, Florida, circa 1996 — The development of Tallahassee during the last two decades of the century turned out to be somewhat unusual but decidedly interesting. For a while, it was not easy to see the wisdom of many decisions made in the early 1980s. To some, they are still atrocious mistakes.

The credit (or blame) for much of the change goes to a flamboyant young man who wanted to make a name for himself by running in the city elections. He was elected, somewhat to his own surprise. Because of the subsequent consolidation, he became known as the Last Mayor of Tallahassee.

The mayor surrounded himself with smart but unconventional advisers to help him tackle his new responsibilities, and he was able to persuade, cajole and trick the reluctant city into what was long called the “messy alternative.” (He was later booted out of office.

He made the mistake of promising a comprehensive report on the changes wrought by his new policies and appointing a staff to prepare it. But the staff could not keep up with the pace of change and, after six months of frantic efforts, suffered nervous breakdowns and crying fits. The Last Mayor had them whisked away to quiet Miami for treatment and recuperation, a move that was promptly attacked by one of the local newspaper editors as a “junket.”)

In one of the first unobtrusive moves, an unconventional economic system was put into effect. It eventually provided a new form of taxation and government lending that undercut high interest rates and stimulated performance-oriented business. In the interim, a nonprofit fund was formed. People could pay tax-deductible contributions into this fund, and the money was used to provide easy credit for small, innovative enterprises that would otherwise not be funded.

The scheme was then expanded to include small, oneperson service businesses, making it easy for students, high school dropouts and otherwise unemployable people to go into business for themselves.

REFUGEES CONTRIBUTE

Simultaneously, in a controversial move inexplicably called by the Last Mayor “an opportunity not to be missed,’’ the city encouraged a sizeable but selective influx of Cuban and Haitian refugees from Miami.

The much-feared soaring of crime, unemployment and general chaos did not materialize, and the nation was stunned by the striking solution found here. Instead of providing employment, the policy simply made it easier for all of these people to become self-employed.

The Apalachee Innovation Development Agency

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The priorities for the Innovation Park were redefined.

Ongoing negotiations with large, long-established research firms were broken off. Instead, the country was searched for young, unconventional researchers and entrepreneurs whose ideas no one else was willing to listen to, much less fund.

Most of these were initially put up in empty downtown buildings. Later, modular units were plugged into the structure of Campbell Stadium after it was found unsafe for the thousands of frantic Seminole fans. (While negotiating for money for a new stadium, the Seminoles won some of their biggest victories ever in the new, expanded Bragg Stadium.

The victories did not succeed, as fervently hoped for by fans and the team alike, in “bringing back Bobby Bowden,” who had mysteriously disappeared without a trace. Vicious rumors had it that he had been injured by an automobile slipping into reverse on the used car lot where he was doing a TV commercial and was “made” to disappear. Although absent, Bowden inspired his angry team to an excellence never again achieved by any college football team.)

Tallahassee soon became a hotbed of innovation, small business and inventors. Even government and the universities were able to benefit from the supercharged network of small service businesses.

Tallahassee is now at the threshold of the 21st century, the only place in the world outside of Haiti itself where genuine Haitian art is produced. “Tallahassee Haitian” is now preferred by connoisseurs. The arts and crafts of the local Cuban-Haitian communities are widely renowned, and the cuisine here is as varied and rich as that of Singapore.

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To improve transportation, someone had the idea of consolidating TalTran, the school bus fleet, the airport limousines and the taxi companies into one comprehensive agency. The same buses serve office workers, schoolchildren and shoppers on a staggered schedule. Each driver is responsible for his or her own vehicle and is allowed to share in the profits generated from the competitive routing (aided by mini-computers) during the rest of the day, when the system operates on a dial-a-bus basis.

The need to include the colors of all previous agencies into the design of the buses gave a marvelous opportunity to Haitian artists to produce moving masterpieces in the Haitian tradition. The buses have become a tourist attraction in themselves. When obsolete, they are bought by art collectors at prices that not only cover the cost of acquiring new buses but support the entire system so that rides now are free.

Some people moved farther out, mainly toward the Gulf.

They commute to town by rail or bus on those days when they must come to the office, otherwise communicating electronically. Many share efficiency apartments downtown or have rooms in one of the many small hotels within walking distance of the downtown office buildings where they can stay for one or two nights.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS

Some people moved farther out, mainly toward the Gulf.

They commute to town by rail or bus on those days when they must come to the office, otherwise communicating electronically.

CENTRAL POWER SOURCE

Not all changes were small-scale. Not far from the city in a wooded area, a giant structure was built that from afar looks much like just another wooded hill. It has satellite dishes, relay towers and a television tower with a rotating restaurant. On clear days, one can see the hydrofoils leaving from St. Marks to go to Tampa or New Orleans.

The structure, “Talleon Mountain,” houses the city’s major power plant, recycling and waste treatment centers, complete with solar collectors, windmill generators on top and rental greenhouses and gardening terraces interposed with strips of experimental forest. The hill is actually a large, irregularly shaped, tent-like tensile structure, an engineering triumph of the new School of Engineering and Technological Policy.

Nearby, the “Hanging Gardens of the Seminoles,” run

by FAMU’s experimental genetic agricultural research station, not only supplies the county with fresh produce but the country with new strains of genetically improved vegetables, fruits, herbs and wine preferred by organic gardeners all over the world.

Even the most grudging opponents cannot deny that the messy policy has been successful, much as they may hate the way it has transformed Tallahassee into a colorful, chaotic, exotic place.

It was by now evident that the machine was beyond repair. I was right — we should have bought a Manchurian or Tibetan model instead of those unreliable JapaneseAmerican conglomerate ones. I called the service department to have it replaced. But I couldn’t help wondering: What if Talleon actually had gone down one those seemingly impossible roads described by the crazy Projection Terminal, instead of the actual course that we are now following into a precarious future? n Thorbjoern Mann was an associate professor at the Florida A&M University School of Architecture.

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

Summer 1988

678

LONGTIME NEWSPAPER EDITOR REFLECTS ON OUR TOWN Malcolm Declared

A

By Martee Wills

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

uthor’s Note: Malcolm B. Johnson, editor of the Tallahassee Democrat from 1954 to 1978, has been a significant influence on Tallahassee. Ten years after his retirement, he looked at his town — the capital city he loves — and reflected on its past, present and future.

“I like nearly everything I see that has happened to Tallahassee in the last ten years,” Malcolm Johnson declared.

As everyone knows who read his daily front page column, “I Declare,” in the Tallahassee Democrat, Johnson would not have said that if he had not meant it. He isn’t given to empty, pretty speeches. But he thinks Tallahassee is better now than it has ever been and closer to what Johnson believes is its “destiny as every Floridian’s other hometown.”

This has been Johnson’s hometown for more than 50 years. He moved here in 1937 to work for the Democrat, and three years later he joined Henry Wrenn in the Tallahassee bureau of the Associated Press. State government was of a size then that either Wrenn or Johnson visited every state office every day.

He tends to scoff a bit at old-timers waxing nostalgic about the Tallahassee of bygone days, pointing to the downtown area as an example of the way the town has improved. When he and his wife, Dorothy, moved to Tallahassee from Jacksonville, “this was just a rundown little city of some 12,000 residents,” Johnson said. “Downtown is sparkling now and the suburbs are superb.”

Since the ’50s, merchants have been leaving the midtowns of America for the suburbs and, in many cities, empty buildings soon were occupied by tawdry businesses, Johnson said.

“That didn’t happen in Tallahassee,” he says. “The lobbyists moved into vacant buildings and dressed them up or they erected new buildings. This has been the key to downtown Tallahassee’s redevelopment as a real capital center.”

ABOUT THIS STORY Malcolm Johnson, whose tenure as editor of the Tallahassee Democrat coincided with the city’s graduation from smalltown status, believed a city succeeds by building on its foundations — government and education in Tallahassee’s case. So it was that buildings abandoned by retailers were snapped up and improved by lobbying firms.

Malcolm Johnson in his office in 1968.

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HISTORY  hearsay STAGES OF GROWTH

Johnson has a theory that Tallahassee has progressed in epochs: 1947-1948 saw the change in higher education right after World War II, when Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College became Florida A&M University and Florida State College for Women became Florida State University; about 10 years later, the new airport opened, and that literally opened up the city. But 1968 was the real turning point, when the new state constitution confirmed the designation of Tallahassee as the permanent state capital and also set up annual sessions of the Legislature. A new Capitol and impressive new Capital Center buildings followed.

“I didn’t really think we needed an annual legislature, “Johnson recalls, “but it has been a boon for the city because of the influx of full-time lobbyists. According to the last figure I saw, we now have 164 full-time trade and professional associations located here.”

Johnson would like all 164 of those associations to hold their state conventions here every three or four years, and he thinks the downtown city-backed hotel is a “dandy idea” that will help that come about.

“And the most encouraging thing lately is the passage of the ‘bed tax’ to finance convention promotion,” he says.

“Visitor dollars are the best ones spent here: The dollars stay here and the visitors go home to finance their problems.”

All this is part of Johnson’s dream of Tallahassee as every Floridian’s other hometown.

“I’d like to see it and I expect to see it fulfilled,” he says.

VISITORS, NOT INDUSTRY

Johnson believes attracting visitors should be the primary goal of the Chamber of Commerce, rather than attracting industry — “or they ought to change their name to the Chamber of Industry!” To Johnson’s mind, the Tallahassee Chamber equates economic development with factories and industries, “whereas conventions and visitors can be just as productive,” he claims.

Johnson doesn’t think much of the General Dynamics deal, saying he “never cared for new residents who couldn’t or wouldn’t pay their rent and taxes.” He would have preferred to see “the shakers and movers of Tallahassee” putting their energies into attracting visitors.

“Each city needs to build on its own foundations, and ours are government and education,” he says.

“I’m not talking about tourists,” Johnson is careful to explain. “I don’t want us to try to compete with Disney World. I just want all those people who work at Disney World to come visit their capital city.”

Among Tallahassee’s readily apparent attractions are its trees, and Johnson is thankful for the “missionaries” who wage an ever-vigilant battle for their protection.

“We have more trees now than we ever had; aerial photographs of the city prove that,” he says. “No tree ever went down without a fight, and this is nothing new. The first tree ordinance was passed in 1825, a year after Tallahassee was incorporated.”

Innovation Park is undeniably “Malcolm’s baby.” The establishment of a research park in Tallahassee, fashioned after North Carolina’s successful Triangle Park, was an idea that had to be sold to the universities, city, county and state.

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“BEST CARPET CLEANING COMPANY” Johnson served on the Innovation Park board of directors from 1978 to 1984. When he resigned, the other directors honored him with the naming of the Malcolm B. Johnson Recreation Area overlooking the lake in Innovation Park.

Since then, he’s been a self-appointed watchdog of the research park, and early almost any Sunday morning, Johnson’s venerable Jeep, Jeremy, can be seen nosing along the park roads. Sometimes Jeremy’s driver stops and gets out to inspect a new building more closely or examine a drainage system.

“And I haven’t found a thing I disapproved of,” he says.

“I think the Southern Technology and Development Corporation is doing a fine job. I’m anxious to see private concerns going in there, but they were right to put state buildings in, rather than let the land lie fallow. Even though, to my mind, the best locations still remain, the present occupants have enhanced the beauty of the park. Furthermore, they are interfacing with the universities and providing jobs for new graduates.”

The flap over the legality of locating the new Business and Professional Regulation Building in the park is probably political, and mostly witch hunting, Johnson says. There are certain legally stated uses of a building that justify its being in the park, and one of these is “testing.” Since the Business and Professional Regulation Building will be used for licensing examinations of hundreds of people weekly from throughout the state and nation, it qualifies, according to Johnson.

He thinks the state mandate that every county has to have a long-range development plan is necessary, although he says he is traditionally apprehensive of too much planning. With Florida now fourth in population, exceeded only by New York, California and Texas, Johnson believes growth and the environment will be the major concerns of the next decade.

Because of the proposed St. Joe Paper Company development, he foresees the kind of growth on the southeast side of town that northern and eastern Tallahassee have experienced.

Woodville will cease to be a clearly defined, separate community, he forecasts.

That subject brings Johnson to one of his biggest disappointments: the failure of the city and county governments to consolidate. He fought hard for consolidation and still believes that it someday will come about. He also fought for a civic center and a library and is proud that we have one and soon will have the other.

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Along with the growth concerns of drainage, sewage, pollution and traffic will come what Johnson predicts will be “the next big civil rights issue in the United States: property rights.

“When you try to tell people what they can and cannot do with their privately owned property, you’re in trouble,” he says. “When you try to tell them what they must do with their property, you’re in double trouble.”

Even so, as he looks to 1998, when he estimates the population of Leon County will be 200,000 to 250,000, he sees only good.

Returning to the subject of Tallahassee epochs, Johnson says not much happened in 1978. But, in fact, that was an eventful year for our city, for that was the year Malcolm Johnson retired as editor of our newspaper, surely marking the end of an era in our hometown. n

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

EVERYBODY’S HOMETOWN Tallahassee Is No Longer the Small Town Remembered

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

I

grew up believing the slogan: “Tallahassee: Everybody’s Hometown.” But returning after an absence of 16 years, I have one question: “Where’s the town?” To understand my question, a person would have had to have lived in Tallahassee in the 1 9 6 0 s .

With two-lane streets, one television station, one mall, one hospital and two movie theaters, Tallahassee was a small town.

To escape that place, I said yes to a certain Tallahassee serviceman who offered me a window on the world. Shaking Tallahassee sand from my feet and pine pollen from my clothes, I thought, “I’ll eat Cordon Bleu instead of collards.” Sixteen years and four children later, that same husband dropped a bombshell: “Honey, the kids need roots.”

“They have them in Amsterdam …

Brussels … Bitburg … ,” my words trailed off. But when I looked at his face, I knew home would again be quiet, laidback Tallahassee. The World War II song, “How You Gonna Keep them Down on the Farm After They’ve Seen Gay Paree?” ran through my head, as did the thought, “I’ll have to Christmas shop in Atlanta if I want anything other than underwear! Dear Lord, how am I going to survive?”

The first hint that things might not be quite the same came when searching for a house. Our relatives advised, “You’ve got to go out Thomasville Road.” (A two-lane road! They had to be kidding). Or even more ridiculous, “You need to go to Lake Jackson.”

(A hundred miles from nowhere? Give me a break!)

678

Nov/Dec 1990

A Hometown Transformed

By Marion Simpson

ABOUT THIS STORY When Marion Simpson returned to Tallahassee after a 16-year absence, she was in for a Rip Van Winkle experience. The town she left behind had become a city with a skyline. The old capitol had been joined by a new one and other landmarks of a bygone era had disappeared. Marion found herself disoriented in the place where she grew up, but once she got her bearings, she found Tallahassee’s transformation to her liking.

Aerial view looking east from the Civic Center toward Apalachee Parkway. Photographed in 1985.

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HISTORY  hearsay

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I drove out Thomasville Road, but not the one I remembered. Slowed to a crawl, head turning, I searched for the landmarks imprinted in my mind. Gone was the two-lane road that had led me to my cousin’s house in Georgia. Instead of rolling, green pasture land, new shopping centers were on every corner. Confused, I began inching my way through the bumper-to bumper traffic as I aimed for Lake Jackson.

As I left the Tallahassee’s city limits, I began settling in for the long drive, when suddenly, I was in Havana! Embarrassed that I had lost the lake, I headed south again. A childhood memory, a small airstrip, came into view (it hadn’t changed), my destination was close. The so-far-out lake was now only five minutes from town.

Then, my troubles really began. When one of my daughters had a serious allergic reaction from medication, I called my husband, who was visiting a brother-in- law, to meet me at the emergency room.

My brother-in-law said that he would also come to the hospital, but he never arrived. When a nurse told me not to worry and that my daughter was doing fine, I told her about my missing brother-in-law. “Perhaps he went to the other hospital,” the nurse suggested. (The other hospital?)

After my daughter had recovered, she asked me to take her to the mall — the “two-story one.” Sure I knew where the mall was. I bought my wedding dress there at J. Byron’s.

Heading down Monroe Street, I turned into the Northwood Mall parking lot.

“Why are we at the library?” she asked.

I thought, “Library? This is the Northwood Mall. The library is downtown near the Floridian Hotel!”

With the children settled in school and my husband in his job, I thought returning to school might be fun. After parking, I walked miles searching for the counseling department at FSU. A counselor, noticing my breathless state, suggested a smaller setting for an older returning student. I immediately thought of Tallahassee Junior College with its one building and portables. It would certainly meet my needs.

As I approached Appleyard Drive, I met heavy traffic. Then I saw the sprawling campus with a sign reading Tallahassee Community College. Why was I surprised?

Funny things have happened on the way to finding Tallahassee again. I have driven against traffic on one-way streets (who made Pensacola Street one way anyway?) and discovered the Civic Center, which is larger than five or six Ruby Diamond Auditoriums while searching for Doug Burnett Park. Wanting to take my children to the movies, I drove downtown to the State Theater only to find no theatre, but concrete and steel buildings that momentarily brought to mind San Antonio.

Wanting respite from the disembodied feeling of somehow having been caught in a time warp, I headed out to my favorite hangout, Mutt and Jeff’s, only to find an upholstery shop. My favorite record store is now the C.K. Steele Plaza.

Former favorite shops are now office buildings and parking decks. Towering over the weatherbeaten 19th-century capitol is a super structure of concrete and glass.

While I was away growing and changing, Tallahassee was changing too. Where’s the town? Grown to a beautiful city. n

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

TALLAHASSEE AS I REMEMBER IT

N

umber, please!” said the operator, and if you asked for “Number l,” you got Byrd’s Grocery Store; what’s more, they delivered your order.

In 1926, at age 5, I lived with my mother, Florence Moore Epperson, and my grandparents, the Marvin C. Mclntoshes, at the Bel-Air Apartments on North Adams Street, not far from the present Greyhound Bus Terminal. I grew up in Tallahassee, graduated from Leon High in 1938 and lived at various times on Calhoun, East Georgia and Gadsden streets. My mother was a secretary at the State Department of Game and Fresh Water Fish, and my stepfather, John Koscielny, was director of the Capital City Band and later orchestra conductor at Leon High.

