Brooksville Raid--The Early Years

http://brooksvilleraidreenactment.com/
http://www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com/
Hwy. 50 West at the
Sand Hill Scout Reservation
(Across from Oak Hill Hospital)

Third weekend January annually

The Brooksville Raid—the Early Days

Our Brooksville Civil War event is one in which we participated for either twenty-two or twenty-three years…first as on-the-field re.enactors for many years. Early on Steve was a private with the 1^st Minnesota.  Most re.enacting groups in Florida take the name of an original regiment who fought or were garrisoned here…97^th Pennsylvania, 4^th Florida.  The First Minn never came to Florida, but the first guys to organize it were from Minnesota.  The original regiment has a dynamic history.  General Hancock sent them in at Gettysburg to “plug a hole” in the line.  Eighty-seven percent of those that fielded that day were casualties. (Remember casualties in this time-frame meant killed, wounded, or missing.)  They were said to be the first volunteer group.  The governor was sitting in a Washington office (maybe Lincoln’s) when the call for 75,000 troops went out to the northern states.  The governor immediately volunteered the First Minnesota. The original regiment also participated in Indian Wars before marching off to the East.  And, later they participated in squelching the riots in New York City.  Anyway, brothers Kevin and Sean thought our re.enacting group could easily mimic the original group.  Thus, our name. 

I worked with Dr. Tom as a field nurse and brought water to the troops.  He also wanted us to know basic first aid and CPR.  He was a para-medic in today’s life. The job of the field nurses were multi.  One was to make sure the participants had enough water.  This is Florida.  We dehydrate easily and unknowingly.  Our second task was to help with people who were injured.  As much as we try to practice all safety measures, things happen…from soldier “dying” on a mound of fire ants, to black powder burns, and an occasional broken bone.  The third thing is to look good to the paying public…this, of course, is good, but must come after the care of our troops.  Sometimes, however, taking care of the troops with real problems also looks good to the unknowing public.

Sometimes the first-aid being administered is in the confines of the field hospital while we wait for the professionals to come.   It looks real to the public, because, guess what, it is real.

Our surgeons and medical staff work really hard to make everything look real.  All kinds of props and makeup are used to portray as accurately the actual way life may have been under the care of a Civil War surgeon or nurse.  Our saw-bones surgeons often create the look of a real amputee or taste “pus” to see at what stage it has progressed,

However, all three examples happened with me as part of the nursing corps at Brooksville.  There have been some other incidents at other events as well in which the nursing staff really were working rather than just play acting. 

The ants:  Those of us who live in Florida know what to look for in finding fire ant mounds.  Others, not so much.  The fire ants are nasty teeny tiny little critters.  They will crawl on you and seem to all bite at the same time.  Their bite is a combination of an ouchy sting and a horrible itch.  Their sting is like a hot poker, thus they are called appropriately.  One or two bites are painful.  More can be dangerous.  The incident which I witnessed was a man who did not know for what he should be looking.  He took a hit and dropped to the ground “dead.”  Yep, right on top of a fire ant hill.  He had bites all over his legs and hands.  We packed him in ice until medical attention came.  The medics had to give him an antihistamine.  I never saw him again, but I am assuming that he was eventually okay, albeit very itchy and sore.

That same year, one young man loaded his black-powder rifle.  We believe that something was done incorrectly.  Perhaps it did not fire, and he reloaded.  There are others scenarios as well.  We do not know the reason.  When he fired it, it back-flashed—burned his stomach, hand and arm.  He was brought into our medical hospital where demonstrations of Civil War medicines were being carried out.  Doc Tom looked at him and ordered immediate ice placed on the burned places.  I was one of the holders of ice.  The public did not know the extent of the lad’s injury…they thought it was part of the show.  An ambulance retrieved him and took him to the local hospital that was less than a mile away.  Again, I think that things worked out for him.

