Florida’s Citrus Around the World

                A child sits down at the table, eager to eat breakfast before heading to school. Waiting for him, alongside a bowl of cereal and some fruit, is a glistening glass of Florida’s orange juice. One might assume that this means the child lives in Florida, maybe even somewhere else in America, but he could actually be in another nation thanks to the business relationship that Florida’s citrus industry has with other countries.

                Florida’s citrus has always been an integral part of the United States, but it has been important around the world too. People from other countries also enjoy having a glass of Florida orange juice for breakfast or a Florida grapefruit for a snack. The March, 1958 issue of Florida Southern College’s newspaper, The Southern, had an article titled, “Germany Vital to Florida,” which explains how important the business relationship between Florida’s citrus industry and other countries has always been.

                At the time, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland were the most important European countries to Florida’s citrus industry. Europe was in a time of recovery from the destruction of World War II, with several countries recuperating their agricultural centers. As a result, the long lasting commercial relationship that budded between America and Europe was beneficial for both ends. Germany gave Florida about “$60,000,000 worth of chemicals, structural steel, glass, cement and automobiles.” Austria gave “bicycles, nails and glassware.” Finally, Switzerland gave “watch movements, special chemicals and pharmaceuticals.” Consequently, these countries were able to receive Florida’s citrus in return.

                The commerce comradeship between Florida and these European countries was a crucial one for Florida’s citrus industry. Martin E. Hearn, a former Mutual’s export coordinator, explained that, “This matter of trade is strictly a two-way proposition…If Germany and Austria and Switzerland could not sell their wares to us we could not sell them our Florida orange and grapefruit juice.”

                Thanks to these kinds of business relationships, people can enjoy Florida’s citrus all over the world, no matter how far they are from Florida. It’s something to keep in mind if I ever travel to Europe and feel a little homesick at breakfast time!

Written by Selys Rivera

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Sources:

“Germany Vital to Florida.” The Southern, March 1958.

Reflections on the 2015 Inductee Ceremony

                With a small smile on his face, Sherwood J. “Buddy” Johnson proudly accepted his plaque signifying his acceptance into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame at their luncheon last Friday, March 6^th. Family, friends, and other citrus industry participants applauded, celebrating alongside him. It was a magnificent honor and Johnson made sure to let his audience know how grateful he was for it.

                Johnson was not the only one inducted. There were also Nicholas “Nick” D. Faryna and John C. Updike, Sr., who were inducted posthumously. Their children accepted their awards for them, glad to have others acknowledge the impact their fathers had on the citrus industry.

                It was a wonderful experience to take part with this celebration. Through videos about their lives and speeches made, it was amazing to see the involvement that these inductees had with the citrus industry. According to the 2015 Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Citrus Celebration program, Faryna experimented on ways to use water during a freeze to protect citrus crops, which ended up being implemented in many northern groves. Updike created the “dairy pack concept of frozen orange concentrate.”And Johnson was one of the first packers that moved into the computer age with his grading line. All three inductees clearly deserved recognition and it was wonderful to see them get it.

                It was also so sweet to see Faryna and Updike’s adult children go up to the microphone and speak warmly and nostalgically about their fathers. In addition, it was nice to see Johnson go up and personally thank everyone. I had no idea the diligence, time, and work that needed to be invested in the citrus industry to run groves, packinghouses, gift fruit businesses, and more. By the end of it all, I was glad to see these inductees commemorated for their contributions to the citrus industry.

                Before I attended the inductee ceremony, I never really understood what the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame was all about. According to the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame website, “The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame was established in 1962 to pay tribute to those who have made outstanding contributions to the Florida citrus industry.” I had read this description, but I did not understand it until I went to the inductee ceremony and saw the award accepted with immense gratitude. There are so many people involved in the citrus industry, having to constantly think of innovative ways to work through freezes, financial issues, and other obstacles. It is not an easy job, but those who fulfill it deserve to be commemorated.

                I am glad I was able to witness such a celebratory event. It inspired me to work diligently in my own life; perhaps someday I might have family members that are proud enough to want to share my accomplishments with the world. However, in order to have accomplishments worth celebrating, like these three inductees, I learnt there is one important action I need to take to heart: perseverance.

Written by Selys Rivera

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Reflections on the 2015 Florida Conference of Historians

                There I stood, in front of about thirty people, ready to give my presentation on a topic I was sure no one would care about: the Florida Citrus Queens and Miss Florida Citrus. With my note cards in my hands and my Prezi projected behind me, I talked about the evolution of the citrus queen title and job over the years as a result of the American Feminist movement. To my surprise, I was greeted by a round of applause at the end of my presentation, as well as several interested questions after all of the presentations were over.