Tallahassee Magazine fuses the past and present for me and dramatizes the changes and growth that have taken place. There must be many like me and about my age who remember Tallahassee as it was in the 1920s and 1930s, when it had a population of about 15,000.

We entered our teens during the Depression years.

Nobody had much money, but you could send a post card for a penny (if you had one) or buy candy. Bread was 9 cents a loaf, milk was 12 cents a quart and, for a nickel, you could get a large Hershey bar, a box of chocolate snaps or a hefty Baby Ruth. There was no anxiety about sugar, salt, blood pressure or cholesterol.

The town had one of everything: a church of each denomination; one movie house (Daffin’s); and one policeman. There may have been other policemen, but I remember only old Mr. Bass, a familiar figure who wandered around Tallahassee with great dignity, representing law and order, and who was always on hand for the evening band concerts held each week in the shell between Monroe and Adams streets, near the old brick post office. We had one jail, with broken glass along the top of its walls to discourage escape; and one hospital, Johnson’s Sanitarium. Registered nurses could command the exorbitant fee of $10 per day. Most births and deaths occurred at home. Tallahassee had its quota of busy doctors and dentists. But, orthodontia was a new specialty not yet represented here. Irving Fleet and I were patients of Dr. I.W. Bull in Jacksonville.

My grandmother, an ardent club woman, belonged to the DAR, the UDC and garden clubs. For a time

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Spring 1983

One Cop On the Beat

by Gordon Epperson

ABOUT THIS STORY When Gordon Epperson was a boy, Tallahassee hosted a collection of monopolies: one hospital, one movie house, one church of each denomination and, as far as Mr. Epperson knew, one policeman, Officer Bass.

No one worried about high blood pressure or bad cholesterol and no one escaped the seventh grade without knowing the parts of speech. Mr. Epperson grew up to be a concert cellist and a professor of music at the University of Arizona.

Bread was 9 cents a loaf, milk was 12 cents a quart and, for a nickel, you could get a large Hershey bar, a box of chocolate snaps or a hefty Baby Ruth.

There was no anxiety about sugar, salt, blood pressure or cholesterol.

I attended Children of the Confederacy meetings and heard talk of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

There were always refreshments. There was an annual Elks Carnival with colorful diversions and a small midway at the organization’s big house on North Monroe.

A car was raffled off each year, and my mother once won a Chevrolet.

But, the May Party, held at the historic oak tree by the old Lewis house, was our big bacchanal. No one had

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any notion, in those days, that May poles were phallic symbols!

For small children the excitement was intense, and we were variously costumed: as vegetables — I was a cabbage in the first grade — fruits or animals. There were parades, cotton candy and courtly drama in which an elected queen reigned with her chosen consor t. Lula Cooper (Winn), a violinist classmate of mine who now lives in California, was queen in 1938. Kathryn May queen Lula Reece (Haun) had also been May Queen Cooper with escort Milton Case, 1938. before going on to an international career as an actress and concert singer.

“Culture,” to a great extent, was provided at the Florida State College for Women (now FSU). Music was always strong there, thanks largely to the administrative skill of Dean Ella Scoble Opperman. The college had an outstanding Artists Series. Throughout my high school years, I studied cello with Professor Owen Sellers and played in the college orchestra conducted by Walter Ruel Cowles. I had piano lessons with Eunice Parker (Anderson), Mary Reeder and Gladys Proctor. In my last Tallahassee cello recital, in 1951, I was fortunate in having Professor Mary Winslow as my pianist. Our concert coincided with a big flu epidemic and took place in the Kate Sullivan School.

(Miss Kate Sullivan was my English teacher in the seventh grade, and no one got out of her class without knowing the “parts of speech.”)

I was married to Mary Pearson from Tacoma, Washington, in 1941, following our graduation from the Cincinnati Conservatory. Our wedding was in Tallahassee where my aunt, Edna Mae McIntosh, taught nutrition at FSCW. In 1945, she became nutritionist for Gerber Baby Foods in Michigan, where she recently retired. She and my aunt, Onie Rita Moore (Davis), often visit us in Tucson. Our ties to Tallahassee remain strong, though we seldom get back there.

Our parents and other relatives are buried in the old and “new” cemeteries, and we have good friends in Tallahassee who are very much alive!

Your piece in an earlier issue of Tallahassee Magazine on the bells at St. John’s Church prompted these scattered reminiscences. I used to ring the chimes in the tower there; aside from tennis, it was my most vigorous form of calisthenics. I suppose it was also a religious exercise! But, in any case, that vanished era comes back to me now as a benediction — and celebration. n

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

BRINGING UP JUNIOR Forty Years of Art, Artifacts and Animals

I

n January, the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science began its 40th year as a member of the Tallahassee family. Beginning in 1958, the museum has endeavored to bring history, artwork and animals to Tallahasseeans of all ages. Heralded for its one-ofa-kind atmosphere, the museum is a prime example of Tallahassee’s commitment to community preservation.

The yearlong celebration ran the gamut from tradition to bats. This spring, the museum offered an exhibition of artifacts that span the four decades of its existence. “The Museum’s History as Reflected Through Collections” gave visitors a chance to see what children 40 years ago saw on display during a trip to the Tallahassee Junior Museum.

Later, the party continued with “Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats.” Tallahassee was just one of four sites across the nation to feature this exhibit in 1997. In addition, the museum played host to several unusual bats as its “guest animals” while the exhibition was in place.

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Living History

By Jen Guy

ABOUT THIS STORY As the Junior Museum and subsequently, the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science has endeavored to preserve, depict and present the natural history, civic history and heritage of Tallahassee.

That effort has required continuing cooperation among contributors, archivists, volunteers and community. The Museum recognizes that history brought to life provides teaching moments for children and adults.

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

OUTDOORS AND ANIMATE

“We are creating a whole new generation of people who value the Big Bend heritage,” says Russell Daws, executive director. ‘‘The perception is that a museum is indoors and inanimate. We have a combination of living collections and living history. Our collection represents the region’s archaeological past.”

Although the official mission statement of the museum did not focus on local history exclusively until 1987, the museum has always accepted artifacts from the local area and had an abundance from which to choose when assembling the exhibition.

As one might expect, much has changed at the museum in the past 40 years. Remembering the beginning, some past staff members are recording their memories within “A History of the First Twenty Years of the Tallahassee Junior Museum,” due out later this fall.

“The museum is a community achievement,” says Helen Grissett, early board member, former Leon County schoolteacher and an editor of the book.

“Without a written record, its beginnings will go into oblivion. The cooperation of the community must be preserved through this story.”

With four editors sifting through a generous amount of oral history, the book promises to be a solid record of how Tallahassee residents aligned their efforts to create a place for children to learn that worked in conjunction with the school system.

“The reason the thing (the museum) took off in the first place is that Tallahassee isn’t a typical little Southern town,” says Kay Nunez, an original founder

Sheep-shearing demonstration at the Tallahassee Jr. Museum, 1966.

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of the museum who also is editing the book. “Outsiders remarked that the museum was a miracle.”

SMALL BUDGET, LARGE IDEAS

A dream of several members of the Tallahassee Junior League and the Leon County Association for Childhood Education, the idea for the museum began to take shape in 1956. With a small budget and large ideas, the founders had one common goal: make a place for children to come and learn about the world outside the boundaries of northern Florida. Everyone involved agreed that the museum would serve as a learning environment that would teach children in three dimensions while their textbooks could provide only a static, detached view of the world.

Life at the museum began in the McMillan House downtown, on the corner of Adams and Madison streets.

Opening in 1958, the museum first focused its collections on early Tallahassee. Nunez and others gathered pieces for exhibits from residents’ attics. In order to establish the museum, the founders collected what they knew — the Big Bend area. Thus, they gave Tallahasseeans a sense of ownership in the museum.

The museum’s collections grew rapidly and soon required more space than the old house had to offer.

After several years of vigorous fundraising, $65,000 in 1960 alone, the museum moved to its present location on Lake Bradford in 1962. On 50 acres of land, the museum developed its animal collection in cages outside of the main building. Doves, opossums, raccoons and pheasants, among others, were loaned to area schools for classroom teaching. Not until the 1970s were the habitats built to exhibit larger animals such as the black bears seen at the museum today.

In the 1980s, several initiatives aided in building the Florida panther habitat, as well as the reptile house and other permanent exhibitions. The outdoor habitats led to museum participation in the Red Wolf Species Survival Program, beginning in 1988. The Tallahassee Museum was one of the first zoos in the country to breed red wolves in captivity. Once considered biologically extinct, there are now 300 red wolves alive today.

KIDS’ STUFF — WITH A TWIST

After all of the changes the museum has made, the prevailing notion is that it still a place for kids. Taking “Junior” out of the name was a decision that came before boards of directors as early as 1977. In 1992, the name was officially changed to the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science, thus reflecting two significant developments. First, the name change forced the Tallahassee community to recognize that museum

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events are for everyone, not just children on their class field trips. Secondly, collecting from the local area was now the museum’s driving force. In the past, the museum took its visitors to faraway lands; now, it shows them what is in their own backyard.

“What I hear most often is, ‘It will always be the Junior Museum to me.’ Adults get as much wonder and amazement from animals and living history as children do,” says Janet Borneman, director of institutional advancement. “Around 1989–1990, we needed to broaden our base and make people realize that we are not just for children. We decided to grow up.”

Although the founders focused on worldwide collections, they did accept donations from locals, including buildings such as the Bellevue Plantation house and its furnishings, which are incorporated as part of the present site. The museum now maintains the former collection in archives but actively collects only artifacts from Florida, mainly the Big Bend area.

“In the 40th anniversary, we tried to show the growth of the museum, artifacts from each part and each aspect of its history,” says Linda Deaton, curator of collections and exhibits. “The collection is driven by the mission of the museum. In the early days (of the museum), people charted ideas for community needs, and now we are an internationally respected museum. Our growth is the buildup of 40 years of hard work.

We are very much a part of the community and represent the values of the community.”

Even though the anniversary year is drawing to a close, the museum is forging ahead. At the top of the list, the Bellevue plantation is reopening after renovations. A kitchen that is modeled after a 19th-century Southern kitchen, much like the one that was attached to the original house, has been added to the site. And next year, to bring the Commissary in line with Big Bend history, an addition is being planned that will reflect the strong economic ties this area had to turpentine production in the 1800s.

“The far-reaching goal is the extension of the museum into all areas of Tallahassee,” Daws said.

“Year after year, there is so much excitement about learning about where we live. We hope they are so excited that they want to come and learn more. n

Florida State University researchers are shown with a portion of an animated prehistoric exhibit on tour at the Tallahassee Jr. Museum, 1989.

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

HISTORY  hearsay

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

A Trip Down the St. Marks Is a Lesson in Local History

I

t was shortly after daybreak when we launched our kayaks from the weathered, wooden dock that extrudes from the floodplain woodlands along the middle reaches of the St. Marks River. The late-winter air was cool and damp, and I could feel the chill of the aluminum paddle shaft through my gloves. My companion for the day was Al Thompson, a riverside resident who has made the St. Marks home for nearly a decade.

Our plan was to make a leisurely, day-long paddle from Thompson’s rustic boardwalk to the San Marcos de Apalachee Museum just outside the city of St. Marks. I looked forward to a recreational outing, intent only on immersing myself in the beauty and charm of a Florida outdoor experience. What I got, instead, was an important lesson in Florida history and a deeper appreciation of this tiny river and of its importance in defining the events that have shaped our regional heritage.

“This is going to be like a paddle through the past,” Thompson declared as we caught the gurgling currents and headed downstream. “More has happened along this little river than seems imaginable for such a small waterway.”

To be sure, the St. Marks River is much more than just a canoeing route or fishing stream. It is a river steeped in local legends, tales and events. For observant paddlers intent on broadening their appreciation of our state’s inland waterways, it can be a living textbook, a veritable depository of stories to be learned about Florida’s more primitive days.

Thompson’s enthusiasm for St. Marks history is not difficult to understand. His residence lies just south of the Natural Bridge State Historic Site, one of the river’s best-known and most historically significant features.

The bridge itself is the result of a complex collection of geologic processes that have left a thick deposit of limestone at what appears to be the river’s termination point. In reality, the waters of the upper river only temporarily disappear into a swallow hole before

Headwaters of History

By Gil Nelson

ABOUT THIS STORY Canoeists and kayakers who make their way down the St. Marks River not only take in beautiful scenery, but gain an appreciation for the qualities that must have characterized the people who established early settlements along the coast of the Big Bend. Chief among them were persistence, determination and independence.

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

PADDLING THROUGH THE PAST

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May/Jun 1993

resurfacing again as a full-fledged stream a few meters farther south. This natural passageway has served throughout the centuries as an important crossing for an assortment of Florida travelers, from the earliest of the state’s aboriginal Indians and Spanish explorers to modern-day motorists out solely for an afternoon drive in the cracker backcountry.

“The Battle of Natural Bridge is probably the most widely known of St. Marks River history,” Thompson

Aerial view of the confluence of Wakulla and Saint Marks Rivers, ca. 1947.

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explained, referring to the 1865 skirmishes in which a small contingent of Confederate soldiers, volunteers and cadets repelled an invading force of Union troops, leaving Tallahassee as the only Southern capital east of the Mississippi not captured in the Civil War. “But those battles constitute only a fraction of the St. Marks legacy.” His Swimmers at point became increasingly clear as the spring on the St. Marks we made our way downstream.

River, Newport, Our first stop came only a few between miles below our put-in point, where 1920–1939. the current of a small but lively tributary flows into the river from the west. The crystal-clear waters trickled from the spring-fed creek, and the unmistakable aroma of sulphur filled the air.

“The old town of Magnolia was located somewhere in this vicinity,” Thompson pointed out as we paddled a little way up the tiny creek. “The odor you smell comes from the sulphur spring that forms the headwaters of this little rivulet. Today it’s just a local swimming hole off Old Plank Road, but it once attracted a variety of visitors who came here for the water’s supposed medicinal value. There is a collection of antique photos on display at the Oaks Restaurant in Panacea that clearly shows the bustling activity during the spring’s heyday.”

The city of Magnolia is one of three now-defunct towns that once competed for commerce along the St. Marks. All were founded in the early to mid-1800s and were established primarily as shipping towns.

Magnolia and Rock Haven were the earlier of the three. Both were located upriver of what is now the small village of Newport; Port Leon came on the scene somewhat later and was located on the eastern side of the river below the town of St. Marks.

Little is known about Rock Haven, other than its general location. It was the northernmost of the three towns and may have even been located fairly close to Natural Bridge. Its founders probably established the city with the hope that the U.S. government would cut a canal through the limerock that still blocks the river’s channel. Such an undertaking would have opened the river to increased traffic and placed the little city in a strategic location for servicing the transportation needs of the cotton industry. The fact that this never happened purportedly led to the settlement’s rapid demise.

Magnolia and Port Leon, on the other hand, had more colorful histories, and their stories are much better known. The former was founded in 1827 by four brothers from Augusta, Maine. The location must have been good one, at least initially, for the small settlement grew rapidly in both popularity and commerce.

By 1832 it had even earned a prosperous post office,

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

HISTORY  hearsay

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as well as legislative approval to charter the Merchants and Planters Bank of Magnolia. By 1837, however, only 10 years after its flamboyant beginnings, and partly because the new Tallahassee-to-St. Marks railroad had passed it by, the residents of Magnolia had determined that their city was no longer a viable dwelling place. As a result, nearly all of the remaining inhabitants packed up and moved their settlement southward to a point along the river’s eastern bank.

One story has it that this new city became Port Leon, a settlement whose fate was to be no better than that of its precursor. Only five years after its founding, the Hurricane of 1843 wiped out the entire town, except for part of one warehouse, and forced its residents to move again, this time back upriver to what is today the village of Newport.

As we paddled under the concrete and steel bridge that now spans the river at the Magnolians’ last and most successful settlement, I reflected on the persistence, determination and fierce independence that must have fueled the personalities of these early forerunners of the Big Bend coast.

Just beyond the U.S. Highway 98 crossing, we rounded a long, gradual bend that ended with the eerie sight of a dilapidated boatyard looming in the distance.

The remains of what were once the pilings of an extensive wharf trailed away from a crumbling boat launch, and the molded skeleton of an old hull lay bottom-up on the weedy ground. My thoughts were transported from reflections of 19th-century settlers to contemplation of one of the 20th century’s greatest wars.

“This is all that is left of a World War II boatbuilding operation,” Thompson volunteered. “As I understand it, the yard was established to build landing craft that were used during the war effort. After the fighting ended, the area reverted to private hands for a while before failing into disrepair. It seems almost out of character given the era of most of the river’s other historic events.

There is a particularly dramatic difference between the age of the events that happened here and those that happened farther downriver.”

Indeed, the list of names associated with the lower river includes two of early America’s most important adventurers. Panfilo de Narvaez visited the area in 1528 and Hernando de Soto in 1539, both lured by fanciful tales of the gold and riches that lay in the bountiful province called Apalachee. However, neither found the treasures they sought, and Narvaez even lost his life

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

HISTORY  hearsay

at sea in a desperate and ill-fated attempt to lead his colony away from La Florida and across the Gulf in search of the Mexican peninsula.

As we approached our final stop, I envisioned how the river must have appeared during those early years.

I scanned the little point of land that juts into the confluence of these two important streams and visualized the area without the concrete landing and picnic tables, without the modern buildings, and without the asphalt road that winds its way through the surrounding marshes. I thought about the history associated with this one little point of land; how it was first claimed by the Spanish who built Fort San Marcos de Apalachee in 1680, then by the British who assumed command of its crumbling remains in 1763, then again by the Spanish in 1787, and finally by Andrew Jackson in 1818, who erroneously boasted he captured Florida for the United States.

We paddled past the confluence, out into the river’s ever-widening channel, and surveyed the expansive marshlands and rolling waters of the lower river. It was a sight no doubt similar to that which had greeted the region’s earliest inhabitants. Sitting in the shadow of the San Marcos museum, past and present seemed to blend into one, and we sensed our continuing connection with the important events of the Big Bend’s earliest days. It was as if being a Floridian had taken on a deeper and more fundamental meaning. n

View looking toward the boatworks on the St. Marks River in Newport, 1967.

