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Listen: The Assorted Selections ProgramDiver Newt Perry hanging ornaments on underwater Christmas tree at Weeki Wachee Springs amusement park.
Image Number
Date Note
Rights
Collection
Geographic Term
Subject Term
Christmas parties
Decorative arts
Decoration and ornament
Holiday decorations
Christmas decorations
Christmas trees
Springs--Florida--Hernando County--Weeki Wachee
Amusement parks--Florida--Hernando County--Weeki Wachee
Skin diving
Skin divers
Underwater photography
Amusements--Florida--Hernando County--Weeki Wachee
Personal Subjects
Physical Description
General Note
Newt Perry worked as a performer and promoter for Silver Springs and managed Wakulla Springs before opening Weeki Wachee Springs, famed for its underwater mermaid shows, which Perry designed. He was also instrumental for the filming of MGM's "Tarzan Finds a Son!" (1939), originally titled "Tarzan in Exile", at Silver Springs and "Tarzan's Secret Treasure" (1941) at Wakulla Springs through his friendship with filmmaker Grantland Rice and actor-swimmer Johnny Weissmuller (who played Tarzan). He also influenced Universal Studio's decision to film the "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and its two sequels in Florida (including Wakulla and Silver Springs) as well as the hiring of local swimmer Ricou Browning to portray the Creature. Perry spent much of his later life working as a swimming instructor in Ocala, Florida.
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