Title
Letter from May Mann Jennings to Governor Millard Caldwell, 1945
Subject
Parks -- Florida -- Everglades
National parks and reserves -- Florida -- Everglades
Protected areas -- Florida -- Everglades
Description
Letter from May Mann Jennings to Florida Governor Millard Caldwell listing her qualifications to serve as managing director of the Florida Everglades National Park Commission.
Creator
Jennings, May Mann, 1872-1963
Source
State Archives of Florida, Series S576
Identifier
s576_b025_f01_x01
Coverage
Postwar Florida (1945-1968)
Florida during World War II (1939-1945)
Transcript
1651 Main St.
Jacksonville, Fla. 6
February 15, 1945
PERSONAL
Governor Millard Caldwell,
State Capital,
Tallahassee, Fla.
My dear Governor Caldwell:
It was very gratifying to know that the first step had been taken towards the creation of the Everglades National Park.
I had the privilege of serving on the Florida Everglades National Park Commission for four years, previous to Mr. Cone's administration. He was not in sympathy with the project, beyond the appointment of a friend, who drew a salary as Managing Director and did nothing.
I handled all the legislation authorizing the transfer of State Lands to the Department of [the] Interior, National Park Service, creation of the Florida Everglades National Park Commission and the securing of the appropriations to carry on the work of the Commission - paying my own expenses while in Tallahassee attending the sessions.
At the time I was a member of the Commission the Collier interest and the Florida East Coast R.R., Model Land Co., would have given practically all of their holdings, but less than practically all of the Glades for a National Park was opposed by Ernest F. Coe, then Executive Secretary of the Commission, which was absurd, and the opportunity of securing these great gifts of land was lost.
During Governor Holland's administration I made application for appointment as managing Director of the Everglades National Park Commission. Senator Graham of Dade Co. still sponsoring the reappointment of Mr. Coe.
There should be a file in the Governor's office of letters of endorsement from prominent persons and two Boards of County Commissioners of Duval County and Pinellas County, recommending my appointment by Governor Holland, as Managing Director of the Everglades National Park Commission, to which I would be glad to have you refer. If these have been destroyed I would be glad to submit my files of copies for your inspectiion, although it is not complete as many letters were sent direct to the Governor.
I do not know if you have in mind the continuation of the Commission but I am asking your consideration of my name as Managing Director of the Everglades National Park Commission, if you do.
You already know that as President of the Florida Federation v [sic]
-2-
Governor Caldwell
of Woman's Clubs, I was the founder of Royal Palm State Park in 1915 which was the only State Park Florida has for 21 years and all of that time I had charge of it. By resolution, I presented at one of the Federation Conventions, the Park was to be deeded to the U.S. Dept. of [the] Interior, National Park Service, if and when the creation of the Everglades National Park became assured. This Park has 4,000 acres, State grant, except a 960 acre gift from Mrs. Henry M. Flagler (Lillie Keenan). I was instrumental in having the Federal Government make a Plant and Bird Survey of the area, both of which were published. I secured the services of a C.C.C. Camp of 200 men for 7 1/2 months with an expenditure of $220,000 and then got the transfer of the Camp to the State Aboretum near Sebring.
In my position as first Vice President of the General Federation of Woman's Clubs with headquarters in Washington, on the Board of Directors for six years and a member of the Executive Committee for four years, I canvassed fifteen States in the interest of the passage of the Congressional Act authorizing the creation of the Everglades National Park by the Department of [the] Interior, National Park Service. You have known me over a long period and of my knowledge of the Everglades and its development, since Governor Jennings' message to the Legislature recommending the Drainage and his work with the Trustees of the I.I. Board through several administrations. Senator John Mathers, who is interested in my appointment, instructed me to say that you could refer to him.
I have been connected with many other activities for the up-building of the State, as you know, and you can be assured of my full co-operation at all times.
With appreciation for your consideration and all good wishes for you and yours, I am
Sincerely yours,
[signature]
Mrs. W.S. Jennings
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