Historic Bok Sanctuary

A Peaceful Wish to All Humanity in the American Spirit of Unity
Part 2

by Martha Hollis and Anthony Scaggs

The Tower itself, an art deco and neo-Gothic sculpture, soars 205 feet. The bronze doors, slightly reminiscent of the Venetian masterpieces, were created by Samuel Yellin to depict the Book of Genesis from the creation to Adam and Eve's departure from the Garden of Eden. Perhaps it was with an ironic sense of wit, that the final panel is surrounded by gardens worthy of Eden. This magnificent door is an entrance into Edward Bok's private study, which is rarely, if ever, viewed. The mystery must remain, as entrance to the tower is not permitted to visitors. We did meet a local lady who proudly claimed her high school class did have a visit during her senior year.

Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., the landscape architect of Bok's gardens and son of the designer of Central Park in New York City, landscaped landmarks such as the White House grounds, the National Cathedral, and the Smithsonian Zoo, more paeans to nature.

The tower selection of a soft pink coquina stone from St. Augustine, FL and pink and grey Georgia State marble has balconies, pinnacles, carved screens and friezes. Lee Lawrie's, sculptor, marble pieces are themed to represent nature, humanity, the Bible, and philosophy. To emphasize the American theme the marble sculptures and faiences boast mostly flora and fauna including eagles, cranes, herons, seahorses, fin fish, jelly fish, peacocks, pelicans, flamingos, geese, swans, fox, storks, tortoise, and hares. Just finding these can be a delightful hunt (often aided with binoculars and cameras) for art connoisseurs of all ages.

Olmsted's landscape design required soil improvement (thousands of truckloads of soil), and miles of trenches and irrigation pipes to transform the arid sand hill with native oaks into a tropical paradise of ferns, palms, pines, and foliage for continuous green. Seasonal bold and subtle color and aromas bursts forth from azaleas, gardenias, magnolias, camellias, hibiscus, and other perennials.

Click on selected photos for expanded view.