Castillo de San Marcos

 Castillo de San Marcos, Located in St. Augustine, FL

Date of Visit: March 11, 2021

The site feels completely different from the rest, as it's almost isolated from the rest of St. Augustine.  All you can see is the water and the palm trees.  You're in a completely separate world - one filled with a unique history.  As the site says, "Castillo de San Marcos is the only extant 17th century military construction in the country and the oldest masonry fortress in the United States." 

Artifact One:
 Coquina

This has been deemed "the stone that saved Spanish Florida."  This material is composed of shells that have "accumulated in layers, year after year" for centuries.  Then a "weak acid soaked downward" and slowly solidified the shells.  At the time, it was questionable as to just how sturdy it would be against cannon balls.  However, due to "millions of microscopic air pockets" the cannon balls would absorb them upon impact.

Artifact Two:
Escape Window

This window was crucial to Seminole history.  According to the handout, a man named Coacoochee "was a highly respected warrior and was captured."  The legendary tale is that Coacoochee and a friend "starved themselves for days to become thin enough to slip through one of the narrow windows."  This by all means was a heroic move made on the Seminoles behalf.

Exterior Photos

The image on the left is the view from the backside of the fort, it completely overlooks the water.  There's nothing in site, which is why it feels so secluded.  The right image is from a side view, it shows just how massive it is in comparison to the surrounding area.

Creative Element

I took this photo from the back of the fort - the side that overlooks the water.  It was pretty surreal how isolated you can feel from the hustle of downtown St. Augustine. 

The quote, "Be Brave. Take Risks. Nothing can substitute experience" by Paulo Coelho coincides with what the Natives experienced.  As they nearly starved themselves in order to escape.  This wholeheartedly embodies bravery - the experiences they partook in has earth-shattering impacts. 

Images in Conversation with Site

The above image is of Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina.  The significance of this is different from the Castillo de San Marcos, but it's important nevertheless.  This fort was existent throughout the Civil War, as it was occupied by the Confederates.  The second photo depicts Fort Independence, in Boston, Massachusetts.  It is the "oldest continuously fortified site of all of the formerly British parts of the United States."  It was actually considered to be is own island, completely isolated - similar to the Castillo.  As, when you're standing in the Castillo you really can't see anything else.  Both Fort Sumter and Independence served a different purpose, but they're still preserves today.  The Castillo de San Marcos is just has historically significant.  No matter what the time period in which the Forts were active, we as a society maintain these landmarks.  As it's the one true way to dive into our nation's history. 

Quote from ENG 202

"This, too, was something he would take away with him - these evening sounds & smells, this softness in the air." - The Surrounded, D'Arcy McNickle

McNickle's quote details the nature aspect of the Castillo de San Marcos.  As soon as you step into this realm in St. Augustine, the noise fades away.  So we all "take away the evening sounds and smells" - as we quite literally look over the sea wall.  Once again, nature is a method of escapism; making reality seem not quite so hard to bare.  In The Surrounded, nature was both enemy and hero - it provides a distraction but we can never fight against it.

Governor's House

 

Governor's House Library, Located in St. Augustine, FL

Date of Visit: March 4th, 2021

The architecture of this site is really interesting, as it holds the same appearance since the 16th century.  The site is centrally located within St. Augustine, as it's directly facing the plaza.  Currently, the building is now "managed jointly" by the University of Florida and St. Augustine."  The house holds countless collections that "document the city's built environment and provide historical information about the city."  To learn more about the building, click here!

Artifact One

"First Colony: Our Spanish Origins" Exhibit

The exhibit showcased some metal types that would've been found during the time period.  The image on the left is a silver ingot, which would've been considered a "precious metal."  The sign stated that "Native Americans mined gold and silver in relatively small quantities, Spaniards greatly intensified the process." The image on the right is of a gold toothpick, earrings, silver reales, and gold escudos.  These items "were made in America for tax control and shipping."

Artifact Two

Giving Thanks Exhibit

This is a replica of what the first Thanksgiving would've been like with the Spaniards.  As the signs states, "[the Spaniards] shared the meal with the Timucua."  The menu was most likely consistent of items that would've been "on board" with the Spanish.  Such as, "salted pork, garbanzo beans", and others.

Exterior Photos

The image on the left is of the Governor's House entrance, it really exhibits how old the building's design is, as the doors are all relatively short.  Most building entrances of the modern-day area are much more tall.  The second photo shows the close proximity to the plaza, as you can see the Cathedral directly across the street.

