First Congregation Sons of Israel

 First Congregation Sons of Israel

April 7th, 2022

Acording to the their website, the "First Congregation Sons of Israel is the oldest Synagogue in “The Nation’s Oldest City”, St. Augustine, Florida. Located in the beautiful historic district at 161 Cordova Street... who believe  "that it is incumbent upon the Jewish people to shape Judaism in every generation by grappling with traditional values and ideas within a contemporary context."

Source Link: Website

                                                                        

                                                                        Interior Images:

This first image shows up close and personal, the detail behind the antique stained glass windows located in the temple. Originally, these windows were located in a different place of worship, however when that place was torn down, the artwork was brought to the First Congregation Sons of Israel to continue its legacy. 

This image shows the Torah books all lined up. the Torah (also known as the Pentateuch or five Books of Moses) is a sacred reading in the Jewish faith and similar to a bible is read during services. 

Exterior Images:

this first image shows the stained glass mosaic that was made in front of the building with extra pieces of the windows.

this image shows the amazing detail on the building, including the lion above the address.

In Conversation:

Website

This temple, located in Rochester NY is quite the excentric design. Similar to the First Congregation Sons of Israel, they are all about bringing people together and educating people on the history and importance of the jewish faith. 

Website

While there aren't many Jewish memorials in America, this one shows George Washington, Robert Morris and Haym Salomon, an American Jew who played a key role in the Revolutionary War. This monument entitled, The Three Patriots highlights the importance of judaism in American History.

Literary In Conversation:

Craig Santos Perez - Habitat Threshold

who age who change who language who pain who play who pray who save

This line in Perezs' poem entitles "We Aren't the Only Species" shows the importance of coming together. Something that not only the First Congregation Sons of Israel, but the entire Jewish faith holds dearly. The lines "who language" and "who pray" are especially important, because they show that no matter who you are or where you are from, that you communicate with others.

Creative Component:

Website 

Although the two doors no longer line up, this before and after, shows how the First Congregation Sons of Israel changed after the flood damage, and introduction of the stained glass windows. 

Castillo de San Marcos

 Castillo de San Marcos

March 31st, 2022

the Castillo de San Marcos, which stands today as a national park, was once a place of safety for the early Spanish settlers of St. Augustine against pirates, and local Native American tribes. This long standing stone fortress stands testament to the nations early latino heritage, and to their cultural groups who stayed at the fort, either by choice, or by force.

Source link: https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm 

Interior Images: 

This first image, shows the coquina stone that the fort is built out of, Like much of Florida, St. Augustine is often flooded and under water. Without this durable stone, the city would have crumbled, and this 400 year old fort would be long gone. 

This image shows the watch tower located on top of the fort. Due to the building having several blind sports, these towers were a safe and effective way to ensure the the fort was always protected and secure from enemy attackers. 

Exterior Images: 

This image shows the beautiful stone that surrounds the outside of the fort.

This shows the outside of the building, and really give a clear view of just how slanted the walls of the fort are. 

Literary In Conversation:

Website

This fort is located in Ticonderoga New York, near Lake Champlain. Although this fort did not contribute to a win for America, it does show the dedication the American army had against the British during the battle of 1777. 

Website 

This landmark, located in St. Augustine, is dedicated to the Menorcan people, and religion (Catholicism)  they held so close to their hearts. The Menorcan people were mistreated in the Untied states, however were able to find refuge in St. Augustine, more specifically, in the Castillo de San Marcos. 

Literary In Conversation:

Ann Browning Masters - "Floridinos, Menorcans, Cattle-Whip Crackers"

Some Floridanos retuned to St. Augustine from Cuba, Spain, and other Spanish holdings, Menorcans remained in St. Augustine after the British Period ended. Intermarriages between Floridanos and Menorcans began during this period.

Durring much of American history, there has been unrest, The Castillo de Sam Marcos, was built as a way to bring Florida settlers safety, during a time of panic. Although many left after the initial settling of the town, The Menorcans stayed, and just like the fort, their history has shaped this town since.