                I knew exactly what I wanted to present from the moment my supervisor mentioned the 2015 Florida Conference of Historians, which was held at Florida Southern College last weekend. I have always been interested in the Florida Citrus Queens and Miss Florida Citrus. Honestly, I am really just a fan of the way these women worked for the Florida citrus industry. One day, I was watching the “Miss Florida Citrus and Florida Citrus Queens” YouTube video on the CitrusLegacyChannel and I noticed the change from dresses to business attire. My observation sparked an interest in me and I started to question why the change from Florida Citrus Queen to Miss Florida Citrus occurred and how it happened as well. As a result, the idea for my presentation was born.

                However, as interesting as the topic was for me, I had no idea that it would be interesting to anyone else. After months of research, scanning photos, writing my paper, preparing my presentation, and practicing, I was ready to share what I had worked so diligently on at the conference. I was pleased to see that my hard worked was appreciated by the attendees.

                It was also a nice surprise to see how engaged everyone was in my coworker, Anthony Woodside’s, presentation on the history of the Florida citrus crate labels. With a witty attitude and several colorful citrus crate labels to display, my coworker shared his own research on how the crate labels reflected American culture in the 1920s-1950s. He had several questions to answer at the end of the presentations as well.

                Before the presentation, I feared that Anthony and I were going to have a difficult time during the question portion of the conference. I thought there would be several attendees who would find faults in our research because they knew more about citrus industry history than us. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong. People asked questions because they wanted to know more about our research. They were interested in what we had to say because we were the ones who knew more. It was quite an exhilarating experience.

                It feels odd to be done with the conference after preparing for it for so long. However, it was a wonderful, educational experience that helped me grow as a student and employee. I know this experience will add to my resume and will help me as I someday leave the comforts of college to move into a challenging career in the real world. Then, when I have to give another important presentation for another job, I will remember when I worked for the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame at the Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center. I will remember the confidence my supervisors had in me as I prepared for and presented my work at the conference. Finally, as I look back on all of this, I will know the quality of work I am capable of and will put just as much effort into my work as I learned to do for the 2015 Florida Conference of Historians.

Written by Selys Rivera

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Have a Very Merry Citrus Christmas!

                For many, nothing says, “Merry Christmas” more than finding their favorite fruit in their stocking on Christmas morning. These citrus Christmas presents were thanks to the Florida gift fruit industry, which made sure Florida citrus was available everywhere for the holidays.

                Gift fruit packages were very popular Christmas presents, including jellies, nuts, candies, and most importantly, citrus fruits.¹ Thanks to shippers like the Florida Gift Fruit Shippers Association (FGFSA), these packages were sent to homes all across the United States.² The gift fruit business did so well that it continued to grow over the years. In 1961, more than one million gift fruit packages were shipped.³ By 1993, gift fruit shippers were filling and shipping over 3 million orders.⁴ As the tradition grew more popular, the Florida gift fruit industry grew as well, shipping as far as Canada and Europe.⁵

Courtesy Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Collection

 and Florida Citrus Archives, Florida Southern College

However, it was particularly important to be able to ship up north since, due to the cold of winter, December was not an abundant time for fruit outside of the south. Even shippers worried when they transported the gift packages. Former FGFSA executive vice president, Joseph E. Ball, expressed his worries with transporting gift packages in Christmas of 1991 when he said, “Trains had insulated cars…but they weren’t heated, so fruit could still freeze.”⁶

                Nevertheless, through the use of better technology, calculations for shipment in the shortest time as possible, and simply a lot of hard work, the Florida gift fruit industry continued to thrive and citrus lovers were able to get their citrus Christmas gifts regardless of where they lived.

                Perhaps I’ll ask Santa for some citrus for Christmas myself!

Written by Selys Rivera

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Sources:

¹ “10 Per Cent Gain in Christmas gift Fruit Business is Foreseen,” Citrus & Vegetable Magazine, December 1961, 28.

² Karen McEver, “Gift Fruit Shippers Fill Over 3 Million Orders,” Citrus Industry, December 1993, 36-7.

³ “10 Per Cent.”

⁴ McEver, “Gift Fruit Shippers Fill.”

⁵ Ibid.

⁶ Jim Fisher, “Gift Fruit Shippers Assn. Expands Terminal,” Citrus Industry, December 1991, 18-19.

Florida Citrus Celebration at Bok Tower Gardens – Follow Up

                The Florida Citrus Celebration has been a great success so far and we sure hope it will continue to be so. I was able to witness firsthand the events held on Saturday, November 8^th and I can agree that the Florida Citrus Celebration is worth seeing and the events worth attending.

                The OJ Meet and Greet with the Queens was the first event I was able to attend. There were nine Citrus Queens who attended: Brenda Eubanks Burnette, Shannon Potts Franco, Lori Schirard Grubb, Dana Morgan Hamlin, Mandy Hancock Jarrett, Lisa Maile, LaVoyce Leggett Porter, and Nikki Upthegrove Mathews. One could take pictures with these women by the Captain Citrus photo stand or simply talk with them about their citrus experiences. Afterwards, the former queens were able to chat with each other about their nostalgic days as Citrus Queens at the Citrus Queen luncheon.

