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Bok Tower Gardens |
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A gift of gratitude from Edward William Bok, Author, Editor and Philanthropist, born in Den Helder, the Netherlands in 1863. In 1922, Edward Bok decided to create a sanctuary for birds and people in Florida. He acquired a large tract of sandy soil covered with pines and palmettos and asked America's most famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., to transform the area into a sanctuary that would "touch the soul with its beauty and quiet." As the transformation proceeded, Mr. Bok decided to add a carillon tower to be a visual and aural centerpiece for the garden. In 1929, the "Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower" was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge as Bok's gift to the American people. |
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With its majestic moss-covered oak trees and sweeping vistas, Bok Tower Gardens offers an experience unlike any in Central Florida. This National Historic Landmark, located on the peninsula's highest point, is invitingly quiet and serene. The visual centerpiece of this magnificent garden is Bok's Singing Tower, an unrivaled work of art reaching 205' into the sky. Built to house a 60-bell carillon, the Tower's untouchable beauty intrigues visitors alike. Constructed of pink and gray marble from Georgia and coquina stone from St. Augustine, the Tower is rich in carvings depicting the flora and fauna of Florida. |
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