Category Archives: Roadtrip

Abandoned Bongoland

13 Friday Aug 2021

Posted by in Abandoned America, Florida, Road Trip, Roadside Attractions, Roadtrip

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Bongoland was a roadside attraction that operated between 1948-1952. It was the brainchild of Dr. Perry Arthur Sperber (1907-1996), who leased the land in Port Orange, Florida from Daytona car dealer J. Saxon Lloyd. It was doomed from the beginning.

Florida has a long and rich cultural history, and Port Orange is no exception. Situated south of Daytona Beach, the area saw Franciscan monks founding the Lost Mission from 1602-1625. The coquina shell walls of the mission are in ruins yet explorable today. (They failed at persuading the Native American Indians to convert to Christianity.) In 1763, the English Crown deeded 101,400 acres to Dr. Andrew Turnbull, who exploited the land and the slave labor.

Bahamian native Patrick Dean purchased 995 acres in 1804, establishing a plantation. He was killed by the Seminole Indians in 1818 during the First Seminole War. The land passed via will to his aunt, Cicely Green Bunch, whose husband was Patrick’s uncle and owned adjacent property. According to records, it appears that Cicely predeceased Patrick and her share went to her grandson upon her husband’s death. The grandson by then was Admiral John Bonnemaison Bunch McHardy, who favored the military over farming. He sold the plantation to Joseph and Charles Lawton on May 3, 1832. Later that year, the brothers sold it to Sarah Petty Dunn Anderson for $4,500. Sarah’s sons, James and George, ran it for three years. It was during this time that the land became known as Dunlawton.

Dunlawton burned during the Second Seminole War, 1835-1842. By 1838, it was rebuilt, only to burn down again in 1856 during the Third Seminole War, 1855-1858.This time the plantation was under new ownership. John F. Marshall paid $8,000 for the land on September 18, 1846. Marshall attempted to bring the plantation back to life, only to fail. He decided to lease the property with a right to purchase to Charles P. Vaux, who also failed, in 1853, and the property reverted back to Marshall in 1855. Upon the third and final burning, the plantation ceased to be agriculturally viable.

The Civil War interrupted the timeline, as Confederate troops used the property for camping. After the Confederates lost and surrendered, Marshall was able to locate a buyer, attorney William Dougherty, who sought to subdivide the land and sell it piece by piece. The last person to own the property was Joseph Saxon Lloyd (1907-1991). Somehow Dr. Sperber was able to pitch the idea of building huge dinosaurs amongst the fauna, set up a Seminole Indian village, and small zoo in an attempt to lure vacationers traveling by car to stop in. A baboon named “Bongo” gave the attraction its name: Bongoland.

Manuel David “Manny” Lawrence was a sculptor and cement worker. He created the dinosaur statues, of which 4 survived (spoiler coming). Manny build a 42-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex; 30-foot Stegosaurus; 25-foot Triceratops; and an 8-foot Dimetrodon. His work was known throughout the area as he worked at the Museum of Natural History in Holly Hill, Florida. Manny died in 2003 at the age of 79.

Advertising the park was expensive and ultimately led to its closure. Although the live animals were removed, the dinosaurs remained. In 1963, Lloyd donated the entire property to Volusia County. In 1972, it was added to the Florida Historical Registry. The Botanical Gardens of Volusia, Inc. began maintaining the property in 1988. The Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens are a unique place. Even though the plantation and mission and odd mini zoo are gone, the county realizes the interest it generates. It is one of a few abandoned locales that encourages people to explore. Call ahead to check on seasonal hours.

Dr. Perry A. Sperber wasn’t finished with dinosaurs. In 1970, he published Sex and the Dinosaur, where he theorized that animals are direct ancestors to the dinosaurs. Before his death on October 4, 1996, Dr. Sperber made the rounds discussing Bongoland and his book.

And now for the spoiler: In 2019, the T-Rex crumbled and fell. Apparently, it is unable to be salvaged and restored; however, several groups have offered assistance. Decades of extreme Florida weather claimed the mighty dinosaur.

Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens are located at 950 Old Sugar Road, Port Orange, Fl, https://www.dunlawtonsugarmillgardens.org/index.html. Let me know if you visit!

Skunk Ape: Florida’s Bigfoot

25 Saturday Jul 2020

Posted by in Cryptids, Cryptozoologist, Mysterious Creatures, Road Trip, Roadside Attractions, Roadtrip, Skunk Ape

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The Skunk Ape Headquarters in Ochopee, FL.

