Photo by John MeachamA new sport fishing exhibit in Henry B. Plant Museum gives visitors the feeling of a ‘great catch’ showcasing vintage photographs, mounted fish, rods, nets, souvenir tarpon scales, Edward vom Hofe reels and so much more.
Sally Shifke, media relations coordinator, claimed the museum decided the do this exhibit because, ‘Henry Plant promoted Florida as a tourist destination and fishing was an important part of the recreational activities that drew people to Florida and the Tampa Bay Hotel. Fishing is a popular past time today, and we thought the community would enjoy learning about the sport from a historical perspective.’
The Henry B. Plant Museum’s newest exhibit opened March 27, 2009 and will continue through December 27, 2009.
The exhibit will share several fantastic accounts of sporting adventures.
Tarpon Tales and Sport Fishing in Early Florida uses newspaper accounts, books, post cards, advertising, photographs and personal recollections to help relate to the era in which these fishing extravaganzas occurred.
This exhibit will give the visitor a better understanding of how Plant’s railroad, steamships and network of hotels shaped Florida’s history.’ This exhibit displays exciting competition, enjoyment and precision of an angler’s sport.
Shifke says the exhibit has been a big hit, ‘The exhibit is very popular. Anyone who has ever fished loves looking at our fishing tackle and old photographs.
Everyone has a ‘fish’ story and the exhibit inspires many tales!’
Thirty-seven different lenders ranging from Ft. Meyers to Tallahassee contributed to the Plant Museum’s exhibit.’
Some of the institutions include, but are not limited to: the Boca Grand Historical Society, Edison Ford Winter Estates, Museum of Florida History and Southeast Florida Historical Society.
Many individuals contributed, including UT’s Dr. Ronald Vaughn, who lent vintage lures, creel and net.
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