Creative Component:

(from the perspective of the Native Americans who were held captive at the fort)

As we walked through the gates, there was a burst of stale air

then men from far lands, sat us down and cut our hair,

 told us what we must wear

and to whom we send our prayer

the land which was once ours 

now has us behind metal bars

its been weeks since we've been able to see the stars

as they continue to take what is really ours 

Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center

March 24th, 2022 

The lincolnville Museum, which once served as the first public black high school in St. Augustine,  is now a home for the rich history of not only the black experience in St. Augustine, but in America as well. According to their website, "the LMCC’s mission is to preserve, promote and perpetuate over 450 years of the African American story through the arts, educational programs, lectures, live performances and exhibits".

Source Link: https://www.lincolnvillemuseum.org 

Interior Images: 

This first image is a large wooden block located in the front of the museum and is host to hundreds of nails. The further the image goes up, the more disperse the nails become. This piece, lacks much information, however in a strange way seems to tell a story about the oppression that has lingered in St. Augustine. 

These chairs, located in the museum, were once located in the Woolworth Diner. In 1960, four young African American students sat down at the counter, and politely asked to be served. What followed would go down in history, and is now a symbol for the racial inequality in the south. 

Exterior Images:

This image shows the front of the building that was once the only black school in St. Augustine.

Although this image doesn't show the building, it shows the stunning greenery that surrounds the building.

In Conversation:

Website

From the moment I saw the small MLK monument at the Linconville museum, it reminded me of the Fredrick Douglas one located back home in Rochester NY. This stature is in honor of an abolitionist who escaped slavery himself, and made it his life work to help others, and is thought to be the first public monument dedicated to an African American in the United States.

Website

 A large part of not only Florida history, but southern history as a whole is slavery. Before the emancipation of African Americans, this now historical landmark was used as a slave market, which similarly to the Linconville Museum, shows just how deep routed the racism is in St. Augustine. Something that still persists today. 

 

Literary In Conversation: 

Ann Browning Masters - Floridanos, Menorcans, Cattle-Whip Crackers

 

But that kindness was circumscribed by race, religion, when one's family moved to the country, and into whose family one married. There was, therefore, no anonymous crowd from which cruel acts could be brazenly committed. Any victims certainly knew their tormentors. 

I chose this piece, because it takes on the topic of race in Florida. Since the first settlers made their mark in this town, racism has been a problem. The Linconville Museum, just like this poem take this problem head on instead of burying it deep down.

Creative Componet:

(from the perspective of the young African Americans sitting at the lunch counter) 

we came in for lunch, and nothing more.

we sat there in silence, just us four.

we were polite, and kind, not there for war.

but just us being there, caused quite the uproar.

we came in for lunch, not to start a fight.

we were there for a meal, which is a basic human right.

we are four human beings, but us not being white,

caused the people of Woolworth, to not be polite.

Lightener Museum

 Lightener Museum

March 10th, 2022 

 According to their website, "The Lightner Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of visitors through our extraordinary collection, historic building, and dynamic exhibitions and programs. Founded in 1948 by Chicago publisher, collector, and professional hobbyist Otto C. Lightner, the museum offers an immersive experience of art, architecture, history, and design. The museum occupies the former Alcazar Hotel, a Gilded Age resort hotel commissioned by railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Completed in 1888, the magnificent Spanish Renaissance Revival building was designed by the prominent architecture firm of Carrère and Hastings".

Source Link: Website

Interior Images:

This first piece of art, is a sculpture and lamp found on the 3rd floor of the lighter museum. Although this piece looks like it could be from the Roman times due to the bare stone statues, the piece is just over 100 years old, and is a beautiful and playful addition to the lighter museum. 

This second image is a drawing named "Narrow Street in St. Augustine Florida". this piece was made in 1907 by German artist, Gustave Adolph Hoffmann. I chose this drawing because it shows how little the streets of St. Augustine have changed in the last 100 years. 

Exterior Images:

This exterior image of the front garden of the museum shows the beautiful walkway that leads to the fish pond located in the center of the garden. 

This second image, was also taken in the front garden of the museum, and highlights the archways that line the building. 

Literary In Conversation:

Website

The George Eastman Museum, located in Rochester NY, similarly to the Lightener Museum was once a home. This property, was once lived in by the socialite and music enthusiasts George Eastman is now occupied by beautiful gardens and stunning art. 

