This typical Florida Cracker family was encamped in Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park today as part of the Tampa Bay History Center's newest exhibit, Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition. From 10 am until 4 pm there were cattle, horses, modern-day cowboys who work Florida's cattle ranches, and a camp with tents and ranching equipment. The day began with a cattle drive down Old Water Street to the History Center and that was followed by demonstrations and reenactments of early Cracker life in Florida, crafts and storytelling. Carlton Ward, Jr., author and photographer, was on-hand to sign copies of his new book, Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier. His photographs of a Florida that most people, natives and torursts alike, know very little about, are outstanding; take a look HERE.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Cracker Cow Camp at Tampa Bay History Center
This typical Florida Cracker family was encamped in Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park today as part of the Tampa Bay History Center's newest exhibit, Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition. From 10 am until 4 pm there were cattle, horses, modern-day cowboys who work Florida's cattle ranches, and a camp with tents and ranching equipment. The day began with a cattle drive down Old Water Street to the History Center and that was followed by demonstrations and reenactments of early Cracker life in Florida, crafts and storytelling. Carlton Ward, Jr., author and photographer, was on-hand to sign copies of his new book, Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier. His photographs of a Florida that most people, natives and torursts alike, know very little about, are outstanding; take a look HERE.
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A good way to learn about local history.
ReplyDeleteI've been to a couple of Civil War re-enactments; they all really get into it, including wives in the camps. Good fun, bit of history, and everyone enjoy themselves.
ReplyDeleteI've got to admit this really does look the way I would picture a "cracker" family. Sounds like a good time was had by all. Florida cowboys? asked the woman from Minnesota!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to see this.
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in Florida reading check out the book Strawberry Girl.
I think it is a good depiction of life in FL way back before Disney ever came on the scene.