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

harp palmettos sliced at the arms of inexperienced Army soldiers who boarded boats at the Gulf of Mexico coastline south of Tallahassee in a simulated attack on Dog Island. Darkness made each movement perilous, and intense summer heat brought fatigue and swarming bugs as well as rattlesnakes and feral pigs. Once aboard their small boats, high winds churned the waters and heavy rains stung their faces. It was chaos — the full wrath of the dense jungle and wild Gulf brought down upon these teenage soldiers in 1943.

And yet it was exactly what top Army officials wanted.

That training mission and hundreds like it took place at Camp Gordon Johnston, a U.S. Army camp that from 1942 to 1946 was a key preparation site for American forces who fought in the most critical battles of World War II. The unique combination of jungle coastline, rough seas, hot weather and small offshore islands made the camp a perfect place to train soldiers, first for the D-Day invasion of German-held Normandy and later for battles to uproot Japanese forces on South Pacific islands.

Camp Gordon Johnston was opened quickly when American commanders realized amphibious warfare would play a key role in World War II. In just four years, 250,000 men were trained at the camp. But when the war ended, Camp Gordon Johnston simply vanished. All that remained were a few small buildings, some artifacts dropped by soldiers and their commanders, and, unfortunately, hundreds of unexploded bombs and land mines that were used in training. For 50 years, the camp and its history were ignored by locals who did not know the camp existed.

Now, people who trained at the camp have begun to honor its role in historic battles. In 1996, the Camp Gordon Johnston Association held a reunion, and the idea for a museum honoring the camp was born. A small but fascinating museum housed in an old Army theater in Carrabelle preserves memories of the camp. And this

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ABOUT THIS STORY Northwest Florida’s Forgotten Coast proved to be an ideal setting for training amphibious troops who would storm the beaches of Normandy and take on Japanese forces on South Pacific islands. Conditions at Camp Gordon Johnston were despised by soldiers, but embraced by superiors who wanted to ensure that they were battle ready.

876

HOW LITTLE LANARK VILLAGE HELPED SAVE THE WORLD S

Hell by the Sea

By T. Bart Pfankuch

spring, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers embarked on a $3.6 million campaign to find and destroy hundreds of live bombs, grenades and land mines left behind. The cleanup project was initiated after shrapnel and a live grenade were found not far from the intersection of U.S. Highways 98 and 319.

When it was open, Camp Gordon Johnston stretched along 21 miles of the Panhandle coastline, roughly from Alligator Point on the east to St. George Island on the west. The heart of the camp, however, was located in the fishing hamlet of Lanark Village, about 50 miles southwest of Tallahassee. Other camp installations were built in Carrabelle and near St. Teresa.

Conditions at the camp were despised by soldiers but embraced by Army officials who wanted to prepare American soldiers for the terrible fighting conditions

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

Jul/Aug 2003

TRAINING EXERCISES ON CARRABELLE BEACH, CA. 1943. An historical marker later placed at Carrabelle reads, “In late 1943, Carrabelle Beach and Dog Island, while they were a part of Camp Gordon Johnston, were used by the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division to train for the Normandy Invasion on D-Day, June 6th, 1944. The Amphibious Training Center had been officially closed, but it was reopened and staffed for the purpose of training for this important mission. Although the troops had trained for over three years, the amphibious training conducted on this site was the last step before shipping out to England for the invasion. On D-Day, the first amphibian infantry assault teams to arrive on French soil were from the 4th Infantry Division at Utah Beach. On June 6, 2000, the Camp Gordon Johnston Association extracted a small amount of soil from this site and delivered it to the National 4th Infantry Division Association to be placed in the Association’s monument in Arlington, VA. The U.S. Department of Defense’s World War II Commemoration Committee in 1995 named the Camp Gordon Johnston Association an official ‘Commemorative Community.’ ”

they would face on the coast of France and in the islands of the Philippines and New Guinea. The difficult training and harsh conditions earned the camp a fitting nickname.

“In ways it was hell, and it was certainly by the sea, so ‘Hell by the Sea’ was a pretty good name for it,” said Barclay D. Rhea, 86, a retired Pensacola doctor who ran a Camp Gordon Johnston hospital.

In addition to hardships caused by the jungle, the Gulf and surrounding terrain, amenities were kept to a minimum to prepare soldiers for difficult conditions in warfare. For a time, the camp’s water system consisted of two elevated planks of wood that formed a trough. Men slept in tents with sand floors and used latrines that were just holes in the ground.

One of the first soldiers to arrive at the camp, Capt.

James J. Cuffee, wrote in September 1942 that he was at a camp “that was worse than anything I had ever seen.”

Cuffee wrote: “We all thought we had it made — palm trees and warm breezes from the Gulf. None of us knew where Carrabelle was and what a hellhole that was.

Latrines were poor, and every time it rained, and it did just that most of the time, everything just oozed onto the surface of the ground.”

One soldier wrote home to warn his cousin that he should do all he can to stay away from Gordon Johnston

and to avoid smarting off to superiors no matter where he ended up.

“It is about 85 degrees here today, and I am glad I am not out in the field,” he wrote in a March 1944 letter.

“Remember, just keep your mouth shut and your ears and bowels open.”

Even the food at Gordon Johnston was infamous for its lack of appeal. One soldier with an ear for poetry penned this ditty about the camp biscuits: Oh, the biscuits of Carrabelle, They say are mighty fine.

One fell off the table, And killed a pal of mine.

Not all was horrible for soldiers at Camp Gordon Johnston, however. On Christmas Day 1943, soldiers were treated to a roast turkey and dressing dinner. On weekends, boxing matches were held so soldiers could blow off steam. Each of the four main encampments had a recreation room, theater and club, and soldiers could swim in the Gulf — nets protected them from sharks.

On special occasions, some soldiers were bused to Tallahassee to go to dances at the Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University).

Henry C. Allan, now 79 and living in Illinois, remembers those dances with fondness. Allan said an elderly lady chaperoned the dances and kept a close eye on the

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HISTORY  hearsay

soldiers as they danced and mingled with the young women.

“When we got to Tallahassee, it was incredible because there were five or six girls to each guy, and they were hoo-haaing at us,” said Allan, an amphibious warfare engineer during his term of service. “I was thinking this was heaven, you know, a young single guy and all these girls cutting in on one another to dance with us. I thought, ‘My God, this is wonderful and can only get better.’”

But Allan’s joy did not extend to the training. He said a typical day would involve 20-mile jungle hikes and simulated nighttime raids on the coastal islands. He said four men would typically get in a rubber raft and three would get out and dog-paddle their way to the island so as not to make a stir. They would reach the beach, lie there awhile, and then move forward into the jungle, where they trained all night.

“It was a tough place to be, but in retrospect, it was good because it really conditioned us for the battles we fought in New Guinea, the Netherlands and the East Indies,” he said.

Like many soldiers who fought to liberate the world during World War II, Allan looks back on his wartime training and fighting with nostalgia.

“I bitched a lot about it, but bitching was the norm for a soldier,” he said. “But looking back, my buddies became like brothers, and my wartime experiences were probably the most significant two or three years in my whole life.”

The camp had a significant effect on the residents who lived within or just outside the boundaries. Security measures had the greatest impact.

Car and house lights were fitted with a black covering that reduced their brightness and made them harder to spot by German submarines and warships thought to be lurking off the coast. Residents who entered or left the camp boundaries were searched at checkpoints on U.S. 98. And on one occasion, a local schoolgirl tipped off Army officials that a shrimp-boat captain from the region was illegally running supplies to German subs and warship off the coast.

The camp was commissioned in April 1942 after a long search.

The Army considered coastal sites in New Jersey, Alabama and South Florida.

The Army needed a new amphibious warfare training camp because the one operating at the time, Camp Edwards in Massachusetts, was too small, too cold and landlocked. The decision to choose Carrabelle drew strong opposition from some of the top generals at the time, including Omar Bradley.

“The person who picked this spot should be court-martialed,” Bradley wrote from his post overseas. “You’re going to kill them before you even get them over here.”

At first, the camp was named Camp Carrabelle, but it was renamed in 1943. The Army name it after Col. Gordon Johnston, an American cavalry officer who won the Medal of Honor for fighting in the Philippines years before. Johnston had no

Camp Gordon Johnston was opened quickly when American commanders realized amphibious warfare would play a key role in World War II. In just four years, 250,000 men were trained at the camp. But when the war ended, Camp Gordon Johnston simply vanished.

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MAIN STREET

connection to Florida; his name simply was next on the list of war heroes to be honored. He died unceremoniously in a polo accident.

The camp was spread out along the coast, and engineers built docks that stretched nearly two miles into the Gulf. Some of the pilings from those piers can still be seen today at low tide.

Training missions occurred on land, sea and in the air.

In land-based training missions, soldiers would creep under barbed wire, then slither through brush and briars while live rifle and machine-gun fire zipped over their heads. During practice missions, the Army used then-uninhabited Dog, St. Teresa and St. George islands to represent the Normandy coast and the Pacific islands.

Soldiers on amphibious training missions often had to navigate through waters covered with burning oil. One black and white training video show soldiers wading and swimming through burning oil in the clear waters of Wakulla Springs.

Men with water hoses stood by in case anyone caught fire.

On one nightmare mission in the Gulf, disoriented soldiers thought they had reached ground but had only struck a sandbar. Following orders, the soldiers, wearing full combat packs, stepped off their boat and into 10-foot-deep water. Nearly two dozen drowned.

At the former logging town of Harbeson City along the Crooked River, soldiers erected a mock German village that was used for simulated combat exercises. Soldiers practiced street fighting and blew up buildings in the town, which no longer exists. Aircraft used the waters of the Apalachee Bay as an area for target practice, and even some small blimps made practice takeoffs and landings on the area beaches.

Soldiers who trained at the camp went on to fight all over the world and saw action in famous battles across Europe, Africa and Asia. Camp Gordon Johnston also gained notoriety as one of the first camps to train a large number of African-American soldiers for combat in World War II. Except for training missions, the black soldiers were segregated from the white soldiers and they had their own dances called Jitterbug Jamborees.

When World War II ended, the United States and the Allied nations had new concerns, such as the threat of atomic weapons and the start of the Cold War. In such situations, an amphibious training camp like Gordon Johnston was no longer needed.

Linda Minichello, curator at the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum, said it is important that people remember the camp and its role in World War II, particularly as the region continues to grow and extensive residential development could destroy any remaining remnants of the camp.

We’re making sure nobody ever forgets that Franklin county played a major role in WWII,” she said. “A portion of these guys who trained here died, died overseas, and we have to preserve that memory.” n

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

TENSIONS ROSE AS THE WAITING WENT ON

Y

2K? As the year began, all sorts of dire predictions filled the air, but we seemed to dodge the millennium bullet just fine. In fact, we almost made it through the entire year. It was that pesky presidential election Nov. 7 that gave us pause, putting Tallahassee on center stage around the world.

For several weeks following the general election, all eyes were on Florida’s capital city; the world watched and waited through the counts and the recounts, the charges and counter-charges, the court decisions and the certification. Media from around the country and the world flocked to Tallahassee to cover the story.

Some of the faces were familiar, some not so familiar, and still others would be totally unfamiliar.

Sarah Grossman represents the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United States. Headquartered in Los Angeles, “I cover America,” she says with a personable smile, “at least that part that’s east of the Mississippi.” She finds the disputed election a primer in democracy that is fascinating to watch.

“It will all work out,” she says, voicing her confidence in the process. Her British viewers are riveted by the process of choosing the American president.

Entering the Capitol on this Wednesday evening, more than a week after the election, one encounters a phalanx of reporters and photographers hovering

678

Jan/Feb 2001

Hanging Chads

By Kathy Grobe

ABOUT THIS STORY Reporters and photographers from around the nation and around the world converged on Tallahassee in November 2000 with the presidential contest between Al Gore and George W. Bush unresolved. The media grew exhausted waiting for word from the office of Secretary of State Katherine Harris.

near the office of Secretary of State Katherine Harris.

Earlier in the day they had gathered across the street at the Leon County Courthouse awaiting a ruling from Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis, and now they wait for some sort of response from Harris. The word is that there is no word, although an announcement might be forthcoming sometime around 5 or 5:30. Although it is now only 4 p.m., the journalists know that this is where the news will originate, and they are reluctant to leave.

Even though they are exhausted, they will not surrender any advantage they might have gained in covering this momentous story.

Photographer Stan Honda works for Agence FrancePresse. Based in New York, he has been in Tallahassee for nearly a week. The rigors of being constantly on call are taking their toll.

“I don’t know how this will all work out,” Honda notes, “but I know that it will.” Like others, he thinks that Vice President Al Gore more than likely will

Entering the Capitol on this Wednesday evening, more than a week after the election, one encounters a phalanx of reporters and photographers hovering near the office of Secretary of State Katherine Harris.

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prevail, but no one wants to predict the outcome with certainty.

Elsewhere in the rotunda, Capitol police keep a watchful eye. A bombsniffing black Labrador retriever named Sadie sniffs the ground. Her handler grins at a reporter’s inquiry. Sadie, she says, is only on the trail of food that someone has dropped; there is no bomb.

Other officers report that other than the unusually large crowd of reporters, everything has been business as usual on this very unusual day.

A flurry of activity and jockeying for position ensues as someone leaves Harris’ office. When it becomes apparent that he has no news to offer and no idea when news might be available, the crowd relaxes once again. Much of the conversation turns to the issue of lodging.

Although many of them must surrender their hotel rooms to football fans for the upcoming Florida StateUniversity of Florida game, nobody seems to be too upset about it.

After all, they say, this is a football town.

As the afternoon slides into early evening, the focus moves outside to the Capitol complex plaza. To the casual observer, the atmosphere seems almost surreal. Television reporters and camera crews have staked out their positions; klieg lights focus on the reporters’ faces as they shift into high gear and deliver the first salvo in the evening news.

Return to downtown Tallahassee a few days later, and the tension has not eased. In fact, as the waiting goes on, it has only escalated.

A driveway behind the Capitol complex is jammed with satellite uplink trucks from all over the country. The closest geographically comes from New Orleans; another represents a television station from Boston.

Although there is a flurry of activity here, the focus today has shifted to the courthouse across the street. Another ruling is expected, and it is sure to generate the news of the day. Indeed, when Court Administrator Terry Cass announces a decision that seems to favor the Republican slate of Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, it’s obviously not what the people were expecting.

STATE ARCHIVES OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA MEMORY

HISTORY  hearsay

As the crowd disperses, some of the journalists do, too, and some of them have time to talk. Mike Boettcher of Cable News Network of Atlanta readily acknowledges the importance of this story.

“I normally cover international news, so this is a little difficult for me to assess,” Boettcher says, “but I can tell you that it is one of the top three stories I’ve covered. The other two are the fall of the Berlin Wall and the (Persian) Gulf War.” Although the election is critical, Boettcher doesn’t believe that the contest puts the country at risk. The United States is strong, he says, and will be even stronger once Election 2000 is resolved.

(Recognizing the importance of the story, Boettcher says, CNN sent a crew of some 40 reporters and technicians to Tallahassee. The lodging problems presented by the football game ceased to be a problem when CNN struck a deal with Tallahassee Community College.

The network gave TCC $8,000 for the CNN Presidential Scholarship in return for lodging at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Midway. The deal came about when TCC President T.K. Wetherell added the academy’s dorm space to the master list of available lodging compiled by the Tallahassee Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.)

John Hockenberry of “Dateline NBC” is on the concourse outside the Capitol complex taping an introduction for a Sunday segment

A driveway behind the Capitol complex is jammed with satellite uplink trucks from all over the country.

The closest geographically comes from New Orleans; another represents a television station from Boston.

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Strengthen the Body.

Develop the Mind.

Nurture the Spirit.

Prepare for the Future. of the popular newsmagazine. His familiar voice, clouded by the remnants of a cold, shares some of the atmosphere with “Dateline” viewers. When he’s finished, he echoes Boettcher’s sentiment.

“I don’t know how this is all going to play out,” Hockenberry says, “but it will. Our government will survive, and we will have a president,” he adds.

As one of the newsmakers, Judge Terry Lewis shares his unique perspective on the story behind the story.

“A couple of reporters called the house, which was sort of surprising since I have an unlisted phone number,” Lewis says. “The L.A. Times and ‘Inside Edition’ somehow got my number. Someone even managed to track down my brother’s son, my nephew who lives in Starke. They were persistent, but nobody was obnoxious.”

Lewis muses on the history-making aspects of the election and its aftermath.

“It’s hard to say,” he notes. “Of course, this has never happened before, but then there’s part of me that wants to say, ‘What’s all the hoopla?’ I had a non-jury trial going at the same time, and someone asked me if I was going to cancel it.

“Of course I didn’t cancel it. That trial was just as important to the people involved as the election was.”

OUR TWO CENTS’ WORTH: A TALLAHASSEE MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

When our forefathers established the electoral process, they had no way of predicting worldwide instantaneous news gathering or the crystal-ball process of polling, and there is no way they could have anticipated the results of Election 2000. We have listened to many reports since the election and have never heard the media respond to charges that they had a negative effect on its outcome.

In this current electoral debacle, they were in such a hurry to be the first to predict the winner from their high-priced pollsters that they called Florida before polls in Central Time Zone counties closed. This rush to judgment may have affected certain individuals’ willingness to vote, thereby potentially affecting the close outcome of the Florida election.

Then as another pie hit their face later they called it a Bush election, only to rescind that prediction at 3 a.m. The average person may ask, “Why?” Let’s not fool ourselves. Their goal was not to inform the people. Instead, they sought those precious rating points, which translate into ad dollars for the publicly owned corporations that run the news business. We believe it is appalling that the media do not hold themselves to the same standards as they hold everyone else. If they did, this theory would be debated with the same fervor that every other angle has been.

When criticized, the media hide behind the First Amendment as justification for their work.

