Cracker Trail museum was started by the Peace River Valley Historical Society. Since it's beginning in 1967, Cracker Trail Museum has collected over 4,000 items related to pioneer-era Florida history. Most of the items have been donated by local residents. It is located at Pioneer Park in Zolfo Springs and was originally known as Pioneer Park Museum.
What is a Florida Cracker? The term "Cracker" came from the Cracking sound of the rawhide whips used by pioneer cattlemen. Thus the original Crackers were men who herded cows. The sound of the whips could be heard for miles, so the whips were also used for communication purposes. One crack meant to come to dinner. two cracks, something else, and so on. It was pioneer Florida's first wireless telegraph system.
Today, when the term "Florida Cracker" is applied to someone, it usually means that the person is native born. What really makes a person a true Florida Cracker (besides being born in the state)? Several things, A love of the land and nature, growing things in soil, close family ties, and a deep sense of religion. A Cracker's word is his bond. If he looks you in the eye and says, "Yes, I will do this for you," then he will and that's that.
In 1979, the Hart Cabin was donated and relocated to the park by the great grandson of W.H. Hart. The cabin was built in 1879 and consists of only one of the remaining rooms of the original structure.
The same year, a 1914 Baldwin Locomotive Engine #3 (also known as the Loping Gopher) was donated by K.D. Revell where it had been used at his crate mill in Wauchula. It now stands majestically under its cover.
This is a sign we saw near the train.
Inside the museum each item is maintained either within glass enclosed cases or strategically placed around the floor of the museum. Many of the larger items are provided in a setting that would be reminiscent of pioneer living. The items are identified with a tag that not only gives its description, but includes the name of the person who donated it.
This is just small sampling of what we saw in the Museum. Click the photos to enlarge.
This 1920's Burroughs Adding Machine should bring back memories for my buddy Wayne.
This was a charming well detailed museum and probably the most organized museum we have seen. The Curator is very passionate about the museum, everything is well labeled and any item in the museum can be retrieved through it's computer data base. This procedure is used many times within the course of a month to assist family members for viewing a loved one's acquisition.
If you are in the area you should not miss this museum.
Our next stop was Solomon's Castle a short (less than an1/2 hour) ride through the lush Florida woodlands. It was quite scenic as we passed by many orange groves and cattle ranches along the way.
The home, galleries and workshop of internationally renowned artist Howard Solomon are open to the public. Decorated with more than 80 interpretive stained glass windows and countless metal sculptures, the castle is a day-long delight.
The castle is covered by print plates from a local printer.
Howard was here today so we got to meet him.
We had a guided tour through the castle galleries and enjoyed Howard's tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and puns! Each piece of art was created by using discarded items and anything else he could find. There was a humorous story or pun with each piece of art. You really need to take the tour to appreciate his work. Photos just don't do it justice but here is a small sampling.
Before we left we had to have lunch at the "Boat in the Moat" restaurant along side the castle and walk the picturesque gardens.
It was a very enjoyable day but as always it was good to get back home to the camper and relax under the awning.
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