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Listen: The Folk ProgramMary Dwight gives Santa (Newton Perry) an endearing hug for bringing gifts to the "mermaids" - Weeki Wachee, Florida.
Image Number
Date Note
Rights
Collection
Geographic Term
Subject Term
Wit and humor
Christmas parties
Santa Claus
Springs--Florida--Hernando County--Weeki Wachee
Amusements--Florida--Hernando County--Weeki Wachee
Amusement parks--Florida--Hernando County--Weeki Wachee
Performing arts--Florida--Hernando County--Weeki Wachee
Entertainers--Florida--Hernando County--Weeki Wachee
Synchronized swimmers
Underwater photography
Synchronized swimming
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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