Isabel Roberts at Greenwood Cemetery - Orlando

Yesterday there was a ceremony honoring Isabel Roberts at the historic Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando, Florida.

Civic leaders, architects, historians, and many others who have an admiration for Ms Roberts and her life's work came together to dedicate a new grave marker at the site where she was buried alongside her mother Mary Roberts and her sister Charlotte, in 1955.

As a part of the program, I shared a talk called "Remembering Isabel Roberts".  It was a brief biographical sketch about her life, education, and work, in the Oak Park Studio and as one of the two partners in the Orlando architectural firm, Ryan and Roberts.  The next photo shows me with the grave marker.

For 61 years, Isabel Roberts' final resting place has gone mostly unnoticed.  Which parallels what happened to the awareness of her contributions to the architectural environment in the Chicago area and in Central Florida.

While in Frank Lloyd Wright's employment in his Oak Park Studio throughout its creative years, Isabel Robetrs is known to have designed the prairie style windows in a number of Wright's homes.  She was one of two of his last employees who kept the Oak Park Studio open as work that was on the boards was completed, after Wright went off to Europe with Mrs. Cheney.  In her application for membership  in the AIA, Isabel Roberts listed her own home and the K C DeRhodes Residence in South Bend, Indiana, as her work.  Isabel was an architectural designer.

There is no reasons to doubt the truth of her claim, as her fellow architects from Chicago state in letters of recommendation written on her behalf.  Hermann Von Holst (who oversaw the work at the Oak Park Studio after Wright departed) and John Van Bergen (a noted Chicago architect who was the other continuing member of the original Oak Park staff, after Wright had gone), both offered clear reference to Isabel's gifts as an architect.  Most importably, so did Wright himself, in a letter that begins with a breezy "To Anyone, Anywhere" and goes on to say that Isabel is an architect.

In 1920, Isabel moved from River Forest, Illinois, to St. Cloud, Florida.  There, she entered into an architectural practice with Ida Annah Ryan, the first women in the USA to receive a masters degree in architecture (from MIT).   Throughout the 1920s, they created some of the most notable buildings in the Orlando area, in both the Prairie Style and in the Mediterranean Revival idiom.  Some are now gone, some are still there, including the partners' own home and studio, and The Matilda Fraser Residence, one of the finest homes from their hands, built for a educator and women's suffrage friend of Anna Idah Ryan's who, like Ryan, moved from Boston to Orlando in the 1920s.

There are other fine examples of their work in St Cloud, including this Prairie Style house:

Most of this was long forgotten, because no one was around to tell the story.  Some of it was forgotten because as time progressed, the accomplishments of all of the Oak Park Studio draftsmen (five men and two women) were subsumed into the celebrated genius of Wright himself.

It is still a challenge for women in the field of architecture.  Think what a challenge it was for Isabel Roberts and Idah Ryan a century and more ago.  Their work - although still there as a reminder of their creativity - became obscured over time.

The placing of the grave marker on Isabel Roberts' grave is one step in helping our collective memory.  Another would be to identify those works of Ryan and Roberts which are still standing, and gracing our communities, so that they receive the recognition they deserve.  If you know of such structures, please contact me.

Remembering Lee M Belknap

Yesterday Judy and I went to say farewell to a dear friend.  Lee M. Belknap was Judy's minister of music growing up at First Presbyterian Church in South Bend, Indiana.  He was also my colleague when I served that church as associate pastor in the years 1982 through 1987.  We both have so many dear memories of this good man and faithful servant of the Lord.  It was a tender and special day yesterday.

The memorial service was held in Lake Wales, so we drove down in the morning, and arrived with some time to catch our breath before going into the church for worship.  As one might expect, the Sanctuary was still adorned for the Christmas season, with two trees in the Chancel filled with white Chrismon ornaments, made out of satin, like small pillows, and very attractive.  Atop each of the trees was a descending dove, made of pearl beads.

