His dedication to the towers designer reads as follows: To Milton B. One book called American Taj Mahal describes his desire to create a Taj Mahal* by building his tower. In addition to his autobiography, he published many other books. His autobiography, The Americanization of Edward Bok, won the Pulitzer Prize. He was a champion of social causes including education, public health, and the saving of Niagara Falls. He remained there for thirty years.Ī noted philanthropist, Bok established many awards and civic enterprises. It became the first magazine in the world to have one million subscribers. Under his management, this magazine became one of the most successful publications in America. In 1889, he became editor of The Ladies Home Journal. He was employed by a publisher and became advertising manager. He continued his education at night school. Bok was told by his grandmother to Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it. Bok Tower Gardens is a testimonial that he did that.īok started out as an office boy with the Western Union Telegraph Company in 1876. Originally named the Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower the property was renamed Bok Tower Gardens in 1986 in honor of its creator. Window By the Pond gives a glimpse of daily life in a freshwater pond. The Pine Ridge Preserve offers a one-mile trail where visitors can see rare plants and animals of Floridas ancient sandhill, as well as the more common longleaf pines and turkey oaks. Visitors, strolling the many pathways leading to the Tower, see seasonal blooms, friendly animals, and special events throughout the year.
The bells chime throughout the day to provide a musical enhancement to the gardens and the abundant wildlife. In 1939, the following was written at the entry: open 8-5 picnicking prohibited no dogs allowed men requested to wear coats parking 25 cents. The Singing Tower quickly became one of Floridas most popular early tourist attractions. His goal was to provide a sanctuary for people and animals alike. The tower and gardens were donated to the state by Bok, a Dutch immigrant, writer, publisher, and humanitarian. President Coolidge dedicated them in 1929. The gardens took over five years to complete. Frederick Olmsted, Jr., the son of the man who developed New Yorks Central Park, designed the gardens. Surrounding the tower are 157 acres of landscaped gardens. The tower houses a carillon of fifty-seven bronzed bells ranging in weight from 17 pounds to nearly 12 tons. The tower is rich in carvings depicting the flora and fauna of Florida. Bok, the tower was constructed of pink and gray marble from Georgia and coquina stone from St. The historic Bok Singing Tower is 205 feet tall.
Recitals are given daily from the 60-bell carillon set.Lake Wales is home to Bok Tower Gardens, which stands on the highest point in the state of Florida. Inside the bell chamber is a playing room that houses a clavier, or keyboard, that is used for playing the carillon bells.
Although, every year, graduating seniors from Lake Wales High School, a local high school located down the street from the tower, have the very rare opportunity to see the inside of the tower. Medary.Īlthough the tower's interior is not open to the public, it contains the Anton Brees Carillon Library, said to be the largest carillon library in the world.
#Bok tower gardens full
The tower was built at the highest elevation of the site, south of a reflection pool that allows the water to reflect its full image.Ī 60-bell carillon (cast by Taylor) set within the 205-foot tall, Gothic Revival and Art Deco tower that was designed by architect Milton B. The Singing Tower is the centerpiece of the gardens. Its location captures the reflection of the Singing Tower and offers the first image visitors have when entering the gardens.
#Bok tower gardens series
The meandering, historic landscape garden was designed to be a contemplative and informal woodland setting offering a series of romantic recesses and tranquil resting spots, picturesque vistas and breathtaking views of the Singing Tower.Ĭreated to entice wildlife to take residence, the Reflection Pool gives visitors one of the most memorable experiences in the Gardens. Bok Tower Gardens boasts one of the greatest works of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Through its historic landscape gardens, unique Singing Tower carillon and magnificent 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion, the Gardens offer unparalleled opportunities for artistic, cultural, personal and spiritual enrichment. Bok Tower Gardens has offered some of Florida’s most remarkable experiences to more than 23 million visitors since 1929.
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