February 13, 2014
Bok Gardens and the Singing Tower
The beautiful sights and the
wonderful carillon sounds of Bok Tower and Gardens, gave us a
truly enjoyable day.
The history of Bok Tower and Gardens,
combined with an understanding of the man behind the creation, also
gave us inspiration and thoughtful reflections about what our country
has meant to immigrants in days past, and what it should mean to all
Americans today, in spite of it's shortcomings.
Edward Bok came to this country as an
immigrant at the age of 6. He attended public school in Brooklyn.
As a young man he took a job as an office boy at Western Union
Telegraph. He continued his education at night. Later he took a job
at Henry Holt and company, publishers, eventually working his way up
to advertising manager. After years of hard work and dedicated
service, he was offered editorship of a small magazine called The
Ladies Home Journal.
Under his leadership, The Ladies Home
Journal became the first publication in the world to attract over one
million subscribers.
While on a winter visit to the Iron
Mountain area in Florida, (he was one of the original snowbirds,) he
enjoyed walking to the top of the mountain and viewing the
spectacular sunsets and vistas that could be seen from the top. As
he sat gazing over the land, he would often reflect on his
accomplishments and the opportunities America offered. As he
remembered the advice of his grandmother; "make you the world a
bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it", he
was presented with the vision to construct this incredible gardens
with it's Singing Tower.
Many, with such a vision, and the
means to accomplish it, would have simply bought the land,
constructed the tower and grounds, and tucked it away for their own
private enjoyment.
Edward Bok, after constructing the
gardens with it's Singing Tower, presented this magnificent gift to
the American people on Feb 1, 1929, for all to enjoy. It is now one
of our country's historic landmarks. He did this in appreciation for
all the opportunities he had been given. See rest of story.
Many today, would view this gift as
extravagant and wasteful. They view America as just a place that owes
them something. Hard work is out, and resourcefulness is only
measured in "how much you can get for free".
Fortunately, there are still lots of
Americans who understand that our country is a land of opportunity,
where one has the freedom to plan, work hard, and make a life for
themselves and their families. This came at a price, and such
freedom should not be taken lightly.
Pinewood estate, decorated in the
1930's style of the times, also sits on the property, and is
described here.
We spent over four hours strolling
through the gardens and sitting and listening to both the 1:00 pm and
3:00 pm carillon recitals. The carillon at Bok Tower has 60 brass
cast bells ranging in weight from the smallest at 16 pounds to the
largest at almost 12 tons. The sound is rich and full and can be
heard throughout the gardens.
Jo and I were both captivated the
entire time we were there and were amazed when we realized we had
been there as long as we had. It is a place that simply makes you
slow down, reflect, and contemplate.
We both went into photographer mode.
Jo couldn't get enough pictures of flowers and plants. See Jo's
Pintrest Boards (here) I snapped over 70 shots just of the Singing
Tower.
Pleasant paths, inviting alcoves,
amazing architecture, and the carillon bells, all combine to give you
a remarkable experience. We are keeping Bok Tower and Gardens on our
list of places to return to whenever we are near.
And as an added visual bonus, the
entire grounds are surrounded by orange groves. While we were there
the fruit was hanging ready to be picked. And no, as much as we
would have liked to, we didn't pick any oranges! We did, however,
buy some on the way home.
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