The family were gathered together in the front row.  At one point in the worship service both of Lee's children spoke, Cherry and Kurt.  Judy grew up with them both, sharing junior choir, Sunday School and Camp Redbud memories that go way back.  They both spoke eloquently about their father and their mother Marie as well, who entered the Church Triumphant 14 years ago.  We sang a number of hymns as you would guess, since we were honoring a man who spent his life leading choirs and bell choirs, and teaching vocal and instrumental music.  The organist also played some favorite hymns and selections of Lee's, including Handel's Largo.

We were last in the receiving line, and so missed the chance to visit with the only other representatives of First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, who must have been at the very front, and scooted out before we could catch their eye.  But we did have a chance to visit with Kurt and Cherry and their families, and they talked about Marie and Judy's mom, Dottie, teaching Sunday School when they were very young, as well as about Lee and choir.  At one point the two of them plus Judy sang a rousing rendition of a song called "Announcements!" that Lee had taught them, back in Indiana.  I wish I had had my camera ready for a video of that!

Lee and I had many a great conversation over they years, and thoroughly enjoyed working together.  In retirement, he loved being part of a church that offered great music in praising God.  As we drove back home we reflected on many moments from those days, as well as from yesterday, and felt so blessed and thankful to have shared a part of the journey with Lee, Marie and their family.

The Blessing of the Animals...

On Sunday afternoon, we had a very nice event at the church, as we invited members and friends to bring their pets for the Blessing of the Animals.  The weather was breezy and had a touch of fall in the air, as people and their pets arrived between 2 and 3 p.m. for their blessings.

We had mostly dogs but also one cat and one ferret.  There are photos on the Wekiva Presbyterian Church Facebook page, for you to see:

Blessing of the Animals

Mount Dora Pottery

Do you know about Mount Dora Pottery?  You should! 

Mount Dora Pottery is created by Steve Gordon, a Central Florida master potter, who makes his pottery vases, bottles, bowls, platters, and mugs on a potters wheel, using 2-3 pounds of clay for each vessel.  Steve uses a range of glazes on his pieces, but most of the time they have a crystalline effect. 

Mount Dora Pottery can be found for sale at a display area in the Country Cottage Crafts collective gift shop in downtown Mount Dora.  We understand it can also be found for sale at the Funky Trunk in DeLand.  Moreover, it can be found in the pottery collections ranging from yours truly to Martha Stewart.  Yes, the Martha Stewart.

What could be nicer than to have something hand made and made right here in Florida to enjoy and to give.

I will include some photos of Steve's handsome and collectible Mount Dora Pottery with this post.

Cold Up North? Move to Florida!

Move to Florida!

Wintery weather is having its due up north, so our friends tell us.  We tell them to move on down to Seminole County where you don’t have to worry about that any more.

Seminole County is one of the best-kept secrets of Florida.  Having lived here for nearly two decades, we continue to be in awe of the natural beauty, the great amenities, the historic flavor, and the nearness of big city life, but all tucked away in a setting that is like the neighborhoods we grew up in, but with palm trees.

We love the historic charm of Old Longwood, where Victorian homes from the 1870s and 1880s are lovingly cared for and create a streetscape that is unrivaled anywhere.  Perfect for strolling, with restaurants here and there, and just a block or two from the busy world, it is a quiet oasis of charm, available to one and all.  There is ample free parking, and a cluster of shops, most notably the "Inside Outside House", where you can find exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for to give to that special someone.

When it comes to the choice of where to live, Seminole County has it all, from the very highest end palatial homes to cute waterside cottages, from condos with a magical view to mid-century modern hideaways in the pines.  You can still find vintage farmhouses to renovate, as well as just-completed-this-week golf course view patio homes with screened pools and semi tropical greenery.  Seminole County has a collection of outstanding apartment complexes as well, ranging in style and setting to please the most discriminating tastes. 

Did we mention shopping?  Altamonte Mall is one of the largest in the state, easy to get to, filled with every kind of store and worthy of a day of shopping fun.  There are cozy main streets for traditional shopping and strolling, in some of the old Florida towns, like historic downtown Sanford on Lake Monroe and charming Winter Garden, where biking, outdoor markets and historic museums beckon.  And then there’s antiquing and vintage shopping—a real treat in Florida.  Down the decades, it is as if there has been some kind of continental drift of vintage items toward the Sunshine State, and so we find “sleepers” from every part of the USA, on a regular basis.

