The Historic Hernando Preservation Society guest speaker Steve Noll, Ph.D. University of Florida held a lecture at City Hall Thursday night. The guest speaker teaches the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, the History of Disability in America, and Florida History at University of Florida. He has published three books: Feeble-Minded in our Midst, Mental Retardation in America, and Ditch of Dreams: The Cross-Florida Barge Canal and the Struggle for Florida’s Future.
Dr. Noll’s lecture was about the transformation of post WWII Florida. He examined how weather, tourism, housing development and interstate construction has made a huge historical impact on Florida soil.
“It’s nice to get out and talk to people in the community. We can see that this history is relevant to their lives and that their life is relevant to what I am doing. I learn so much from them, maybe more than they learn from me.”
During WWII, Florida experienced an economic boom, from agriculture to the building industry and military training. During the 1940's Florida's population grew by 46%
The first bomb squadron arrived in Brooksville in November 1942. The town offered 2,014 acres where the night bombardment group trained on B-17’s and B-24 Liberators. This area was the Brooksville AAF, which is now called Brooksville - Tampa Bay Regional Airport. What remains is a concrete bunker that was used in testing and alignment of aircraft machine guns.
After WWII, Florida was the state to be and live and the population began growing at an even faster rate experienced during the war. The men who conducted their military training originally from the northern states loved the weather and sandy beaches.
Florida increased in population as the marketing of tourism to the state brought vacationers and of course the love/hate relationship of college students during spring break. One of the hotspots on the list was Weeki Wachee Springs.
Despite all the high and lows as well as challenges, this sunshine state has endured over the years. To many, Florida will always be paradise.
Don Moses is the Historic Hernando Preservation Society President. Referring to Dr. Noll's lecture on "The Transition of Florida," Moses stated, "It was like reliving what I grew up with… I like to see people just become aware the way Florida was. Florida was changed so drastically.”
The Historic Hernando Preservation Society is dedicated to preserving Hernando County history, as well as incorporating historical tourism.
Their next event is a field trip to the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park on May 28th. They will be participating in a program entitled “Cherokee Leaf Printing and Native Dyes.” The program is from 10AM to 12PM. Dade Battlefield is located at 7200 CR 603, Bushnell, FL 33513, 352-793-4781. Admission is $3.00 per vehicle. You are welcome to wander through the battlefield, and enjoy the local history.
Each meeting of The Historic Hernando Preservation Society features a special lecture on a historical topic. Monthly meetings take place on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at Brooksville City Hall. Lectures are free and open to the public.
Find out more: http://historichernandopreservationsociety.org/
Couple of more links for you to check out.
http://fcit.usf.edu/wwii/index.php
http://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/heritage-trails/world-w...