Rich in History, A Double Sided Treasure of Photographic and Cultural History

Lawrence E. Wills and his Flint 1927    Belle Glade, FL 

Since I am elbow deep into the Belle Glade Historical Society's photographic collection, I can unequivocally state that there is both the intrinsic value for the actual negative and print (or tintype, etc) as well as the historical record of Florida's native landscapes, the cultural illuminations, and the focus on agriculture. I am staring to feel that a return to agricultural as a sustainable food means(South Florida has 2 growing seasons and a long history of providing food through out the country.) and a sustainable economic industry. We all need food, every day. Palm Beach County was once a king agricultural mecca leading the economic trail to prosperity. I saw the photographs of inventions, acres of fields that probably fed some of us, and communties that started it all.

This is all leading to a new collection of historic photographs. I am beyond words over the collection that is both full of significant history of the land and settlement, but the actual collection is a photographic treasure.

If you would like more information about the collection, the Belle Glade Historical Society, and our mission; or you would like to assist with a donation please contact me for how to proceed:
sbrownimages@gmail.com

Here are some glimpse into the past(I captured using daylight bulb lighting and a copy stand):

Early 1900's view of the landscape around the southern part of Lake Okeechobee

Seminole's sailing their boats (dug out canoes with homemade sails)

Special Thank You to Steve for his continued efforts to care and over see the collection, and letting me a part of the process.