Its story:
Edward William Bok immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands in 1870, when he was just six years old. Growing up in Brooklyn, he dropped out of school to support his family when they encountered financial difficulties. He was a magazine publisher before the age of 20.
As an adult, Bok became a crusader for women's suffrage and causes, then editor of the magazine Ladies Home Journal, a position he held for some 30 years, until he retired in 1919. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his autobiography in 1920, and wrote other books afterwards.
He helped with the banning of patent medicines, and even made it possible to discuss certain diseases in public, something that just "wasn't done".
In 1921, Bok started to winter in the Lake Wales area. Eventually, he bought land and hired renowned architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to design what is now Bok Tower and Gardens.
Bok Tower was dedicated in 1929, just before the Great Depression hit.
My aunt and uncle, who ended up living in Florida for the rest of their married lives (before my aunt passed away in 1974), went to Bok Tower on their honeymoon.
Bok Tower isn't just a tower; it has a carillon installed in it.
Every Thursday through Sunday during the winter, there are live carillon concerts.
There's more to Bok Tower than just music. There are mosaics...
And beautiful reflections. And even some family history, as I found out, on this trip that one of my aunts and uncles had visited Bok Tower during their honeymoon, nearly 70 years ago.
Day two of the Ultimate Blog Challenge #blogboost. "B" day on #AtoZChallenge - my theme, "Florida Outside the Theme Parks". And, today I also link with #MusicMovesMe.
What is #MusicMovesMe, and who are the 4Mers who participate?
The Head 4M'er is XmasDolly. Her co-4Mers are: Callie of JAmerican Spice, (who has been taking a break for health reasons) and ♥Stacy of Stacy Uncorked♥ And last but certainly not least, Cathy from Curious as a Cathy.
Join me again tomorrow as we "C" more of Florida outside the theme parks.
Alana,
ReplyDeleteI love hearing church bells! There's a church in our neighborhood that still chimes out on occasion. They used to play more frequently but I'd imagine the homes closest to the church didn't care for it as it has to be quite loud. We're a mile away and hear it with no problem. I enjoyed reading the factoids about Bok. Thanks for sharing with the 4Mm gals and happy A2Zing!
Y’all are invited to visit my all-in-one mewsic, sparks, & a2z post on Curious as a Cathy! ;)
Great post, makes me want to visit!
ReplyDeleteBeth
https://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/
We have a bell tower in Perth (Western Australia) that is a tourist attraction - the sound of the bells is beautiful (loud if you're inside!) but I don't think any artists perform there.
ReplyDeleteLeanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
B for Believe in Yourself
Loved your write-up on Bok Tower! I really enjoy hearing about those "off-the-beaten-path" places of historic interest to explore. The next time we're in Central Florida, I'm definitely going to have to check this out. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFascinating. New to me! Not what I was expecting in FL.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I followed the music bit - you mean to say the musicians played inside the tower while the audience is outside viewing them on telly? Why cant they see them live inside? What is a carillion?
ReplyDeleteBellJar by Sylvia Plath #atozchallenge
So very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love your theme! Will be adding sites to our list of places to see. I have such a soft spot for ‘old’ Florida/Hollywood era.
ReplyDeleteI like how you managed to make this an A to Z post and a M^4 post...
ReplyDeleteYou really have to listen carefully to carillon music, or you end up thinking it's just a cacaphony of bells. It's a gorgeous tower, anyway.
I never heard of this place! But, since I've been harrangued to take a little tyke to Legoland, maybe we'll take this in as well.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of this! One more thing on my Florida bucket list!
ReplyDeleteWhoa1 I'd never heard of Bok towers so thanks for the introduction and music.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine lives near Book ToerT and hors often. It sounds so interesting
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting history and life Mr. Bok had. Love it that he was a leader in women's suffrage and editor of Ladies Home Journal. Neat that your aunt and uncle honeymooned at the Tower. Old Florida is likely a place where many Floridians have never visited...perfect for New Yorkers looking for an out of the spotlight places. Good job, Alana!
ReplyDeleteSue at CollectInTexas Gal
Yup, never heard of it. Sounds like something to see.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you again and love the tour!
ReplyDeleteA very simple and subtle way of writing. It was an easy and interesting read. USA visit is on my bucket list and I would add BOK tower to it now :)
ReplyDeletealways love hearing bells and this sounds fascinating.. not sure if there is something like this near where i am
ReplyDelete..and I have never heard of it. Thanks for this new info, Alana :)
ReplyDeleteC at Kohl Eyed Me
C at Something's Cooking
When I was growing up I'd hear the church bells and when I worked Chicago downtown area I'd hear them bells, and where I live I never heard them played in a song and they do here. It's awesome! Thanks for sharing yours! Fabulous.. it's like angels...
ReplyDeleteVery very cool, Alana! Thanks so much for sharing - and the education. I love learning new things! :)
ReplyDelete