As far back as the 1920s, wildlife trappers and fishermen whispered stories of sighting a 7-foot-tall, ape-like bipedal creature lurking in the swamps of Florida. One such sighting was reported at Quednau Ranch, Charlotte County, when a Boy Scout Troop was camping in the area on August 15, 1962 (The incident wasn’t reported until years later, though.) The number of sightings picked up through the 70s and 80s and now total 328, according to The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, bfro.net. By then, the creature had a name: Skunk Ape.

The Pensacola News (August 9, 1971) issue carried the story of H.C. Osbon. H.C. and 4 friends were in the Big Cypress Swamp, officially known as the Big Cypress National Preserve, digging for Native Indian artifacts. At 3 AM, the men were inside their tents when they heard a noise. They decided to investigate and saw a 7’ 700-pound creature. The next morning, they found tracks measuring 17 ½ inches. They made plaster molds. From the tracks, Osbon theorized there were at least three apes. The article concluded with Osbon vowing to return for more evidence.

By 1974, Skunk Ape fever was spreading, and people were venturing into the swamp to catch a glimpse. One such person was then 10-year-old Dave Shealy. He and his brother, Jack, were able to spot one standing 100’ away. Dave had found his passion; he would build a career around the Skunk Ape.

Ochopee (pronounced “O-Chopp-ee”) sits at the intersection of US 41 and State Road 29 within the Big Cypress Swamp, a 720,000 acre federally protected preserve established on October 4, 1974. Ochopee is in unincorporated Collier County. Big Cypress sits within 3 counties: Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade. Ochopee is also home to Shealy’s Skunk Ape Research Headquarters, located at 40904 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, Florida.

The Seminole and Miccosukee Indian tribes traveled and resided within this area. They also tell tales of the Skunk Ape, although he is known by several names: Skunk Ape, Swamp Ape, Bigfoot, Sasquatch, and the Florida Yeti. Skunk Ape is the one that stuck. It is said that the name refers to the strong odor, presumably sweat and animal carcass, exuding from the creatures.

Stories continue, as do the descriptions. In 1997, Jan Brock, local realtor, and Vince Doerr, Chief Ochopee Fire Control District, individually spotted a bipedal creature. Doerr was able to capture the creature on film. Both described a 7-foot, red-haired creature possibly weighing around 400 pounds. It is also reported that the creatures only have 4 toes per foot.

Vince Doerr image from 1997.

According to Dave Shealy, the apes eat conch, little lobsters, and lima beans.

The non-stop building in Florida may be encroaching on the natural habitat; therefore, the cryptids may be heading into the larger swamps, where they can hide—possibly inside alligator holes—and avoid humans. Air boats have made it easier for humans to go out in search of the apes. To date there have been 325 sightings in Florida. Although there isn’t definitive evidence, such as a carcass, this does not necessarily make the Skunk Ape a figment of people’s imaginations. It certainly hasn’t curbed the interest in sighting such creatures.

Strega Nona (1975) Distinguished Banned Book about a Good Witch

01 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Banned Books, Roadtrip, Witchcraft

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As we celebrate the art and life of Tomie dePaola, who died Monday at the age of 85, let’s discuss why one of his most famous books is also a frequently banned book in the U.S. Strega Nona is the main character in this popular series. Literally, her name translates from Italian to mean “Grandma Witch.” In the first book, Strega Nona practices white—or good—witchcraft. She helps the townspeople in Calabria, Italy. Strega Nona is a hero we still need.

The book is an Italian American folktale written and illustrated by Tomie, who was of Italian American descent. Tomie based his main character on his grandmother, Concetta. In the book, the aging Strega Nona employs Big Anthony to help her with her chores. Big Anthony watches Strega Nona cast spells. One day, Big Anthony attempts to cast a spell; however, unbeknownst to him, he forgot one critical part. No worries! Strega Nona saves the day.

Strega Nona is banned because of the use of magic and witchcraft. Unfortunately, the people who call for the ban are short-sighted in their “wisdom.” The book emphasizes that everything is magic. It sends a positive message to children. These people also ignore Tomie’s deep religious beliefs. Raised Catholic, Tomie are “infused with the sense of spiritual” (https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2018/10/09/tomie-depaolas-books-help-us-find-sacred-stories-service-and-stillness).

Look at his artistic style in his books. Author Kerry Weber suggests that these are stained glass imagery, harkening to the religious iconography in most Catholic churches.

By banning these types of books, people are restricting children’s imaginations. To survive in life requires imagination. And Strega Nona is a book to make us feel good with humanity.

