Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• John Morgan discusses trickle-up economics, marijuana legalization.

• Edwin Moses' documentary shows hurdles were the easy part.

• A deep-dive into the life of Edward Bok.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are."

— Anaïs Nin

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What Orlando venue is recognized for its significant contributions to the performing arts, hosting Broadway shows, ballets, and orchestral performances?

A) The Orlando Repertory Theatre

B) The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

C) The Bob Carr Theater

D) The Plaza Live

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The significant technology conference in Orlando focused on simulation, training, and virtual reality is B) I/ITSEC.

News

💼Business

Attorney John Morgan on trickle-up economics and legalizing marijuana. (link)

Diversified income sources keep Orlando Gay Chorus financially sound. (link)

🏒Sports

Edwin Moses documentary '13 Steps' shows how clearing the hurdles was the easy part for a track icon. (link)

Donna Kelce is making her film debut in 2 Hallmark movies — football-themed, of course. (link)

🏦Finance

Kansas chicken chain ramps up Florida push. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Wed • Sep 25 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Lorna Shore
Hard Rock Live Orlando, Orlando, FL
Tue • Sep 24 • 6:30 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Chromeo w/ The Midnight
Vanguard - Orlando, Orlando, FL
Wed • Sep 25 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🧑‍🎓 Arts Society
2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL
Tuesday 24 September, 2024 at 10:30 am | (More Info)

🌄 Art With Purpose
911 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL
Tuesday 24 September, 2024 at 12:00 pm | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic urban zoo in Orlando with holographic animals” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Orlando Historical Events

Orlando's Role in the Space Race (1960s) - Supporting NASA and space exploration efforts.

Orlando, Florida, played an instrumental but often understated role in the unfolding drama of the Space Race during the 1960s. While Cape Canaveral, just an hour's drive east, captured the world's attention with its rocket launches, Orlando served as a critical support base, housing several key facilities and personnel vital to NASA's mission. The city’s proximity to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), its infrastructure, and burgeoning technology sector made it an indispensable backstage player in the fight to achieve dominance in space exploration.

One significant contribution of Orlando was its role in housing and training astronauts, engineers, and other NASA employees. The city provided a residential area for those who worked at the KSC and other related facilities, contributing to the local economy and shaping the community’s identity around space exploration. Educational and training facilities in the area, including those associated with the military and later the University of Central Florida, facilitated knowledge transfer and technological innovation. This contributed to the development of spacecraft, simulation technology, and the critical logistics required for space missions.

Orlando's industrial and technological landscape also played a key supporting role. Companies located in and around Orlando were involved in manufacturing various components essential for space missions, including rocket parts, navigation systems, and communications equipment. The city's strategic location, combined with its growing aerospace sector, fostered an environment where government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions could collaborate. This synergy was crucial in advancing the technological capabilities required for manned space flights and satellite launches, reinforcing Orlando's contribution to one of the most exhilarating chapters of American history - the Space Race.

Famous People From Orlando

Edward Bok (1863-1930) - Pulitzer Prize-winning author, his legacy includes contributions to Florida’s culture and environment, affecting the Orlando region.

Edward Bok, a Dutch-American Pulitzer Prize-winning author, made a significant impact through his editorial career, his literary contributions, and his philanthropic efforts, especially in Florida. His legacy is deeply interwoven with the cultural and environmental fabric of the Orlando region, marking him as a figure of lasting influence.

Early Life and Emigration to America (1863-1876)

Born in Den Helder, Netherlands, Edward William Bok immigrated with his family to Brooklyn, New York, in 1870. The transition to American life was challenging, but Bok's resilience and determination were evident from a young age. He quickly adapted to his new surroundings, learning English and integrating into the local culture, setting the stage for his remarkable career.

Beginning of a Stellar Career (1876-1889)

Bok's career began in earnest when he took a position as an office boy for Western Union Telegraph Company. His ambition and work ethic quickly propelled him through the ranks, and he soon ventured into the world of publishing. By the age of 26, he had become the editor of the Brooklyn Magazine, demonstrating a keen eye for content that resonated with the public.

Editor of Ladies' Home Journal (1889-1919)

Bok's most significant career milestone came when he assumed the role of editor of Ladies' Home Journal. Under his guidance, the magazine's circulation soared from 17,000 to over 1 million subscribers, making it one of the most popular periodicals of the time. Bok used his platform to advocate for women's rights, conservation, and education, influencing public opinion on vital social issues.

Pulitzer Prize and Literary Contributions (1921)

Bok's autobiography, "The Americanization of Edward Bok," was published in 1920 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 1921. In this work, Bok detailed his journey from immigrant to influential editor and philanthropist, providing insights into American society and the power of self-made success.

Philanthropic Efforts and Environmental Conservation (1920s)

Beyond his literary and editorial achievements, Bok's commitment to philanthropy and environmental conservation was profound. He established the Edward W. Bok Foundation, dedicating substantial resources to public education and cultural enrichment. His love for nature and beauty culminated in the creation of the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida, a testament to his vision of making the world a bit better or more beautiful.

The Creation of Bok Tower Gardens (1921-1929)

The Bok Tower Gardens, Edward Bok's grand legacy to Florida and a symbol of his devotion to beauty and nature, were dedicated in 1929. He enlisted the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to design the garden and the equally famous sculptor Lee Lawrie to create the intricate carvings of the Singing Tower. This serene sanctuary continues to be a place of beauty and inspiration for visitors from around the world.

Connection to Orlando and Impact on Florida's Culture (1920s-1930)

While Edward Bok's influence spread across the United States, his impact was particularly profound in Florida, especially in the Orlando region. His philanthropic work and the establishment of the Bok Tower Gardens enhanced the state's cultural landscape and tourist appeal. Bok's efforts in Florida also served as a catalyst for further environmental and cultural projects in the area, solidifying his legacy in the region.

Final Years and Reflections (1929-1930)

In his final years, Bok continued to reflect on his journey and the impact of his work. He remained dedicated to his vision of civic duty and environmental stewardship until his passing in 1930. Edward Bok's life story is a powerful testament to the idea that one person can indeed make a significant difference in the world.

Edward Bok’s Legacy (1930 and Beyond)

After his death, Edward Bok's legacy lived on through the ongoing influence of his written works, the lasting beauty of the Bok Tower Gardens, and the numerous philanthropic endeavors he supported. His life's work continues to inspire generations, advocating for beauty, education, and environmental conservation.

Remembering Edward Bok (1930 and Beyond)

Edward Bok passed away in 1930, but his vision and contributions have endured. The Bok Tower Gardens stand as a living monument to his legacy, embodying his belief in the power of beauty and nature to uplift the human spirit. His life and work remain a source of inspiration, demonstrating the lasting impact of dedicated philanthropy and visionary leadership.

Key Achievements of Edward Bok:

• Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography for "The Americanization of Edward Bok".

• Transformed Ladies’ Home Journal into one of the most influential publications of its time.

• Advocated for women's rights, conservation, and education through his editorial work.

• Founded the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida, a masterpiece of landscape architecture.

• His philanthropic efforts significantly impacted public education and cultural projects.

Edward Bok's extraordinary life showcases the journey of an immigrant who became a key figure in American literature, publishing, and philanthropy. Through his leadership at Ladies' Home Journal, he influenced public opinion on crucial social issues. His legacy, particularly through the creation of Bok Tower Gardens, continues to nourish the cultural and environmental landscape of Florida and beyond, affirming his enduring impact on American society.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Poll