Stephen Foster Cultural Center and State Park

As luck would have it, when we left the RV park, heading back to the highway, the GPS took us on a different route, and we passed the sign to the site I missed.  Ok, Clem grumbles.....if you really want to go.  We drive 10 miles out of our way, and encounter this building under these big gorgeous live oak trees , where when I stop to take a photo, I lose Clem!  Here I am, he calls, sitting on the front veranda under the big columns, with his hands behind his neck, looking for all the world like he is waiting for his mint julep!  As I start to hustle, he tells me to take my time, and enjoy....it is beautiful!  Hmmmm....maybe not such a bad idea?

Inside we are treated to a huge open area with dioramas depicting some of the 280 songs he has written, accompanied by his tunes.  280!!!  Of course, we are soon humming along to Camptown Races, Swannee River, etc.   When I asked where he had actually lived, the park ranger said Pittsburgh!  And it cannot be proved that he even visited here!  Apparently a talented author/poet, he needed a river name that rhymed, took out an Atlas, and chose Suwannee, and changed the pronunciation!  As the park ranger said, "we crackers don't know how to talk anyway!"  The song brought so much interest in Florida, they decided they should pay tribute to this man, and this place was created in the 1950's.  Each year they choose a "Jeanne".....no doubt with light brown hair!!

Clem said, well, this time you were right.....good stop!  THIS time????  :-)