A third injury in which I partook was a broken shoulder blade.  That particular year I did not dress in my nurses “uniform,” but had dressed like a lady with a hoop skirt.  The gentlemen involved was part of the cavalry.  His horse was galloping at a good clip, when the horse caught his hoof in a gopher hole and threw the rider.  The horse galloped off.  He was eventually recovered some distance away.  The rider, however, was withering in pain.  I sent word (we have a word to use when we need real medical attention).  The preacher’s camp was closest.  He came with some ice.  It was a hot, sunny day.  The rider had fallen where there was no shade.  We were concerned about shock.  I dropped to my knees to give him a little protective shade until the real medical staff arrived.

Most of the medical scenarios are fun, as the surgeons get really gross and authentic.  Civil War medicine was brutal. Amputations were common.  The goal was to save as many lives as possible, rather than corrective, slower surgery.  It should be noted, however, that, as in the case of each new war, a great deal of new medical procedures, technology, inventions, medicines emerge to make life easier for the general public.  Play acting is fun and educational to do for the public.   But the real satisfaction for me comes when one has actually helped someone in a real situation.   

So, if you are looking at a medical scenario at a re.enactment, look carefully.  It might be real.

Job's Daughters Installation

 "And in all the land were no women found so fair as the Daughters of Job".  Job 42:15 KJV

Job’s Daughters Installation

Despite what you might read, we are NOT a cult. We don't even come close to the definition. Yes, we have secrets, but many of our events, including the installation of officers are open to the public. And, if one is concerned about the fact that we have secrets, almost every fraternal, civic or political group has some thing(s) that is(are) not generally known to the outside--SECRETS. And, I would bet that everyone has at least one secret, the world does not know. BIG DEAL!

I love Rainbow, and I always will.  I learned so much in those formative years.  It certainly helped me in my walk with God and love of Jesus.  I am also stating that I am a follower of a Jewish carpenter...a Christian, if you will.  I was before being part of these organizations and NEVER have seen anything that would contradiction/compromise my Christianity or God's Word, The Holy Bible.  If that were so, I would not be a part of it.  Having said that to the nutcakes out there who believe we are cults, I will continue my dissertation on a very lovely ceremony.

As I have mentioned before, I was a Rainbow Girl and like the Marines…one never really stops being a Rainbow.  I grew in Southern New England.  I never heard of Job’s Daughters until I was an adult and visited Rainbow Grand Assembly in Florida.  We did not have Jobies in New England…at least not in Southern New England…Connecticut and Rhode Island.  If I had the opportunity, I would have been a member of both.  Both organizations are for girls in their teens.  Eligibility ages are between ten or eleven or twelve…depending on the jurisdiction and a few other somewhat insignificant details.  Both are Biblically based. Both teach all kinds of good attributes.  

There are, however, differences between Rainbow and Job's.  The first difference between the two that is obvious is that Job’s Daughters have to have a Masonic affiliation…father, brother, grandfather.  Rainbow does not need the affiliation.  One can join as a “friend” of a Rainbow with a Mason, Eastern Star or Amaranth member signing the petition.  This person often might have been the father of the original Rainbow. Lynne was also a Rainbow girl, although she did not have the same opportunities that I had to be involved as much as I was. (Her father was military, and they moved often.)

I visited a Rainbow Assembly in Florida back a bit.  And was sorely disappointed (separate posting).

I later was visiting in Venice, Florida where a contingent of Job’s Daughter were serving supper for the local Masonic Lodge.  They were adorable.  I sat next to one of their advisors.  Long story short, I was invited to attend an upcoming installation in Tampa.  I talked to Lynne who was up for this venture.  At first Lynne was going to drive north; I, south.  But Lynne was staying at my house after Brooksville.  So, I followed her to John Darling Lodge. 

My friend Christina from Eastern Star was planning on going to this Installation to bring her two older daughters (and a couple of relatives visiting from Virginia. (As an aside Christina’s daughter could have been cloned from her older cousin…they sure looked alike.)  Christina is a Past Honored Queen of Job’s in Virginia.  So, we were kind of sure that we would know at least one person.  I had met and talked to some of the young ladies at the supper. 

When we got there, the very first impression was the friendliness of those present.  One sweet young lady who remembered me from the dinner, greeted me with a huge hug.  This experience was so different from my previous visit to Rainbow, who totally ignored me. It’s not the difference in the organizations, but, instead, the difference in the adult leadership.

