Mandarin Museum News
April 2023
"Embrace the Mandarin Experience"
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Dear friends,
Sandy Arpen spoke of extreme gratitude in last month's newsletter. This month, I must express extreme gratitude of my own.
Since taking over as Mandarin Museum's executive director on March 1st, I have received the warmest welcome from everyone affiliated with the Museum, including the board of directors, staff, volunteers, and Museum members. Perhaps this should come as no surprise since Mandarin residents are among the friendliest in Jacksonville. What did come as a surprise was the little visitor waiting for me on my desk on the first day - a special, personalized Mandarin Frog from our very own "Frogman," Don Bowden. Lovingly hand-painted, Don even inscribed the initial "B" and my start date on the bottom. And while my family has had two other Mandarin Frogs in our yard for the last seven years or so, I think I will keep this one right where it is, serving as a reminder of Don's commitment to the Museum's mission all these years, a commitment I intend to uphold myself. I have yet to give this little guy (or gal) a name. I invite you and your family to send me naming suggestions by email to director@mandarinmuseum.org. I will share the winning name in next month's newsletter!
It is timely that I am writing this at the beginning of National Volunteer Month as I would be remiss if I didn't express my extreme gratitude for Mandarin Museum's most dedicated volunteer, Sandy Arpen. Since 2011, Sandy has guided the Museum through more than a decade of tremendous accomplishments as volunteer executive director. Those who know her also know she is modest regarding her role in it all, but because of her leadership, I am inheriting the helm of an organization that is well-positioned for continued, future growth.
It is with great pleasure that we honored Sandy and Don at our April 1st Volunteer Appreciation Reception.
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Sandy presented Don with an official resolution from the City of Jacksonville commending him for his years-long support of Mandarin Museum & Historical Society. Through the fabrication and sale of his famous Mandarin Frogs, Don has raised over $150,000 for the Museum! In response to the resolution, Don had a truly invaluable gift of his own for Sandy - the very FIRST Mandarin Frog ever cast and painted. Thousands more have been cast and sold since the first thanks to this dynamic duo! Their love for the Museum and the Mandarin community is unmatched. |
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Next, the board of directors and staff surprised Sandy with a custom printed and framed Olis Garber original photograph of Mandarin's oak canopy over Brady Road. On the backside, messages of gratitude from board members, staff, and volunteers made clear the significant positive impact Sandy has made over the years. Finally, we surprised her with another uniquely Mandarin gift - a special song of appreciation performed by Eric Arndt, a regular at our 1st Sunday Music Under the Oaks and a friend and neighbor of Sandy's. It was a special day in a special place.
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As we move forward, I am excited to manage the final phase of our expansion and renovation project. The new art gallery is nearing completion, the highlight of which is an original Harriet Beecher Stowe oil on velvet painting. In the coming months, expect more exciting updates as we work toward an official grand reopening of the Museum's exhibit spaces.
Until then, enjoy this special edition dedicated to our wonderful volunteers. And stop by the Museum and Walter Jones Historical Park on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month for a tour of our historic buildings. I'd love to meet you!
With gratitude,
Brittany Cohill
Executive Director, Mandarin Museum & Historical Society
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April is National Volunteer Month!
Mandarin Museum is so grateful for the thousands of hours our volunteers contribute each year to ensure we accomplish our mission: to share the stories of Mandarin's history, culture, and natural resources! In addition to our many docents, archives, and special event volunteers, we are fortunate to enjoy the support of other organizations in our community.
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Thank you to our Mandarin-area Publix stores who recently sent a fantastic group of volunteers to Walter Jones Historical Park for Publix Serves week! They removed invasive plants throughout the park, clearing out the old saw mill, and gathered all the winter limb debris that had accumulated. |
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This past week, members of the Rotary Club of Mandarin made repairs to the wheelchair ramp at the Historic Mandarin Store & Post Office. Louis and Jill Dunbar and Robert Meeks did a wonderful job making the ramp structurally sound and giving it a good pressure washing. Just in time for Mandarin Community Club's upcoming Mandarin Art Festival! |
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Out in the park, Duval County Master Gardeners Christine Morrow, Juliet Johnson, George DeMarino, and Candace Barone have been busy with spring planting in our shade, butterfly, and kitchen gardens.
Thanks to a wonderful donation from Mandarin neighbor, Charline Jenkins, the shade garden is now home to some new queen's tears bromeliads and gardenias, all propagated by Charline herself.
The winter vegetables in the kitchen garden alongside the Webb/Jones Farmhouse have all been harvested to make way for our spring veg.
We invite everyone to stroll by our gardens throughout the season to watch them mature and bloom!
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Volunteer Spotlight
Roger Williams
by Paula Suhey
"I enjoy walking the grounds of Walter Jones Park, and sitting by the river is restorative for me", says Mandarin Museum & Historical Society Board Member, Rev. Roger Williams.
Originally from the Island of Barbados, Roger moved to Clewiston, a small South Florida town when he was 12. It didn't take him long to become comfortable in the area because of sports - especially football and track in which he lettered all four years of high school. Rev. Williams, attended the University of Florida where he received a degree in Journalism (Public Relations) and Law. He is an avid Gator and enjoys supporting all of the Florida teams.
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When asked why he wanted to be an attorney and pastor, Rev. Williams commented the attorney came first through his high school guidance counselor James Cordes, who steered him toward the law. “Pastoring came in my forties and comes from a love of people, and wanting to fulfill the call God made in my life,” Williams said. “Additionally, the gifts God provides help to make both callings fulfilling.”
