Saturday, January 15, 2011

Bok Tower, florida


Bok Tower Gardens was the surprise that I relish when we go on vacations. I did have it on the itinerary, but had no idea that the gardens were so lovely. Edward Bok was the editor of Ladies Home Journal for 30 years. He was a Dutch immigrant and wanted to create a carillon bell tower similar to one in his homeland. The grounds include his mansion, a nature observatory and the Pine Ridge Nature Preserve Trail


Here the two resident swans are feeding at the base of the tower. One swan was rescued from Hurricane Katrina and is a bit territorial. The tower is 205 feet tall and was dedicated to the American people in 1929 by President Calvin Coolidge.


There is a shed with benches that will seat maybe 15 people. The above is the view through the window in that shed. Yes, I would have loved to stay to draw or just to relax in this lovely space. But wait, we had to go to a soccer game. Oh well, at least I got to enjoy this lovely American treasure.

2 comments:

Cathy Holtom said...

You'll have to go back and sketch there one day!

Unknown said...

Definitely a place you should return to sketch! Lovely!