The ceremony was beautiful. And, very impressive.  Each girl was escorted into the Bethel room by a gentleman…father, grandfather or a DeMolay boy. They are girls, so there was a bit of young lady silliness.  I listened to several before the Installation started.  They were talking about how cute “they” are.  We know that they had to be talking about the DeMolay boys (who were, indeed, cute).  But more time was spent on the solemn seriousness of the occasion.   

The outgoing Honored Queen was the Installing Officer for the new Honored Queen…her sister.  The girls wear white robes with the top three officers each wearing a beautiful purple robe.  I was really impressed by the whole occasion.

After all the various portions of the ceremony were finished, we were invited to the dining room for “refreshments” which turned out to be a meal.  Grilled hot dogs or hamburgers.  Various salads.  Mac and Cheese.  Cookies.  And, of course, a special cake for the new Honored Queen.

I am happy and feel blessed to have made the trip.  As it turned out, Lynne and I knew several of the gentlemen who have been at other related events and occasions.  We also met and talked to several others…some Rainbow and majority Rainbow girls, some parents of Job’s.

One of my favorite things about being a member of the Masonic family as both and OES and Amaranth member and an “old” majority Rainbow is visiting and meeting new people.  I don’t really see strangers as strangers, just acquaintances that I have not met yet.

I had put together a couple of gift baskets to be auctioned off at an upcoming ball for Christina’s mother.  I had not brought them to the last meeting that I attended for Eastern Star.  They traveled a long way, but were delivered to Christina for her to take to her mother for her to take to the ball.  So, I accomplished a second  thing, somewhat by accident. 

After the meeting, Lynne went south to home; I, north. I felt good.

pictures later

Cedar Key

Cedar Key

http://www.cedarkey.org/

While there are no chain hotels and motels, Cedar Key's variety of lodging choices is excellent. From small housekeeping cottages, motels and efficiencies to private vacation homes and condos to historic Bed and Breakfasts, there is truly something to fit everyone's taste and budget.

Visit us in the Heart of Florida's Nature Coast, a recreational paradise. We are a small, relaxed, island community located three miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. Rich in small town flavor, it is said Cedar Key is the Island community where time stands still. Cedar Key is located on Way Key, the largest island in the "Cedar Keys".

The Cedar Keys make up one of the oldest bird and wildlife refuges in the United States. With its rich history and natural beauty, you may not want to leave!

Cedar Key is one of the oldest ports in the state, and when Florida's first railroad connected it to the east coast, it became a major supplier of seafood and timber products to the northeast. Today it has become a haven for artists and writers who find the unspoiled environment inspirational to their work.

Many people visit each year to walk the historic streets browse the shops and galleries, explore the back bayous and enjoy the world-famous restaurants featuring seafood fresh from local waters. Annually, thousands of visitors come to enjoy the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts in April, the Fourth of July Celebration and the October Seafood Festival.

In addition to excellent fishing, birdwatching and nearby nature trails, guides are available to take parties for off-shore trips to the outer islands. A public marina with boat docking is available.
Federally protected sanctuaries, the Cedar Keys form a chain of barrier islands ideally suited to a vast range of migratory and shore birds, including the elusive white pelican, roseate spoonbill and bald eagle. The variety of natural habitats, from salt marshes to Indian shell mounds, makes this truly a nature lover's paradise. 

The above info is copied from the web-site shown.

And now, a few words from Molly!
The railroad was built by David Levy Yulee.  Levy County which is the ninth largest county in area in Florida and is where Cedar Key sits was named for Mr. Yulee. There was also a Levyville and a Levytown, which today are barely nothing more than street signs.

Florida became a state in 1845.  Mr. Yulee was one of the first two Senators (the first Jewish person to become a Senator).  His wife, daughter of a Kentucky Governor, was Christian; his children raised in Christianity.  He was related to Judah Benjamin, a Confederate Cabinet member (the first Jewish person to hold a cabinet post). Like his fellow Southern Senator Jeff Davis (and many others) he left the Senate when his state (Florida) seceded.  He was imprisoned at Ft. Pulaski in Georgia briefly after the War for his Confederate leanings. Pre-war, he had become friends with U. S. Grant, who sought to have his friend freed from prison. 

