Florida's ICON

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Florida's ICON

In spite of the nationwide promotion of high profile theme attractions, a single tower still stands as an icon which makes many think of Florida. Probably, though, little more is known about the tower and even its name eludes us. Few have seen a photo of another monument just a path away – a memorial to the man whose fascination with an unimpressive mound of Lake Wales earth, inspired both the tower and the nearly fifty acres of gorgeous parkland which surrounds it.

Edward Bok, who arrived in the United States from the Netherlands at age six in 1869, became a forgotten man whose shadow may be found in many noteworthy places. Niagara Falls owes him gratitude for championing the effort to preserve it. Frank Lloyd Wright was launched forward through Bok’s association with the publishing world. The Ladies’ Home Journal became “one of the most successful and influential publications in America” under his management; and a host of environmental and social causes were energized by his hopes for his adopted country. And it was through the influence of his visionary passion that the familiar tower stands and the magnificent gardens charm us today.

In 1929, President Calvin Coolidge and a large crowd of people gathered at the base of “The BOK Tower” to dedicate both it and the gardens as a sanctuary for generations to come.

Eighty-five years later Judy and I joined some friends and several hundred other people to celebrate the continuation of the gardens.

As we listened to the testimonials, including words from Edward Bok's great-grandson, I thought of the lives of many who mean nothing more to those around them than unimpressive knolls on the landscape of existence. Yet, one does not really understand environmental stewardship if he does not understand the value of a human life - even (or, perhaps, especially) that life so easily overlooked. It is often to the unimpressive soul that God draws the attention of those who embrace the One who came to seek and save that which was lost. His objective is not that they be patronized but that they be nurtured. Nurtured with an opportunity to discover peace with Him and the vision of what He could do for others through them. There is nothing quite like the soul of a man or woman who has become a signal tower and a refreshing sanctuary where weary hearts may be encouraged to worship.

BOK Tower Gardens are by no means "secret." Step into them and you can feast on a wide ranging spectacle of plants. You can watch wildlife from a uniquely constructed building which hides you from their presence; and you can visit an elegant estate with well manicured gardens complete with topiary. There are facilities featuring a restaurant, bookstore, and displays as well as a full calendar of special events throughout the year.