Website 

This painting of a koi fish came to mind when I walked across the bridge and noticed the giant fish that were below. This painting was made by Michael Creese highlighting the spots and elegancy of this natural creature. 

Literary In Conversation:

Craig Santos Perez: Habitat Threshold

We do not known which to fear more, 

the terror of change

or the terror of uncertainty,

While walking through the museum, it is clear that there is so much history. From the historic building, to the art work and furniture within. I chose this quote due to the line about change. Although much has changed since the building was first made, while walking through the building the combination of the different eras seem to bring you back in time. 

Creative Component:

Photo links: Website

This before and after shows the once Alcatraz Hotel pool turned into a fine dining room.

Tolomato Cemetery

Tolomato Cemetery

February 24th, 2022

According to their website, "Tolomato Cemetery is located in St Augustine, Florida, the oldest European-founded city in the United States, and was in use as a cemetery from the 18th century until 1884. This beautiful space is the last resting place of some 1,000 St. Augustinians, including many people important to the history of Florida and the United States.  It is a distillation of St Augustine history in less than one acre, starting with the First Spanish Period, when Tolomato was a Franciscan mission, and going through its use as a cemetery during the British Period and the Second Spanish Period and then on through Florida's Territorial and early Statehood periods."

Source Link: Website

Interior images:

This first image is the oldest grave sight the Tolomato Cemetery. There lies a young girl named Elizabeth Forrester who most likely died of yellow fever. Although her grave is now restored, shortly after she passed her grave was robbed by soldiers who were looking to make money off the clothing she was buried in.

While the name on this grave was not legible, seems to be separated from the others was most likely made before the 20th century. Although the cause of death is unknown, due to the time period that this cemetery was in use, most likely the person died of illness and was upper class.

Exterior Images:

This first image I decided to include due to the beautiful arched gateway leading to the cemetery. 

This building, although lacking physical remains, lies as tribute to a Father Varela, a man who was known for fighting for Cuban independence. 

In Conversation:

Website

Women's rights activist, Susan B. Anthonys grave is located in Rochester NY. Her grave is a similar age to the ones located in the Tolomato Cemetery. During election season, a plastic cover is placed over her grave, and fellow feminists put their "I Voted" stickers on top, as a symbol of their support. 

Website

Several African American civil war veterans are buried in the Tomato Cemetery. This made me think of of the African American Civil War Memorial, located in Washington DC. The wall consists of over 200,000 names of Black soldiers who belonged in the United States Colored Troops (USCT). 

Literary In Conversation:

Pablo Neruda: One Hundred Love Sonnets: XVII

I love you as the plant that doesn’t bloom but carries   

the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself,   

and thanks to your love the tight aroma that arose   

from the earth lives dimly in my body.

As an honors society, our theme is preservation. Something that not only the Tolomato Cemetery, but also this excerpt written by Pablo Neruda shows. The final line of the poem, "earth lives dimly in my body" is the perfect phrase to use when talking about a cemetery. Although all the people located in the cemetery have passed, their memory carries on.

 Creative Component:

as we walk through the gates I feel a shiver down my spine

although its not a creepy place, these peoples lives are on my mind

how their families must have felt lowering them into the ground

knowing that they will never again make a sound

I can feel the uneven ground below my feet 

as the only noise around us is the cars passing on the street.

Oldest House Museum Complex

Oldest House Museum Complex

February 17th, 2022

The oldest house in the state of Florida is located right here in St. Augustine, and has been occupied in some way, or another since the 1700s. Also located in this historical complex is the first building to be created with the intention to be a museum. The variety of historical buildings come together to showcase the five different eras that St. Augustine has gone through. 

Source link: Website  

Interior Images:

This image, though bare, has a deeper meaning the more you look at it. When the first level of the house was created, there was no money for expensive furniture or wall decorations, the settlers were trying to survive with the bare minimum. Because of this, the walls are dirty, and the only decor is a cross, a symbol for how much religion impacted their day-to-day lives. 

