Journal February 20, 1953 (Jane)
Off about 9:30 am. Sandy is so fussy with her new tooth. We drove on a long, straight, concrete, roller-coaster road beside a canal filled with ducks and Egrets (or something). Found a post office in the wilderness. Florida seems to be at least 70 % uninhabited swamp. At least uninhabited by people.
In the afternoon we started passing orange groves. We stopped and got a free drink of orange juice each (even Sandy). We bought a bag of oranges ($1). The orange trees were coming into blossom and the air was sweet with the smell of the blossoms.
We made good time today. We found a spot at Lion’s Trailer Park in Winter Haven. Tonight I did washing. Twenty-five cents for 25 minutes in the wringer-washer.
I took Inky for a walk and we watched fireworks in the distance at the fair.
Journal February 21, 1953
Off we went this morning to Cypress Gardens. The show was to start at 10 am. We found an excellent seat by the water – got all set – show about to start – Lesley had to go to the bathroom. I walked her back to the ladies room. I changed a dime so I would have nickel for the door. Finally got into the ladies room and Les announced she didn’t have to go anymore. So, out we came, washed our hands, tipped the girl. Spent 15 cents.
The water show was good. There were quite a few spills as the water was choppy. After the show we walked around to where MGM studios were making a movie with Esther Williams, Van Johnson and Tony Martin. It was called, “Easy to Love.” Roland and Lesley disappeared (fortunately they found a nice spot so Les could see the show). Sandy and I stood on the outskirts of the crowd trying to get a peek at the movie scene. Later we rode through the gardens on their boats.
Man on top of 2 other water-skiers
We drove home to the trailer for lunch then drove to Clearwater this afternoon. We found a trailer park in Largo that would take children (Largo Park). There was a fair across the street. It was late so we didn’t go but Les was disappointed.
Journal February 22, 1953
Spent the day fixing brakes, cooking and cleaning. Lesley played with the kids at the slide and see saws.