The earliest built environments at springs were created by Florida’s indigenous people in the form of shell mounds and middens. In the 1800s visitors of European descent began coming to the state, taking steamboats to Silver Springs, and stopping at health spas at mineral springs. In the age of the automobile, springs became roadside attractions with underwater theaters and water-skiing elephants. Today many springs are recreational resources, widely used by the public. Through the use of detailed archival images, this presentation will examine the lessons of the past as well as the challenges of the future.

Rick Kilby, Author Florida’s Healing Waters: Gilded Age Mineral Springs, Seaside Resorts, and Health Spas

Held at the Lynn Business Center at Stetson University
(345 N. Woodland Blvd.) during the Preservation on Main Street Conference