Wakulla Springs

World's largest, deepest, most interesting spring

Florida

*Henry- the Pole Vaulting Fish

Nature's Underwater Fairyland

Wakulla Springs, just 15 miles south of Tallahassee

HOME OF "HENRY"

the Pole Vaulting Fish

"Seeing's Believing"

[Map of Florida, Wakulla Springs is starred]

Henry's Story

A WAY back in the early days before athletic feats were recorded, a rare and unusual champion was discovered by the Indians and the few whit emen engaged in gathering turpentine. This champion was no less than a watermellon bass who performed his unusual feats in the beatiful waters of Wakulla Springs. In a few short years the stories of this unusual fish reached the far corners of the world.

Fishermen, thrill seekers, curiosity seekers and just plain doubters, thronged at every season of the year to see Henry do his stuff. Henry has never failed year after year and sometimes as often as 200 times a day he would jump the pole.

After Wakulla Springs became developed, a great understanding grew between the negro guides and Henry. Today Henry will not perform for anyone else, and his show is so strenuous that he gets more than a workout from his daily exhibitions. A few years ago some pranksih boys lowered a drage and stole Henry's favorite pole. There was great cosnternation and much anxiety among the local population for fear that Henry might not accept a new pole. The new pole was lowered but fell in a spot at least five feet higher than the old one. The guides used all their persuasive tactics, but failed. For five straight hours Henry refused to come out of his submarine lair. Upon the sixth hour, patient Ed, the oldest of the guides, let out a cheer, for Henry was circling at the water's edge. Three times Henry circled before he made his silvery lunge for the new pole. Rising swiftly, turning on his side, he neatly cleared the pole, and fell away on the ohter side in a long graceful glide. Never again has Henry hestitated or refused to jump.

Henry is a member of the great Black Bass family. The reason for his continued performance is as baffling to us as it will be to you. Experts from everywhere have offered reasons, but Henry refuses to tell. Our only explanation lies in the feeble excuse that "Seeing is believing."

All about Wakulla Springs and Lodge

ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE is the beauty fo Wakulla springs... its waters blue as sapphire, surounded by moss-draped cypress trees whcih, reflected in the crystal clear depths, resemble bearded elves. The virgin forests of live-oak, magnolia and pine, completely encircling the Spring, form a natural setting that is richly primeval.

You will behold in utter fascination, through glass-bottomed boats, nature's underwater fairyland. Here you will see the world's largest, deepets and most interest spring of crystal clear clear water. Its basin covers an area of four and a half acres, reacing a maximum depth of 185 feet, yet objects are clearly visible at the deepest point, and this spring forms Wakulla River extending sixteen miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

Everyone who takes the boat trip marvels at the antics of "Henry- the pole vaulting fish" and the trained catfish which, heading the call of the boatman, perform their capers with remarkable enthusiasm.

An interesting legend of "Wakulla- the water of mystery" has been handed down through the years and is a part of our growing collection of Indian lore. While in seach of the Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon and his companions wintered at Wakulla Springs. Once when he and his band were bathing in the Spring, defying the wishes of the Indians, Ponce de Leon was so severely wounded that the waters of the spring were said to have turned red. The blood-stained arrow with which he was supposedly shot is in the permanent collection at the Lodge.

You will find romance not only in the jungle at Wakulla Springs but here interwoved into every part of life. In the spacious lounge one may converse with new-found friends or enjoy an after-dinner game of bridge. A stroll through the grounds were silvery moonlight plays upon the swaing magnolias and live-oaks, reveals the hushed romance and glamour of the forest night.

Whether you take your vacation for fun or rest, for langourous inactivity or spirited sport, completely air conditioned Wakulla Springs Lodge affords a new advanture in vacationing at extremely modest charges. The dining room features the finest food and excellent service in an attractive setting.

if you ahve felt the need of a change from the hurried, nerve- exhausting pace of our present-day urban life, come to Wakulla Springs for rest and rejuvination. The stimulating beauty of this natural refuge is one of never-ending delight.

Be Sure to bring your Camera!