Creative Element

Both of these images were found on the Governor's House site, but they show just how historic the building is.  The photo on the left is of the exterior, but it hasn't changed much up until present day (as depicted above). The second image is of the "East Wing Construction", taken in 1968.  This shows just how many steps are taken in order to preserve this building.  It has served as a central location within St. Augustine,  and continues to do so.  These images overall show the evolution of the site to what is today.

This photo was taken by my fellow classmate John Zarzycki, from within the courtyard of the Governor's House.  I felt it captured the the prime location the site is in, as it's directly across the street from the plaza with the Cathedral in sight.

The quote, "We're not makers of history. We are made by history" by MLK effectively describes the Governor’s House.  As the building serves as a means to view all past records of St. Augustine.  So, the events of the past are what determines future instances - nothing is ever done without an experience. 

Quote from ENG 202

"We found a huge oak with branches thick as separate trees spread wide to shade a large area.  A handsome lonely old tree." -Kindred, Octavia Butler 

I felt this went very well with the physical appearance of the Governor's House.  As in the courtyard of the site there is a massive tree with its branches extending towards the building (depicted in the creative element).  The significance of this in both Kindred and present day, is that trees have usually been around just as long as the buildings.  So they are practically rooted into the city's history, and the Governor's House has been a prime location to St. Augustine for practically all of its existence.  In Kindred, the tree parallels to Dana's loneliness in the new world into which she is thrown into.

Tolomato Cemetery

 Tolomato Cemetery 

Located in St. Augustine, FL

Date of Visit: February 25, 2021

Upon a quick glance, the cemetery most certainly appears to be on the eerie side.  It's fenced in with a solid black cast-iron fence, and has large Spanish-moss filled trees.  This sentiment is created due to the fact that the site date backs to the 1700's, and that "there are at least 1,000 burials in the Parish records  and only 105 markers." The history is extremely diverse there, as it was a "final resting place for Spanish, Cuban, Greek, Minorcan, African, Irish, Haitian", among others.  In short, the Tolomato is full of countless stories about early St. Augustine.

Artifact One: Oldest Marked Grave

As depicted below, this grave belongs to "Elizabeth Forrester, a 16-year old from Pennsylvania who died while visiting Florida was buried at Tolomato in 1798."  On the tour, Elizabeth Gessner (president of Tolomato Preservation Association) stated that grave-robbers targeted this tomb, they were seeking jewelry.  Apparently the clothes at the time period would have been wool as well.  Although this isn't the first grave at the cemetery, it still shows just how old the site is.

Artifact Two: Venerable Fr. Felix Varela Mortuary Chapel

"Father Felix Varela of Cuba, was a renowned teacher at the Cathedral of Havana seminary and an outspoken defender of human rights", so this Mortuary Chapel was built in his honor by Cubans.  It is directly in the back of the cemetery, however, it's easily seen, as the main path leads directly towards it.

Exterior Photos

The photo on the left is taken from outside the cemetery, so the iron-fence can be displayed; adding to the eerie sentiment.  In the middle is the Tolomato Cemetery sign, followed by a large view of the site.

Images in Conversation with the Site

The image on the left is of the Old Burying Point Cemetery in Salem, Massachusetts.  Whereas the image on the left is of the Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.  Like the Tolomato Cemetery, each of these have their own background.  The cemetery in Salem is the site where the victims of the Salem Witch Trials are buried, which is the most famous hysteria crisis.  The Bonaventure Cemetery consists of 160 acres, once being the Bonaventure Plantation.  Again, serving to be a pivotal part of our nations history.  Historic cemeteries may be eerie, but they hold so much history, it's truly mind-boggling.

Creative Element

This is the view of the cemetery soon as you step within its gates.  I found it to be a on the mysterious side, as it is one of the oldest cemeteries in town.  I felt that this quote went along with the historical aspect, as cemeteries/events of the past are compiled of stories.  As when living our lives, we're constantly writing and revising our own personal story.

Quote from ENG 202

"Everywhere on the land is the imprint of ruin, dead grass pressed into mud, and in hollow places leaf forms massed in decay." -The Surrounded D'Arcy McNickle 

This effectively illustrates the feeling of first stepping onto the grounds of a very old cemetery.  Subconsciously, we are aware of the hollowness, the supernatural essence of the site.  But in relation to The Surrounded, the depressive atmosphere was correlated to loss, to the inescapable grasp nature as a force has on us.  So both of these auras all relate back to nature - Tolomato is full of history and has sustained a great deal of hurricanes.  Hence, nature being the relentless force throughout time. 