Winchester Mystery House Offers Free Virtual Tours

22 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by in Antiques, Architecture, Famous Locations, Famous People, History, Residences, Road Trip, Roadside Attractions, Roadtrip, Winchester Mystery House

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The Winchester Mystery House (WMH) is presently closed for tours while we isolate for COVID-19; however, you can watch a 41-minute tour of the property. The video is entertaining with lots of historical perspective and facts woven into the story.

Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester (1840-1922) was a wealthy woman known for continually renovating her home in San Jose, California. Back East, Sarah was known as the “Belle of New Haven” and was a desirable—and wealthy—woman in New Haven, Connecticut. On 1862, she married William Wirt Winchester (1837-1881), the only son of Oliver Winchester, owner of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Tragedy befell the young couple. Four years into marriage, the couple welcomed Annie Pardee Winchester into the world on June 15, 1866. Forty days later, on July 25, Annie succumbed from marasmus. The couple would not have any more children.

Sarah and William’s marriage struggled. Sarah’s father-in-law Oliver died, leaving William to handle the entire business. Within a year after Oliver’s death, William died from TB at the age of 44. Sarah inherited $20 million dollars in cash, plus 3,000 shares in the business. Her daily income was $1,000, which would be roughly $26,000 per day. Sarah was a very wealthy woman.

Sarah sought to live near Pardee family members, choosing to move to California. The young widow, presumably age 41, purchased an 8-room farmhouse that sat on 161 acres in California. Sarah worked every day hiring contractors, employees, and gardeners to fashion one of the largest and most mysterious homes in America.

The Winchester Mystery House documentary does a decent job guiding virtual tourists around the property. An interesting fact: Sarah stood 4 feet 10 inches tall. Therefore, some of the strange or odd building features are built for a woman of her size.

Sarah had the financial ability to indulge in extravagances. She loved to garden; therefore, it seems reasonable that she would have 2 conservatories: One to the North and the other to the South.

She had 6 kitchens. However, a couple were used for her large staff. Between 41-43 people worked and lived on the property. It is said that Sarah paid her employees well above minimum wages.

The video exaggerates a few items. The series could have gone into the more plausible theories about Sarah’s fascination on renovating the house. For instance, there isn’t any historical record of Sarah being a member of an occult group or visiting a psychic who supposedly told her to build a house across the country to confuse the spirits of people killed by the Winchester guns. These are merely anecdotes.

The question people want answered is: Why? Why did she keep on building? We will never know. Nor will we know if the “Séance Room” (as it is called in the documentary) was actually used for seances. Only one person—Sarah—had access to the room. She sat alone in the room. Sure, the room is designed a bit odd, that doesn’t mean that she held seances there. In fact, it shows she wouldn’t. Instead, I proffer that the room was more for meditation and prayer.

What we do know is that she liked to build rooms and used the most expensive materials available. Her favorite stained-glass pattern was the Spider’s Web, possibly purchased through Tiffany’s. And, boy, there are a lot of stained-glass windows in the house.

Twenty-two years into the project, and the house was 7 stories high. After the April 18, 1906 San Francisco earthquake, several top floors became unstable and were compromised. Today, the house has 4 stories.

The site offers pre-sale tickets for when the property re-opens on April 7. Take a look, https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/. It was very satisfying.

Dark Tourism: Ghost Village of Al Madam

07 Friday Feb 2020

Posted by in Dark Tourism, Djinn, Roadtrip

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Thirty-seven miles from Dubai sits a small experimental town that has been reclaimed by the elements. Known as “Ghost Village,” “Old Village,” or “Buried Village,” this abandoned hamlet holds many mysteries.

Built during the 1970-80s, the town was conceived as permanent housing for nomadic tribes. The UAE (United Arab Emirates founded on December 2, 1971) sought to built towns for the Bedouin or Bedu tribes. One such town was built outside of Al Madam.

The “Ghost Village” consists of two rows of houses and one mosque. The colorful interiors contrast with the inhospitable sandstorms that push sand dunes into the buildings. The town gave way to nature.

UAE government agencies have attempted to identify who lived in this town. Unfortunately, there aren’t many people left to explain how and when the people fled. It is believed that the Al Kutbi tribe resided here. But no one knows for sure.

Dark tourism tours have popularized the town. Talk of an evil djinn named Umm Duwais inhabiting the town and scaring tourists out are making the Internet rounds. According to Arabian legends, djinns can be good, neutral, or evil. Maybe this djinn is good and is merely telling tourists to be cautious when entering the desert.