Fascinating
"HENRY"
THE POLE VAULTING FISH
AS SEEN THROUGH GLASS BOTTOM BOATS
AT
BEAUTIFUL WAKULLA SPRINGS
JUST 15 MILES SOUTH OF TALLAHASSEE
STATE RT. 21
PH. BALL 8027
"henry"
THE POLE VAULTING FISH
Away back in the early days before athletic events were recorded in this country, a rare and unusual champion was discovered by the Indians and the few white ment engaged in gathering turpentine in this area. This champion was no less than a water mellon bass who performed his unusual feats in the crystal-clear waters of beautiful Wakulla Springs. In a few short years the stories of this unusual fish reached the far corners of the globe.
Henry, the fish, proved to be a pole vaulter. On command and sometimes just for his own amusemet, Henry would vault over a pole deep in the water of the spring.
Fishermen, thrill seekers, curiosity seekrs and doubters gathered at every season of the eyar to see Henry do his stuff. He never failed his audience and sometimes went over the pole as often as 200 times a day.
After Wakulla Springs became developed as a resort area, an understanding developed between the uncanny fish and the Negro guides. Today Henry will not perform for anyone else but the guides who maneauver glass-bottomed boats over the pole so visitors can watch his act.
A time of crisis occurred several years ago when prankish youngsters lowered a drag and stole Henry's pole. A new pole was lowered and everyone watched to see whether Henry would accept a substitute.
The crisis was heightened when it was noticed that the new pole had fallen in a spot hgiher than the old one. The guides used all their persuasive tactics and, at last, after five hours. Henry began to circle the pole. Three times he circled and then went over to the accompaniement of cheers from the humans watching from the surface. Henry has never since refused to perform.
What causes Henry to like pole vaulting has baffled many experts, but Henry remains silent.
Another strange aspect of Wakulla Springs is that at one time, when the earth was young, animals were trapped in the caves which are now far below water.
Many fossils and artifacts of early human clans in this are ahave been found by skin divers.
On exhibition at Wakulla Springs is a display of Mastadon bones in the Fountain Showcase. The Mastadon was an ancestor of the modern elephant and these fossil remains were found in Wakulla Springs. There also is a scale model of this prehistoric beast, with comparative model of people. Some bones are in the Gift Shop and some on display in the lobby.
[Map of Florida highlighting Tallahassee]
Wakulla Springs (Pointing to Tallahassee)
JUST 15 MILES SOUTH OF TALLAHASSEE
VISIT OUR
Dining Room
AND
HOTEL
OPEN YEAR 'ROUND
Listen: The Assorted Selections Program