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

 St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, Located in St. Augustine, FL

Date of Visit: February 18th, 2021

The building may be small in size, but the amount of history within its walls makes up for it.  There's so much information ranging from Holy Communion articles to Bishop Vestments.  As the site states, "the institution is dedicated to the first colony of Greek people who came to America in 1768."  The shrine contains "exhibits [that] depict the life of early Greeks in America" along with the spread of the Church within the country.  Needless to say, there's history to be found in almost every corner!

Artifact One: Saint Photios Shrine 

As you can see, the shrine itself is breathtaking, the details will leave anyone breathless.  The story that is told through the paintings leaves the viewer awestruck.  St. Photios was a "theologian, a supporter of missionary activity and a defender of the Faith.  He was also known for his brilliance and for his missionary zeal" (stphotios.org). 

Artifact Two: Bishop Vestments 

The detail within this is astonishing.  The stitch work is so intricate - something that deserves recognition.  As the sign says, "the symbolism attached to each piece of clothing is from the Old Testament." That being said, a Bishop would be adorned with these items in a particular order: tunic, stole, maniples, genual, imperial robe, small omoforion, cross, engolpian, mitre, and then given the staff. 

Exterior Photos:

The door along with the sign are taken from directly outside the shrine, on St. George Street to be exact.  The center photo is of a small courtyard directly before you enter the shrine.

Images in Conversation with the Site

The first image shows the Vestments worn by Bishops, as above, I included just the Vestments themselves.  With them actually being worn, it allows us to see just how ornate they are.  The second photo is of a larger Greek Orthodox Church.  It really shows how much attention was put into the details, from the chandeliers to the magnificent artwork.

    Creative Element

This photo was taken from inside of the Shrine, right before you enter the museum part.  I found it to be quite beautiful with the tree branches slightly bending. I specifically chose this quote because I believe that members of the Greek Orthodox Church feel this way about Saint Photios or any other Saint.  These men were strong believers in their work so "the world turns aside" for them.

Quote from ENG 202

"He emerged from behind a clump of thorn-bush and cottonwood and caught his first glimpse of the cluster of buildings before him, he looked once, and that was all" -The Surrounded, D'Arcy McNickel.  

This embodies the experience when you first enter the shrine, as you emerge from a trail surrounded by looming trees and brush.  Then you face the Shrine itself, which is full of so many details, which could possible leave individuals breathless.  Nature has a way of creating a mystical atmosphere.  In The Surrounded, Archilde was continuously put into situations that were putting him into a state of awe emotionally.  As he was succumbed with the frailness of his mother, the instability of his father, and his society in general. 

St. Augustine's Oldest Houses

Oldest Houses in St. Augustine

Date of Visit: February 10, 2021

These houses weren't necessarily the same "site" - they're all separate due to the fact that each one has its own stories hidden within their walls.  Upon entering them, it's as if you've entered a new realm - in the 1700s to be exact.  Everywhere you look has a deeper meaning than just what meets the eye.  As these sites really enable you to imagine what life was like back then.  To read more about the homes, click here!

Site One: Llambias House

Located on 31 St. Francis Street

As the sign states, "this house was already [existent] in 1763, when Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain.  It was then a one-story, two-room, single roofed coquina stone" home.  This was considered to be the "typical St. Augustine residence design". The house has a beautiful outside while the interior holds the unseen history.  Llambias isn't generally open to the public, so its mystery only deepens.  A place like this should be open for all to see, as it's not on the "touristy" path, it would allow for people to venture further into the deep background of St. Augustine.  Being able to witness this building initiated a feeling like no other - being a part of the Spanish history of this small, yet significant town.

Site Two:  Gonzalez-Alvarez House

Located on 14 St. Francis Street

This is the "oldest house of St. Augustine" that usually comes to mind.  According to the National Park Service site, the Gonzalez-Alvarez House "is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial dwelling in St. Augustine."  It  also shows different style features ranging from "Spanish, British and American" due to whoever occupied the home at the time.  As depicted in the image on the right, the hanging shelf was used for the purpose of rats, as to know whether or not there were any in the house.  The shelf would then swing, instantly notifying the family.

Exterior Photos:

The photo on the left is of the entrance to the "oldest homes museum" with the Gonzalez-Alvarez house on the far right corner.  The second image is of the garden/courtyard behind all of the oldest homes.

Images in Conversation with the Site

I chose to incorporate the Paul Revere House and the Ernest Hemingway House as these demonstrate that old homes are preserved everywhere, not just in the "nation's oldest city."  I've actually been to the Paul Revere House, and it looks so ancient near the modern townhouses on the other side of it.  The Revere's stayed there in the late 1700s - early 1800s, and had a significant role to the beginnings of this country.  Comparable, the Hemingway House was lived in during the 1930s.  This site provides a different historical lens to view from, it's not as old but it's still important within today's culture/society.  No matter where any historical site is, we as a society take extra precautions in order to maintain them.

