Although I have lived in Central Florida for fifteen years, I had yet to visit this popular landmark in Lake Wales. So when Vicki suggested some girl time together, this was our destination.
The unassuming entrance bore no witness to what was coming. I was impressed that the only charge was for parking, and Vicki had that covered with her annual pass.
On the way to the visitor center I was greeted by a plethora of cheerful blossoms in creative arrangements.
Bok Tower Gardens is described as a contemplative garden and bird sanctuary, hosting 23 million visitors since 1929. But it was so much more than that…
Ain’t that the truth…
The verdigris makes it difficult to read, but basically this plaque states Edward Bok bought the property, planted it, built the tower and presented it to the American people.
It was dedicated in February 1929 by President Calvin Coolidge.
Welcome to Pinewood Path. According to the plaque on the right, it appears on the National Register of Historic Places.
There’s a 20-room, 1932 Mediterranean-style mansion that was closed for Christmas decorating. Take the tour here and save your $25 admission fee.
https://visitcentralflorida.org/events/holiday-home-tour-at-pinewood-estate
Psychotria nervosa, better known as wild coffee. Because the plant grows here, would this be considered “coffee grounds”??
Without any warning, there was the 205 foot carillon tower in all her splendor. It was truly breathtaking!
Separated by water and dense foliage, it took me a while to get closer to it.
Regal was the word that came to mind immediately; right down to the crown on top.
This is what the natives call “old Florida”. The only thing missing was a couple of gator snouts.
Who in their right mind would sit on that bench? I was happy I wore boots, but one hint of a snake and I was out of there…
The top third of the Tower displays trees, birds, turtles and other plants and animals. Eight marble herons crown the parapet.
The Tower’s brass door depicts the Book of Genesis, starting with the creation of light and ending with Adam and Eve being ousted from the Garden of Eden.
The hand-wrought iron gates showcase zoomorphic figures with various expressions and wings for flight.
These are Giant Victoria lily pads- the national flower of Guyana. Never seen anything like it…
This is an internet photo from the Daily Mail.
The koi were so used to being fed, they were terrifying this little girl.
We’ve made it through the potential spiders, snakes, gators and forceful fish, and I now have an unobstructed, magnificent view of the rear of the tower.
Lake Wales is still pretty rural, and the south-lying pastoral views soothe my mind, spirit and soul.
Photo opportunity! Miss Vicki does an exemplary job modeling my website’s T-shirt. No, this was not planned.
I don’t know why I was surprised to see a sundial here.
Dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on February 1, 1929.
Did you know that the term for the part of the sundial that casts the shadow is gnomon? I find it a tad creepy that this particular gnomon is a coiled snake.
By now Vicki and I are famished. With thoughts of lunch, we begin to wend our way back to the visitors’ center.
Along the path, I see a girl with a T-shirt that says “not all who wander are lost”, the sentiment/ quotation I based the name of this website upon. (See Introduction)
The Visitor Center was a refuge from the heat and humidity, and was quite lovely.
We were directed to the extaordinarily thorough exhibit of the tower’s planning and production.
See inside and learn more of the workings of the carillon tower:
It appears the predominantly Italian immigrants (pictured above) carved most of the sculpture in place.
Keep in mind that this engineering marvel was constructed over 90 years ago, before technology had evolved to today’s standard.
Impressive facts and statistics- Bok Tower is one of the largest bell carillons in the world.
The plans for the clay tiles depicting real and imagined wildlife were drafted by J. H. Dulles Allen at Enfield Pottery and Tileworks in Pennsylvania.
Read more about the men who collaborated to bring this project to completion:
If you like, take a couple of minutes and listen to an actual carillonneur.
His Dutch grandmother told him to “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it,” which he did throughout his lifetime…
Edward Bok died on January 9, 1930 and was interred at the base of the tower.
Of interest: Read about another BOK Tower, located in Tulsa, OK- a half-scale mimic of the World Trade Center.
Armchair travelers: I have just returned from the southwestern United States where I traveled the entire length (~2,000 miles) of the US-Mexico border wall, crossing into Mexico several times. This was both challenging and rewarding. Stay tuned for information, insight and amazing photography.
Sneak peek: This is where it all begins. The westernmost end of the border wall where it protrudes into the Pacific Ocean. Photo taken in Tijuana, Mexico.
May God bless you and keep you. Come back soon. MH
Glad you had the opportunity to discover Bok Tower. Luz and I have been there many times and were always captivated by its beauty. As a irrigation tech I also had several occasions working there. Edward Bok truly gave America a gift that will last many generations.
Marie, we have not been there in years, either. They have made some beautiful improvements! Your pictures were awesome. Sure enjoyed them. Thanks, love, Mary Ann