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C-03. Florida Environment and Natural History Collections

 Record Group
Identifier: C-03
As a strategic collecting area, Special Collections seeks Environmental and Natural History Research Collections that further understanding of environmental history of both Florida and beyond. Collections including, but not limited to, materials about the State of Florida, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico will strengthen existing holdings of Audubon Florida and the pioneering ornithologist Robert Porter Allen.

Found in 30 Collections and/or Records:

Al Hackett papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1980-01
Abstract

The Al Hackett papers include photographs, correspondence, and selected articles on topics pertaining to Florida's natural environment.

Dates: Created: 1961 - 1980

Audubon Everglades Science Center research materials

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2016-01
Abstract This collection reflects decades of ecological research undertaken by Audubon Florida at the Everglades Science Center in Tavernier, Florida. Boxes 1 and 2 of the collection represent the earlier history of the research center, including the following two studies, primarily conducted by Alexander Sprunt: I. Life Studies of the White-crowned Pigeon in the Florida Keys and the Caribbean; II. Endangered Species Act - Laws, Regulations, Literature. The remaining boxes are comprised of research...
Dates: Created: 1956-1998; Other: Date acquired: 00/00/2016

Audubon Florida Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary records

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2020-03
Content Description The records of Audubon Florida's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a site which had been protected by Audubon wardens since the 1910s. With no interest from the state in preserving the area, Audubon Florida founded the sanctuary in the mid-1950s. From an initial 5,000 acres, it was expanded to more than 13,000 acres. It is especially notable for its bald cypress forest and cypress domes, the only part of the original Fakahatchee cypress strand in the area to be preserved from logging, which...
Dates: Majority of material found within 1955 - 2019

Audubon Florida records

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2014-01
Abstract

Contains records kept by Audubon Florida and Texas, mostly warden reports on prominent nesting areas. Also included is a collection of glass lantern slides.

Dates: Created: 1900-1970; Other: Date acquired: 03/01/2014

Audubon Florida's Coastal Islands Sanctuaries collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2016-02
Abstract This collection consists of materials related to the Audubon Society’s Florida Coastal Island Sanctuaries, whose mission is the protection of the great colonial waterbird populations of the Florida coast, and the natural systems that support them. Materials in this collection include reports from wildlife wardens, Florida sanctuaries, Texas sanctuaries, Whiskey Stump, Green Island, Tavernier, and the Florida Keys. Logs and studies in this collection report on bird populations, landscape...
Dates: Created: 1918-1995; Other: Majority of material found in 1944-1995; Other: Date acquired: 00/00/2016

Barbara J. Schmidt Egmont Key research collection

 File
Identifier: MS-2021-03
Content Description This collection contains research records about Egmont Key compiled by Barbara Schmidt in the course of research about Egmont Key, with an emphasis on the modern military history of the site. The records, many of which are reproduced from originals in the Smithsonian and other places, provide insight into the management of the site by the U.S. armed forces, the personnel who served there, its role in public health, its defenses and structures (including Fort Dade), and those who were buried...
Dates: Majority of material found within 1990-2020

Bill Fehring slide collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2015-01
Abstract

The Bill Fehring collection is composed of slides and photos that document the ecological health of the Tampa Bay area.

Dates: Created: 1978-1997; Other: Majority of material found in 1991-1997; Other: Date acquired: 00/00/2015

Dr. Garald Gordon Parker collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1988-05
Scope and Contents Following Garald Parker’s long career in Florida hydrology, his materials focus almost exclusively on groundwater resources in southern Florida. The “Papers” boxes cover articles and other writings by Parker, along with the “Publications" boxes, which include other writings Parker collected. The “Projects” boxes are arranged around certain cases and may contain correspondence, reports, or court documents. Two other boxes deal with extensive materials Parker collected relating to two court...
Dates: Created: 1939-1990; Other: Majority of material found in 1970-1987

Dr. John Ogden Caribbean and Coral Reef collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2020-02
Content Description

The Ogden collection is being donated in pieces, and original order will be maintained. Currently, the library has Binders 4, 7, 9, 12, 13, 23.