He first worked for Three Rivers Legal Services in Gainesville, and then became a Senior Attorney at the Department of Children and Families when he and his wife, Eliva, moved to Jacksonville in 1988. Elvia is a native Jacksonville resident, and a Raines High School graduate. They met at the University of Florida, and are the parents of two sons, Joseph and Steven. Joseph is retired military and lives in Arizona. Steven lives in Jacksonville. "No grandchildren yet, but we are waiting," he smiled.
Rev. Williams was ordained an elder in the AME church in 2004 and served churches in Jacksonville and Hastings before he was appointed to Philip R Cousin AME in Mandarin in 2015. “Philip R. Cousin has a large family footprint in Mandarin,” he said. Rev. Williams succeeded Elder Eugene E. Moseley Jr. who served Philip R Cousin for 25 years. Elder Moseley is well known in the Community having grown up in Mandarin. Williams remarked it's not easy to fill the shoes of someone who also grew up in the Mandarin Community, and served the church with faith and love. "Elder Eugene E Moseley supported the Mandarin Museum, and I wanted to continue the legacy of our church's participation by serving on the board. I love nature and history, and serving gave me the opportunity to share my passions in both areas,” Rev. Williams said.
Rev. Williams commented on the recent changes at the museum when asked, and said “it’s a great contribution to include the history of African Americans in Mandarin in the new wing of the Museum. "Mandarin has a rich history,” he said. "My church, its members, and the larger African American community are a part of that history."
Looking to the future, Rev. Williams concluded, "The addition of our new executive director gives us the opportunity to be focused on maintaining the gift bestowed upon us through the history of this land,” he continued, “adding our new Executive Director Brittany makes me believe the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society is in good hands.”
Two of those hands are Roger's - along with his strong sense of caring for the community that we share.
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Archives Volunteer Cheryl Cummer recently processed a collection of ink stamps from the Historic Mandarin Store & Post Office. The stamps belonged to postmistress Agnes "Miss Aggie" Jones who assumed the role when her postmaster father, Walter Jones, died in 1928. One set in the collection utilizes moveable type with all components (including the tiny tweezers used to customize the stamp) still intact. What a treasure! |
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Florida Frontiers
Catch Sandy Arpen in Florida Historical Society's latest episode of Florida Frontiers: "Carpenter Gothic Churches in Florida." While the entire episode is informative, Sandy discusses Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mandarin's Church of Our Saviour beginning at minute 21:39.
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The FIRST and THIRD Saturdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm: The historic buildings in Walter Jones Park will be open including the 1875 Webb/Jones farmhouse, 1876 Barn, 1898 St. Joseph's Mission Schoolhouse for African-American Children, and Losco Winery log cabin. The Historic Mandarin Store & Post Office will be open on the THIRD Saturday only.
Sunday, April 2, 2:00 to 4:00 pm: Music Under the Oaks music jam. If you play an acoustic instrument, bring it and join the song circle. If you don't play, bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit under the oaks to enjoy the music.
The Mandarin Museum remains closed for renovation, but the gift shop is available when the park buildings are open as listed above.
Saturday, April 8 & Sunday, April 9: The Historic Mandarin Store & Post Office located at 12471 Mandarin Road, just a mile west of the park, will be open to visitors as part of Mandarin Community Club's annual Mandarin Art Festival. Be sure to attend this family-friendly event to support our friends at Mandarin Community Club!
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Saturday, April 15, 11:00 am: Miss Aggie Day presentation at the Historic Mandarin Store & Post Office. This year's recipient is Susan Ford, a charter member of the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society. Among her many contributions to the Museum, most recently she spearheaded the writing and publication of Images of America: Mandarin. Please join us as we honor Susan. Traditional Store & Post Office refreshments will be served: RC Cola and Moon Pies!
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Our Next Frog Painting!
Saturday, May 6, 10:00 am
Purchase and paint your very own Mandarin Frog (or sea turtle or squirrel)! Space is limited to a maximum 25 guests and reservations are required. Email info@mandarinmuseum.org to reserve spots for you and your family or friends.
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Mark you calendars for upcoming Third Thursdays:
May 18: Wayne Wood will be talk about his new book for the Jacksonville Historical Society, Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage. Wayne has held back some books to sell at the event. Also, if you have already purchased a book you can bring it with you to the lecture and he'll be happy to sign your copy. It is a fascinating, comprehensive and beautiful book.
August 17: Greg Holbook, Executive Director of the New Smyrna Museum of History will present information about the Murray/Sheldon family. The Murrays were from Philadelphia, where George Murray was a well-known engraver. But they owned land grants in Mandarin and New Smyrna also. Mr. Murray died young, but his wife and children came to Mandarin alone and Jane Murray (daughter) married John Dwight Sheldon. They married on the property that is the Walter Jones Historical Park. They also buried three children on that land, but went on sell the property in 1840 and live in New Smyrna where they became very well- known and distinguished citizens.
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Mandarin Newsline
This free newspaper allows Mandarin Museum to share history, events, and programs with the public. The newspaper remains free to readers due to the robust local advertising. Please visit, shop, and eat at those businesses who support the community in this way.
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Take a moment to relax under the shade of Mandarin's beautiful oaks...
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Thank you to our all of our community partners
MMHS is funded in part through the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and the
City of Jacksonville.
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MISSION: Mandarin Museum & Historical Society shares the stories of Mandarin's history, culture and natural resources by providing engaging programs that educate, entertain and inspire.
VISIT. JOIN. VOLUNTEER
Mandarin Museum & Historical Society
904-268-0784
info@mandarinmuseum.org
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