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.

Local Historical Society by Lake Okeechobee

The heat causes all kinds of cognitive therapy for my soul. With the wildfires causing a hold on my work out on Lake Okeechobee, I am collaborating with my friend and colleague, Chris Davenport, to assist Belle Glade's Historical Society with their historical archives. As a historian at heart, examining, archiving, cataloguing (OK this is tedious, I admit), these amazing photographs and negatives is very exciting. I find this exploration exceptionally profound since I have spent the last three years photographing the Lake.
Belle Glade is a small community that once thrived in the early years of farming and development of the Everglades Agricultural Area. The area is overlooked at a great spot for learning about early Florida and great fishing. The archives of photographs are evidence of a prosperous time with in the community, as well as  a glimpse of what the Everglades once looked like over the past century. And for those photographers-the archive is an amazing collection of photographic history, complete with negatives of all sizes, equipment, and boxes (and files) of photographs not yet examined.

I am asking for some assistance in acquiring archiving materials that are acid free-meeting museum standards. We need a dehumidifier, plastic sleeves, boxes, and canned air. All sizes are needed. General office supplies would also be helpful, but the archival materials are paramount. We are also seeking sponsors for the archiving process, which includes creating a catalogue database, scanning, and storing the materials. Additionally, we are looking for display cases, stands, etc for exhibits. A building to house the collection and display exhibits, both permanent and rotating, is in the works.
Please send any ideas or inquiries directly to me. In the coming months, we will have set up a website and a social media site for the Historical Society to take donations.

Sarah's email: sbrownimages@gmail.com