Dates: Other: First donation acquired in 2020.

Florida Audubon Society Slide Collection

 Collection — Papes; slides
Identifier: A57
Abstract

This collection consists of slide presentations, photographs, video tapes, bird reports, and promotional and educational materials from the Florida Audubon Society. The materials in this collection document local bird life, conservation projects, and infrastructure issues, as well as environmental initiatives specific to the Florida Audubon Society branch.  Most of all, the slides document the educational efforts of the Audubon Society in Florida, specifically in the Tampa Bay region.

Dates: Created: 1900-2005; Other: Majority of material found in 1960-2005; Other: Date acquired: 01/01/2015

Florida Ornithological Society records

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2022-02
Abstract This collection comprises the records of the Florida Ornithological Society (FOS). The FOS collection includes correspondence, photographs, bird counts, bird banding records, FOS newsletters, rare bird sighting alerts, field notes, manuscripts, audio cassette tapes, films, and administrative records. Many of the photographs and audio cassette tapes document the people and events which occurred at FOS biannual meetings. The collection also houses several series of personal and field...
Dates: 1934-2020; Majority of material found within 1970 - 2020

Frank M. Dunstan slide collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2015-03
Abstract

This collection contains slides showcasing the natural habitat of the Tampa Bay Area, along with local bird life.

Dates: Created: 1973-1989; Other: Majority of material found in 1973-1976; Other: Date acquired: 00/00/2015

Hampton Dunn collection of Florida postcards

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1981-02
Scope and Contents

This collection contains approximately 16,100 postcards that represent Florida's culture, environment and history. Postcards depict a variety of images, such as beaches, streets, hotels and government buildings, plants, landmarks, and tourist attractions. The collection primarily consists of postcards from the first half of the twentieth century. Many have been postmarked and mailed.

Dates: Created: 1900-1985

Harry Robinson Bird Migration Studies, Florida

 Collection — Annual reports
Identifier: MS-2016-06
Abstract This collection consists of publications relating to a bird migration study conducted by Harry Robinson. Robinson has been conducting research in the eastern half of Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area since August 15, 1998. Thus far, Robinson has published annual reports for the first sixteen years of his study of the 10,000 acre Central Florida reserve. Additionally, he has published three five-year reports. His study is currently ongoing and further publications of his research are...
Dates: Created: 1998-2017; Other: Date acquired: 09/28/2016

Hillsborough County Department of Museums Maritime History project collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1979-03
Scope and Contents

Collection consists of the research files of the Hillsborough County Department of Museums developed under the Florida Maritime Research Grant, or PSE VI. The files contain photographs, news articles, brochures, pamphlets, publications, directories, book listings, and other materials. The content of the files covers a wide range of subjects, including steamboats, historic ships, shipwrecks, the commercial fishing industry, the Port of Tampa, and the Tampa Port Authority.

Dates: Created: 1947-1978; Other: Date acquired: 04/30/1979

Hollins family papers

 File
Identifier: MS-2021-01
Content Description

Papers of Dixie Hollins family and estate, focusing on business records related to holdings in St. Petersburg and Crystal River areas of Florida, primarily from the 1920s until the 1980s. These business interests include the Pasadena Golf/Country Club, St. Petersburg Printing Company, various municipal bonds, residential properties, and especially the Hollinswood Ranch estate situated near Crystal River, Florida.

Dates: Majority of material found in 1900-2000

IMC Agrico Phosphate Company collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1995-01
Scope and Contents

The collection includes annual and semi-annual reports, memos, property holding records, inventories, histories, correspondence, memoranda, and publications (1903 to the 1920s).  Photographs (1904 to c. 1972) depict company structures and mining and dredging operations in Florida.  Also includes records of the segregated public schools for White and African American children in the “company town” of Pierce (1936-1943).

Dates: Created: 1890-1960; Other: Date acquired: 09/18/1995

Jan K. Platt papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1996-08
Scope and Contents

The Jan K. Platt Papers focus on environmental concerns, regional development, operating budgets, and public services, such as libraries and welfare, within Hillsborough County. This collection also includes correspondence, memorandum, and reports from the numerous boards, authorities, and commissions that Platt chaired and served on, in addition to miscellaneous campaign ephemera.

