[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOK TOWER GARDENS

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                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 2009

  Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the upcoming 
80th anniversary of the Bok Tower Gardens. President Calvin Coolidge 
first dedicated the Bok Tower Gardens for visitation on February 1, 
1929.
  Edward Bok, a Pulitzer Prize winning author, commissioned the 
building of the gardens and bird sanctuary in the early 1920s in Lake 
Wales, FL. The gardens were originally designed by Frederick Law 
Olmsted, Jr., atop a 14-acre area on Iron Mountain, one of the highest 
points in Florida. The gardens have expanded to cover nearly 700 acres 
today.
  Architect Milton Medary was commissioned to design and construct the 
tower in 1926. The tower stretches 205 feet into the sky and is 
intended to be the focal point of the gardens. It is primarily made of 
marble and includes a 60-bell carillon at the top.
  Mr. Bok died on January 9, 1930, less than a year after the 
completion of the tower. He is now buried at the base of the tower. His 
dream of creating and preserving a place of beauty and peace is still 
alive today, a true and long-lasting gift to our State. It has played 
host to concerts, weddings, educational and charity events, as well as 
numerous other important community benefits. It is also a wonderful 
place for a family get together.
  The Garden Sanctuary and Tower were designated as National Historic 
Landmarks on April 19, 1993. The Bok Tower Gardens serve as one of 
Florida's most beautiful natural settings. I urge my colleagues to join 
me in celebrating the anniversary of this great Florida landmark.

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