Spotlight on November’s Historical Events

The trick-or-treaters are gone, Thanksgiving is on the horizon, and, before you know it, the stores will be humming with weary Christmas shoppers.

As we approach the busy holiday season, consider the fact that the next few weeks of November might be the last weeks of sanity for the year. So, why not enjoy it while you can by partaking in some of the historical related events planned across Pasco County.

• Zephyrhills Historical Association Regular Meeting

When: Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Zephyrhills Train Depot
39110 South Avenue
Zephyrhills, FL

Cost: FREE to the public

What: This month the Zephyrhills Historical Association welcomes special guest speakers Larry and Harriett Morton Weicht, both lifelong residents of Zephyrhills. Harriett grew up in the now historic Hercules Powder Company Camp in Zephyrhills, which opened in September 1946. According to a historic marker at the site, Hercules was once the largest employer in Zephyrhills and even had its own commissary and baseball team. Larry and Harriett will share stories of the days past and enlighten us as to what life “used” to be like in Zephyrhills. The association business meeting begins at 6p.m. followed by the program at 7p.m. The usual refreshments will be served.

The Zephyrhills Historical Association meets the 1st Tuesday of every month at the Zephyrhills Depot Museum. For more information please contact Jerry Pricher at 813-788-2547 or by email at jerry@pricher.net

• West Pasco Historical Society Regular Meeting:

When: Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

Where: West Pasco Historical Society

Rao Musunuru Museum and Library in Sims Park
6431 Circle Boulevard
New Port Richey, FL 34652

Cost: FREE to the public

What: This month the West Pasco Historical Society will welcome special guest speaker Gail Diedrich, Hometown editor for the Pasco Times. According to information from the historical society, Gail will discuss the importance of personal histories as reflective of social, economic, and cultural changes in our society and the importance of keeping those things alive for generations to come. Gail’s presentation will no doubt be interesting and insightful.

• Pioneer Florida Museum Tractor Pulls

When: Saturday, November 10, 2012, 10a.m.-2p.m.

Where: Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City

15602 Pioneer Museum Rd.
Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 567-0262

Cost: Adult- $6.00/ Seniors 55 & Over - $5.00

Student (Ages 6-18) $2.00

Children 5 and under - FREE!

What: Every month, the Pioneer Florida Museum holds their ever-popular tractor pull. Bring the kids and your lawn chairs and enjoy watching the stock and super-modified tractors. According to the Pioneer Florida Museum website, weigh in starts at 9:00 a.m., practice pulls run until 12:30 with competition pulls starting at 12:30. For more information please contact the Pioneer Florida Museum at 352-567-0262

The categories are:

- Stock: 1050,1250
- Modified: 1050, 1250
- Youth: 1000 (2 pulls)
- Outlaw: 1050, 1250
- ECONOMY: 1500, 2000
- Farm Stock: 2500, 3000, 3500

Youth and adult pull classes: $10 per class per day (insurance and release required). Limited camping space for self-sufficient RV's (pullers only)

For more information please visit the Pioneer Florida Museum website or call 352-567-0262.

• Pioneer Florida Museum Indian Artifacts Show

When: Saturday November 17, 2012, 8a.m.-4p.m.

Where: Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City

15602 Pioneer Museum Rd.
Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 567-0262

Cost: Adult- $6.00/ Seniors 55 & Over - $5.00

$2.00 for students ages 6-18/ Children 5 and under - FREE!

What: The museum’s Mabel Jordan Barn will be converted into a 5,000 square foot showroom where more than 60 exhibitors and vendors will display their collections and wares. The collections of fossils, points, memorabilia and hobby shop vendors is sure to thrill enthusiasts of all ages.

The museum’s own collection of points and fossils will also be on display in the main building, including a collection donated to the museum in 1977 by Mrs. I.A. Krusen of Zephyrhills. Included in the Krusen collection are "Suwanee" culture projectile point used to hunt large animals in 9,000 BC, atl-atls (spear-throwers) which represented a significant technological development of the Late Archaic Period (5,000 to 1,000 BC., and smaller points from post-500 BC with the introduction of the bow and arrow.

In addition to the artifacts and fossil show, the museum grounds will also be open so if you’re not interested in the artifacts show come out and take a tour of the regular exhibits and numerous historic buildings. A live cane grinding demonstration will also be underway. It will be a fun filled weekend of shopping, eating, and exploring at the Pioneer Florida Museum.

For more information please visit the Pioneer Florida Museum website or call 352-567-0262.