THE FLORIDA SHOW - A Hula Hula Production

The April 30, 2006 show featured lectures by eminent
authors, historians and collectors, including: 

Lecture and book signing by

Charlie Carlson author of Weird Florida...
Your Travel Guide to Florida's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets

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Slide show, lecture and book signing by

R. Wayne Ayers author of
St. Petersburg: The Sunshine State
Tampa Bay's Gulf Beaches
Florida's Grand Hotels from the Gilded Age and
Tampa Bay's Gulf Beaches:
The Fabulous 1950's and 1960's

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Lecture and book signing by

Tim Dorsey author of
Stingray Shuffle
Florida Roadkill
Orange Crush
and many others

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Lecture and book signing by

Dr. Gary Mormino author of
Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams

Dr. Mormino discussed the rise of Florida from the
smallest state in the American South to a megastate, a
Sunbelt power with irresistible lure for retirees, immigrants,
Spring Breakers, dreamers and schemers" in his lecture
"Florida: From Old South to New South to Sunbelt."

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Plus, book signings by

William Moriaty author of
William Moriaty's FLORIDA

Larry Roberts author of
Florida's Golden Age of Souvenirs: 1890 to 1930

Kelly Reynolds author of
Henry Plant: Pioneer Empire Builder

Author Book Signings & Lectures!
 
Several other show highlights were featured at the
April  30, 2006 show.
Gary Mormino gave a talk on
"Florida: From Old South to New South to Sunbelt,"
and was also available for book signings of
Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams. 
His  book was available at the show through the
University Press of Florida, one of the exhibitors
carrying a large selection of Florida-related titles.

 Ever wonder where Florida's largest cement alligator
lies, or what town celebrates Christmas all year long? 
Then we hope you didn't miss the lecture and book signing
by Charlie Carlson, author of Weird Florida...
Your Travel Guide to Florida's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets. 
Mr. Carlson (aka Florida's Master of the Weird) provided his
unique insight into the Sunshine State's history, its myths,
and all things weird about kitschy Florida. 

Florida fiction writer Tim Dorsey (Stingway Shuffle,
The Big Bamboo, Triggerfish Twist, and others) was also 
on hand, providing his humorous insights into
Florida fiction and fact.  Thank you for joining us Tim!

Ever wonder where Florida's largest cement
alligator lies, or what town celebrates
Christmas all year long?  Then be sure and
attend the lecture and book signing by 
Charlie Carlson, author of Weird Florida...
Your Travel Guide to Florida's Local Legends
and Best Kept Secrets. 
Mr. Carlson (aka Florida's Master of the Weird)
will be appearing again at the
November 12, 2006 show,
providing his unique insight into the
Sunshine State's
history, its myths, and all things weird
about kitschy Florida.

During the November 12, 2006 Florida Collectibles & Vintage Memorabilia Show, Larry Roberts will be exhibiting and selling from his extensive collection of early Florida souvenirs and memorabilia.  Mr. Roberts is the author of the well-read history of Florida's souvenirs, Florida's Golden Age of Souvenirs: 1890-1930.

(Review below reprinted from the publisher, University Press of Florida)

As souvenirs become a recognized source for interpreting and appreciating the artistry of the past, this authoritative and beautifully illustrated guide to one of Florida’s least-known industries opens a new chapter in the study of the state’s history and culture.

More than 500 color illustrations in this lavish book showcase an incredible array of travel treasures purchased by Florida’s first tourists—primarily wealthy northerners—during the years 1890-1930, the golden age of Florida tourism, when souvenirs were works of art. Larry Roberts links the keepsakes to the state’s history and provides expert insights into the artistic quality of the items, elevating them above the category of mere collectibles.
Beginning with an overview of the developing years of tourism in Florida from 1820 to 1880, Roberts ties the souvenir industry to an account of the state’s settlement and the first great influx of tourists in the 1890s. These visitors were America’s first rich and famous, with a taste for elegance, and they eagerly purchased silver, china, and carved ivory items in refined designs and decorative motifs that rendered aspects of Florida ranging from picturesque wilderness to luxurious hotels.

In this excellent reference for institutional and individual collectors alike, Roberts discusses the appeal and describes the various manufacturing processes of wood carvings, figurines, prints, jewelry, pottery, glass and metal ware, and traditional scenic china and spoons. He also examines some types of memorabilia made exclusively by Florida artists, including the obscure alligator carvers of Jacksonville, whose finely crafted canes and corkscrews are highly regarded among contemporary folk-art collectors; Olive Commons, who captured the Florida wilderness in minute detail on porcelain; E. G. Harris and Esmond Barnhill, traveling photographers who hand-tinted and printed landscapes; and the Seminole Indians, who created the colorful handsewn dolls that they still sell today.