Golf is a popular sport in Seminole County and we count more than five dozen courses public and private for your enjoyment.  Wekiva Golf Club is one of the public courses that are tucked into a lovely suburban neighborhood, always a joy to play, it also boasts visitors of the four footed kind, from black bear to deer to the occasional coyote.  The largest state park in Central Florida, Wekiva Springs State Park, is just a long shot away, where swimming in the clear springs, picnicking and camping are popular activities.

Water sports abound, because everywhere you turn is a lake, as well as the Wekiva River, one of Florida’s most unspoiled waterways. You can also travel along the county’s stretch of the St. John’s River.  If you like rowing, sailing, water skiing, kayaking, pontoon boating, it is all waiting just a block or two away from you.

We believe it would be possible for you to eat out 365 days of the year in Seminole county and never repeat a restaurant.  Every imaginable example of world cuisine is here, because the county is truly a magnet for people from all over the globe.  Turkish tonight, Chinese tomorrow, Greek the day after, Thai, Brazilian, authentic Mexican, Caribbean flavors, and on and on.  You have so many choices. Not to mention the best Italian this side of Roma.

"Well we like the change of seasons", some have said.  We do too.  We do get cooler weather in the winter, and the signs of spring thereafter, with returning and migrating songbirds.  The spring weather lasts from February to May, and the fall weather from September to December, so the cooler hits of winter are just brief enough for us to enjoy a jacket or boots, more for style than to fend off the weather.  We did not throw away our sled and snow shovel…they make great holiday decorations on the front porch, with a big red bow.  But we have tossed aside any windshield scraper we ever owned!  December is most notable for the small flocks of ibis that gather on your lawn in the early morning.

Downtown Orlando, with its arts and culture, are a quick drive away or we can take the SunRail and leave the car behind.  The fabled theme parks are also nearby, and with the Florida Resident programs they offer, we treat them the way others up north would tread the local zoo, and come and go when and if we please.  No need to go when the lines are long or to try to see it all in a day. 

You have heard of some of those active lifestyle planned communities in Florida, and they are well and good; but real life in Seminole County allows you to enjoy a setting in which you have generational neighborhoods, with small children, young couples, families, empty nesters and seniors all in one place.  Many of the municipalities have recreational centers and plan monthly day trips to other parts of Florida, all it takes is signing up to share in a jaunt to St Augustine or St Pete where all you do is sit back and enjoy the drive to and from.

Do you think you will miss your friends from up north?  Well, be sure your new place in Seminole County has a guest room, because they will be there with bells on.  We love having our friends and family here, and can tell you that one memorable year our guest room was only empty for two days between Thanksgiving and Easter.  Between the theme parks and the conventions, everyone comes to Central Florida, often.

Did I miss something?  Yes, lots of something’s.  You who have been reading my blog since the beginning know some of the rest of the story.  If you don’t, please read back to what’s been posted before.  Suffice to say that Seminole County really is one of the best-kept secrets of Florida. 

But (ssshhh!), now, you know! 

 

 

 

 

White's Wharf on Lake Jessup

Lest you think that my free time is given over entirely to antiquing, I will remind you that I love to see old Florida at its best. That happened on Monday as I was on my way back from the visit to the Oviedo Antiques Mall. You know that stretch of road as you go westward on State Route 434 out of Oviedo, since it is what I call "The Narrows". Two lanes that go north and then elbow west so that 343 is one of our unusual even numbered roads that goes both E-W and N-S. So much so that it later "crosses" SR 436 (how strange is that, really!). But that is a story for another day.

That "Narrows" stretch always seems crowded. You pull out of Oviedo and you go round the bend (not figuratively but literally) where if you turned off to the right you would end up at Black Hammock (another for another day item). But if you go just a bit further you see a road that says "No Outlet" and if you turn right there, you are soon rewarded with a pocket park at White's Wharf.

Go. Do.