On Nov. 30, the Tallahassee Democrat stated that the networks would “promise” not to tell next time. Isn’t that nice? It’s too bad that wisdom did not kick in before America, the world and the two fine candidates for president had to suffer the consequences of this stressful time. n

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2015 Top Singles Raise RecordBreaking $71,000 for Charity The 6th Annual Tallahassee Magazine Top Singles event, held for the first time at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, broke records and won hearts. Prior to the main event, the nine male and 10 female Singles each raised money for their chosen charities and often joined forces to raise funds at events around town. The Top Singles event introduced each participant, one by one, onto the main stage to announce their fundraising totals and then wrapped up their philanthropic efforts with a live auction. Each Single was paired with a unique package that may T a lhave l a included h a s s eaewhitewater rafting getaway to a BOTE paddleboard and Yeti cooler, to a weekend on 30A at a ResortQuest property. The combined efforts raised a record-breaking $71,000.55 for 19 local non profits. This event was made possible in part by the generous support of presenting sponsor Tallahassee Plastic Surgery.

Plastic Surgery Clinic & Physicians’ Skin Care Clinic PRESENTING SPONSOR

T a l l a h a s s e e

Plastic Surgery Clinic & Physicians’ Skin Care Clinic Photos by

Dan Gilbertson made it rain on and off the stage, raising money for his beloved charity, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

T a l l a h a s s e e

Plastic Surgery SPONSORED BY Clinic & Physicians’ The Governors Club Skin Care Clinic TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

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Melissa Cone (pictured above) stormed the stage, and rising country star, Machaela Sullivan (pictured below) awed the crowd with her performance, both in stunning minis from Cole Couture and high-end jewelry from sponsor Gem Collection.

The Singles provided entertainment for the show throughout the evening with their own surprise factors, many snagging the microphone for a heartfelt speech, a performance of “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gay, or moonwalking to Michael Jackson. Owen Long (pictured above) stole hearts in his sharp outfit provided by men’s clothing sponsors Nic’s Toggery and Southern Compass Outfitters.

Blake Rawlings Charity representatives, friends and supporters of the Singles cheered on their favorites and bid on the various getaway packages provided by ResortQuest, Whitewater Express, Crystal River Plantation and Capital Eurocars, along with stay-cations at DoubleTree, Governors Inn, Aloft and Hotel Duval.

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Robert Moore brought “Sexy Back” and sparked a dance off that got everyone on their feet.

Masters of Ceremony, Events and Special Projects Coordinator, Leigha Inman and Director of Sales and Marketing, McKenzie Burleigh Lohbeck.

Sandey Bucklew Fuel Salon + Store glammed up this year’s Singles with eye-catching hair and makeup.

Thank you to the talented artists: owners Sherrie Clark and Laura Brewer, along with stylists Mara Siets, Chelsea Swearingen, Leanna Rhody, Carla Rivera and Kayla Creel.

Up-and-coming artists of Jacob’s Ladder, Brianna, Ryan and Devin, provided soulful entertainment as the Civic Center, elegantly designed by John Gandy Events, filled with guests, eager for the Top Singles event.

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See video highlights at tallahasseemagazine.com

TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM

Ann Howard The show concluded, but the night was just beginning. The Singles and event attendees continued the party at Brass Tap Downtown on Gaines to celebrate the success of the event, the money raised for charity and the relationships made along the way.

Tallahassee native, Cody Strauss, rushed the stage with the warchant and Nole chop, hyping the crowd just weeks before kick-off to football season! FSU Boosters, along with Chaste 850, created the ultimate tailgating package, raising money for Boys Town of North Florida.

Glenda Cato

Bethany Swonson

2015 Top Singles at our presenting sponsor’s, Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic, location to present the check to 19 local non-profits.

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»culture BEST BETS

Seasonal events, music and dance and a social media guru // COMPILED BY CHAY D. BAXLEY AND JENNIFER IRELAND

business

November 4 November marks Entrepreneurship Month and Tallahassee’s own First Commerce Credit Union is once again partnering with the FSU College of Business to kick things off in a big way. The third year of the Power Forward Speaker Series will feature speaker Randi Zuckerberg from the Facebook start-up team. After running the social media giant’s marketing programs from 2005 to 2011, today Zuckerberg is an entrepreneur in her own right. As the founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media, a boutique marketing firm and production company, she is working with big name clients, including Cirque du Soleil and PayPal. Andy Serwer of Yahoo Finance will moderate the event, which has become Tallahassee’s largest business gathering.

Power Forward with Randi Zuckerberg is set for 3:30 p.m. at Ruby Diamond Auditorium on FSU’s campus. Early bird ticket pricing is $50 for main level seating, $40 for balcony seating and $20 for the student section. Tickets are available at tickets.fsu.edu. For more information, visit FirstCommerceCU.org.

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COURTESY FIRST COMMERCE CREDIT UNION (ZUCKERBERG), LEFTOVER SALMON (GOODWOOD JAMS), TALLAHASSEE BALLET (NUTCRACKER)

Power Forward Speaker Series

» food

7th Annual Signature Chefs Auction November 5 Be sure to bring your appetite to this year’s March of Dimes fundraiser. This annual auction promises to impress with a selection of delicious eats and colorful characters up for auction, including state senators and representatives, that is, “VIP Sous Chefs,” and chefs from many of Tallahassee’s finest restaurants. Also up for grabs? An assortment of unique hand-selected wines and rare live auction packages featuring extraordinary items and exceptional experiences. All funds support the fight to improve the health of infants by preventing birth defects and infant mortality and to reduce the incidence of premature births.

This year’s event will take place at the Florida State University Turnbull Conference Center. For more information and ticket prices, contact Lanisha Wetherington, March of Dimes Director of Field Service of North Florida, at (850) 879-7856 or lwetherington@marchofdimes.org.

The event starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.

» art

LeMoyne Center Holiday Show November 26–December 31 The 52nd holiday show at the LeMoyne Center for Visual Arts is bringing 100 of the most talented artists from across the region to Tallahassee in the midst of the city’s holiday shopping rush. In addition to the beautifully crafted ornaments and abundance of handmade artisan goods and works, this year the center will be focusing on “The Art of Giving” showcase — a solid wall of canvas panels, one of which has been contributed by each artist in the show.

LeMoyne’s holiday hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday, 1–5 p.m. The show will be at the LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts main gallery, 125 N. Gadsden St. For more information and ticket pricing, please call (850) 222-8800.

» music

Goodwood Jams November 7

Let the music take you away at the annual Goodwood Jams concert in the heart of Tallahassee.

Dance, eat and drink under the beautiful oak trees during this evening full of live entertainment at the historic Goodwood Museum & Gardens. This year’s performances include the nationally acclaimed band, Leftover Salmon, and Tallahassee favorites, Tishamingo and Two Foot Level. Local vendors will offer food and libations throughout the night. All proceeds benefit maintenance and preservation efforts at the museum and gardens.

This event is BYOS — so remember to bring your own seat! General admission tickets are $40 and include admission to the gardens; $100 VIP tickets offer preferred parking, preferred viewing area, two drink tickets and access to VIP bathrooms. Doors open at 4 p.m. and music starts at 4:30 p.m. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit goodwoodjams.com.

» dance

The Nutcracker

December 15, 18 and 19

One of the holiday season’s most treasured and adored performances is back! The Tallahassee Ballet shares the excitement and magic of the Nutcracker, which brings together swirling snowflakes and twirling dancers. Live music is performed by the Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra. Magnificent costumes by resident costume designer Ann Todd bring the characters to life.

Performances are on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 18, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 19, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $22–$55 and are available online at tallahasseeballet.org. For more information, email office@tallahasseeballet.org or call (850) 224-6917, ext. 21.

» music

Opening Nights Presents Gil Shaham November 21

With his flawless technique and inimitable warmth and generosity of spirit, American master Gil Shaham is one of the foremost violinists of our time. Last season, his impressive resume grew to include concertos with renowned ensembles, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony. Shaham’s performance for Opening Nights is listed as “Director’s Choice” — meaning this performance is highly recommended by Opening Nights director Chris Heacox. A true must-hear!

Ticket prices range from $15–$65 and may be purchased at tickets.fsu.edu or by calling (850) 644-6500. Shaham’s performance will take place in the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall at FSU and begins at 7:30 p.m. This performance is sponsored by Legacy Toyota.

For more information on the Opening Nights series, visit openingnights.fsu.edu.

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»culture CALENDAR // COMPILED BY JENNIFER IRELAND

THROUGH DEC. 31

At the stadium! With the fans! And everywhere else!

BECOME A PART OF THE TEAM Thursday Nights, 10:30 PM, FOX 49 THE REGIONS #1 ENTERTAINMENT SHOW Hosts: Joel Silver & Ann Howard

Tree of Remembrance Help support Big Bend Hospice by purchasing a holiday ornament in honor of a loved one. Complete with a heartfelt note from the giver, all ornaments will be displayed on a Christmas tree in the community.

Ornaments are sold at multiple locations, including kiosks in the Governors Square Mall and online, in exchange for donations of $10 and up. Governors Square Mall, 1500 Apalachee Parkway. (850) 878-5310, bigbendhospice.org

NOV. 5–15

North Florida Fair With two weeks worth of family friendly fun, the fair has something for everyone — including pig races, food vendors galore and thrilling rides for all ages. Ticket prices start at $7 for adults, $4 for youth and children 5 and under get in FREE. North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road. Hours vary. northfloridafair.com

NOV. 6

Belt Buckle Ball Grab your boots, belt buckles and bow ties and join in this year’s Belt Buckle Ball. Benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network at Shands Children’s Hospital, guests will enjoy live entertainment, a mechanical bull, poker by Vegas Nights, a Boots and Buckles contest and a chance to sample some of the best whiskeys around. $75 a ticket, $600 per table and sponsorships are available. The Farm Equestrian Center, 4300 N. 6:30 p.m., tallybbb.org

NOV. 6

Venvi Art Gallery Grand Opening The Venvi Art Gallery is bringing a festival of color to Tallahassee.

Their grand opening will showcase a number of artists from the gallery, including Prof. Jacob Pichhadze who will be speaking at the event.

Guests are invited to enjoy refreshments and purchase art for sale.

FREE. 2901 E. Park Ave. Suite 2800. 6 p.m., venviartgallery.com

NOV. 6–DEC. 4

Friendly Service Expert Monogramming Quick Turnaround Brands You Love Yes, We Ship! mmmonogramming.com 2030 Thomasv ille Road (in Glendale Square) 850-514 -3148 3122 Mahan Drive (in front of Academy Sports) 850-629 -4094

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First Friday Gallery Hop Embrace your creative side and join Tallahassee’s most exciting gallery hop at Railroad Square Art Park’s First Friday celebration. Explore the park’s many art studios, galleries and shops with a backdrop of live musical entertainment and local food vendors at this monthly event.

FREE. 567 Industrial Dr. 6–9 p.m., railroadsquare.com

NOV. 7, 14, 21 AND 28

Downtown Marketplace For over two decades, local vendors have gathered to offer fresh produce, homemade goods and delicious confections. Explore handmade art and jewelry by local artisans. Every week boasts a different theme or special event aimed at enhancing Tallahassee’s local culture. Live music is often featured. FREE. 115 E. Park Ave. 9 a.m.–2 p.m., downtownmarket.com

NOV. 13–14

Autos and Oysters A new Historic Apalachicola Main Street event, the Autos & Oysters Antique and Classic Car Show will showcase the prized possessions of local and regional enthusiasts. The weekend will be full of festivities — including a sock hop! FREE. Riverfront Park, 90 Water St., Apalachicola.

Friday’s sock hop begins at 5:30 p.m., Saturday’s car show at 10 a.m. For more information call (404) 277-6825 or visit apalachicolamainstreet.org.

COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

» event

Robby’s Reef Fun’raiser December 26

When Robby Redding died due to complications stemming from a spinal cord injury he sustained in a car crash, his parents sought a special way to memorialize their son. They created, with the assistance of the Organization for Artificial Reefs (OAR), Robby’s Reef, located in the Gulf of Mexico just off Dog Island. The OAR maintains the concrete-and-rock structure and, in appreciation, Leslie and Charley Redding hold an annual “fun’raiser” that benefits the organization. For the Redding family, the event and the reef keep Robby alive in their memory.

The Robby’s Reef Fun’raiser will be held Saturday, Dec. 26, beginning at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post on Lake Ella and will feature local bands, dancing and endless pizza. The music stops at 12:30 a.m. Admission is $15 for individuals and $20 a couple. For more information, contact Charley Redding at (850) 556-9631.

VPK-12 | Excellent Academic Test Scores Celebrating 38 Years in Tallahassee!

Spiritual Formation | Leadership Program Athletics | Sand Volleyball Courts After School Program | Fine Arts Fully Accredited

4859 Kerry Forest Parkway 850-893-6628 www.ccs-chargers.org

Now enrolling!

Join Big Bend Hospice this November in Celebration of National Hospice Month

Hug A Hospice Worker Today!

Thank You to all of our wonderful employees for their Hard Work and Dedication.

NOV. 13–22

Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival A weeklong art show catering to true wildlife art collectors, this exhibition will showcase 65 of the most talented painters, sculptures, photographers, carvers and artisans in the field. Pieces range from $35–$5,000. Multiple events, times and locations. Contact Thomasville Center for the Arts, (229) 226-0588 or pwaf.org.

NOV. 21

Bradley’s Country Store Old Fashioned Fun Day Since 1970, Bradley’s Country store has been throwing it back old school style with this annual celebration of artisans and craftspeople. Complete with a petting zoo and plenty to look at, be prepare to spend all day at this one-of-a-kind event. FREE. Bradley’s Country Store, 10655 Centerville Road. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., (850) 893-4742, bradleyscountrystore.com

You Are the Heart of Hospice

Nursing Opportunities Available

1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL (850) 878-5310 • www.bigbendhospice.org TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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ART LESSONS for Adults and Children 893-1960

Oil Acrylic Watercolor Drawing Mixed media

»culture CALENDAR NOV. 26–DEC. 31

Dorothy B. Oven Holiday Light Display Dorothy B. Oven knows how to do winter right — with tons of Christmas lights! This season, celebrate with over 250,000 twinkling lights in this family-friendly atmosphere. FREE. Dorothy B. Oven Park, 3205 Thomasville Road. Lights go on at dusk each night. talgov.com

-Offering a full line of custom frames

-Specializing in Children’s Art Birthday Parties

DEC. 5

www.brushandpalettestudio.com

1379 Timberlane Rd.

Handpick the

Winter Festival Celebrating 29 seasons of lights, music and the arts, this year’s festival will embody “Holiday Fun for Everyone.” Admission is FREE. The lighting will occur at 6 p.m., Jingle Bell Run — sponsored by Capital Health Plan — will start promptly at 6:15 p.m. and the annual nighttime holiday parade is at 7:15 p.m. Downtown Tallahassee, 115 E. Park Ave. talgov.com

DEC. 5–6

PERFECT GIFT

Market Days For two days only, approximately 300 artists and craftspeople will be selling their creations at the North Florida Fairgrounds. Everything from fine arts, to ceramics, stained glass and calligraphy will be on display.

Admission is FREE. North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road.

Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information contact the Tallahassee Museum at (850) 575-8684 or tallahasseemuseum.org/marketdays.

GIVE EXPERIENCES YOU LOVE TO THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE.

DEC. 7

GET A GIFT CARD TODAY!

CHELSEASALON.COM

an

lifestyle salon and spa

23rd Annual Christmas Classic Golf Tournament Teams of four can enjoy a day in the sun while competing for the top score, but the real winners here are the hundreds of children and families who benefit from the programs of Boys Town North Florida. $250 hole sponsor, $1,700 team sponsor, silver, gold and platinum sponsorships available.

Golden Eagle Country Club, 3700 Golden Eagle Drive. E. 8:30 a.m. For details, call Dena Strickland at (850) 504-5007 or boystown.org/north-florida.

DEC. 9–10

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Kick off the holidays with the TSO at their Holiday Magic! performance.

This fabulous event provides the perfect opportunity to gather with family, friends and loved ones during this special time of year. Mischa Bouvier, baritone, and the St. John’s Episcopal Choir will join the orchestra. $10–47. Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, 222 S. Copeland St. 8 p.m. Call (850) 224-0461 or visit tallahasseesymphony.org for tickets.

DEC. 10–11

Fuji

Massage & Spa Gift Certificates Available facials, waxing & massage

Open 7 days a week, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

3491 Thomasville Rd., Suite 9

850.894.8080 www.fujifl.com

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Thomasville’s Victorian Christmas Festival Travel just a few miles up the road and you’ll find yourself almost a century away. Our Georgia neighbors invite visitors to go back to yesteryear, with traditional carolers, horse drawn carriages, local artisan vendors and ol’ Saint Nick. FREE. Historic Downtown Thomasville, 144 E. Jackson St. 6–9 p.m. (229) 227-7020 or downtownthomasville.com

DEC. 12

Havana Lawn Mower Parade Decked out lawn mowers zooming through a quaint, historic downtown — it’s a holiday tradition you won’t find anywhere but Havana, Florida. Arrive early and grab breakfast with the locals. After the parade, stick around for extra festivities and merriment. FREE. 2nd Street, Havana. 1 p.m. For more information call (850) 545-0824 or go to havanaflevents.com.

DEC. 31

Downtown New Year’s Eve Celebration With a nip in the air, live music, fireworks and plenty of company, Tallahassee Kleman Plaza is the place to be for New Year’s Eve. FREE. Kleman Plaza, W. Jefferson St., 5 p.m., downtowntallahasseenewyearseve.com n

The Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation

November / December 2015

RUTH AND LES AKERS CREATE ENDOWMENT FOR THE TMH-FSU

MEDICAL MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM

“

The benefits of music therapy have been documented since Biblical times when the shepherd boy David played the harp to soothe King Saul’s physical and mental maladies. We are honored to partner with the TMH Foundation and the outstanding FSU music therapy program in this endeavor.

— RUTH AND LES AKERS

“

The Medical Music Therapy Program was created in 1999 as a partnership between the FSU College of Music and the TMH Foundation. During the 2015 TMH fiscal year, the medical music therapists at TMH saw more than 8,000 patients for child birth, procedural support, pain and anxiety management, relaxation, improvement of communication and mood, cognitive and sensory stimulation, and neurologic rehabilitation.