Creative Element

This photo is show earlier under the "exterior photos" tab, but I found it to be fitting here with the quote.  I chose this particular quote because the buildings at this site are the oldest in all of the town, but yet we still continue to look at them.  So, history isn't something we can necessarily claim.  History claims us by creating unique stories for each individual - we can't change the past. 

Quote from ENG 202

"He wondered at it.  And the more he reflected on it he more wonderful it grew.  A story like that, he realized, was full of meaning." -Surrounded, D'Arcy McNickel

Stories carry a great deal of weight throughout lifetimes, as they serve as the backbone for new foundations, new experiences to be made.  McNickel's quote is applicable to the Oldest Houses, as they store the most memories within them.  They've been through centuries, as some have been in existence since the 1700s.  In relation to the Surrounded, the memories that Archilde reflected upon was a pivotal moment in the novel.  As histories of others are pivotal to understanding how to shape events for the future. 

Historic Downtown St. Augustine

 Historic Downtown St. Augustine

Date of Visit: February 4, 2021

This visit was compiled of three separate locations: St. George Street, Hilton Hotel (on the Bayfront -former Monson Motel), and Wells Fargo (former Woolworth's).  All three of these hold information critical to the civil rights movement.  Ranging from Fredrick Douglass to acid being thrown on innocent integrationists.  If you want to know other historical landmarks in St. Augustine, click here!

Site One: Fredrick Douglass Marker

Located on St. George Street

As the plaque says, "where the Genovar Opera House once stood, Fredrick Douglass spoke in 1887."  This is such an important event to history because Douglass was essential to the "abolitionist cause in the late nineteenth century."  The marker itself is unfortunately easy to overlook since it's surrounded by the hustle and bustle of St. George Street.  The next time you're waiting for either Prohibition Kitchen or Pizza Time, take a look!

Site Two:  Hilton Hotel (former Monson Motel)

Located at 32 Avenida Menendez Street

This site is by far the most infamous.  The plaque displayed on the pool wall doesn't give much detail as to what actually happened.  The dark/hidden history here was "on June 18, 1964, a man by the name of James Brock poured acid in a pool where Black and White activists were protesting by swimming together to protest segregation."  The protest was organized by MLK and his team.  This "hidden history" isn't know to all of the public unless you've been informed about it.  To read more about it, click here.

Site Three: Wells Fargo (Former Woolworth's)

Located on King Street

This is where the famous "St. Augustine Four" got their name - they sat at a "whites-only lunch counter in 1963" and served jail time for it.  Having the counter return to the building is a great reminder to citizens of the dark past this nation has.  Thus, it serves as a way to ensure that the past must never be repeated.

To read the full article click here!

 Exterior Photos

Both of the images are of the Bayfront, one of St. Augustine's top photo locations.

Images in Conversation with the Site

The left is of the Cathedral Place in the early 1900s, while the right is of St. George Street in 1910.  I thought these were worth including because it shows how similar St. Augustine's architecture has remained; as this city is full of history in every corner.  Something that this site visit made clear - that history can never be fully erased despite what people may try.

Creative Element

I actually took this photo while on the Accord Freedom Trail, it overlooks central downtown St. Augustine.  I thought that is shows the beauty of the town from a distance - not just the "tourist" sites.  I chose this quote as it relates to all the Civil Rights movements - people were courageous, but fear was always a factor in mind.

Quote from ENG 202

"This was an era of rampant disease." -Kindred, Octavia Butler

This quote is applicable to the injustice so many individuals experienced throughout the Civil Rights Movement.  People quite literally went through an "era of rampant disease."  Society was not at its finest, it was essentially corrupt, succumbing to the "diseased" state of the world.  Something that the protagonist, Dana has to undergo within the Antebellum South - a world in a complete state of disarray.  It was as if she was living in another realm, emphasizing just how wicked mankind can be.

Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center

 Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center, Located in St. Augustine, FL.

Date of Visit: January 28, 2021

The museum and cultural center were extremely informal, it enables you to become absorbed in the history of African Americans within the local community.  The museum itself "is housed in the historic Excelsior School Building - which served as the first public black high school in St. John County in 1925." To read more about the cultural center, click here!

Artifact One:

Swilley's Grocery & Market fan

The origin of the fan stems from Douglas Swilley, who opened a grocery market on Riberia Street (located on the outskirts of Lincolnville).  Prior to being a business owner, in his youth, he actually went to the Excelsior School.  As the card says, "[the] market was one of the largest black owned grocery stores in the city" and to this day, no one compares to his "greens and watermelons!"

