Cracker Town
By Judy Wanamaker
9 Feb 2009
In the quietest corner of the Florida State Fairgrounds, there is a re-creation of a settlement where time has stood still for over 100 years. The wonderful old buildings in this place have been transported from different parts of the state, and assembled and restored in a magical place called "Cracker Country". They are all over 100 years old; some well over, and some just over. They represent a time when Florida was inhabited by pioneers and settlers who lead a rather hard lifestyle. Reenactors in costumes of that time serve as guides. Others demonstrate the skills and crafts necessary during the 1800s and early 1900s. They sell their wares, which are made on the premises in their general stores to maintain Cracker Country.
These tough pioneers were selfsufficient individuals who faced challenges of survival every day. Most everything they had was made or grown within their settlement. Working together to make a cohesive community, they erected buildings to serve their common purposes, as seen in the accompanying photos.
9 responses
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Lynn H said (9 Feb 2009):
Judy, this is so well written and beautiful! I love all your photos with the story, but I think my favorite is the one you used as your main photo. You make the reader want to visit Cracker Country. Being a "native" Floridian myself, I know I sure would! If/when I ever get back to Florida, we must get together! :)
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Andrea Petersen gave props (9 Feb 2009):
Loved your well written essay and the great collection of pictures to go with your story...Each one of them are treasures...Well done Judy and you got my vote!
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Michael Ball gave props (9 Feb 2009):
Such a well written and intersesting story!! The photos are excellent! The B/W really depicts the feeling of such growing and tough era in our history!! Magnificent work!! My vote for sure!
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Susan Littlefield gave props (9 Feb 2009):
Judy you did a fabulous job, both in writing the essay and taking the photographs. I agree with Lynn....it does make you want to visit. Your essay is clear, concise, and really tells the story of the town. I'm so glad you put this together! Certainly gets my vote!!
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Judy Wanamaker said (9 Feb 2009):
Thanks, Lynn, Andrea, Michael, and Susan for suggesting I write this; and thanks for taking time to read it, prop it, and vote for it. I appreciate it very much.
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Deborah Downes gave props (10 Feb 2009):
Judy, I so agree with all the above comments. Your beautiful B&W images truly capture the feel of that bygone era. You definitely have my vote.
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Michael Adams gave props (10 Feb 2009):
Nicely done! Very nice set of photos. You have my vote!
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Sonia Adam Murray gave props (5 May 2009):
Very interesting and informative and accompanied by excellent b/w photos, a job well done Judy, I have to vote yes for this one too..
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Zerina Phillip gave props (22 Sep 2009):
Lovely photos. Nice essay. Wow! I missed this one. V