Jayne Standley, PhD, FSU Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor and Ella Scoble Opperman Professor of Music, and Paula Fortunas, TMH Vice President/Chief Advancement Officer and TMH Foundation President/CEO, are the leaders of this program which has garnered national and international acclaim for its research and patient and family centered care focus. According to Dr. Standley, “The music therapy research with premature infants originating at TMH has had international impact on NICU care. I am deeply grateful to Les and Ruth Akers for their gift that will allow us to expand research in this exciting and innovative approach to improved medical care.”

Photography by Bill Lax, FSU Photographic Services

Philanthropists Ruth Ruggles Akers, PhD and Robert L. “Les” Akers have funded a $100,000 endowment to benefit the TMHFSU Medical Music Therapy Program. Dr. Akers is on the faculty of the Florida State University College of Music and Mr. Akers is a member of the TMH Foundation Board of Trustees and president of Legacy Toyota in Tallahassee and Wayne Akers Ford in Lake Worth. In expressing their desire to support music therapy, the Akers said, “The benefits of music therapy have been documented since Biblical times when the shepherd boy David played the harp to soothe King Saul’s physical and mental maladies. We are honored to partner with the TMH Foundation and the outstanding FSU music therapy program in this endeavor.”

TMH BENEFACTORS: RUTH AND LES AKERS

On September 24, Tallahassee Memorial hosted a ceremony and plaque installation, honoring Ruth and Les Akers, in conjunction with the TMH Foundation Board of Trustees meeting. During the program, Mrs. Fortunas noted, “The TMH-FSU Medical Music Therapy Program is in the vanguard of clinical effectiveness and academic achievement. Ruth and Les Akers recognize this and we are profoundly grateful to them for advancing the TMH-FSU collaboration.”

Mark O’Bryant, TMH President/CEO, underscored by adding, “TMH patients and their families benefit enormously from medical music therapy.

Thanks to Ruth and Les, we can enhance and advance that program.”

TMH Foundation President/CEO Paula Fortunas, Ruth and Les Akers, TMH President/ CEO Mark O’Bryant at plaque installation ceremony honoring the Akers’ $100,000 gift for the TMH-FSU Medical Music Therapy Program.

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RACHEL AND RYAN RUMANA

A CREDIT TO THEIR GENERATION “STROKES FOR STROKES” AND “STRIDES FOR SEIZURES” The remarkable Rachel Rumana, 16, a junior at Maclay School, and the equally-amazing Ryan Rumana, 14, a freshman at Maclay School, launched their respective neuroscience fundraising initiatives in 2014 — Rachel’s “Strides for Seizures” and Ryan’s “Strokes for Strokes.” Ryan was inspired by his summer of volunteering at the TMH Foundation and Rachel as a witness to a friend’s first epileptic seizure.

Rachel’s and Ryan’s fund-raising and philanthropic leadership and the generous donors who have supported neuroscience at TMH were recognized at a reception and neuroscience education program on July 29, 2015. The presenters included both Rachel and Ryan, who spoke eloquently and from the heart about their motivation; neurosurgeon Matt Lawson, MD, neurologist True Martin, MD; Stephanie McCann, parent of a newly-diagnosed epileptic; Mandy Bianchi, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Association of the Big Bend; neurosurgeon Chris Rumana, MD and Paula Fortunas, President/CEO of the TMH Foundation, who paid a special tribute of appreciation to Mara Rumana as the driving force behind Rachel’s and Ryan’s success as the CEOs of “Strides for Seizures” and “Strokes for Strokes.”

THE RUMANA FAMILY IN THEIR OWN WORDS Rachel Rumana, CEO “Strides for Seizures” “The inspiration for ‘Strides for Seizures’ came from one of my best friends, Molly, who had her first seizure at my house on my birthday. It was scary for everyone close to her. She had the best possible care at TMH but still had questions about what being diagnosed with epilepsy meant for her and her family.

There was a limited supply of reliable information because epilepsy is one of the more ignored neurological diseases.

According to Mrs. Fortunas, “ Rachel and Ryan are indeed a credit to their generation. Rachel’s work has already resulted in an affiliation agreement between TMH and the Epilepsy Association of the Big Bend to provide epilepsy education and resources and Ryan’s work is laying the predicate for stroke care and education within the soon-to-be constructed M.T. Mustian Center. “

Rachel Rumana

At the time, there was nothing I could do, but a year-and-ahalf after Molly’s first seizure, I decided there was something I could do and I started ‘Strides for Seizures’ to raise money for educational materials and resources to help newly-diagnosed epilepsy patients. We have now raised more than $10,000 which led to an affiliation agreement between TMH and the Epilepsy Association of the Big Bend where ‘Strides for Seizures’ and the TMH Foundation have set up an epilepsy resource center and patients also have access to other programs of the Epilepsy Association, including support groups.

Mara Rumana

Chris Rumana, MD

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“Molly and I have a common love of running and much of the money we have raised is through individual runners who

Photography by Lonely Fox Photography & Design – Dave Barfield

participate in a ‘run-a-thon' style activity. Presently, both Maclay School and Leon High School are involved and we hope to include even more high schools in the years to come.

This is definitely an ongoing program and we are grateful to the runners and to our multiple corporate sponsors.”

Ryan Rumana, CEO “Strokes for Strokes” “Strokes are a big problem in the U.S. There are an estimated 800,000 strokes per year in America and 130,000 of those victims die. At TMH, the primary stroke center takes in 700 patients a year from all over the Panhandle of Florida, Southern Georgia, and Southern Alabama and these patients receive the best of care. That’s where ‘Strokes for Strokes’ comes in. It is a non-profit organization under the TMH Foundation that is raising money for the stroke program at TMH specifically for nursing education in stroke. There is a special need for additional funds now because TMH will soon build the M.T. Mustian Center that will enable TMH to go from 10 to 24 ICU beds for neuro patients and the stroke center will be upgraded from primary to comprehensive. With the new building and new equipment, the hospital will employ additional nurses and other staff who need to be taught how to handle the most complex stroke cases. Funds from ‘Strokes for Strokes’ will aid with the process and help the stroke center achieve excellence.

certain ‘overtraining’ sessions twice a year. At the end of the period, the swimmers can donate based on what they have accomplished. Another way we generate gifts is through lump sum donations from individuals and corporations.

“I would like to thank the TMH Foundation for helping me start ‘Strokes for Strokes’ and to manage it, and I also want to thank everybody who has donated and participated in any way, big or small.”

Mara and Chris Rumana "The conditions that Rachel and Ryan have chosen to raise money for are very personal to each. Rachel watched one of her best friends have her first seizure, and Ryan has been so affected visiting his great grandmother, who has been devastated by a stroke for essentially his entire life.

"They wanted to start a charity that their friends could participate in and earn volunteer hours, and so far over 2000 service hours have been earned by their friends and teammates. We have been impressed by their poise and passion when presenting to various potential sponsors, and at their self confidence when speaking in front of large groups. They compete against each other to try to raise the most money, have the biggest impact, award the most service hours — actually they compete in almost everything."

“So far ‘Strokes for Strokes’ has raised over $10,000 for stroke education and has had 1100 service hours awarded to swimmers from the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club (ATAC) who were participants in the program. Most everyone knows I love to swim and I am involved with ATAC and I want to publicly thank Coach Terry Maul for allowing ATAC to participate in this program where swimmers track their progress during

Ryan Rumana

Top: Molly McCann and Matt Lawson, MD; Bottom: True Martin, MD and Stephanie McCann and Mandy Bianchi

Please make your secure online credit card gift by visiting TMH.org/foundation.

Scroll down to “Goals and Means” and click on either “Strokes for Strokes” or Strides for Seizures” or both.

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APPOINTMENT OF MAJOR GIFT OFFICERS

The TMH Foundation welcomes two new Major Gift Officers to further enhance its fund-raising initiatives for the benefit of Tallahassee Memorial and those it serves.

Donna joins the TMH Foundation after a 39year career at Florida State University where she served as Director of Development for WFSU-TV, Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Director of the FSU President’s House.

Donna’s work led to the creation of Seven Days DONNA MCHUGH of Opening Nights, now Opening Nights, FSU Heritage Protocol to document FSU’s history and preserve it in the Heritage Museum at Dodd Hall and the FSU Student Veterans Center. She played key roles in other restoration and beautification projects on campus, including the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall and the President’s House. She is a member of the FSU Circle of Gold, the University Center Club Board of Governors, and is a Paul Harris Rotary Fellow. Donna’s granddaughter, MacKenzie McHugh, is an advanced practice clinical nurse specialist at TMH. Ida has served on numerous boards and has volunteered for education and community entities, including service as Chair of the Leon High School Foundation, President of the Parent Association of Holy Comforter Episcopal School, Holy Comforter Episcopal IDA THOMPSON School Board, the FSU College of Music University Musical Associates, Capital Medical Alliance and Artist Series. Ida was awarded the “Education” Volunteer of the Year by the Tallahassee Democrat in spring 2015 for her fundraising and leadership efforts on behalf of Leon High School. Ida is a member of Leadership Tallahassee, ’31 and a graduate of Florida State University. Ida’s husband, William Thompson, MD, Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, is on the TMH medical staff.

“Valentine’s Day Soiree” Starring Davis Gaines Will Be Celebrated on Valentine’s Eve, February 13, 2016, at the University Center Club The TMH Foundation and the Florida State University College of Medicine are pleased to announce the 2016 “Valentine’s Day Soiree,” starring the world-famous Davis Gaines, a favorite of Tallahassee audiences. The event, previously known as “Curtains for a Cause,” will be held on Valentine’s Eve, Saturday, February 13 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the University Center Club, Florida State University. All proceeds will benefit the Brian Jackson Dystonia Research and Discovery Program.

The Brian Jackson Dystonia Research and Discovery Program, created with the generous gifts of Erwin and Stefanie Jackson in honor of their son, Brian, has as its ultimate goal discovering a cure for Dystonia while increasing public awareness of this debilitating neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that force the body into abnormal, sometimes painful movements or postures.

Mr. Gaines’ “Valentine’s Day Soiree” Broadway and Beyond performance will showcase a collection of Broadway pieces. He is widely known to audiences for over 2,000 performances of the Phantom in The remarkable Davis Gaines Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera in concert on Broadway, in Los Angeles and in San Francisco. “Gaines is a breathtaking concert artist, strong yet nuanced. The way he can express great tenderness one moment, great power the next, seems little short of miraculous,” wrote the New York Post.

Julie Montanaro Anchor/Reporter, WCTV

The “Valentine’s Day Soiree” will feature Julie Montanaro as the evening’s host. Mrs. Montanaro is an award-winning journalist who has been anchoring and reporting at WCTV for more than 25 years. Presently, she anchors Eyewitness News at 5 and Eyewitness News at 6 each weeknight. She has won more than a dozen Associated Press Awards including three distinguished “Individual Achievement Awards.” According to Paula Fortunas, TMH Foundation President/CEO, “Mrs. Montanaro is active with many charities and TMH and the FSU College of Medicine are honored that she and WCTV are willing to partner with us in support of this powerful research initiative.”

Tickets are $150 each or you may choose to sponsor a table of 10 for $1,500.

All guests will enjoy a complimentary cocktail hour, a champagne toast, a chef-inspired dinner, a rose for each lady and the performance by Mr. Gaines.

Please visit either www.valentinesdaysoiree.com or TMH.org/foundation or call the TMH Foundation at 850-431-5931 to purchase tickets or table sponsorships or to make a donation if you cannot attend or to obtain additional information.

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Photography by Adam Sheridan-Taylor

THE TMH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, its Foundation and the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center Salute and Honor the Donors, Sponsors and Volunteers who Supported The Ride for Hope 2015 with Special Thanks to the Honorary Chair, John P. Fogarty, MD, Dean, College of Medicine, Florida State University and Hero of Hope, Sue Semrau, Head Coach Women’s Basketball, Florida State University

PRESENTING SPONSOR JERSEY

LUNCH

COURSE SAFETY

T-SHIRT

START/FINISH LINE

PMS 208 PMS 281

SWAG BAG PMS 431

SOCKS

POLAR WATER BOTTLES

WELLNESS SPONSORS

WATER STOP SPONSORS

JERSEY SLEEVE SPONSORS

ADVOCATE SPONSORS

John C. Kenny Law Firm Tallahassee State Bank

Marpan Supply Company, Inc. Refreshment Services Pepsi Whole Foods Market

JERSEY SPOT SPONSORS

FRIENDS OF HOPE

Linda Alexionok Big Bend Transit, Inc. Bird Legs Bicycles Avon & Louie Doll Gulf Winds Track Club Higher Ground Bicycle Co. LAT Creative, LLC Jimmy Martin Pathway Wellness Matt Sherer Silver Digital Media Tallahassee Democrat Tallahassee Family Magazine, LLC

Coldwell Banker Hartung and Noblin, Inc. Forms Management, Inc. PATLive Prime Meridian Bank

The Apprenticeship Center Capital City Cyclists CBIZ - In honor of Bill Giudice, Rob Moss and the TMH Finance Department The Diamond Divas The Florida State University College of Medicine Hancock Bank of Florida Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. Pak Mail Tyndall Credit Union Wacissa Pentecostal Holiness Church

Ajax Construction Company Gayle and Richard Arbes Big Bend Hospice, Inc. Bike SAG Laura Brock Chris Clements Costco

EXPO DINNER

Preston Cowie Crossfit Tallahassee Robert Disbennett Earth Fare Farmers & Merchants Bank Florida Autism Center Florida Department of Health Get Outdoors Florida Stanley Gwock Hinson Oil Company, Inc Howdy’s Rent A Toilet Gary Knox Kolorful Care Mark Marple Joseph Miller Orsillo Vision Care Peacock Expressions PTG Porter Paints W.L. Pedersen Deborah Pettit Susan and Alan Plotts Betty Ann and Jim Rodgers John Ruddell Science Of Speed Smith Family Chiropractic Sunbelt Rentals The Great Bicycle Shop Triple Hearts Photography

FAMILY FUN

SUPPORTERS

Badass Fitness BioPhotonic/Pharmanex FastSigns First Commerce Credit Union Vanessa Fuchs Kendric Harley Mark Hillis Krispy Kreme Doughnut Company Little Caesars Alma and Gentle Littles Laurye and Jim Messer William Moncrief National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Theresa Shannon SunTrust Daniel Van Durme Judi and Herb Wills

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PROTOCOLS FOR PHILANTHROPY “The Most Generous Time of the Year”

Paula S. Fortunas President/CEO TMH Foundation

Traditionally, as the year draws to a close, the TMH Foundation expresses its gratitude for your generosity and offers gift planning information for consideration with your family and professional advisors. And, 2015 is no exception. Your kind and generous acts and gifts have again positively influenced the hospital and the care of its patients and their families, along with the health of the community at large.

TMH is profoundly grateful to you, one and all, and respectfully requests your continued support.

While taxes are rarely the primary motivation for a charitable gift, tax considerations may influence the size, timing and form that a gift takes. Consequently, it is important to become familiar with the pertinent tax law provisions, their role and bearing on your charitable planning goals.

Timing and type of asset donated really matter with respect to favored tax treatment and can often significantly reduce the donor’s “cost” of making the contribution. To illustrate, gifts of property such as stocks, bonds and real estate that have increased in value can result in extra tax savings. If such assets are held for longer than one year, the donor can give them and claim an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value. Furthermore, the donor incurs no tax on the capital gain. If one owns securities that have decreased in value, selling those securities and making an income tax deductible gift of the cash proceeds should be explored. The sale creates a loss which may be deductible from other taxable income.

Toward the end of the year is also a good time to review long-range estate and financial plans. Wills, living trusts, life insurance policies, retirement accounts and other planning vehicles frequently offer exceptional opportunities for leaving a lasting legacy. Many donors prefer to fund meaningful future gifts while retaining a life income and enjoying immediate income tax savings and other benefits.

Honor Family, Friends and Business Associates: Evidence points to increased giving to charities in lieu of traditional holiday presents. If that is your choice, the TMH Foundation will welcome your contributions and will promptly and appropriately notify each honoree of your generosity on their behalf. Also, during the season of special giving, you may want to make a gift in memory of a family member or friend you have lost.

A special message for donors who have attained age 70 1/2: The IRA charitable rollover provisions that expired with the 2014 tax year have not been extended to the 2015 tax year by the U.S. Congress as of September 16, the date this article was submitted for publication. We will continue to monitor this legislation and will inform you of any new developments so you can take advantage of this exceedingly beneficial charitable giving strategy.

A Reminder: December 31 is the last day to make a contribution for which you may claim a 2015 income tax charitable deduction. If mailed, gift checks must be postmarked by December 31 and the deadline for online donations is 11:59 p.m. on December 31. To make gifts other than cash, such as securities or real property or to discuss a gift within your estate plan, please call or email the TMH Foundation – contact information appears below.

Note: The contents of this article and any materials you request and receive from the TMH Foundation are general in nature and are not intended as either legal, financial or tax advice. You should consult your own professional advisors before making a final decision with respect to gift plans and agreements.

To Make a Secure Online Donation Please visit TMH.org/foundation and click on DONATE NOW 1331 East Sixth Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Telephone: 850-431-5389 Facsimile: 850-431-4483 Email: paula.fortunas@tmh.org Website: TMH.org/foundation

1331 East Sixth Avenue, Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Telephone: 850-431-5389 Facsimile: 850-431-4483 Email: paula.fortunas@tmh.org Website: TMH.org/foundation 184 November–December 2015

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To Make a Secure Online Donation: Please visit TMH.org/foundation and click on Donate Now.