Artifact Two: 

Community Remembrance Project (Equal Justice Initiative)

This may just look like a jar of dirt - but it's a jar of IMPORTANT dirt.  The purpose of this is "to commemorate and recognize the traumatic era of lynching by collecting soil from lynching sites."  This is a cruel, inhumane part of history; something that should not be ignored.  So viewing this artifact surrounded among the larger displays, is truly eye-opening to the nation's darkest history.

Exterior of the former Excelsior School

The image on the left is the full exterior of the building, taken from across the street.  On the right is a closer view of the former Excelsior School, showing the MLK remembrance marker directly in front of the entrance.

Images in Conversation with the Site

The first photo shows the inside of one of the Palace Market in Lincolnville.  The man standing there is actually Frank B. Butler, who was an influential figure in St. Augustine.  I thought this photo was worth including as the markets during the time period were essential to the community. The second image showcases  the side entrance of the Corner Market, which was also housed a library.  I actually included the current exterior of this building on the Accord Freedom Trail post.  So this really comes full circle to emphasize the importance of this building.  

Creative Element

Again, I made a quote graphic to summarize the overall feeling of the Cultural Center.  This quote emphasizes the importance of determination, which is what the attendees of this former high school had to do.  In order to demand change within society, they had to "become a diver."

Quote from ENG 202

"His face was twisted with pain and streaked with tears and dirt, but wasn't crying aloud." - Kindred, Octavia Butler 

Once again, this reiterates the hardships that were endured throughout Lincolnville's early history.  The museum has a jar of dirt stressing the pain that so many innocent lives had to suffer.  However, this quote in Kindred, detailed the pain that the privileged underwent.  Even though it wasn't anything in comparison to the so called "disadvantage."  Nevertheless, every individual went through some form of discomfort, as society was a place where no one truly relaxed.  The tension was too strong within any circumstance, so we must always remember this pain.

Accord Freedom Trail

 Accord Freedom Trail, located in St. Augustine, FL.

Date of Visit: January 21, 2021

The site was extremely informational and interactive simultaneously due to the fact that it was a walking museum of sorts.  There's so much history to be absorbed regarding the Civil Rights movement - many of the indicated landmarks were households that provided a refugee for those traveling.  There are over 20 sites to visit - all of which will leave you feeling inspired. To find out more about the site, click here!

Location One:
97 M.L. King Avenue

The actual location once was a popular "confectionary & sundries store." The back part of the store has a "pool room, then eventually a barber shop."  There's also the Lincolnville Public Library that operated in the '50s & 60's.  As depicted in the image, there are hand-painted advertisements for items sold at the store.

Location Two:

94 South Street

The White family lived here during the movement. Their son,"Samuel was one of the 'St. Augustine Four' - teens who were arrested because of a "sit in at the Woolworth's lunch counter downtown." Not only did their son partake in the movement, so did their daughters Janice and Jeannette." They took part in the movie Dare Not Walk Alone. The White family were all involved with the Civil Rights movement.

                    Lincolnville Streets

The image on the right is of an abandoned old school house, portraying the rough history of Lincolnville. Whereas the photo on the left is strictly of the suburban street, standing to be the complete opposite. 

                              Images in Conversation with the Site

The photo on the left is of MLK after being arrested for trying to eat at the infamous Monson Motor Lodge.  I felt that this is very fitting with the Freedom Trail, as this incident is what people were marching to prevent from occurring.  On the other hand, the second image shows "MLA hugged by Lennette Pembleton in St. Augustine after learning that the senate passed the Civil Rights Bill in June 1964."  I incorporated this photo as well to depict polar opposite events within St. Augustine's history.  That the suffering so many people went through eventually yielded life changing results.

Creative Element

I chose to creative a quote graphic, as I feel that this is a best way to encompass the experience of the site visit.  I specifically included this quote by MLK because it goes hand-in-hand with the idea of the freedom trail - we must never give up despite whatever odds are thrown at us.  So the mantra of always walking forward is evident, being a potential theme within Lincolnville.

Quote from ENG 202 

"I stared out into the darkness fighting to calm myself.  It was not calming, though, that there was no city lights out there.  No lights at all." -Kindred, Octavia Butler.

I felt that this quote could be related to Lincolnville, as during the time of the Civil Rights Movement, things were unsettling throughout St. Augustine.  This ultimately paralleled what Dana was experiencing - a great discomfort. As she was thrown into the Antebellum South with nothing to comfort her.  The "darkness fighting" - it's the internal battle that Dana undergoes.  Something I'm sure the residents of Lincolnville experienced as well.