A Follow-Up To My Post On Cypress Gardens and Esther Williams

A Blast From The Past!

I wrote my last post about beautiful Cypress Gardens. My brother, who is the family genealogist and has all the photos, some black mail worthy, e-mailed this gentle reminder to me. There are the three of us (me, my sis Pammie and little bro, Steve) meeting with Esther Williams, at Cypress Gardens! OMG! What a photo and just how many years ago was that? Way many! Thanks, Steve, for sending this gem to me! Your loving older sis!

Vintage Postcard Takes Me Back In Time To Winter Haven, Florida

I love old postcards and am always adding to my collection. This one brought back so many memories I had to share it with you!

Azalea Time at Cypress Gardens, circa 1930 - 1945, printed by Lakeland News Company.

I graduated from Winter Haven High School, we won't say just when. But I can honestly say I was not born when this card was printed! Winter Haven is the home of Cypress Gardens and I remember it well.

Cypress Gardens was Florida's first theme park. Founded in 1936 by Dick and Julie Pope, Cypress Gardens was a showcase for Central Florida and paved the way for other parks such as Disney and Universal to follow. The beautiful botanical gardens became the backdrop for beautiful belles and peaceful boat rides, as well as many movies and thousands of advertising campaigns over the years. Many stars walked its paths. To name a few: Betty Davis, Johnny Carson, Carol Burnett, Esther Williams and Elvis.

Cypress Gardens was proclaimed the Water Ski Capitol of the World, and became the birthplace of performance water skiing in 1941. In 1962, Dick Pope turned the reins of the park over to his son, Dick Pope, Jr.

To read more about Cypress Gardens and see a water ski video click on this link!