Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center White Springs Florida Northeast Region

Date of visit  March 14, 2014

The Museum Building- Lots of displays, old pianos and the Foster story.  

             

	Springhouse
	Museum
	Paddle Boats
	Influential People
	Folk Festival

History and Culture

In 1931 Josiah K. Lilly, the son of Indiana pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli K. Lilly, suggested a memorial to composer Stephen Foster, whose song 'Old Folks at Home' made the Suwannee River known all over the world. The Florida Federation of Music Clubs adopted his idea and obtained contributions of land in White Springs, Florida. The Stephen Foster Memorial Commission administered the development of the park, which opened in 1950. Stephen Collins Foster, born in 1826, composed more than 200 songs during his lifetime. The first Florida Folk Festival was held in 1953.

Springhouse

In the 1700s, White Sulphur Spring, a second magnitude spring located within the park, was regarded as sacred ground for American Indians because the water was believed to hold curative powers. Located on the banks of the Suwannee River, the spring was promoted as a health resort from the mid-1800s through the 1950s. Shops, dressing rooms and clinical examination rooms were built as part of a bath or springhouse beside the spring, which was enclosed by a concrete wall. Some of the spring's famous visitors included Teddy Roosevelt and Henry Ford. Today, the original concrete wall and gate, located near the park entrance, are all that remain of this once popular resort.

Museum

In 1931, Josiah K. Lilly, the son of Indiana pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli K. Lilly, suggested that Florida build a memorial to composer Stephen C. Foster whose song, 'Old Folks at Home', made the Suwannee River known all over the world. The Florida Federation of Music Clubs adopted his idea and obtained contributions of land for the project in White Springs, Florida. The Stephen Foster Memorial Commission administered the development of the park, which opened in 1950. In 1935, 'Old Folks at Home' was designated Florida's official state song.

Paddle Boats

In the early days of Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center, visitors rode on replica paddle steamers up and down the Suwannee River. The boats were named the Belle of the Suwannee and the Glendy Burke.

Influential People

Lillian Saunders worked hard to help acquire the first 100 acres of land for the Stephen Foster Memorial in White Springs, Florida. 'Cousin' Thelma Boltin was considered the first lady of the Florida Folk Festival, directing the annual celebration for more than 20 years.

Folk Festival

The Florida Folk Festival has taken place at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center every year since 1953. It has become the longest running state folk festival in the United States, taking place each year during Memorial Day weekend. Many well-known musicians have performed here, including Floridians Gamble Rogers and Will McLean, artisans, musicians and storytellers share their crafts with the visitors who swarm the park each May. For more on the Florida Folk Festival, visit www.FloridaFolkFestival.com.