Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Finale Event with Author Les Standiford

Flagler's train in the Keys-Last Train to Paradise

The Director of the Flagler Museum, John Blades, was the moderator at the Finale Event held on May 7th, 2012 at the Harriet Himmel Theater at City Place for the 'Read Together Palm Beach County Campaign'.  The guest speaker was Les Standiford, author of Last Train to Paradise



Harriet Himmel Theater at City Place
 



Pavilion with Flagler's Rambler
Image Credit: http://www.westpalmbeach.com/attractions/flaglermuseum/
 
This event was originally scheduled for the Henry Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, but due to the overwhelming response, the finale was moved to the Himmel Theater. Many were disappointed, as we were looking forward to have the 'Rambler' as the back drop for this event. See a picture above.



This is Flagler's Rambler as it sat outside by the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach for many years. It was always fun to tour the 'camper' like train car when we toured the museum. This is the same train car Mr. Flagler traveled in to Key West for the celebration of the new Overseas Highway.
Image Credit: http://www.westpalmbeach.com/attractions/flaglermuseum/
 

Les Standiford and his wife Kimberly

This is the Flagler Museum where Mr. Standiford did much of his research for his book.  He utilized many of the museum's archives, and finding many pictures covering the history of the Flagler Railroad.
Flagler Museum in Palm Beach as it looks today-built in 1902




Monday, August 6, 2012

Last Train to Paradise Discussion Group April 2012


'Engineer" Rogers talked about Henry Flagler, trains and the book, Last Train to Paradise.  This title was the Palm Beach County Reader Together choice during the Spring Term. Dr. Shepardson's and Professor Dilgen's classes joined in the discussion groups held in the Gallery at the LLRC April 11th and 13th.


Image Credit: http://alturl.com/gtth9
"Engineer" Rogers explained how human concerns were handled during this enormous endeavor, what our economy was like and what land issues were involved in the late 1800's and early 1900's in America, especially in Florida.

This map shows where Flagler's train traveled from Miami to Key West.  Named the "Eighth Wonder of the World"


Professor  Regina Dilgen, 'Engineer' Rogers and  Mrs. Nora Homan



Henry Flagler's 'Rambler' returning from Key West after the celebration 1912
Image Credit: State Archives of Florida #RC19458





Thank you to Mrs. Rogers for making the elaborate wall map.

Student from Professor Dilgen's class.




Trains to read about, trains to play with and trains to eat!


Thank you Mrs. Rogers for the delicious homemade 'train' cake and cute decorations.

Thank you 'Engineer' Rogers for a terrific 
and educational discussion!