This plan of the Town and Harbour of "St. Augustin" showcases the original plans for the town, including the fort and harbor that still exist today, proving that although much development has taken place here, some things have remained the same in the oldest city. 

Exterior Images:

I chose this image, due to the shadows and light bouncing off the tile walk way, as well as the clouds peaking behind the trees past the gate. 

This next exterior image was chosen due the the beauty of the statue. It stands in a walk way along with other female statues, and separates the different parts of the building. 

In conversation:

Website 

The statues located in the garden of the Oldest House Complex, remind me of this famous statue of Aphrodite, that was discovered by archeologists in 1820. The thing that caught my eye, and made me make the connection was the draping of the cloth, as well as the pulled back hair. 

Website

Although this map was made several hundred years after the maps of St. Augustine, It was the first thing that came to my mind when walking around the museum. A major economic player in Rochester NY during the beginning of the industrial revolution was the Erie Canal, which allowed goods to be transported throughout the northern states. 

Literary In Conversation:

Craig Santos Perez - [Lukao]

"When she came out, she looked supposed. she looked at me and seemed to say " Oh, that's what you look like, Mommy." Craig put her on me, and she was crying, but then she immediately settled down when I held her."

I chose this excerpt because as I was walking through the oldest house, everything was connected to family, and the history that a family builds upon. This is the same in Perez's book, in which 2 stories are told together, the one of his parents and the one of him and his wife. 

                                                                     Creative Component:

 

                                                  (from the perspective of the early settlers)

we came from far

to see a world so bazar 

the air is warm 

and the bugs often swarm 

we are the first to settle in new place

and there is so much that we will face

St Photios Shrine Greek Orthodox National Shrine

St Photios Shrine Greek Orthodox National Shrine

February 10th, 2022

The St Photios Shrine Greek Orthodox National Shrine, is a dedication to the Minorcan Greek people who came to America in 1786. This historical place of worship depicts what life was like for early Greek settlers as well as containing exhibits showing the development of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, and the St. Photios Chapel. The Shrine is also a public place where all may come to honor and remember their own immigrant ancestors, and learn more about what life was like during this time. 

Source link: Website 

Interior Images: 

This picture was taken in the Shrine Chapel, which is filled with Byzantine style frescoes, which are hand painted waiter color paintings. I chose this specific section of the chapel due to the alter. Not only is this alter made of stone, it also is engraved with traditional Greek words of prayer. This photo also shows the 24 carrot gold leaf used on the wall paintings.

This mosaic made with gilded tiles is also on display inside the Chapel. This chair made of stone is also a special part of this sacred place. The seat is made of stone and the cross on the top helps signify that this is a place of worship. 

Exterior Images:

This first image exterior image was taken as a symbol of the combining of American and Greek culture, which is also shown throughout the museum. 

This next image was chosen because it shows the entrance to the court yard, which is an important part of greek architecture. 

In Conversations:

Website

This local church, located in my hometown of Rochester NY reminds me of the Greek Shrine due to its high arches and gold leafing, as well as the images of the disciples hand painted on the walls. These similarities made me choose this image of the place of worship, which is near and deer to many of my friends back home.

 

Website

This image shows greek descendants doing a popular traditional dance called "Sirtaki" also known as the "dance around the world" is a greek tradition in which everyone comes to gather forming a circle, or chain and dances to music or singing. This is another greek tradition that I became accustom to at greek event and parties growing up.

Literary In Conversation:

Ann Browning Masters - "Floridinos, Menorcans, Cattle-Whip Crackers"

"some of our families have been in St. Augustine for over 400 years. some of out families drove over the Bridge of Lions for the first time four minutes ago. Regardless of when we arrived many of us are so captivated with St. Augustine that we never want to leave." 

Although much of the literature that we engaged with this semester was connected to the first settlers of St. Augustine in some way or another, this piece really shows how captivating this ancient city is. for hundreds of years, it has charmed people into staying here, raising children here, and exploring the amazing things the city has to offer. 

 Creative Component:

A Piece of Home

My eyes widen as we walk in through this unknown place

a familiar feeling creates a smile across my face

although its not home, its as if I can almost taste

the baklava and warm hugs that I wish I could chase