Histories and Mysteries
The Matheson Museum Presents a Walking Tour and More
Additional Images
Photo by Albert Isaac
Erin Hauswirth, dressed as a pirate, tells tall tales of buried treasure during last year's Historic Halloween Haunt.
Pirates, police and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings were spotted last Halloween, wandering the streets of downtown Gainesville. These historic characters from Gainesville's past were on hand to share their stories with trick-or-treaters of all ages.
This October 30, the Matheson Museum, along with Gainesville's Visitor and Convention Bureau, will host the "Matheson History Weekend: Histories and Mysteries," with a reception of food, drink and Halloween-themed fun through historic Gainesville.
Last year, an estimated 65 to 70 children, led by Sharon Faris (dressed as Gussie Matheson) toured the streets collecting treats and listening to tales about Gainesville's storied past. A variety of volunteers dressed as historic Gainesville figures -- including William Bartram (1739-1823), Christopher Matheson (1874-1952) and Chief Edward Vestel (who designed the first police uniform and hired the first motorcycle patrolman) -- shared their history with the public.A female pirate stood in front of the old Baird House, entertaining visitors with tales of searching for her lost treasure. As the story goes, a pirate buried the treasure in a cave off the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of the Suwannee River.
"One of the crew gave the map to Emmett Baird who found the gold and later moved to Gainesville," states the Matheson Museum's biographical sketch. "Perhaps the gold was buried in or around the Baird House, now known as The Magnolia Plantation."
"We want the Matheson Museum to become known for great Halloween events," said Executive Director Carla Summers. "We want to make the history of our region meaningful to our citizens. Docents will be dressed up in costume and will give tours out in the neighborhood. There is a small fee to take the tour."
The museum will host two tours, one for children and one for young adults and adults. The walking tours cost $5 and will be held at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
"There will be decorations, refreshments, donuts and cheese," Summers said.
On Friday evening, visitors will gather at the 1867 Matheson House, "the second-oldest residence in Gainesville," according to the museum's Web site. "Built by James Douglas Matheson, an emigrant from South Carolina and a prominent merchant, the house was bequeathed to his son Chris, the city's mayor from 1910 to 1917, a state legislator, and later, a minister. Chris' wife Sarah deeded the house to the Trust upon her death in 1996."
In addition to the tour, faculty from the Anhinga Writers' Studio will conduct the "Spooky tales in the Florida Swamp," a 90-minute presentation of folk tales and classic scary stories for children of all ages.
The following day, aspiring writers can take part in the writing workshop, "Things That Go Bump in the Night: Writing Mysteries, Thrillers, and Page-Turning Fiction." This workshop will be presented from 9 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. by the Anhinga Writers' Studio, and will include box lunches. At press time fees had not been established.
"Locals can sign up for any part of it," Summers said, "which includes the writer's workshop."
On Saturday evening, people can buy tickets ($30) for the Hippodrome State Theatre production of "Mindgame" by Anthony Horowitz. "Mindgame" is described as a thriller just in time for Halloween.
The Matheson Museum has been in operation since 1994 and is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Alachua County. The complex includes the Matheson Museum, which houses the exhibit hall and research library; the Matheson House, where visitors can see period furniture and personal possessions of the era; the Tison Tool Museum, which houses the unique tool collection of Gainesville native John Mason Tison Jr.; and Sweetwater Park, located directly behind the Museum.
The Matheson Museum building is Gainesville's old American Legion Hall. Inside, permanent and temporary exhibitions tell the story of Alachua County. Currently, a Gator football exhibition greets visitors. Permanent exhibits offer history from the Timucuan Indians to the Spanish occupation of the area to William Bartram's travels, and more.
For more information about the event, or to schedule a tour of the museum, contact the Matheson Museum at 352-378-2280, or e-mail info@mathesonmuseum.org. §
Albert Isaac is Editor-in-Chief at Tower Publications. He may be contacted at editor@towerpublications.com.
