Dorothy Gurney - Bok Tower Sanctuary - Lake Wales, FL, USA
Posted by: 
94RedRover
N 27° 56.119 W 081° 34.605
17R E 443258 N 3090170
This lovely quote from poet Dorothy Gurney is appropriately placed in the lovely gardens of the Bok Tower Sanctuary in Lake Wales, Florida.
Waymark Code: WM93P2
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 06/23/2010
Views: 18
"The kiss of the sun for pardon
The song of the birds for mirth
One is nearer to God's heart in the garden
Than anywhere else on earth"
---Dorothy Gurney
A plaque displaying this short poem sits by a memorial not far from the famous Bok Tower almost in the center of the sanctuary.
Bok Tower and the surrounding sanctuary was a gift to the American people by Dutch immigrant, Edward W. Bok, for the successes he had of the American Dream. A Dutch immigrant, Edward W. Bok became successful as an author and magazine editor.
The fifty plus acre plot of land has a tranquil garden and an outstanding bell tower created as a place of repose to admire the beauty of central Florida. Local flora and fauna are beautifully "on display" for visitors to admire. The Bok Tower Sanctuary was dedicated to the American people by President Calvin Coolidge on February 1, 1929, and added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1972.
The gardens were created by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr, a noted landscape architect. The labyrinth of lush gardens, tranquil ponds, shady nooks and local plants are outstanding, and can be enjoyed for hours. One special place is the Window on the Pond, a tinted glass viewing room by a pond, where the spectators cannot be seen, and the wildlife puts on a show.
The most outstanding memorial in the santuary is the actual 205 foot tall bell tower, which sits on the exact highest point in peninsular Florida (324 feet) and offers a carillon of 60 bells, played twice daily. The tower, was designed by Milton B. Medary in gothic and art deco style.
Address:
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Boulevard
Lake Wales, Florida 33853
Website: [Web Link]
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