This is a shot of the entry to Flagler College here in Saint Augustine, Florida. It was previously the Flagler Hotel and was bought and renovated to be what it is now. One of the main attractions to me is the light through the stained glass and chandeliers, along with the beautiful woodwork on the floors and in the structure of the building. I believe this is Spanish Renaissance architecture.
Along with its sister buildings across the street, these hotels were retreats for our cold winter friends to the north…especially the wealthy…and these attractions were among the most elaborate of their time…which included the early 1900s through the "Roaring 20s." As mentioned…this area became a jumping off point for the railroads of the north and west. From here, they built southward in the state to eventually develop all of Florida.
The lights, corners, courtyards, and the utility of these early 20th century buildings speak to the quality and durability with which they are built, and are a lasting testament to Henry Flagler and his family, who really pushed this area into prominence. The underground swimming pool across the street in the sister hotel is one of the first of its kind, and at its peak the largest fresh water underground facility in the US. It was renowned for its "rejuvenating" properties…I expect much like Warm Springs (where FDR spent much time.) This (formerly the Flagler Hotel), the Lightner Museum, and Casa Monica Hotel are very interesting examples of the times and architecture that attract visitors from all over the world.
Angel of Light (James Watkins)
You’re not as you appear
Old friend,
Your crown is sullied brown.
Its golden glory
Sold and shamed-
God’s gift gone underground.
Hypnotized,
You compromised
A dance in dangered round-
The multitudes
With guilt confused-
Then
Brought the building down.
A fine foundation shattered-
It lies like broken glass-
Gone the way
Of winnowed wheat-
Decaying in the grass.
Dead to truth and mercy-
You kindled your own flame-
Then introduced the poison ruse-
Invoked by sacred name.
The darkness now created
Is deeper than the rest-
For others followed helplessly-
You’ve put them to the test.
Stumbling, blind,
And leaderless-
Like sheep
To shearer bound-
With death
You rend the innocent-
They die without a sound.
You’ve filled your coffers
With delight-
Advantaged for all gain-
Clothed with counterfeited light-
And profited from pain.
Some cosmic comic cowboy-
Confused by gaudy grave-
Awaited by its fullness-
In guarded pathway plays.
Rehearse for hell you hero-
You’ve fallen on your sword-
With one mistake too many-
Impaled-
Your plans disgorged.
You’ve taken on
Too much this time-
This giant’s cruel and cold.
Released by
Pressured prophet’s prayer-
Resistant to your mold.
Turn today-
Come face the fact-
Your kingdom’s fading fast.
The words you’ve spoken
Fall like rain,
Then dissipate like gas.
Not one you’ve taken
Will survive-
No single work will last.
Your judgment’s just-
Your time has come-
Your reign is in the past!
Drawn down deviled dancer-
Clown that’s played the fool-
The puppet master’s
Cut the string-
And taken you to school.
The strength you build
With your free will-
A gift that’s gone astray-
Will testify against you-
Its master to obey.
So measure up the moment
You paradox replete…
For every living creature
Serves…
His purpose.
C’est la vie!
James Watkins 2004
FOR THOSE INTERESTED I HAVE AN EXHIBITION AT THIS LINK www.flickr.com/groups/inspiringcollection/discuss/7215762…