»culture SOCIAL STUDIES Tallahassee Top Singles August 1 Tallahassee’s hottest event scorched the runway at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center as 19 of the area’s top bachelors and bachelorettes raised money for their chosen charity. The night kicked off with a cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment from Jacob’s Ladder. The show included live auctions, giveaways and various surprises brought on by the 2015 Top Singles. The total amount raised for non-profits was $71,100. // PHOTOS BY ELLE BELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Brandon Ward, Lina Gwynn, Chelsea Vaughn, Lacey Inman, Stephanie Hunter, Brooke Gray and Parker Ryall

Natalie and Angus Thomas and Teresa and Crawford Atkins

Colette and David Podgorski

Carlin Trammel and Greg Tish

Courtney Dunham, Hannah Swee, Kira Petitt, Maddy Cloud and Kate Murray

Sherrie Clark, Brian Clark and Laura Brewer

William and Lauren Bevis

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»culture SOCIAL STUDIES FAMU Grape Harvest Festival August 29 Hosted by FAMU, this annual event is always a stomping good time. This year, things kicked off in the morning with a vineyard 5k run/walk. The rest of the festival included grape stomping, wine and grape tasting, wine education, live music, grape picking and much more.

The event was cut short due to rain and will be rescheduled.

Dr. Mary Simmons, Naderge Cerne, Dr. Cindy Hughes Harris and Kandy Woods

Ryan Kornegay, Jasmine Hall, Mariah Henry and Gerard Gunner

// PHOTOS BY LORI MAGEE

Joseph Jones, Dr. Elmira Mangum, Dr. Robert Taylor and Curtis Richardson

Old School Open September 10–15 Seminoles fans gathered at the SouthWood Golf Club for the Old School Open, a charity golf tournament presented by Napleton Infiniti. The morning warmed up with a festive pairing of Irish bagpipes and drums.

Because the event landed on Sept. 11, all guests honored the U.S. military, police and firefighters with a special tribute. A helicopter ball drop followed, and major prizes were given to a few lucky winners. The Open was part of a weekend long celebration to benefit the Society Foundation where legendary Bobby Bowden was the keynote speaker and celebrity golfer.

Mark Jones, Bob Frey, Joe Sumislakski, Jerry Wells and the bagpipe team

// PHOTOS BY COLIN HACKLEY

Adam Corey, Coach Bobby Bowden and Coach Mike Martin

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»culture SOCIAL STUDIES Dr. Bass Golf Tournament September 14 Over the past 15 years, the Dr. Bass Golf Tournament has generated more than $750,000 in support to patients and families under the care of Big Bend Hospice. Late this summer, guests continued their tradition of playing for a great cause at the Golden Eagle Country Club. Proceeds went to help support the unfunded programs of Big Bend Hospice. Guests played golf, sipped libations and enjoyed a leisurely lunch during the awards ceremony at the end of the day. // PHOTOS BY SHEMS HAMILTON Barbara Wright, Connie Palmer, Kerwyn Wilson and Karen Borneman

Alan Williams, Kamain Johnson, Ron Tate and Nick Maddox

Todd Hunter Jr. and Todd Hunter

Cassie Frazee, Julie Weidner, Peyton Dieson and Beverly Burleson TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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»culture THE BUZZ

The

Buzz

WELCOME TO THE BUZZ, Tallahassee Magazine’s column created to share who’s where and what they’re doing. While we try to flit around with all of Tallahassee’s social butterflies, the Buzz can’t be everywhere. Send the skinny on your next soiree to buzz@tallahasseemagazine.com.

Thank you for voting us a top two finalist for TALLAHASSEE’S BEST CHIROPRACTOR!

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On a sultry July evening, the shops around Market Street were abuzz for the Summer Shop Hop, hosted by John and Jane Marks.

Nearly 50 businesses in Market Square and along Market Street put out the welcome mat for the inaugural event, created to encourage local shopping. Participating businesses also pledge a percentage of the night’s sales raise to money for local nonprofits, in this case, the Tallahassee Memorial Diabetes Center.

When her husband was mayor of Tallahassee, Jane would host monthly shopping excursions highlighting local businesses. Now that his term is over, she decided to create bigger, better — but less frequent — shopping events.

The night’s 65 volunteers included local celebrities stationed at several stores to help out the shoppers. WCTV anchor Julie Montanaro was at Cotton Etc., Zumba “junkie” Sue Ault was at Heels and Handbags, and Cricket Mannheimer hosted at The Walkabout Shop.

With all the comfy couches on display and a spread that included delicious spinach dip and sangria, it was easy to make yourself at home at Weezie’s Cottage Living, which is what several people, including Kim and Mayda Williams and Mike and Gloria Sheridan, did. Marsha Doll and husband Dean Faulkenberry hosted at Narcissus, which was also the site of some fabulous live entertainment provided by Longineu Parsons, Anthony Williams and Frank Ranicky.

Others seen strolling between the shops were Carmen Cummings, David Lee, Marsha and Bob Thornberry, Al Lawson, Gerald Ensley and Sally Karioth, Cherie and Russ Rainey, Gary Yordon and Berenice Cox, Thelma Nolan, Curtis and Nina Ashenafi Richardson and their daughters. Several media sorts were on hand, including David Lee, Casanova Nurse and Tamaryn Waters. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The black and white ballroom at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tallahassee provided the perfect backdrop on Aug. 1 for the Gatsbythemed, sixth annual Big Bash, the signature fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend. A crowd of 300 put on the Ritz with lots of beads, sequins, feathers and fringe on display. One dapper gent went the full ’20s, complete with top hat, tux and spats. Eight different champagnes were flowing, with colors ranging from “champagne” to a deep red and flavors such as almonds and cranberries.

An upscale beer bar, boasting 60 different craft beers on tap and 250+ bottles. Each location has a unique indoor and outdoor space perfect for any holiday event.

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY AT THE BRASS TAP! Book before November 1 for special discounted rates.

For bookings email events@globalisus.com Visit our Facebook page for upcoming events and specials!

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»culture THE BUZZ State Rep. Alan Williams was the night’s emcee. He was joined onstage by Alva Striplin, School Board member and interim director of the nonprofit, which annually serves to connect about 400 boys and girls with mentors who help them fulfill their true potential. Several elected officials — and a few who would like to become elected officials — attended, including State Sen. Bill Montford, City Commissioner Scott Maddox, Leon School Superintendent Jackie Pons, County Commissioners Kristen Dozier and Nick Maddox and Rocky Hanna.

TV cohost and marketer Ann Howard was channeling her inner flapper in a black fringed dress and feathered fascinator while celebrating the fact that she raised more than $3,700 for the nonprofit as one of Tallahassee Magazine’s Top Singles. Also spotted at the event were Sherry and Don Thompson, Deanna Mims and Robert Walsh, Heath and Gay Annin, Barbara and Eric Wills, Paul and Evelyn Gleasman, Sarah Rumph, Diana Orapallo, Billy Crawford, Jen Stanford and Gloria McNeill.

A crew from the soon-to-be-opened Edison restaurant was also there, including Chef John Minas, Adam Corey and Eduardo Marti-Kring.

enjoyed steak, tomato bisque and cheesecake along with assorted specialty Starbucks coffees and cupcakes from local cupcakery Smallcakes while browsing among silent auction items.

At the Police Ball, an officer, nominated by his or her peers, is presented with the Walter A. McNeil Distinguished Service Award, also known as the TCPAAA Officer of the Year Award. This year’s recipient, Officer Michele Yown, served 12 years at the Tallahassee Police Department as field training officer, coordinator for the Citizen’s Police Academy and was promoted to sergeant before retiring. She returned from retirement after a brief time away to continue her service on the force.

Those donning masks and evening attire included Chief Michael DeLeo, John Paul Bailey and Donna Harper, TCPAAA President David Pienta and wife Rachel Sutz Pienta, Erik and Jana Sayler, and Master of Ceremonies James Fairfield. The night’s festivities included a post-ball after party at Mint Lounge.

The TCPAAA, established in 1999, is a nonprofit corporation formed to bring together graduates of the Citizens’ Police Academy to enhance relations between the community and the Tallahassee Police Department.

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The DoubleTree ballroom was also the site of the annual Tallahassee Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association (TCPAAA) event known as the Police Ball. Members of the Tallahassee Police Department staff and spouses mingled with community supporters at the sold-out, masquerade-themed event, “Unmask the Knight,” held Aug. 15. Guests

The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce “kicked off” its second Total Resource Campaign in August with a football theme. Chamber leaders are “drafted” to help membership know about the sponsorship opportunities available to help them grow their businesses.

Gift Certificates Available!

1817 THOMASVILLE RD, STE 520 (NEXT TO WHOLE FOODS) 850.765.6224

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»culture THE BUZZ Chamber President/CEO Sue Dick was there, along with “Commissioner” Ron Sachs, “General Managers” Paul Watts, Mark O’Bryant, Ed Murray and Matt Brown. Team “coaches” included Ben Graybar, Park Broome, Whitney VanLandingham, Stephanie Derzypolski, Bart Gunter and Chucha Barber. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

A mere six days after moving into their new home, Jim and Erica Rosica and their 1-year-old son Nick hosted a housewarming party at their new Indianhead Acres home. The event — with pizza, snacks, libations and plenty of conversation — is a traditional “welcome home” gift given by their real estate agents, Terri and Sharon Kant-Rausch.

Partners in life as well as in business, they live in Indianhead and specialize in selling in the neighborhood.

Among those attending were new neighbors Sandy Niedert and Lincoln Smith, Geoff Brown and Rhonda Cooper, Danilo Thomas and Ashley Gorham, Shelly Hatton, Travis and Mary Jo Heaton, Laura Silvanima and Henry Hall.

Also on hand were journalist friends Bill Cotterell, Lloyd and Rosanne Dunkelberger, Gary Fineout, and Kathleen Laufenberg and her non-journalist husband, Kent Spriggs. Others notables included Arlene and James Rosica, Kara and Brent Justice (and baby-on-theway Elliot), Abby Kinch and her daughters, Alice and Paige, Charlee Taylor with son, Palmer, Matt McCarron and Barbara Busharis.

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Tallahassee’s business community decamped for the weekend of Aug. 14–16 to Hilton Sandestin Beach for the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce’s annual conference. It was a chance for businesses small and large to discuss regional issues, attend workshops and network — with a lot of fun planned once the day’s agenda was done.

Guests enjoyed cocktails while walking around the exhibitors’ booths at the Friday night Welcome Reception sponsored by the accounting firm Thomas Howell Ferguson. Hosts for the evening were THF’s Allison Harrell, Michael Kalifeh, Winston Howell, Julian Dozier and Canita Peterson. Also seen at the party were Diana Cureton, Bart Gunter, Sara Jacobs, Mike Wood, Charlie Strickland, Reggie and Michelle Bouthillier, Jordan Jacobs, Terrie Ard, Kathleen Hampton, Jim Hunt, Dan Campbell, Keith Bowers, Len Harvey, Traci Poucher, Kendalyn Staten and Brian Boulware.

The entertainment shifted to poolside for the always-anticipated Water Buffalo Party, sponsored by Marpan Supply and Target Print & Mail. Attendees included Ben Graybar, Alan Hanstein, Bernie Gandy, Greg Tish, Daryl Green, Mike Campbell, Brian Moran, Mary Katharine Lawler, Rick Minor and Jessica LoweMinor, Warren and Faith Jones, Darlene Marcewicz, Nick Grosso, Park Broome, Kim Smiley, Jake and Michelle Kiker, Patrick Monroe, and Mike and Flo Schmidt. In case you’re wondering about the party’s name, it refers to hanging out in the water to

escape the heat of the day while having a cold drink — just like water buffalo.

After the Saturday night’s awesome live entertainment by Tallahassee Nights Live (aka Boardwalk All Stars), sponsored

by Sachs Media Group, Capital City Bank hosted an after party. Capital City Bankers attending included Ed Canup, Beth Corum, Brooke Hallock, Bill Moor, William Smith and Ben Bowersox. Other guests spotted at the event included Janet and Ron Brafford, Kelly and Laurie Dozier, Tracey and Danny Shrine, Stephanie and Tom Derzypolski, Doris and Doug Dunlap and Jess and Mat Tharpe. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The Edison was electric on Tuesday, Sept. 15, when well over a hundred guests, including Chris Heacox, director of opening nights at FSU, and Catalina Café owners Maurice Moulton and Patricia Allaire, trickled into the restaurant’s main dining room.

A practice run for staffers, the soft opening saw gourmet passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne toasts, live music, and a heightened sense of what’s to come. Towards the end of the night, business partners Adam Corey and Ryan Grindle thanked their guests and team members, including The Edison’s Executive Chef John Minas, for their attendance and dedication to the restaurant’s fresh concept. The event was planned and coordinated by local marketing agency BowStern, with Communication Strategist Amanda Handley taking point on public relations.

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Knight Creative Communities Institute held a celebration to unveil plans for further engaging citizens around the Big Bend. The event attracted more than 200 KCCI catalysts and supporters who joined in celebrating 2015 successes, including Tallahassee Music Week, the Frenchtown Farmer’s Market, and the new #SeeTallahassee campaign, which produced the first district mural in Midtown.

KCCI Executive Director Betsy Couch debuted the new 2016 project — re-imagining the historic Waterworks building — and opened up the application process for anyone interested in serving as a 2016 Community Catalyst. Among those on hand to hear the good news — many of them former and current catalysts — were Mike Pate, who was instrumental in the creation of KCCI, and his wife, Judy, Mark O’Bryant, Ed Murray, Carmen Braswell Butler, Allie Vanlandingham, Stacey Getz, Bill Berlow, Rebekah Dorn, Jay Revell and Shelly Gomez.

Also on hand to enjoy exclusive sips of new brews from local breweries GrassLands, Deep Brewing Company and Canopy Roads Brewery and tastes representing Tallahassee different districts from Social Catering were Gayle and Spider Webb, SaraLyn and Gabe Grass, Paige Carter-Smith, Liz Joyner, Jon Hinkle, Betsy Henderson, Peggy Biebly, John Van Giesen, Anthony Gaudio, Blair Gregg, Kristin Dozier, Mike Campbell, Cory Couch, and Rick and Jessica Minor.

WINDOWS OUT OF REACH?

— COMPILED BY CHAY D. BAXLEY AND ROSANNE DUNKELBERGER

850.224.0999 • Locally Owned & Operated • Commercial & Residential Licensed & Insured • Servicing the area for over a quarter of a century TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales to Make Special Tailgate Delivery for a Winning Florida State Fan Iconic Horses Also Appearing in the FSU Homecoming Parade Imagine eight majestic, giant horses and their historic red beer wagon pulling up to your Florida State tailgating party. They are there to deliver some goodies for you, your friends and your family.

Well, imagine no more — because it’s about to happen for a lucky Florida State fan in Tallahassee.

Tri-Eagle Sales has been running a sweepstakes over the last several weeks offering adult consumers the chance to win a case of Budweiser — delivered by the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales to a fan’s tailgate when FSU takes on North Carolina State for Homecoming on November 14 in Tallahassee.

Participants entered by describing how they tailgate on the Tri-Eagle Sales website or Facebook for an opportunity to win the special Budweiser delivery.

“Budweiser is all about good times and bringing friends together,” said Brittany Mukadam, Brand Activation 198 November–December 2015

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Manager-Strategic for Tri-Eagle Sales. “Receiving a delivery of a case of Budweiser from the world-famous Clydesdales is an once-in-alifetime experience for any fan.”

The Clydesdales’ appearance in Tallahassee is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Today, these giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show. The horses chosen to be the Budweiser Clydesdales must be at least four years of age, stand approximately 18 hands (or six feet) at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, be bay in color, have four white legs and a blaze of white on the face, and a black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is also very important, as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.

The Budweiser Clydesdales also are scheduled to make an appearance on Friday, November 13 in the FSU Homecoming Parade.

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

SIMPLY SPECIAL Rock Cornish Hens (Serves 6)

Classic Holiday Recipes

Nov/Dec 1997 Ingredients

» 6 fresh Rock Cornish hens » 2 large oranges » ½ lb. sweet butter » ½ cup yellow onion, peeled and diced » 2 tart apples, cored and diced (do not peel) » 1 cup seedless green grapes » ¼ cup minced Italian parsley » ½ cup crumbs, from good-quality French-type bread » ¾ tsp. dried thyme » salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste paprika » 6 strips of bacon, halved crosswise » 1 cup dry sherry or Madeira wine » fresh watercress (garnish) Directions

Rinse hens well under cold running water and pat dry Grate the zest from the oranges (or peel with a zester) and reserve. Cut oranges into halves and rub the cut halves over the insides and outsides of the hens, moistening them with the orange juice. Set hens aside. Melt half of the butter in a skillet. Add diced onion and cook, covered, over low heat until tender and lightly colored, about 15 minutes. Combine apples, grapes, parsley, bread crumbs, reserved orange zest and ½ teaspoon of the thyme in a small bowl; pour the butter and onions over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine. Preheat oven to 350°F. Stuff the hens with the stuffing and truss or skewer them shut. Arrange hens in a shallow roasting pan just large enough to hold them, or use 2 smaller baking dishes, and season the outside of the birds with salt, pepper, the remaining ¼ teaspoon thyme and a sprinkle of paprika. Arrange 2 pieces of bacon in an “X” on the breast of each hen. Dot with remaining butter, pour the sherry or Madeira into the pan, and set it on the middle level of the oven. Bake for about 1 hour, basting frequently, until hens are golden brown and done. Transfer them to a serving platter and garnish with watercress.Remove grease from sauce in roasting pan and reduce over medium heat to ⅔ the amount.

Pass the sauce in a gravy boat.

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1987 & 1997

Rugelach

ABOUT THIS STORY By our estimation, nearly 500 recipes have appeared on the pages of Tallahassee Magazine since we began publishing in 1979. Nearly every year, either in a Winter or November/December issue, a certain portion of the magazine would be reserved for a spread on holiday food. Here, we serve up a couple of holiday dishes that never go out of style. Enjoy!

Winter 1987 Ingredients

» 1 cup butter » 12 ounces cream cheese » 2 cups flour » ¼ teaspoon salt » 8 ounces of apricot or raspberry preserves » 2 cups chopped pecans » 1 cup currants » Confectioners sugar Directions

Place butter, cream cheese, flour and salt in food processor or mixer and mix together. Remove from bowl and form 4 balls from the dough. Refrigerate for one to two hours. On a floured surface, roll out balls into circles as evenly as possible. Cut into 8-10 triangle wedges from the circle. Spread the circle with apricot or raspberry preserves, enough to thinly cover the surface (2-4 tablespoons). Sprinkle with ½ cup chopped pecans and ¼ cup currants. Roll up triangles into crescents, rolling from wide end to the point.

Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil, and place crescents, rolled side down, on cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Sift confectioners sugar over cookies just after they are cooled. Rugelach freezes beautifully; just remember to separate layers with waxed plastic wrap.

Rugelach

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HISTORY  hearsay Original print date:

1979–96

NO RESERVATIONS THE UPPER CRUST (1979) Lunch: Quiches and crepes; Dinner: lamb, veal, steaks and seafood. Informal to formal attire. Reservations taken. Credit cards: M, V.; personal checks accepted.

Lunch 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.–Fri. Dinner 6:30–10 p.m., Tues.–Thurs.; 6:30–11 p.m., Fri. & Sat. Champagne Seated Brunch, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. Carriage Gate, 893-5913.

TALQUIN INN (1980) Spaghetti, seafood, steak. Casual dress.

Credit cards not accepted. Local checks accepted. 5–11 p.m., Mon.–Sat. 2759 W. Tennessee St., 576-9193.

ANDREW’S 2ND ACT (1981) Continental cuisine. Informal to formal attire. No reservations accepted for lunch.

Reservations required for dinner. Credit cards: M, V. Lunch 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Mon.–Fri. Dinner 5:30 p.m.–1 a.m., Mon.– Fri.; 6 p.m.–1 a.m., Sat. & Sun. Special entrée $5.50 (4 selections) 5:30 p.m.– 6:30 p.m., Mon.–Fri. 102 W. Jefferson, 222-2759 BIRD CAGE TEA ROOM (1982) Salads, soup, hot lunches and desserts.

Casual dress. Reservations not needed.

Credit cards: V, M, and Rheinauers Charge Card. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon.–Sat. Rheinauers second floor, Northwood Mall, 1940 N. Monroe St.

FLAMINGO CAFÉ (1986) Casual dress. Reservations not needed.

Credit cards: M, V. 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Fri.–Sat, 4 p.m.–midnight, Sun. 525 W. Tennessee St. 224-3534 CHEZ PIERRE (1987) French food, including pastries.

Casual dress. Credit cards: M, V, A. Pastries sold from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Lunch 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Mon.–Sat., Reservations taken for Fri. & Sat. evenings. 115 N. Adams St., 222-0936.

THE BAGEL PEDDLER/ NEW YORK DELI (1988) N.Y. overstuffed deli sandwiches, fresh salads, N.Y. cheesecake. Eight famous triple-whipped cream cheese spreads, 10 varieties of bagels, fresh baked specialty breads. Breakfasts: Jumbo omelets.

Credit cards: NONE. Open seven days.

1410 Market St. (The Pavilions). 668-2345.

BASCOM’S WEDGE & WINEGLASS (1989) American Classic cuisine. Specialties prime western beef, fresh Florida seafood, specialty chicken & old world pasta dishes.

Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Gourmet shop: cheese and wines, gift baskets, meats and pates. Catering. 1355 Market St. at the Verandas. 893-4474.

TUTTO BENE (1983) Fine steak and northern Italian cuisine.

Reservations advisable in the evenings.

Credit cards: M, A, V. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m., Mon.–Fri.; Dinner: 6 p.m.–11:30 p.m., Mon.–Sat. Corner of Adams and Jefferson, 222-2759.

SCALES & TAILS (1990) Fresh seafood. Maine lobster and pasta.

Beer and wine available. Reasonable prices.

Casual attire. Credit cards: M, V. Lunch Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; dinner 4 p.m.– 10 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun 5 p.m.– 9 p.m. Reservations accepted for five or more. 1355 Market St., off Timberlane Road; 668-0513.

BROTHERS THREE RESTAURANT (1984) Steak and seafood served in Old English atmosphere. Casual dress. Reservations needed only for parties of 5 or more.

Credit cards: A, M, V. 5–11 p.m., Mon.– Fri.; 5–midnight, Sat. Hwy. 27 near I-10, 386-4193

SILVER SLIPPER (1991) Tallahassee’s oldest and finest steak house celebrates their 50 year anniversary.

Serving charbroiled Iowa steaks and fresh seafood. Private dining rooms available.

Casual dress. Credit cards: All. Mon.–Sat. 5–11 p.m. 531 Scott’s Lane, 386-9366.

GOOD TIME CHARLIE’S (1985) Cajun and Southern cooking. Casual dress. Reservations for groups necessary.

Credit cards: ALL. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Mon.–Sat., noon–11 p.m., Sun. 1426 W. Tennessee St., 222-5073

CHARLEY MAC’S (1992) Seafood, chicken, specialty pasta, steaks. Proper casual attire. Credit cards: M, V, A. Hours: Mon. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Tues.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Fri. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Sat. 5–10 p.m., Sun

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Restaurants

Classic Tallahassee Restaurants

11 a.m.–2 p.m. (buffet brunch).

Lounge open Mon.–Sat. 5 p.m.– until. 1700 Halstead Blvd. (one block off Thomasville Rd. on Capital Circle, N.E.) 893-0522.

Reservations accepted for parties of five or more.

ABOUT THIS STORY Over the years, Tallahassee has been home to many longstanding popular eateries. At left are the dining listings for some of those gone-butnot-forgotten local restaurants, exactly as they appeared in print when they ran in Tallahassee Magazine. There’s one listing for each of the first 18 years of our magazine’s existence.

NICHOLSON FARM HOUSE (1993) Historical dining in a unique atmosphere. Specializing in steaks, also serving chicken and seafood. Tues.–Sat. 4–10 p.m. Credit cards: M, V. State Road 12, 3½ miles west of Havana. 539-5931.

CROSS CREEK (1994) Casual country setting specializing in Floridastyle country and coastal fare serving fresh seafood, beef and chicken. Breakfast, lunch and dinner available. Open seven days a week from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Credit cards: M, V. local checks. 6725 Mahan Drive. 877-4130.

TRIO (1995) An Italian American Grill featuring fresh homemade pasta dishes; pizza baked in authentic Italian wood burning stove; seafood, steak and chicken entrees. Call ahead for pizza, homemade pastas and sauces, desserts and fresh baked breads to go. Take out available. Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.

Fri.-Sat. 11:30 a.m.–Mid; Sun. 11:30 a.m.– 9 p.m. 1495 Market St. 668-5020 NINO (1996) Homemade continental favorites (Italian, German, seafood, steaks, nightly specials) served in a quaint cottage on a hill. Area’s largest wine selection by bottle or glass with full-service bar. Reservations suggested.

Credit cards: All. Local checks. Banquet seating for 10-100. Tues.–Thurs. 5–10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 5–11 p.m. 6497 Apalachee Parkway. 878-8141

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Happy Hour Every Day · Voted Tallahassee’s Best Wine List Creative Cocktails, Craf t Beers · Only Balcony Bar in Tallahassee Outstanding Small Plate + Dessert Menu

Celebrate the Holiday Season with Good Wine & Great Friends!

Let us cater your Holiday Party! thewinelofttallahassee.net At the Orleans @Midtown, 1240 Thomasville Road (corner of 6th Ave. & Thomasville Rd.) Mon–Thurs 5pm–2am & Fri–Sat 4pm–2am · 850.222.9914

Authentic, made-fromscratch Italian cuisine in the heart of CollegeTown TALLAHASSEE’S NEWEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

Mon–Sat 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Sun 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

815 W. Madison St., Ste. 120 (850) 765-6670 modatallahassee.com

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»food DINING GUIDE Gourmet Specialty ANDREW’S 228 American, Italian. A chic urban restaurant serving signature blends of creative American and Italian cuisine in stylish surroundings. Private rooms are available for banquets and meetings.

228 S. Adams St. (850) 222-3444. $$$ D AVENUE EAT & DRINK American Fusion. A downtown restaurant offering a melting pot of flavors fresh from the South, served in scrumptious dining presentations.

Sunday brunch is a not-to-be-missed treat. 115 E. Park Ave. (850) 224-0115. $$$ B L D CYPRESS RESTAURANT H New Southern. To make a special evening a cut above the rest, bring the celebration to Cypress. Known for its sophisticated take on Southern cuisine, this restaurant won readers’ votes in 2014 and 2015 as Best Celebration/ Special Occasion and Best Fine Dining restaurant. 320 E. Tennessee St. (850) 513-1100. $$$ D THE EDISON Fusion. Tallahassee’s newest fine dining establishment, The Edison is so much more than just a pretty face. Equipped with a beer garden, wine cellar, casual café, open-air alternatives and a gorgeous view, this historic building and restaurant has quickly become a Tallahassee favorite. 470 Suwannee St. (850) 684-2117. $$/$$$ GEORGIO’S American. If George Koikos is in the house, you can count on a visit to your table from him during your meal. His hands-on commitment to quality, food, service and a personal touch have kept his restaurants in business for more than 45 years. 2971 Apalachee Pkwy.

(850) 877-3211. $$$ D MICCOSUKEE ROOT CELLAR Fusion. With its hand-hewn décor, organic menu items and seemingly endless supply of artisan crafted beer and wine, it’s the place to go when a fresh twist on tradition is what the taste buds order. 1311 Miccosukee Rd. (850) 597-7419. $$ D SAGE RESTAURANT H American. Sage’s menu masterfully melds regional influences, including Southern and French. The setting at this 2015 Best of Tallahassee winner is gorgeous but cozy, and the outdoor patio sets a charming, romantic tone

for a relaxed evening. 3534 Maclay Blvd.

(850) 270-9396. $$$ B L D

Specialty 101 RESTAURANT H American. In 2015 readers said 101 had the Best Happy Hour and cocktails around, whether you work 9 to 5 or just want to enjoy a night out with friends.

Guests can choose from two happy hours, a selection of delectable martinis and cocktails, two-for-ones and a bevy of other drinks. 215 W. College Ave. (850) 391-1309. $$ B L D ANDREW’S CAPITAL GRILL AND BAR American. A Downtown landmark for 40 years, Andrew’s is an energetic, casual, see-and-be-seen spot. House favorites include a popular lunch buffet, hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes. Downtown delivery.

228 S. Adams St. (850) 222-3444/Fax, (850) 222-2433. $$ B L D AZU — A LUCY HO’S RESTAURANT Asian. Serving Tallahassee since 1970, Lucy Ho’s offers Japanese-style cooking with Cantonese, Sichuan, Hunan, Peking and Taiwanese influences.

Diners also will find a full bar and the freshest sushi. 3220 Apalachee Pkwy.

(850) 893-4112. $/$$ L D BELLA BELLA H Italian. Take your taste buds to Italy with a trip to Bella Bella, voted Best Italian by Tallahassee Magazine readers in 2015. This locally owned and operated restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with all the classics to satisfy your pasta cravings.

123 E. 5th Ave. (850) 412-1114. $$ L D BROOKLYN WATER BAGELS AND PIZZA American. Using the freshest ingredients and an exclusive water treatment process, renowned Brooklyn bagels, coffee and pizza made famous in their original location can now be found in Tallahassee. CollegeTown, 815 W. Madison St. (850) 765-1058. $B L D THE CAKE SHOP H Bakery. From your plain vanilla and chocolate to specialties like Snicker’s Candy Bar and Chunky Monkey, The Cake Shop provides delicious cakes, cookies and cupcakes for special occasions or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. It earned honors for Best Bakery and Best Dessert in our 2014 AND 2015 readers’ choice polls. 1908 Capital Circle N.E. (850) 386‑2253. $

CANTINA TALLAHASSEE Mexican. The menu includes all your South of the Border favorites — tacos, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas and more — along with $5 and less fast food options as well as sharingsized Platos Con Amigos. CollegeTown, 705 S. Woodward Ave. (850) 273-4002. $L D CARRIE ANN & CO. American, Catering. No reservation required for Carrie Ann & Co.’s Tuesday Night Dinners at the Mays House, a charming, historic 1922 residence in Monticello. Or head downtown to their Rosemary Tree Café & Gift Shop for coffee and daily specials on wraps and sandwiches. Custom catering available. The Mays House, 925 E. Washington St. (850) 544-2427 or (850) 544-1582. Rosemary Tree Café, 170 N. Jefferson St. (850) 997-2106.

(Mays $/$$ B L D (Tuesdays Only) House only) COOSH’S BAYOU ROUGE H Cajun. This Best Cajun Restaurant winner for 2015 brings the best of the Bayou State right to your table.

The menu is jam-packed with Louisiana-style dishes, favorites like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, po’boys and seafood gumbo. Not in a Cajun mood? Coosh’s also offers classic hamburgers, salads and chicken wings.

6267 Old Water Oak Rd. (850) 894‑4110. $$ B L D THE EGG CAFÉ AND EATERY H American. When you’re looking for breakfast favorites, even if it’s lunchtime, The Egg is the place to be.

Made-to-order items use the finest ingredients. Voted Tallahassee’s best 12 times, including the 2015 awards for Best Breakfast. In Evening Rose at 3740 Austin Davis Ave. (850) 907-3447.

Light breakfast fare is available at The Egg Express, a second downtown location in the R.A. Gray building.

500 S. Bronough St., Room G-22 (850) 907-3447. $$ B L EL JALISCO H Mexican. In the mood for sizzling enchiladas and frozen margaritas? Make your way to the 2015 Best Mexican/Latin American Restaurant, El Jalisco, where they do Mexican cuisine to perfection.

2022 N. Monroe St. (850) 878‑0800; 2915‑301 Kerry Forest Pkwy.

(850) 668‑1002; 2736 Capital Circle N.E.; and 3197 Merchants Row Blvd.

(850) 727‑0094. $ L D

The Key

The restaurants that appear in this guide are included as a service to readers and not as recommendations of the Tallahassee Magazine editorial department, except where noted.

Best of Tallahassee 2015 Winner Breakfast/Brunch Lunch Dinner Outdoor Dining Live Music Bar/Lounge $ Inexpensive $$ Moderately Expensive $$$ Expensive ★ B L D

HASU Asian. Hasu offers carefully prepared sushi that comes with a great, welcoming atmosphere for those dining in as well as carrying out. Two convenient locations. 3551 Blair Stone Road, Suite 132 (850) 671‑4278; 1400 Village Square Blvd., Suite 14 (850) 893-4278. $$ L D JOE MAMA’S WOOD FIRED PIZZA Italian. Crisp toppings. Freshly prepared pizza dough. Traditional Tuscan wood-fired oven. What more could you ask for? Joe Mama’s offers quintessential casual Italian dining.

307 N. Monroe St. (850) 577-1231. $L D KIKU Japanese Fusion. With a wide selection of sushi rolls and traditional Japanese dishes, Kiku caters to a variety of tastes. 3491 Thomasville Rd., Suite 12.

(850) 222‑5458. $$ L D KLASSIC KATERING H American, Southern, Italian. The culinary masterminds behind Klassic Katering know how to transform an event from drab to fab. With a ton of flavor and a pinch of panache, this Best of Tallahassee winner will cater to all of your foodie needs.

2207 Bannerman Rd. (850) 894-0423.

KOOL BEANZ CAFÉ H Fusion. This colorful, casual spot has been serving up gourmet dishes so tasty and creative it was named Best of 2015 winner in multiple categories.

Diners can expect delicious modern American cuisine, as well as dishes influenced by the worldwide travels of the kitchen staff. Menus change daily.

921 Thomasville Rd. (850) 224‑2466. $$/$$$ L D MADISON SOCIAL H American. Whether it’s for a social cocktail, a quick lunch or a place for alumni to gather before home

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THE BEST LITTLE STEAKHOUSE IN TALLAHASSEE

»food DINING GUIDE football games, Madison Social offers something for everyone.

Madison Social earned Best Bar honors in 2015. CollegeTown, 705 S. Woodward Ave. (850) 894‑6276. $$ L D MASA H Asian Fusion. For another year, Masa earned the title as the Best Sushi in town — and with a good reason. This Japanese fusion restaurant packs bold, delicious flavors into each finely crafted, authentic roll. 1001 N. Monroe St. (850) 847-0003. $/$$ L D OLD TOWN CAFÉ American. Southern hospitality is embedded throughout this family-owned restaurant. Mom’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans makes you feel like you’re home, not to mention their world famous prime rib, which slowly roasts all day. 1415 Timberlane Rd. (850) 893‑5741. $$ L D OSAKA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR H Japanese. Rated Best Hibachi for 2015, Osaka provides dinner and a show with chefs seasoning and preparing your meal right in front of you. It’s a meal that’s sure to leave you satisfied as well as entertained.

1690 Raymond Diehl Rd. (850) 531-0222. $$$ D

Join us for lunch and dinner at our beautiful location on Apalachee Parkway.

Our steaks are not only the best in Tallahassee, but USDA choice midwestern corn-fed beef, specially selected, aged to our specifications and cut daily. We also serve fresh jumbo shrimp and fish — grilled, blackened or fried.

So please join us for lunch and dinner or just meet up for drinks at our fully stocked bar.

F

MARIE LIVINGSTON’S STEAK HOUSE

2705 Apalachee Parkway | Tall ah assee, FL (850) 270-9506

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PAISLEY CAFÉ H American. Guilt-free lunch has never been easier now that Paisley serves up food with seven natural ingredients or less. This charming Best of 2015 winner boasts a fresh bakery and garden full of wholesome treats. 1123 @ Midtown on Thomasville Rd. (850) 385‑7268. $L

tacos and burritos in abstract and delicious ways. Located in the heart of Midtown, this restaurant is beloved for bold flavor combinations and wallet-friendly prices. 705 S. Woodward Ave., (850) 559‑5464. $ L D THE WINE LOFT WINE BAR H American. When it’s part of your name, of course you’re going to be chosen as the Best of in 2015. Midtown’s Wine Loft features a variety of worldly wines and bartenders who love to experiment. The Wine Loft is ready to help you relax and enjoy the evening. 1240 Thomasville Rd., Suite 100. (850) 222-9914. $$ D

Family/Casual BEEF O’BRADY’S H American. With multiple locations in Tallahassee, the family-friendly atmosphere of Beef O’Brady’s is a treasured commodity among locals. Reliable service and agreeable menu make them a great match for a four-year-old or a forty-something-year-old. It also made them a Best of winner for 2015! Multiple locations. $ BURGERFI H American. BurgerFi uses allnatural, free-range beef and is dedicated to sustainable practices. Our Best of 2015 winner in hamburger joints, their menu is packed full of tasty, savory and creative hamburger and hotdog creations as well as fresh-cut french fries and gigantic onion rings. Vegetarian options, frozen custard, beer and wine are also available. 1817 Thomasville Rd., No.7. (850) 629‑4333. $ L D

SAHARA GREEK & LEBANESE CAFÉ H Mediterranean. Our 2015 Best of winner for ethnic eats, Sahara’s fusion of Greek and Lebanese cuisines is unmatched in the area. A large menu and friendly staff cater to all tastes.

