Category: History

National Black Cat Appreciation Day

Debbie Roney Smith on

Tomorrow is National Black Cat Appreciation Day! Black cats have a long, varied history among the civilizations of the world. Black cats are positive omens for some cultures while symbolizing bad luck in others. Perhaphs the most prevalent lore around black cats here in the USA is their believed connection to witches. This supersition was brought to the United States by the Puritans; they believed that all black cats were shape-shifting witches. The fear was so strong it became common to burn black cats on Shrove Tuesday to protect one’s home from fires. 

Nowadays, black cats are just as treasured and precious as any of our beloved pets. However, they still face predjuce due to centuries of misconceptions; they are more likely to be euthanized at kill-shelters and are the least likely to be adopted. There are a number of studies demonstrating the “black cat bias.”

Celebrate black cats by: 

  • Sharing adoptable black cats on social media.
  • Volunteer time or resources to local shelters.
  • Adopt, don’t shop!
  • Share a fun fact about black cats. 

Greenwood is the Place to Be

Debbie Roney Smith on
Click on the image to visit the listing!

Nestled in a small yet private 0.87 acres, this 1930s home is located in the historic, Antebellum town of Greenwood. The home is within walking distance of the grocery store, a bank, a town park, and the oldest running hardware store in the county. The yard has established flowering trees and is partially fenced; the empty space has endless potential. It would fit everything from a wildflower patch to a water slide to a few fruit trees. The homeowner has updated many of the house’s features including replacing the front porch and installing a new septic system. They have also installed a new HVAC, blown insulation, and replaced the main water line from the street to the house.

Greenwood is a lovely town and a peaceful place to live. It has seven homes and one store that are eligible for the National Registry. The store, Pender Store, is open for business to this day. Many of the homes can be viewed from State Highway 71. Additionally, Greenwood is close to a number of parks such as Torreya State Park, Florida Caverns State Park, and Falling Waters State Park. Visit Greenwood or move here today!

Fort Clinch Candlelight Tour

Debbie Roney Smith on

Amelia Island’s historic Fort Clinch is hosting candlelight tours this August. Fort Clinch has unique architecture that features narrow ‘underground’ passages, spiral staircases, and old bunkhouses. The tour will be led by nothing but candles so you can experience a more accurate, historical atmosphere as you tour the fort with an expert guide. The candlelight tour begins 30mins after sunset; reservations are required. Come early to enjoy a gorgeous sunset on the Atlantic coastline. Learn more or reserve your spot by clicking here. 

Don’t Miss Beyond Van Gogh

Debbie Roney Smith on

Beyond Van Gogh is coming to Pensacola this August! From August 5th to September 9th, visit Building 6 at the Pensacola Interstate Fair to immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh. More than 300 of his works will be projected during this limited exhibit; the art will be rendered in more than 4 trillion pixels over 30,000 square feet of exhibit space. The exhibit will be truly immersive, spanning the floors and ceilings. The works are not simply rendered copies of the still paintings but living art, bending and moving to capture the life Van Gogh impeded in his works. The exhibit will be accompanied by a modern soundtrack of music and recitations of Van Gogh’s own letters. Learn more by visiting the Beyond Van Gogh website (click here). 

Naval Aviation Museum is BACK OPEN

Debbie Roney Smith on

The National Naval Aviation Museum is back open! It closed to the general public in the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The Museum is home to more than 4,000 artifacts and over 150 lovingly restored aircrafts. The selection includes aircraft representing the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. There are also cockpit trainers, flight simulators, and a large-screen, 4K theater experience. Visit July 25-26, August 1, 16, 22-23, or the 29th to enjoy the Blue Angels. Blue Angels demos include practice flights and an autograph session. Learn more by visiting the NNAM website here. 

 

Museum Collections Revealed

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Museum of Florida History and Florida Historic Capitol Museum is hosting a special event to showcase special works. The Unseen: Museum Collections Revealed will be held only on July 20th and August 17th. The special events will give guests a one-hour private tour featuring works usually not displayed to the public. The tour will also show guests the behind-the-scenes of museum curation: see how items are collected, processed, and cared for. These tours are open to only 10 guests per date; advance registration is required. Click here to reserve your spot. 

Greenwood: A Gorgeous Place to Call Home

Debbie Roney Smith on

The Town of Greenwood was established in 1824, though the area was settled earlier. A charming small town, it remains a largely historic Antebellum community. Incorporated in 1927, Greenwood is a burgeoning town that offers a peaceful atmosphere. The town has a rich history, especially in regard to the Civil War. For instance, in 1853, Greenwood attracted national attention when a slave managed to injure a plantation owner. After failing to escape, he chose to take his own life by diving headfirst down a well rather than be captured, whipped as punishment, and returned to slavery. The incident was widely publicized by abolitionist editors as evidence of the cruelty of slavery. 

Greenwood is also home to seven homes and one store that are eligible for the National Registry. The store, Pender Store, is open for business to this day. Many of the homes can be viewed from State Highway 71. Additionally, Greenwood is close to a number of parks such as Torreya State Park, Florida Caverns State Park, and Falling Waters State Park. Visit Greenwood or move here today!

4th of July (2023)

Debbie Roney Smith on

Happy Fourth of July!

Also known as Independence Day, the 4th of July has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. The celebration itself goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. Congress made it a federal holiday in 1870. The 1870 provision expanded to grant paid holiday leave to all federal employees in 1941. Nowadays, people celebrate with food, friends, family, and fireworks! Be sure to celebrate safely; never leave animals or children unattended when setting off fireworks, have a water hose on hand for accidents, and don’t play with fire if you’re drinking alcohol. Have a lovely holiday!

Father’s Day 2023

Debbie Roney Smith on

Happy Father’s Day! Did you know that Father’s Day wasn’t declared a national holiday until 1972? It was first introduced to Congress in 1913 but failed to gain tractor or public favor for quite some time. Public opinion scoffed at the idea of celebrating fathers as they did mothers – there was a perceived softness to mothers that the culture of the time didn’t associate with the more stoic, reserved role of fatherhood. In fact, former President Woodrow Wilson once referred to Mother’s Day as a way to recognize “that tender, gentle army – the mothers of America.”

Father’s Day gained traction in part because of the advocacy of Grace Golden Clayton and Sonora Smart Dodd. The Great Depression and World War II pushed Father’s Day into the cultural consciousness and helped the day become commercially important. Additionally, the changing roles of fathers clinched the deal for Father’s Day; the modern role of a father is growing evermore removed from its historical roots. Now, the day is spent celebrating fathers and father figures who provide critical support during a child’s life. There is a growing field of study showing the direct and indirect effects of fathers on children’s well-being.