Eldora Schoolhouse Bell

Located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Mosquito Lagoon, Eldora once served as a stopping point for water traffic along the east coast of Florida. Residents imported supplies and raw materials and exported their own products for income. These products reached places all over the state. One industry that had national impact was production of a medicine made from dried saw palmetto berries. Not only did Eldora’s impact reach far beyond the borders of the island on which it was founded, but the development of this small town actually mirrors the development of Florida itself. It presents photographic stills of Florida’s various phases starting with Native American habitation, then Spanish explorations for gold, small agricultural homesteads, winter homes, sportsman’s paradise and health resort, culminating with the development phase in response to Florida’s budding tourism industry. This in-depth inquiry into the history of Eldora exposes the trials and tribulations experienced by people striving to tame the wilderness of Florida, America’s last great frontier.