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Event to showcase historic Pearce Homestead
Date: February
07, 2007
By
Matt Murphy
News-Sun
FLORIDA - The Pearce Homestead has been the center of much discussion over the past months. And if anyone wants to see what all the fuss is about, Saturday would be a good time to find out.
The Pearce Homestead: Then and Now, an event designed to spotlight the historic property, will take place at 10 a.m. this Saturday. According to event organizer and Riverwoods Field Laboratory Director Loisa Kerwin, the event is designed for all ages to come out and learn more about the property.
"I am very excited to provide this opportunity for residents and families to learn about the Pearce Homestead, a Florida treasure," she said. "The Pearce family's rich history at the Homestead exemplifies the Heartland's pioneer, agricultural and ecological past and provides a valuable link to our future."
The event will also be a good opportunity to learn what life was like at the turn of the 20th century, Dr. Catherine Cornelius, chairwoman of the Highlands County Historic Preservation Commission, said.
"The Pearce Homestead provides a very clear picture of the past, when families had to be extremely self-sufficient and depend on the river for the majority of their transportation," Cornelius said. "The river, barn, and tiny schoolhouse are living historic examples of early life in Florida, and they help us understand our past and anticipate our future. Treasures such as this must be saved and made available to the public for their use and enjoyment."
The day's festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with a welcome, and Sam Harper will give an overview of the Florida Cracker Trail ride and distribute informational books about the historic trail.
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the historic property, and volunteers will be set up to talk about the history of each of the homestead's buildings. Cracker Cowboy Poet Hank Mattson will be the featured speaker at the event, presenting an oral history of the area as well as his collection of poems.
Arnold's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center out of Okeechobee will have native Florida wildlife on display, including a bobcat and alligators. Free pontoon boat trips will also be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Two trips, about an hour long each, will begin at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. About 20 spots are available for each trip, Kerwin said.
Area children will take center stage at 1 p.m. as the winners of the Florida History Poster Contest are announced. The winning posters, designed by local elementary and middle school students, will be on display throughout the property, and prizes will be presented to the young participants.
"We have received some very creative posters with approximately 25 student winners," Kerwin said.
The event will take place rain or shine, Kerwin said. Lunch will not be served during the afternoon's festivities, but visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Beverages and snacks, provided by local scout troops, will be for sale and picnic areas will be available.
The historic Pearce Home-stead is along the Kissimmee River, on the corner of U.S. 98 and County Road 721. Admission is free, and the event will last until 2 p.m. For details, call 462-0025.
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