Published by former Mayor George Gardner November 9 2011
Contributions in support of the St. Augustine Report are greatly appreciated |
Boatyard for the 16th century
A boatyard will be established Thursday in the actual area where, four and a half centuries ago, boats and ships were likely assembled and repaired. m
The St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation (SAMHF) will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony at 3 p.m. along the shore at the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, adjacent to the Mission of Nombre de Dios. These are areas where archaeologists have established the landing and first settlement of St. Augustine.
The ambitious goal of the citizen non-profit is to build two 16th century ships vital to exploration and support of early St. Augustine: the chalupa, a utility longboat used to off-load larger ships, and the caravel, the 65-foot workhorse of early fleets.
Foundation President Maury Keiser says, "We want to have the caravel built in public view, with local labor using the tools and designs of that period, and where residents and visitors can watch its progress."
Details on the mission of the maritime foundation here. | |
|
|
Holiday gifts
for that 1%
Getting your Christmas shopping list ready?
If you're among that 1%, how about the Classic Storefront Champion Ride? Just $6,500 in the Holiday catalog from Hammacher-Schlemmer.
Other thoughts: a Swiss music box, $25,300, and fingerprint-recognizing espresso machine ($3,200) that scans your print for your select cup of coffee.
Neiman-Marcus et al won't be far behind in holiday offerings, like handcrafted, bejeweled holiday cards from $395.00 to $4,000, a $2 million gold and diamond Monopoly game, an Opera $1.2 Million Tourbillon Watch - one of only 12 existing, or just a box of chocolates (Michel Cluizel, $895).
Check out 20 Over the Top Christmas Presents from 2010 and adjust for deflation. |
|
|
|
| |
Historical Society
The St. Augustine Historical Society is seeking volunteers Mondays through Fridays for the Oldest House Museum Store and to assist with tours of the González-Alvarez House National Historic Landmark, the Oldest House.
Tours focus on the residents who lived in the house during Spanish, British and American Territorial periods. Contact Jill at 824-2872.
Limelight Theatre
One way to get a free show is ushering at Limelight Theatre, "a fun, lively volunteer opportunity in a creative atmosphere surrounded by great people--both audience and behind the scenes," House Manager Joyce Hayes promises.
"Ushers attend to a variety of tasks including seating guests, answering questions and bartending, and enjoy many benefits including complimentary and discounted tickets," she says. Contact Joyce at 825-1164.
450 marathon
A free t-shirt, hat, and goody bag are bonuses for volunteers for the Miami Tri Events/ Columbia Restaurant St. Augustine Marathon November 19-20. Miami Tri Events will donate $10 per volunteer to organizations.
A water station competition is in the mix as well: each station will have a theme, and the most spirited water station will win the contest based on votes by the runners. Prizes: $1,500, $1,000 and $500. Visit the website. |
|
| |
Program Director Debi Redding of the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition assures us our homeless residents "look forward to receiving personal care items" at the special dinners hosted by its Continuum of Care program.
"Hotel soaps, lotions, shampoos, deodorants, razors, men's white work socks, washed clothing and the like are needed," she says. "Our supply has dwindled and the need increased."
The annual Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week Dinner is Thursday, November 17th, and Memorial Service and Candlelight Vigil for Homeless who have died during the year Thursday, December 15th. Both events begin at 5:30 pm at First United Methodist Church.
Items can be dropped off at 62 Chapin St. or 523 W. King St. Call 824-6623 for details. |
|
|
|
|
Helping hands for Lincolnville |
Lifelong Lincolnville resident Lennette Pembleton, at 87, is happy to have the help.
She's among the first selected for an ambitious Lift Up Lincolnville program initiated by Habitat for Humanity with support from the St. Johns Housing Partnership.
The list of potential candidates was provided to city Planning and Building Director Mark Knight by area ministers.
The Partnership's Lisa Rudi and Habitat volunteer Karen Stern visited Lennette last week to assess needs in exterior paint and landscaping.
Diane hopes to complete two homes before year's end, so the call is out for material donors and volunteers. Contact Diane 826-3252. |
|
Hundreds honor 'bravest heroes' |
Hundreds of active and veteran military and community turned out Sunday "to pay tribute to four of our nation's bravest heroes," as St. Johns Veterans Council Chair Bill Dudley put it in introducing the afternoon program at Anastasia Baptist Church.
Four area ex-Prisoners of War were interviewed for the premiere of a documentary film, Prisoners of War: Stolen Freedom, but several others in the audience stood to be recognized as ex-POWs.
The film is the fourth in a series produced by Coquina Crossing resident Michael Rothfeld's non-profit Florida Veterans Program and Projects, Inc. and featuring local veterans of WorldWar Two and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Visit the website. |
|
History's highlight
Another account of secret dungeon | |
3 years, 10 months to St. Augustine's 450th anniversary
This account, one of many on a reported dungeon in the Castillo de San Marcos (See Previous Issue September 6, 2011) is from Bloomfield's Illustrated Historical Guide, 1882.
In 1836 the terreplein of the northwest bastion fell in, revealing a dark and dismal dungeon. We have heard from the lips of a reliable person, still a resident of St. Augustine, and who was present at the time of the above accident to the fort, of the following facts:
 "I stood upon the edge and looked down into this dungeon, and there saw the complete skeleton of a human being, lying at full length, apparently on its back; the arms were extended from the body and the skeleton fingers were wide open; ... Encircling the wrists were iron bands, attached to which were chains fastened to a hasp in the coquina wall, near the entrance to the dungeon.
"One of the cages had partially fallen down from rust and decay, and human bones lay scattered on the floor. The other remained in its position, holding a pile of human bones. The latter cage and contents may be seen in the Smithsonian Institute at Washington."
We quote from Edwards's Guide of East Florida: "The story of the finding of iron cages inclosing human skeletons must lose its horrible interest when the following letter is read. It is an answer to one of mine of inquiry on the subject.
"'Sir: In reply to your letter of July 20th, we have to say that no objects such as those said to have been found in the dungeon of the old fort at St. Augustine have ever been received by us, although we are aware that the impression is otherwise. Truly yours, etc. Joseph Henry, Secretary Smithsonian Institute.'"
Image: The famous secret dungeon, Fort Marion, St. Augustine, Fla., Jacksonville Public Library.
Fascinating historical acounts in St. Augustine Bedtime Stories. Click for further information on the series. |
|
|
|
The St. Augustine Report is published weekly, with additional Reports previewing City Commission meetings as well as Special Reports. The Report is written and distributed by George Gardner, St. Augustine Mayor (2002-2006) and Commissioner (2006-2008) and a former newspaper reporter and editor. Contact the Report at gardner@aug.com |
|
|
