April Book-of-the-Month: Old Florida by Steve Gross and Sue Daley

I found our Book of the Month during my Bok Tower & Gardens excursion. My family and I stopped in the gift shop before we started and I spied Old Florida by Steve Gross and Sue Daley. Only three copies left and scandalously on sale. I verbally acknowledged the plausible intelligence of buying the book and then hauling it throughout the whole day. Here’s what ensued:

RG: Only three copies left.

The Family: Regina. This fantasy that everyone is gunning for this book is all in your head. No one here today loves these books more than you. Do you see a stampede of finishers storming the shop?

RG: (grudgingly) No…

The Family: Then, relax. We’ll take the day, you can do your research, we’ll all have fun and at the end, you can pick up your book and then cart it to the car.

RG: (worried) I guess so…

So, off we went. You know what almost happened right? Yup. At the end of the day, I happily go into the shop and I spy ONE COPY LEFT and a woman making her way to that aisle. I went running all Bionic Woman — with the theme song and everything — and I snatched it up and gave her a glare. I might have hissed. (Yes, I admit it. I’m not proud.) But, I purchased it and I’m so glad I didn’t miss out on it.

Old Florida visits “Florida’s Magnificent Homes, Gardens and Vintage Attractions” and both Steve Gross and Sue Daly wrote and photographed the book. They visited 35 of Florida’s architectural landmarks and explored the diversity of all the interior design as well — from kooky to magnificent. Here are some images (please make sure you click on them to zoom):

(Above) On the left you’ll find the gilded baroque columns in the living room of Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale. On the right is the lobby of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, featuring the Mediterranean style. The hotel opened in 1926 and during the early 90s, the hotel was closed with no sign of re-opening. My friends and I would try to sneak in because it was rumored to be haunted. A $40 million dollar restoration opened its doors.

(Above) Both of these pictures are from Mar-a-Lago (Sea-to-Lake) in Palm Beach. It is a national historic landmark and renovated by Donald Trump. On the left is the living room with a ceiling height of 34 feet. There is gold leafing galore — it is said that during construction, the State of Florida ran out of gold leaf and the head gilder was forced (forced! ha!) to travel to Europe for more. On the right, is the gorgeous stairway to the Seven Windows Room. (Ya’ll know how I feel about spiral staircases…)

(Above) Both of these photographs are from Ca D’Zan (House of John) in Sarasota. It was built by John and Mable Ringling (of circus fame) and is now open to the public. On the left is the Play Room featuring mural work by Willy Pogany. On the right is part of the ballroom and the ceiling has painted vignettes of dancers from various nations. I do love the shape of the windows and the treatments and tassels coming through them.

(Above) The book also features exterior architecture. On the left is the exterior of the previously mentioned Ca D’Zan and on the right is Flagler College in St. Augustine. Prior to being sold to Flagler College, it was the Hotel Ponce de Leon and was built to resemble a Moorish castle. The interior has Tiffany stained glass, mosaics and beautiful reliefs in terracotta. I’m not sure I’d ever make it to class!

I hope you’ve enjoyed these images. Old Florida also includes other favorites of mine like the Tampa Theatre and Venetian Pool — which I hope to be visiting personally for you. And, oh — What else have we learned today? 1) Always listen to your gut; and 2) If an opportunity comes by — seize it! Don’t let the moment pass you by. Ahhh, life lessons here at Fauxology folks…it’s a well-rounded blog, LOL! Have a great day!