You see, it is not a big place and not one that takes a lot of time to explore, but it takes you from the heavy traffic of 434 to the soothing calm of Spanish moss and old oak trees, and a very weathered wharf that juts out into Lake Jessup. For those of you who are used to zooming across Lake Jessup on The 417, you will get your bearings quick enough since you can see it from White's Wharf. But this is slow down, take a deep breath, relax, recharge, renew territory.

The historic marker will tell you all you need to know about White's Wharf's history. And your eyes and ears will tell you so much about its present day. I had a few moments there, only, but I interacted with all of the wildlife you see in my photos. The green lizzie, the white ibis, the black vultures, the brown ducks, the grey heron. They did not mind my being there, nor did the red cardinals who sang to me cheerily as I soaked in the soothing sights and sounds. Ahhh. The stress of the day melted away.

The same thing can happen to you, too. So go. Do.

Antiques in Florida...

I like to say that I have gotten Judy interested in antiques so that as the years progress she will be more and more interested in me!

Kidding.

But as you know I am an avid "Vintage Shopper" or Antiquary, and my car seems to find those out of the way places where collectible curiosities can be discovered.

Mondays being my day off, they are usually when I go searching hither and yon for what have you. Monday last, I went over Oviedo way. Now, there are one or two places where my face is well-known as a returning customer, over that way, as you motor eastward from Longwood through Winter Springs and continue along till you are nearly to UCF. But this time, I found someplace new, at least, new to me. The Oviedo Antique Mall.

Friends! You have got to go. Even if "thrifting" is not your bag. You have to go, if only to see the greeters. Now Wal-Mart is famous for its greeters, and I have noticed other places like Firehouse Subs and Walgreens, where greeting the patron is also quite an art. But good as those folks are, you have not been truly greeted until you have been greeted by the greeters at the Oviedo Antique Mall. Because they are roosters. Yes, real live feathers and beak roosters. In fact, when I pulled up outside the Mall, one of the roosters was crowing, as if to send me a cheery greeting. It certainly was not to announce the dawn, because yours truly does not get up that early on his Day Off!

Having now experienced it first-hand, I think it is fair to say that being greeted by a rooster is the sine qua non of antique shopping.

And then one enters...and finds it is a perfect rabbit's warren of stands, the kind of place you can wander in to your heart's content, and see the expected and unexpected treasures. What do I mean by expected? Well, since I have been collecting vintage American Art Pottery since the mid 1980s, I expect to see in most antiques shops of any size at least one of the ubiquitous vases I call the "ears pot". No that is not their official name. They were made by McCoy in the roaring 20s and were called the "Fawn Vase" and had what McCoy coyly termed its "Art Vellum" glaze. These pieces were extremely popular. I would love to know how McCoy marketed them. I have a theory that they were Larkin Soap premiums but perhaps some other national chain such as Sears or the A & P sold them. At any rate, they are stout sturdy pot shaped vases with two handles that are filled in so that they look like...ears. In fact, at certain angles theses pots look a lot like someone I know but discretion prevents me from saying just whom.

I have found the ears pot attributed to every maker from Grueby (ha! wishful thinking!) to Rookwood (perish the thought) to Teco (no, the glaze and heft are all wrong). And of course, when mis-attributed the price is usually sky high for these very nice, well worth collecting but pretty common pieces of American Art Pottery. I can tell a lot about a dealer if she or he has such a vase listed as something it is not at a price that could pay for dinner for four at an upscale restaurant. Because if you pay more than about $65 for this item, "You Paid Too Much!"

I am not really digressing. I am happy to report that over at the Oviedo Antique Mall on Monday not one but three different dealers had an "ears pot" and all three of them had it priced right. One had a mis-attribution but it was for a similarly modest Art Pottery maker, so no harm, no foul. Or, considering the greeter, "No Harm, No Fowl"...

(That is your bad pun for the day.)