And don’t forget to order the falafel! 1241 E. Lafayette St. (850) 656‑1800. $$

CANOPY ROAD CAFÉ American. Combine fresh ingredients, made-to-order dishes and a welcoming staff, and you have the components of a deliciously successful restaurant. This casual, familystyle restaurant proclaims itself a “greasy-spoon diner meets modern Southern cafe.”

913 N. Monroe St. (850) 668‑6600; 2202 Capital Circle N.E. (850) 893‑0466. $ B L

TACO REPUBLIK American/Worldwide Fusion.

An authentic taqueria, Taco Republik specializes in creating

CHICKEN SALAD CHICK H Southern. Chicken Salad Chick exceeds expectations with 15 different chicken salads to

30

$

WITH EVERY PURCHASE OF $100 IN GIFT CARDS. Ask your server for details.

Harry’s Holiday Trio Tender grilled Fillet Medallions topped with delicately fried Lobster and Shrimp accented with our New Orleans sherry cream sauce and accompanied by our classic smashed potatoes and green beans.

301 s. Bronough St. Tallahassee • 850-222-3976

Free Shipping Online at HookedOnHarrys.com

Thank you for voting us the Best of Tallahassee!

LOCAL FRESH CUISINE Christoff’s Bistro + Wine Bar Coming November 2015!

Craft beer and wine by the bottle or glass Tues–Thurs 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. | Fri–Sat 5:00 p.m.–midnight 1460 Market St., Ste. 3

Lunch | Dinner | Catering New Private Party Room

Mon–Fri 11:00 am–10:00 pm Sat 5:00–10:00pm

123 E. 5th Ave. | (850) 412-1114 | thebellabella.com TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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»food DINING GUIDE

We’re the best place for all your seafood needs.

choose from served in a bright setting that earned it Best Casual Dining honors in 2014. There are also deli sandwiches, side items and soups, and a cookie of the day. 1410 Market St, D-3.

1496 Apalachee Pkwy., #14 (850) 894-2502. $ L D DOG ET AL H For the ultimate in comfort food, Dog Et Al offers hand-held deliciousness for the “Down to Earth” and “Uppity” dogs in us all.

Foot-long and veggie entrees alike grace this award-winning menu.

If the entire family is down for the dog, be sure to ask about their incredibly valued family packs.

1456 S Monroe St. (850) 2224099.$ L D HOPKINS’ EATERY H American. Hopkins’, a Best of 2015 winner, provides more than just your average sandwich.

Favorites like the Ultimate Turkey and the Linda Special and a variety of salad meals keep customers coming back for more. And it’s healthful, too!

1660 N. Monroe St. (850) 386‑4258; 1415 Market St. (850) 668-0311, and 1208 Capital Circle S.E. (850) 325‑6422. hopkinseatery. com $ L

Try shrimp, fish and scallops skewered on the grill at your next cookout!

Buy Fresh · Buy Wild

BUY SOUTHERN

BEST SEAFOOD MARKET

Southern Seafood Market 1415 Timberlane Road in Market Square 850.893.7301 | southernseafoodmarket.com 206 November–December 2015

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JUICY BLUE American Tapas. In the Four Points by Sheraton Downtown this cool lobby restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unique offerings include tapas with a twist like the Georgia peaches and caramel.

Sandwiches, salads and a nice variety of seafood, pasta and chicken dishes round out the menu. 316 W. Tennessee St. (850) 422-0071. $ B L D

the bathrooms decorated in album covers the restaurant has an unmistakable and enjoyable “hole in the wall” vibe.

1410 Market St. (850) 412‑0222; and 1416 W. Tennessee St. (850) 224‑9808. $ L D PUBLIX DELI H Casual. The delis at Publix Super Markets have a certain reputation around these parts. A 2015 Best of winner, these convenient eateries are beloved not only for their tasty “Pub subs,” cold cuts and graband-go meals, but also for their exceptional customer service.

Multiple locations.

4 RIVERS SMOKEHOUSE Barbecue. Need something to lift your spirits? A bite of brisket can make the world seem right.

Specializing in the deliciously savory, 4 Rivers Smokehouse is a new addition to Tallahassee’s barbecue scene. Conveniently located in Midtown’s Miracle Plaza, this small Florida-based franchise offers patrons a betterthan-mama-made-it, homestyle meal in an inviting, rustic atmosphere. 1817 Thomasville Rd. (844) 474-8377. $$ L D SONNY’S REAL PIT BAR-B-Q H Barbecue. Nothing satisfies a rumblin’ stomach quite like a plateful of hot, savory barbeque; and if you’re looking for the tastiest grilled dishes, 2015 Best Barbecue winner Sonny’s has them in spades.

3101 Dick Wilson Blvd. (850) 878‑1185; 2707 N. Monroe St. (850) 385‑2167; and 1460 Timberlane Rd. (850) 906‑9996. $ L D

MERV’S MELT SHOP American. This daytime cafe specializes in homemade breakfast and handcrafted sandwich melts. Enjoy one of their gourmet sandwich choices or create your own. Fresh bread is baked daily, and they even make their own chips. 825 Railroad Ave. (850) 320-6287. $ B L D

STARBUCKS H American. Whether you’re craving a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino or a simple cup o’ joe, Starbucks provides a wide variety of beverages that will satisfy even the most adventurous caffeine addict. The 2015 Best Coffee Shop winner also offers free Wi-Fi. 2264‑1 N. Monroe St. (850) 386‑2417; 3425 Thomasville Rd. (850) 894‑7005; and 2120 Apalachee Pkwy.

(850) 671‑2041. $ B L

MOMO’S H Pizza. After devouring a slice “as big as your head” at this 2015 Best Pizza winner, chain pizza simply is not gonna cut it. From the black-and-white photos to

THE LUNCH BOX American. This iconic little café conveniently nestled at the corner of Mahan and Magnolia offers up homestyle breakfasts and plenty of lunch

we roll with the freshest Local Produce, Fresh Gulf Fish, Highest Quality Beef

16 Hibachi Tables | Sushi Bar Private Dining | Large Parties Welcome Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner

TALLAHASSEE | 1690 Raymond Diehl Road | (850) 531-0222

DESTIN | 34745 Emerald Coast Pkwy | (850) 650-4688 PANAMA CITY BEACH | 15533 Panama City Beach Parkway | (850) 588-8403

www.osakahibachiandsushi.com

Great American Grill

Your North Side Neighborhood Bar + Grill

6265 Old Water Oak Road | 850-320-6132 | flyingbearusa.com Sun–Thurs 11am–9pm and Fri–Sat 11am–10pm | TALLAHASSEEMAGAZINE.COM November–December 2015

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Angus Beef GULF SEAFOOD FARM-TO-TABLE Full Bar, Fine Wine, Craft Beer

CHEF’S COURSE TASTING

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

Hours: Tues – Sat: 5:00 pm - ’til • P: (229) 236-2467 123 North Broad Street • Thomasville, Georgia 31792

ChopHouseontheBricks.com

I don’t see why not?!

Deli Sandwiches, Box Lunches, Salads & More!

Delivery | Catering | Free Wi-Fi Fresh Baked Cookies | Breakfast

F O RO LLY

Open Mon–Fri 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Sat 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Football Season Friday Happy Hour 5:00–10:00 p.m.

P AREFU

104 1/2 S. Monroe St. (850) 224-6870 | Fax (850) 224-6871 metrodelis.com | #yourmetrodeli

C NOW OPEN

Your favorite restaurant has a new home 1650 N. Monroe St.

EAST MEETS WEST, NOW A FEW BLOCKS NORTH A Fresh Take on Pan-Asian Cuisine and Sushi Join us for Lunch & Dinner Featuring a Full Bar with an Extensive Selection of Wine, Beer & Sake Voted Tallahassee’s Best Sushi & Best Asian Restaurant since 2009

1650 N. Monroe St. | (850) 727-4183 | masatallahasee.com

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»food DINING GUIDE items to choose from. Dine in, take out and outdoor seating is available. 295 N. Magnolia Dr. (850) 942‑9766. $ B L THE SEINEYARD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT H The Seineyard proves that when it comes to scrumptious seafood, impeccably fresh and perfectly fried are not on opposite ends of the dining spectrum. A local favorite and Best Of Tallahassee winner, the Seineyard offers everything from oysters and catfish to calamari and cheeseburgers for their eclectic clientele. 8056 Woodville Highway. (850)421-9191. $-$$ L D THE TIN COW American. The Tin Cow boasts an impressive mix of canned craft beer, spiked milkshakes and mammoth build-your-own burgers. A new-to-Tallahassee bar and eatery, this lively establishment is situated near FSU’s main campus where AJ’s once hailed. 1800 W. Tennessee St. (850) 681‑0731. $/$$ D UP IN SMOKE PIT BBQ Barbecue. While their barbecue is certainly succulent, Up in Smoke’s other menu options — including fried green tomatoes, meatloaf and grilled salmon — cater to even the pickiest of palates. 402 Tennessee St. (850) 597-7964. $ B L D VERTIGO BURGERS AND FRIES American. Vertigo is home to some of the juiciest, funkiest burgers in town. The modern building provides a no-frills setting to enjoy such favorites as the Vertigo Burger — a beef patty with fried egg, applewood bacon, grilled jalapenos, sharp cheddar and Vertigo sauce. 1395 E. Lafayette St. (850) 878‑2020. $$ L D WINGSTOP H American. After being voted Best Wings in town for the tenth year in a row, it’s safe to say that this joint is the ultimate source for chicken wings. Wingstop offers a variety of homemade sides and 10 mouthwatering flavors for their wings. 1964 W. Tennessee St. (850) 574‑9464; 3111 Mahan Dr. (850) 942-9464; and 6668 Thomasville Rd. (850) 219‑9464. $ L D

Steak/Seafood BONEFISH GRILL H American. With countless perfectly cooked, succulent seafood items to choose from, in addition to delicious “turf” options for those who do not enjoy their food from the “surf,” it’s no wonder Tallahassee Magazine readers selected Bonefish Grill as its favorite restaurant for both appetizers and cocktails alike in 2015. 3491 Thomasville Rd. (850) 297‑0460. $$$ D CHOP HOUSE ON THE BRICKS American. This family-owned upscale restaurant serves local organic and sustainable meats, seafood, poultry and produce. Craft beers, fine wines and specialty drinks complement house specialties like Bone-In Ribeye, Plantation Quail and the Chop House Burger. Their Knob Creek Bourbon Bread Pudding is a dessert favorite. 123 N. Broad St., Thomasville, Ga. (229) 236-2467. $$ D MARIE LIVINGSTON’S STEAKHOUSE H Steak. Dining at Marie Livingston’s is upscale yet comfortable and always a special treat. Not just a restaurant that serves up savory cuts of prime rib or marbled steaks, this 2015 Best Steakhouse winner is a Tallahassee tradition, and newcomers owe it to themselves to make it a priority to visit. 2705 Apalachee Pkwy.

(850) 562-2525. $$ L D SHULA’S 347 Steak. The legendary Miami Dolphins’ head coach brings the quest for perfection to the dining table at his namesake restaurant, located in Hotel Duval. Keep it light and casual with Premium Black Angus Beef burgers or a gourmet salad or opt for one of their signature entrées — “Shula Cut” steaks Reservations are suggested. 415 N. Monroe St. (850) 224-6005. $$$ L D SOUTHERN SEAFOOD H American. Whether you’re looking for fish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, crab or lobster, these guys have you covered. The 2015 Best Seafood Market winner brings the ocean’s freshest choices to Tallahassee’s front door. 1415 Timberlane Rd. (850) 668‑2203.

Visit our comprehensive, searchable dining guide online at tallahasseemagazine.com/Restaurants

GREAT SUSHI — DOWNTOWN! Espresso Bar with locally roasted coffee, Sushi to Stir Fry, Specialty Salads, Wines, Craft Beers & Sake M–Th 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | F 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Sat Noon–10:30 p.m. | Sun Noon–10:00 p.m.

Wi-Fi | Eat | Drink | Hangout

WHEN YOU ORDER IT, WE COOK IT. IT’S JUST BETTER THAT WAY

109 E. College Ave. (850) 681-6868 jasmine-cafe.com

Great Food Great Friends Warm & Inviting Atmosphere Upscale Tastes at Affordable Prices NEW MENU ITEMS!

Our Delicious Cheese Ball Is The Per fect Starter To Share At Your Holiday Festivities!

Se rv in g Br ea kfas t, Br un ch & Lu nc h

Apple Walnut Salad

The Egg Cafe & Eatery

3740 Austin Davis Ave. (off Cap Circ NE near Mahan) Tue–Sun 7 am–2 pm | (850) 765-0703

The Egg Express in the R.A. Gray Building 500 South Bronough, Room G-22 | Lite Breakfast Fare Mon–Fri 7:30 am–3 pm | Sat 10 am–3 pm | (850) 907-EGGS (3447)

And don’t forget the Chick for all of your holiday catering needs. We’ll make your parties and events relaxing and stress free! Come in or call to place your order today.

Our Two Locations Are Ready To Serve You: 1410 Market Street, Unit D3 | 850-894-2502 1496 Apalachee Parkway, Unit 14 | 850-402-0653

A Simple Concept, A Superb Experience! www.ChickenSaladChick.com | 850-894-2502

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»the last word

The Time I Stole the Governor’s Dog

By Chandler Brown

IT WAS A SUMMER AFTERNOON IN 1930 when I stole the governor’s dog. I tried to convince myself that the dog followed me home, so it wasn’t really stealing. But I was a seven-year-old Sunday school boy, and I knew that a dog lured by food was not following of his own free will, exactly.

That afternoon I had walked over to my buddy’s house to play. Joe lived on North Adams Street, just two blocks from the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee.

Joe’s mother gave us peanut butter sandwiches and milk for a snack. I didn’t eat the crusts and, since my mother always said that it was bad manners to leave the crust, I stuffed them in my pocket.

I forgot about them until I saw the governor’s dog as I was walking home. At first I thought is was a baby lion sprawled on the sidewalk, sleeping in the sunshine. I had seen Governor Carlton’s orange St. Bernard several times as I passed the mansion, but he never looked so big before. I thought: This might be a lion; the governor’s dog could be inside, and this could be another animal altogether.

It lay across the sidewalk. I would either have to step off onto the governor’s grass, or try to jump over a creature that might be a lion.

The animal raised his head as I approached. I stopped. He stood up. We looked at each other for a long moment, then he moved toward me, wagging his tail. I remembered that dogs wag their tails when they feel friendly, and cats wag their tails when they are angry. Lions are cats. Was I confronting a friendly dog or an angry lion? Better not take any chances. I needed a peace offering. That’s when I remembered the crusts in my pocket.

I held the bread out, and he took it from my hand. A lion would not do that: this must be the governor’s St. Bernard after all.

Besides, he didn’t have a mane. I offered him another piece of crust as I walked past him. That’s when he started following me.

The route to my house on North Monroe Street was along the driveway through The Grove, which in those days was a hotel for Yankees in the winter. At the end of the driveway I walked along

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the edge of the pasture where Mrs. Hunt kept her cow, then through some woods and I was in my backyard.

“Lion,” which was the name I decided to give the dog, followed me through The Grove property, enjoying bread crusts along the way. He wanted to be my dog, not the governor’s.

I hoped Mrs. Hunt’s cow would not mistake Lion’s orange coat for something red, and charge at us!

I decided it would be better if no one at my house knew about my new dog. They might want to shoo him away. So we went to the front porch to decide what to do. I sat on the top step, and Lion curled up on a patch of sunlight on the porch. I put my hand on his paw and told him to go to sleep while I figured out where I could keep him.

It was nice sitting on the porch with Lion, patting his paw, the sun turning his orange coat to pure gold. He was my dog and I was his boy. We would go everywhere together. At that moment, my soul knew a contentment and a joy that has rarely been equalled in my lifetime.

Then I saw it: the long black limousine slowly moving up Monroe Street! The uniformed chauffeur was looking first one way, then the other. I held my breath. Maybe he wouldn’t see Lion. I shifted my position, trying to hide my dog.

Lion was too big. I couldn’t shield him from view.

The limousine moved toward our house. The chauffeur looked our way. He stopped and gave a sharp whistle. Lion jumped to his feet, bounded down the steps and leaped into the open door of the car. The chauffeur drove away with Lion sitting on the seat beside him.

The limousine made a U-turn at the end of the block and passed by me on the way back to the mansion. I waved good-bye to Lion.

And he smiled goodbye to me. n This story originally appeared in the Summer 1983 issue of Tallahassee Magazine.

Introducing the New

Paula Deen Collection

The new Dogwood collection by Paula Deen just arrived at Turner’s.

Stop by today to see the entire collection — living room, bedroom, dining room and accent pieces — all available in dark, light and painted finishes.

Each month, a drawing will be held to select winners. The winners will then be able to choose a qualified local charity to receive an equal cash contribution from Turner’s. Visit a store to register. Additional details can be found at TurnerFurniture.com.

www.TURNERFURNITURE.com TURN-2439

Tallahassee (850) 210-0446 2151 US Hwy 319 (10 Minutes North of Chiles High School on Thomasville Hwy) Mon–Fri 10am–8pm | Sat 10am–6pm | Sun 1pm–6pm

7 Convenient Tallahassee Locations

Providing Healthcare Since 1989 Our Comprehensive Array of Medical Services Includes: • Family Medicine • Urgent Care • Flu Shots • X-Rays • Wellness Visits • School / Sports Physicals • Vaccinations/Immunizations • Workers’ Compensation

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