The strange story of "Henry" the vaulting fish, circa 1945

Springs

Tourism

Pamphlet on the story of Henry the vaulting fish as seen through the glass bottom boats at Wakulla Springs

State Library of Florida, Florida Ephemera Collection

1945 (circa)

pamphlets

eng-US

Text

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Postwar Florida (1945-1968)

Wakulla Springs (Fla.)

Wakulla County (Fla.)

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ca. 1960s

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Recreation and Environment

The Strange Story of "HENRY" The Vaulting Fish As seen through glass bottom boats at BEAUTIFAL WAKALLA SPRINGS Just South of Tallahassee (see inside for story of Henry)

"Henry"... The Pole Vaulting Fish! Away back in the early days before athletic feats were recorded, a rare and unusual champion was discovered by the Indians and the few white men engaged in gathering turpentine. This champion was no less than a water mellon bass who performed his unusual feats in the beautiful 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 had never failed year after year and sometimes as often as 200 times a day he would jump the pole. After Wakulla Spring become 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 prankish boys lowered a drag and stole Henry's favorite pole. There was great consternation 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 the pole. A great roar went up from all the people who had gathered 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 other side in a long graceful glide. Never again has Henry hesitated 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 offered reasons, but Henry refused to tell. Our only explanation lies in the feeble excuse that "Seeing is believing."

WAKULLA SPRINGS 16 MI. SOUTH OF TALLAHASSEE ON FLA. HIGHWAY 61 OPEN YEAR 'ROUND [Image of the map of Florida highlighting Wakulla Springs location]