It was one of those hallmarks that say to me, "This is a place where reasonable prices may be found on the items offered," and that proved correct. Now in addition to the Mall Itself, there is an Annex and a Coop, which may mean Co-Op or it may mean where those roosters hang out. Not really sure. I will soon post photos so you can see some of the delights, from antique cane chairs that have been re-seated using men's vintage silk ties (so clever and pretty!), to all white stands (a look that always makes me think of the Olde South, Zelda and magnolia blossoms), and wonder-of-wonders, "Wood Box Heaven" (see the photo). Since I am fond of old boxes, this was a true eye catcher. They also have "Bling" and you can see the photos to prove it.

If you do not enjoy Antique Shopping, you had better drive on by, because if you are with someone who does you are sure to lose an hour or two of your life in this place. The proprietor is a gregarious fellow who makes you feel right at home and his staff, likewise. His staff being the cane his friends gave him on a significant birthday (well, they are all significant, but you follow my drift). It is decked out with a horn, a rearview mirror and a 1950s coin purse, for any eventuality.

Thanks Oviedo Antique Mall, for making a hot Monday afternoon very cool indeed. As the rooster would say, "You are worth crowing about!"


To read about some of my other antiquing recommendations in Florida visit: ANTIQUING IN FLORIDA

The Three Acres Have Sold

In 2008, the congregation of Wekiva Presbyterian Church voted to sell the three acres on the far side of the Bank of America that were purchased from what was then Barnett Bank in the early 1990s;  the land was marketed with the concurrence of Central Florida Presbytery, in whose name the church holds all of its property, in trust.

On Wednesday, June 13, 2012, the closing took place. 

The process of selling the property was spearheaded by a committee appointed by the Session, led by our church member Gary Adams, with the help of church members Ken Moseley, Janet Everett and Bruce Rogers, with Dr. Dalles serving as the staff support person.  They have been working consistently since 2008; with changes in the economy, the marketing and sale of the land has taken longer than anyone anticipated.  Without Gary Adams' leadership, it is probable that the land would still be on the markt; the church is blessed because of his labor of love on our behalf.  The church was also greatly assisted by James Barks, an attorney in Sanford, who provided legal services for the church pro bono.  Jim is an active member of our sister PC (USA) congregation, Markham Woods Presbyterian Church. 

The new owners, who are franchisees of Primrose Schools, have already begun clearing the land, as you can see if you take a look at the property.  What was until Tuesday of this week a three acre woodland that perhaps had never been built upon, is now being prepared for the new educational child care complex, access driveway off of 434 and parking.  You can see some of what is happening from the road, or from the Bank of America drive up window lanes.


The back story of the land is interesting, to say the least.  It was part of a development that was only partially completed, of which the next streets over, Briar Cliff Drive and Meadowfield Lane, are a part,  That small development was brought to completion as you see it now, many years ago.  In the early 90s the bank, sold most of the parcel that wraps around their branch office to our church, keeping a section of land that made the new three acres non-contiguous to the church's main property.  The agreement was that an easement would exist over that still-bank-owned sliver, once the church moved an existing retention pond.  Down the decades, as the bank was acquired and went from being local to regional to a national bank (first Barnett Bank, then Nations Bank, and currently Bank of America), it was difficult to discover who in their corporate structure might be able to offer permissions when the church sought, at various times, to perfect that easement.

Photos of that retention pond, which I have dubbed "Lake ..." follow:

 

It was in 2008 that, having more or less exhausted all other avenues, the Session and Deacons discussed and then recommended to the congregation that the church no longer keep this land, since it seemed unlikely that the church would ever be able to use it.  The congregation and the presbytery both concurred with this plan at that time.


Long time church members will recall that Ron Tyo and Don Blackadar were instrumental in our purchasing the property in the early 1990s; we are grateful to them for their efforts, as well as to all who helped to pay for the land by their donations (the church paid off the mortgage for that parcel of land in 1998).


For the second time in the past fifteen years that I have served as its pastor, Wekiva Presbyterian Church is essentially debt free.  For the first time in its young 35 years, the church has a sizeable endowment fund.  God has done marvelous things and it is wondrous in our eyes. 

All who have been involved in this process, from start to finish, richly deserve the congregation's thanks and appreciation, as do all who have prayed for the sale to occur. 

