Post #30545 by thejab on Wed, Apr 16, 2003 1:29 PM

I'm forwarding this from the Society for Commercial Archeology mailing list:

Dear SCA Members,

On Sunday, Cypress Gardens (dating from 1936) closed. This is a tremendous loss as it is considered to be Florida's first real themed attraction. The site is threatened with development as the land is worth millions. There is a growing movement to preserve the original 37 acre botanical gardens.

Cypress Gardens is perhaps best known for its elaborate water skiing shows, but Elvis Presley and Esther Williams made appearances at the park and several movies have been filmed among the lush tropical foliage. The attraction reached its peak of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.

A special meeting of state and local leaders has been set for Thursday in Winter Haven to discuss the State of Florida acquiring a portion, if not all of the property due to public pressure. Fortunately, Gov. Bush has also gotten involved.

Please log on to http://www.winterhavenfl.com and click on "Save Cypress Gardens" and sign the email petition.

Thanking you in advance,

Carrie Scupholm
SCA Secretary