Dates: Created: 1974-2004; Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1996

Jessie C. Rohrer collection

 Collection
Identifier: R08
Scope and Contents

The collection consists of title abstracts relating to the Rohrer’s property in Tampa.  Also includes Rohrer’s journal (ca. 1916 - ca.1959) which contains an account of the 1921 Tampa hurricane and an account of the flood resulting from the breaking of the Hillsborough River dam in 1933.

Dates: Created: 1891-1987; Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1997

Karst studies collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2007-05
Abstract

This collection contains several French and English journals that detail cave exploration and other subterranean studies.

Dates: Created: 1946-1989

King Brothers papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2009-04
Scope and Contents

The collection includes such materials as business transactions, including sale of cattle and real estate, and correspondence regarding the family's involvement with state agricultural legislation.

Dates: Created: 1901-1923; Other: Majority of material found in 1923

Lorida Audubon collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2016-08
Abstract

This collection is composed of records from Audubon Florida's station at Lorida near Sebring. These include environmental reports, documents concerning conflicts with neighbors and violators, internal correspondence, and information on the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.

Dates: Created: 1935-2010; Other: Majority of material found in 1980-2010; Record Keeping: Acquired: 04/01/2016

Lue Gim Gong collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1988-07
Scope and Contents

The collection primarily consists of photographs of Lue Gim Gong with the Burlingame family, the citrus grove in DeLand, and the many visitors who came to the family home. Also includes newspaper clippings, legal papers, and a Bible study journal.

Dates: Created: 1886 - 1935; Event: Acquired

Richard "Skip" Davis collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2015-06
Abstract

A collection of geological photographic slides that display locations in North America, Central America, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean.

Dates: Created: 1977-1999

Rita B. and James Lassiter botany collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2016-09
Abstract

This Rita B. and James Lassiter botany collection primarily contains publications, writings, photographs, and pictures of John Kunkel Small. These items focus on botanical subjects, as well as natural environments of the United States and the Bahamas.

Dates: Created: 1895-1975; Other: Date acquired: 01/28/2016

Robert Porter Allen Audubon collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2015-09
Abstract This collection consists of the research materials of renowned ornithologist field researcher Robert Porter Allen at the Audubon Society's Everglades Science Center in Tavernier, which he founded and directed.  While doing research for the Audubon Society, Allen researched and wrote extensively on the flamingo, roseate spoonbill, and whooping crane, among others.  His groundbreaking research on the whooping crane, including his identification of Canada's Slave Lake as the crane's northern...
Dates: Created: 1920-2000, predominantly 1930-1963. ; Other: Date acquired: 12/01/2015

Roy Robin Lewis papers

 Collection — Documents
Identifier: MS-2014-10
Abstract

The Roy Robin Lewis Collection contains books, reports, and field note books pertaining to environmental factors in South Florida, dates range from 1957- 1963.

Dates: Created: 1957- 1963; Other: Majority of material found in 1957- 1963

Skip Gandy commercial and aerial photography collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2010-02
Abstract

The Gandy papers consist mostly of negatives of commercial and aerial photography, but also includes prints and digital materials.  Only the negatives, which comprise the bulk of the materials, have been fully processed.

Dates: Created: 1950-2010; Other: Date acquired: 12/01/2010

Walter P. Fuller papers

 Collection — Manuscripts; correspondence; photographs
Identifier: MS-1987-01
Scope and Contents

Materials consist of correspondence, manuscripts, newspaper clippings, and photographs. The collection relates primarily to Fuller's activities as a real estate developer during and after the Florida land boom. Subjects covered include farming, fish, Florida natural history, Florida population and economy, geology, hurricanes, the New Deal, and real estate in Cuba, Levy County, Melbourne, Ocala and Sarasota County.

Dates: Created: 1800-1973; Other: Majority of material found in 1918-1973; Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1987