His railroad started near Jacksonville, crossed the northern part of the state somewhat diagonally to Cedar Key (which had a multitude of manufacturing companies, including pencils made from the local cedar trees).  Today there is no manufacturing.  Tourism and seafood--fish, clams, etc.--are its main source of income.  Yulee also has a town near Jacksonville named Yulee.  Many communities along the former railroad corrider celebrate Yulee days.  The railroad continued south to what is now part of Crystal River and Homasassa.  He had a plantation where he held slaves and grew sugar (among other things).  Today a portion of his sugar mill is a state park.  As one goes through the "sugarmill" area, there are lots of landmarks named for these mills...Sugarmill Restaurant, sugarmill this, sugarmill that.

During the Civil War, the Yankees burnt Yulee's plantation, but the sugar mill managed to make it through without any manjor damage.  Today, the kettles and much of the syrup making processing equipment is still in tact in a tiny "state" park.  It is kind of a drive through/walk through park with some nearby hiking trails.  It is worth the few miles out of the way one needs to travel to see it (signs on US-19 will direct one to the "mill").  There is no admission and interpretive signs.

http://www.crystalriverstateparks.org/Yulee.html

One of the two other important railroad men in Florida was Flagler (whose railroad ran down the East Coast of Florida...Flagler County was name for him).  The other was Plant for which Plant City--where so many strawberries have their nativity.  His railroad ran from the East Coast across the State to Tampa.

Lynne had gone to Cedar Key once with another friend.  They arrived around four o’clock in the afternoon…just about the time the stores were ready to close.  Steve and I, on the other hand, have been there a gazillion times.  We always enjoy the flora, fauna, scenery, the fishing pier, the artsy imaginations and walking from the small beach through downtown.

Steve, Lynne and I drove out.  All of us walked around a bit, but when Lynne and I spent too much time in Crumundgeonalia, he started to get antsy.  Since our friends Cathy and Jim were staying at a campground at the edge of Cedar Key, we sent him off to visit them with instructions to come back in an hour.

Crumundgeonalia is a delightful small book store.  The proprietor is far from a curmudgeon, but an extremely knowledgeable gentle-men.    Both Lynne and I could have spent houuuuurs there.

The upstairs of this building in the early 1900's was the Masonic Lodge.  The stone that is the step to get into the shop is from that Lodge.  The Curmudgeon told us that the Lodge did not last very long.  He though it disappeared in the 1920's.  He also told us that the downstairs was a bar.  Since the traditional of most Masonic Lodges is "dry," I was surprised.  But, then, who knows!  

The island has lots of neat little gift stores that we wanted to investigate.  Cedar Key, like many islands, is a mecca for tourists’ shopping.  It has a plethora of small shops.  It also has a huge number of art galleries.  Restaurants abound along the western side of the island.  Lots of seafood.   

Lynne likes galleries and artsy co-ops.  Her particular love is baskets—pine needle baskets are really a specialty at which to look.  She demonstrates and weaves them at many events.  We found several in a couple of different galleries.  In her opinion, some were better than hers; some not as good.  She is very talented, and I think hers are the best.  But that comes from a very biased friend.  Her baskets--all styles, sizes and media are always so cool.  She has a knack for creating tiny baskets that can be worn as necklaces.  Too much patience involved for me, but she does them well.

One gallery had a show of local quilts.  One was all silk…a beautiful seascape.  We oohed and aahed over it to the lady at the register.  Turned out it was hers.  Lynne bought me a bookmark made by the same lady with “quilted silk.”

Steve came back in the hour we talked about (actually, he was back in less than an hour).  Lynne and I will go back to Cedar Key some day without him.

Driving around some of the back roads, one can find many beautiful Victorian houses and cottages.  The hay-day of the pre-toursim run of late was the late 1800's when railroad traveling was at its peak.