In the Garden

"I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily." - Hosea 14:5


"The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." - Isaiah 35:1

"Like a lily among thorns is my darling" - Song of Songs 2:2

I took a brief walk in the church's Memorial Garden this afternoon at 4 p.m.

The plantings in the Garden were carefully selected for our region of Central Florida to provide four seasons of blossoming color, a collection of foliage that will soothe the senses and delight the eye. Many are also favorites of butterflies that visit and ensure a constant living presence in the Garden. A Fountain and Wind Sculpture at the center of the Garden remind us of the “streams that make glad…” Brick pathways lead to the fountain “whence the healing streams doth flow”. Of course, water also reminds us of our church’s name “Wekiva” the Creek word for “flowing water”.

As you can see from my photos, it is a beautiful spot where something is blooming no matter what the day or season. This offers hope to those who visit it, whether they are here to remember loved ones or to reflect upon God's creation or to simply pause in the middle of a busy day. Below is an informational article about the Memorial Garden.

The Courtyard Memorial and Meditation Garden for
Wekiva Presbyterian Church

The Courtyard Memorial and Meditation Garden which had been anticipated for many years was dedicated in 2005. The Garden was designed by our own member, Elder Tom Stahl, and is a lovely and fitting centerpiece to the church campus. Over the course of about three years, about half the costs of The Garden were given to the church as memorial and honor gifts, including a memorial gift for the fountain and the special Advent giving in 2004. Also in 2004 a generous couple in our congregation gave the church a gift for the remaining half of the cost of The Garden. The benches were fabricated by church members, to a Tom Stahl design, as well.

The Courtyard Memorial and Meditation Garden is a spiritually appropriate place on our church campus for the internment of ashes from cremation. The ashes of church members and friends who have died are put to rest in the garden, and their names are placed on a bronze wall tablet adjacent to the entry into Education Hall. Such a garden is ecologically responsible as well as an answer in part to the age-old concern of the Christian community to participate in the proper disposition and identification of the earthly remains of those who have shared in Christian fellowship here. Christians sometimes have questions about cremation, which is an acceleration of natural processes, consistent with the belief in resurrection and eternal life. While it is not everyone’s choice, it is both appropriate and accepted in Christian practice.

The Garden is also a place for members and guests to find a lovely, peaceful retreat for reflection and prayer as they listen to the fountain and appreciate the calm surroundings. The Garden is also utilized from time to time as a place of congregational fellowship. It is a dignified and beautiful place of peace and serenity.

You are invited to visit The Memorial Garden and savor it when next you are with us. Here follows our Litany of Dedication for The Memorial Garden:

The Courtyard Memorial and Meditation Garden
Of Wekiva Presbyterian Church

Litany of Dedication

Leader: Hear God’s Word as recorded in Genesis Chapter Two: “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there God placed the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.”

All: From the beginning, God envisioned that the perfect place for God’s people to dwell is in a Garden.

Leader: The Psalmist says: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.”

All: God gently calls us to us, to be beside Him, in those green and water-blessed places where we may find rest and experience renewal.

Leader: In the Garden, according to John: Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept… She glanced over her shoulder and saw someone standing behind her. It was Jesus, but she didn't recognize him. "Why are you crying?" Jesus asked her. "Who are you looking for?" She thought he was the gardener." Sir," she said, "if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him." "Mary!" Jesus said. She turned toward him and exclaimed, "Teacher!"

All: We cherish the wonder of resurrection on the first Easter day, as it was revealed to Mary and through her, to all of humankind, in the Garden.

Leader: We are blessed by the promise of the Living Christ and are assured that all who trust in Him will share in His Kingdom, which will have no end. Now, we offer this Prayer of Dedication:

All: Dear Lord, We ask for Your blessing upon this Garden. May it serve as a tranquil place for meditation and prayer, a place where we may enjoy the beauty of Your world, a place where we may feel Your living presence, and a place where we may remember our loved ones who have gone before us. As it is said, “One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.” We pray this shall be true, as we come to the Garden alone, or in the presence of others, in Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Please join in our Hymn of Dedication: “In The Garden”

Following the Benediction, you are invited to visit the Memorial and Mediation Garden and share in refreshments there.