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Remembering Florida Springs
Dive into the colorful past of Florida’s natural wonders!
“Hollis plunges readers into the nostalgic waters of Florida’s most famous springs. Lavishly illustrated with rare photos and flyers, this beautiful book celebrates the classic years of 20th-century Florida tourism.”—Brian R. Rucker, author of Treasures of the A Journey through West Florida
“A collection of quaint, curious, and sometimes wonderfully ridiculous advertisements and memorabilia from Florida’s ‘big five’ springs. This volume will delight readers who can remember these roadside attractions in their heyday and inspire current visitors to support their new incarnations as Florida State Parks.”—Tracy J. Revels, author of Sunshine A History of Florida Tourism
Discover the mermaids, alligators, underwater mountains, and glass bottom and submarine boats of one of Florida’s most fascinating natural wonders! In this visual tour of the state’s five largest springs, collector-extraordinaire Tim Hollis brings together postcards, advertisements, brochures, signs, flyers, and souvenirs from the early days of these popular roadside attractions.
Since tourists first started visiting the Sunshine State, they were drawn to these liquid gems—Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, Rainbow Springs, Weeki Wachee Spring, and Homosassa Springs. Commercially owned, they toed the line between mini theme park and natural attraction; today they are protected as state parks and continue to lure tourists and nature lovers alike.
Remembering Florida Springs explores the curious intersection of tourist mecca and wildlife wonderland. Sit back and take a tour of these unique and beloved features of the state’s natural landscape through eye-catching photographs and memorabilia. You may just want to change your next vacation plans and hop in your car to see Florida’s natural springs.
“Hollis plunges readers into the nostalgic waters of Florida’s most famous springs. Lavishly illustrated with rare photos and flyers, this beautiful book celebrates the classic years of 20th-century Florida tourism.”—Brian R. Rucker, author of Treasures of the A Journey through West Florida
“A collection of quaint, curious, and sometimes wonderfully ridiculous advertisements and memorabilia from Florida’s ‘big five’ springs. This volume will delight readers who can remember these roadside attractions in their heyday and inspire current visitors to support their new incarnations as Florida State Parks.”—Tracy J. Revels, author of Sunshine A History of Florida Tourism
Discover the mermaids, alligators, underwater mountains, and glass bottom and submarine boats of one of Florida’s most fascinating natural wonders! In this visual tour of the state’s five largest springs, collector-extraordinaire Tim Hollis brings together postcards, advertisements, brochures, signs, flyers, and souvenirs from the early days of these popular roadside attractions.
Since tourists first started visiting the Sunshine State, they were drawn to these liquid gems—Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, Rainbow Springs, Weeki Wachee Spring, and Homosassa Springs. Commercially owned, they toed the line between mini theme park and natural attraction; today they are protected as state parks and continue to lure tourists and nature lovers alike.
Remembering Florida Springs explores the curious intersection of tourist mecca and wildlife wonderland. Sit back and take a tour of these unique and beloved features of the state’s natural landscape through eye-catching photographs and memorabilia. You may just want to change your next vacation plans and hop in your car to see Florida’s natural springs.
144 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 28, 2025
A colorful, historical quick read about Florida's 5 main Springs attractions focusing from 1930s to the mid 1980s when most parks went from commercial to state park status. I really enjoyed this. I love learning about Florida and it's history. plus who doesn't love colorful graphics and photographs from the 1900s?
March 21, 2021
Great pictures of memorabilia and interesting info about 5 of Florida’s original “attractions” - silver springs, wakulla springs, weeks wachee, homosassa springs, rainbow springs.
December 15, 2016
Another fine book from Tim.
This is a small photo book regarding the 5 natural springs attractions located in Florida. Tim tells of the main attractions of each springs and what has become of them.
So glad I read this. I found out my beloved Silver Springs in Ocala has done away with all their great attractions except for their glass bottom boats and is now run by the state as a nature park. IT was at Silver Springs Bear Exhibit that I was able to view a black bear and a grizzly side by side and was just amazed at the difference in size of the two different types. A definite learning moment for me that I will never forget.
This is a small photo book regarding the 5 natural springs attractions located in Florida. Tim tells of the main attractions of each springs and what has become of them.
So glad I read this. I found out my beloved Silver Springs in Ocala has done away with all their great attractions except for their glass bottom boats and is now run by the state as a nature park. IT was at Silver Springs Bear Exhibit that I was able to view a black bear and a grizzly side by side and was just amazed at the difference in size of the two different types. A definite learning moment for me that I will never forget.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews