Polk County, Florida, rests astride peninsular Florida's heartland, boasting a history and heritage that resonates with excitement, diversity and meaning. Within the county's boundaries, events and personalities have combined over the centuries to influence not only Polk's story, but also that of Florida, the South, and the United States.
Award-winning historian Canter Brown, Jr. relates in these pages Polk's saga from its earliest inhabitants to the verge of World War II. Utilizing many previously neglected primary and secondary sources, Brown traces in vivid detail the county's evolution from Indian hunting ground and refuge, to Free Black sanctuary, white frontier outpost--and, ultimately--wealthy enclave, agricultural Eden, and industrial center.
Along the way, personalities such as Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, Creek leader Osceola, President Andrew Jackson, future generals A. P. Hill, Stonewall Jackson, George G. Meade, and John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, cattle king Jake Summerlin, U. S. Senator Park Trammell, evangelist Billy Sunday, economist Roger Babson, Governor Spessard Holland, bank robber Hugh Gant and movie star Frances Langford join with countless others to surprise, delight and intrigue with fascinating stories of yesteryear.
In the Midst of All That Makes Life Worth Living: Polk County, Florida, to 1940 was commissioned by the Polk County Historical Association. The book is being promoted and distributed in cooperation with the Center for Florida History at Florida Southern College and the Florida Southern College Bookstore. For more information, call Dr. James. M. Denham, Director, Center for Florida History at (863) 680-4312 or e-mail him at jdenham@flsouthern.edu.
The book is available for $45.00 and $4.95 shipping. Florida residents will need to add 6% sales tax. To purchase the book, contact njohnson@flsouthern.edu or visit http://flsouthern.bkstore.com and click on the Feedback tab, or call (863) 680-4186.
Canter Brown, Jr. has written numerous works on Florida history and received the Florida Historical Society's Rembert W. Patrick Book Award and the Certificate of Commendation of the American Association for State and Local History. Brown has taught at Florida A&M University.
Reviews
"Canter Brown has done an excellent job of chronicling the history of Polk County through 1940. He has captured the essence of Polk as it struggled through its early history. Thanks to Dr. Brown for creating this fascinating and readable book."
Thomas L. Reuschling
President 1994-2004
Florida Southern College
"Too often historians neglect the rich diversity that lies behind local heritage. Canter Brown's work has turned this unfortunate reality on its head. This book reveals true human experience in all its complexities and color."
Larry Eugene Rivers
Distinguished Professor of History
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
"Canter Brown, Jr.'s excellent new book documents with great narrative skill Polk County's transition from cattle frontier to its leadership in citrus and phosphate on the Second World War's eve. A county that produced such state and national leaders as Park Trammell, James Van Fleet, Spessard Holland, and Lawton Chiles has an able historian in Brown, who demonstrates that Polk's contribution to the state and nation is huge. It is a history from which all Americans can learn."
James M. Denham
Professor of History and Director of
the Center for Florida History
Florida Southern College
"Canter Brown, Jr. is one of Florida's most prolific historians. He has hit the jackpot again with this account of the settlement, growth and development of history-rich Polk county. The research and writing is first-rate. Depicted are many of Florida's most colorful and important personalities, past and present."
Samuel Proctor, Professor Emeritus
University of Florida and former Editor of
the Florida Historical Quarterly
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