Historic Bok Sanctuary

A Peaceful Wish to All Humanity in the American Spirit of Unity
Part 3

by Martha Hollis and Anthony Scaggs

Giving often inspires others to share their own abundance. From the neighbors in adjacent Mountain Lake, the Exedra or semi-circular seating area, carved from marble was donated. On a more personal level, a very moving gift, from Usaburo Tsujita, a former Bok family attendant (who later returned to his native Japan), is a nine--foot Japanese memorial lantern. Refusing all attempts to reimburse him, Tsujita donated the lantern so that it could "be my living spirit and serve Mr. Bok forever at his side."

Roaming around, one will find the Window by the Pond, a small wooden observatory by the pond with a giant picture window for observing birds, reptiles, butterflies and native species in their natural setting. Sitting quietly, one is drawn into the peace and tranquility of this natural setting. Furthermore, Bok believed that the beauty of nature is a "trust handed down to each of us." He believed that it was our responsibility to preserve nature's beauty for future generations.

Bok carried to heart his mother's challenge, "make the world a little bit better because you lived in it." While The Historic Bok Sanctuary may be his most visible and personally his most famous contribution to the world, he championed other social causes. He helped save Niagara Falls. Anonymously, he donated hundreds of thousands of dollars for years to the Philadelphia Orchestra.

A typical day at the Sanctuary finds many families and friends joined together for a gentler type of leisure--and for many, what a lovely change of pace from a land of amusement parks this can be. Located 55 miles southwest of Orlando, it proudly sits 298 feet above sea level.

Also on property is the Pinewood Estate, the Mediterranean Revival historic mansion. This National Historic Landmark may be toured from October to mid-May. After Thanksgiving the home is decorated for Christmas.

Click on selected photos for expanded view.

For more information:

Historic Bok Sanctuary
1151 Tower Boulevard
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Tel: 863-676-1408
www.boksanctuary.org

Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau
P.O. Box 8040
Cypress Gardens, FL 33884
Tel: 863-298-7565
www.sunsational.org

Images copyrighted CGA