The seascape vistas!!!!  Wow!

On our return trip we stopped at the campground and visited for a quick time with Cathy and Jim.  They were working in the café at the campground.  So, our visit was not very long.

Gonna get that fish

Sompin' fishy, here!

Fishy mosaic

Retro campin'

A great place to spend a nice leisurely day.

Floirda Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rain Forest

Florida Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rain Forest

University of Florida Cultural Plaza

SW 34^th & Hull Road

Gainesville, FL 32611-2710

352-846-2000

School Tours: 352-273-2026

Group tours 352-273-2027

Parking:  $4.00

General Admission FREE (donations appreciated)

Rainforest:  $10.50 Adults,

Other Rates apply for children, Seniors, Students, Florida Residents and Museum members: ASK! (they are not posted)

www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Lynne and I went on another adventure.  Between Brooksville and Lynne’s visit to our home, we had been together since for eight days.  This particular adventure was to the Florida Museum of Natural History and Butterfly Rain Forest at University of Florida.  What a beautiful place!  Lynne has a love of butterflies and has been planting her garden with attracting butterflies in mind.  It turns out that butterflies have a special talent for discerning color—better than man.  Their discernment allows them to see many more hues and shades than we humans.  So, the types and colors of flowers to woo butterflies become very important.

We had asked Steve to join us, but he did not.  With his impatience, it was a good choice.  He would have enjoyed it, but only for a few minutes.

After paying our parking fee, we hiked past the Art Museum where there were several outdoor monstrous sized sculptors.  One particularly impressed me.  That was the gigantic iron man hammering.  The hammer was motorized, giving us the impression that he was, indeed, a hard- working man.  

The Rainforest is part of the building of the Florida Museum of Natural History.  So, one must enter through the front door of the museum.  We entered and headed as directed to the right.  One must go through two doors with high pressure air between (both entering and exiting).  This is to prevent the loss of butterflies by their escaping.  There is an incredible display of a bazillion butterflies all mounted (they die naturally as butterflies have a short life span) with the particular species with which they are a part.  The colors are beyond words.

I learned so much.  One thing that became quite evident is that many butterflies have different coloring on the top (which becomes the outer part of the wing when they have lighted on a plant or fruit) and a different color on the topside which is what we normally see when they are flitting and fluttering by us.

Butterflies have a highly visual way of seeing colors that is much more sophisticated than we humans have.  They can detect hues that are between the availability of the human eye.

I bought a wonderful set of four booklets called Florida Butterfly Encounters published by the University of Florida.  One of them shows pictures of the fifty of the most common of the 187 butterfly species found in Florida. There are 725 species of butterflies in North America.

A bench to rest one's weary self

Most dine on nectar; but many like rotting fruit.

The rainforest is so restful.  This is not a place to run through. There are many benches.  Lynne and I sat on every one of them.  Butterflies often stopped to light on various parts of our bodies, mostly on our heads.  The longer we sat, the more we saw.  So peaceful.

Many small birds both flying and ground. There were many tiny quail—some brown, some white. Also, a resident tortoise paraded around as his special leisure.

The reverse side is bright blue

Angel Trumpets



The infamous sneaker

The volunteers in the rainforest were extremely knowledgeable, friendly with great sense of humor. For instance, I tried to take a photo of a beautiful blue butterfly. It had landed on the sneaker of one of the volunteers. I was too slow, missed the butterfly, but had great fun over the super picture of the sneaker. Laughter is also a great stress reliever.

The flora was amazing. Very colorful. Reds, pinks, purples and blues seem to be the favorites of most of the butterflies.

The resident tortoise

The rainforest trail exists into the Natural History Museum after a long corridor with various other butterfly details and displays.  This is one of the best natural history museums I have ever visited.  One exhibit showed the skeletal remains of many prehistoric and extinct animals.  There was also a bronze of each animal as it would have looked.  The sea creatures were mounted on the ceiling…kind of a reverse of the way one might have expected.

An arrowhead and early tool display by “county.” Sharks’ jaws filled with teeth.  The whole thing was very impressive.

An afternoon well spent.