Boking Up The Right Tree
Bok Tower Gardens does not score very high on tack points. Its contribution to Florida tourism far outdoes the mechanics of Disney in its beauty, simplicity and history. It is the states oldest attraction on the highest point in peninsular Florida. The 157-acre gardens have been the subject of countless postcards over past decades and rightly so. From the rich foliage, to swans that serve as tower guards, it is a photographer's dream come true. Edward W. Bok's idea was to provide a sanctuary for people and animals. The vision comes to fruition in a serene setting where birds and small wildlife actually run up to you to say hello. Bok was a Dutch immigrant who came to this country at the age of six and would later become a Pulitzer Prize winning author and editor of The Ladies' Home Journal. In order to give something back to the country he dedicated his gardens to the American people in 1929. It was two years from the time the project had begun. President Calvin Coolidge conducted the official ceremony.
The centerpiece of the grounds is the 205-foot "Singing Tower." Due to Florida fire codes visitors are not allowed inside. The exterior is rich in floral and wildlife, Art Deco details, sculpted by Lee Laurie. The marble glistens pink when the sun catches it. The purpose for the tower was to house a 60-bell carillon which rings from its top every half hour. Carillonneurs (men who use an organ type device to play songs on the bells) give daily recitals. There have been only three carillonneurs since first opening. The original player, Anton Brees, worked the keys from 1928 until 1967. Around the tower's base is a small mote filled with large koi fish. On the left side is a massive sun dial, while on the right side, a brass door provides entry. Edward Bok's body was placed opposite the door after his death in 1930. He died within sight of his Tower.
Bok Tower Gardens |