                There was also the Citrus Crate Label Show and Sale that I got to see. Beautiful citrus labels stood proudly on display like intricate pieces of artwork for citrus loving visitors to enjoy. During the times when I was supposed to be watching the table and answering questions, even I found it difficult not to look at the collection of citrus labels in front of me. It was nice to know that if anyone was particularly interested, they were able to purchase some to take home.

                In addition, there were all sorts of tours to take around the gardens. One that I was interested in, but was unfortunately unable to go on, was a citrus grove tour with John Jackson, the President of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame. I am sure it was definitely a sight to see.

                At least I was able to see the historical exhibit, “Central Florida’s Citrus Culture,” which was very interesting. It is definitely worth mentioning that the citrus display will be in place through January 3^rd, 2015. There is still time to visit Bok Tower Gardens and see the public exhibit celebrating the 90^th anniversary since the first Florida Citrus Queen pageant and the 85^th anniversary of Bok Tower Gardens.

I definitely urge anyone who is interested to seize this opportunity to see this exhibit and take part in the Florida Citrus Celebration before it is too late.

                Written by Selys Rivera

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Florida Citrus Celebration at Bok Tower Gardens

                  It is exciting news that the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame has teamed up with Bok Tower Gardens to create the Florida Citrus Celebration, a 3-1/2 month public exhibit celebrating the 90^th anniversary since the first Florida Citrus Queen pageant and the 85^th anniversary of Bok Tower Gardens. The historical exhibit, titled “Central Florida’s Citrus Culture,” will run from October 3, 2014 to January 15, 2015, and it will present the story of the importance of Florida’s citrus in Polk County and Bok Tower Gardens.

                  In addition to the exhibit, the week of November 3-9, 2014, called Florida Citrus Days, brings along with it several programs and events as part of the celebration. There will be all sorts of talks, tours, films, educational programs, and much more, all free to daily visitors to the gardens. The talks will range from cooking with citrus to fruit and floral arranging and the tours will be led by Florida Citrus Hall of Fame president, John Jackson. There will even be Florida citrus souvenirs available for purchase in the gift shop. There will also be a video showcasing a pictorial history of the citrus industry, titled “Barrels to Bins,” shown in the Visitor Center.

The weekend also brings additional events, such as the Citrus Crate and Label Show & Sale and the Florida Citrus Queen Reunion on November 8^th. A photo stand featuring Captain Citrus, the new Marvel comic hero of the Florida Department of Citrus, will be a popular spot for souvenir pictures commemorating the event.

                  Below, please find a schedule of the events being held:

Tuesday, November 4, 2014 – 6:00 p.m.

The History of Citrus Pioneers – Jim Ellis

Wednesday, November 5, 2014 – 6:00 p.m.

Collecting Citrus Crate Labels – Jerry Chicone, Jr., Jim Ellis

Thursday, November 6, 2014 – 6:00 p.m.

Citrus as a Tourism Marketing Vehicle – Brenda Eubanks Burnette

Saturday, November 8, 2014

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Citrus Crate Label Show & Sale

10:00 a.m.                             Citrus Grove Tour with John Jackson, President, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

10:00 a.m.                             OJ Meet & Greet with the Queens

11:00 a.m.                             Backyard Citrus Growing – Greg Kramer, Magnolia Room

12:00 p.m.                             Citrus Queen Reunion & Lunch with the Industry

2:00 p.m.                                Cooking with Citrus – Jennifer Beam, Cindy Klemmer

3:00 p.m.                                Citrus Grove Tour with John Jackson, President, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

ALL DAY                                    Barrels to Bins Video – Visitors’ Center

ALL DAY                                    Fruit & Floral Arrangements on Display

ALL DAY                                    Captain Citrus Photo Stand

Sunday, November 9, 2014

10:00 a.m.                             Citrus Grove Tour with John Jackson, President, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

11:00 a.m.                             Backyard Citrus Growing & Greening – Greg Kramer, Magnolia Room

12:00 p.m.                             Cooking with Citrus – Jennifer Beam, Cindy Klemmer

2:00 p.m.                                Floral Arrangements with Citrus – Jennifer Beam

3:00 p.m.                                Citrus Grove Tour with John Jackson, President, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

ALL DAY                                    Barrels to Bins Video – Visitors’ Center

ALL DAY                                    Fruit & Floral Arrangements on Display

ALL DAY                                    Captain Citrus Photo Stand

                  The Florida Citrus Celebration at Bok Tower Gardens is sure to be an excellent commemoration of the importance of the Florida citrus industry in communities, especially in Polk County and Bok Tower Garden. Please feel free to take the opportunity to join us in our celebration and attend any of the aforementioned events.

                  I know I wouldn’t want to miss it!

Written by Selys Rivera

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center