Author Archives: fsga

Passing of Richard Green 10-21-16

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We have the sad duty to report that Richard Green passed to his heavenly home on October 21st.

Obituary for GREEN, Richard D.
85, of St. Petersburg, passed October 21, 2016. Richard was born in Cleveland, OH and served in the US Army, Air Force and National Guard. He was devoted to many charitable organizations and was a lifelong Mason. He is survived by loving daughters, Ruth E. Green, Heidi K. Green; granddaughter, Amanda G. Jarzabski (Ryan Austin); great-granddaughter, Payton E. Austin; sister, Dolores Sell-Fredrich; predeceased by wife, Beryl T. Green. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm October 26, at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. MLK St., St. Petersburg, FL. Service will be held 11 am, October 27, also at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to World Wildlife Fund at www.memorial-donations.org. Condolences may be shared at:
www.andersonmcqueen.com

Details for rememberance of Richard Green
Services will be at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home
2201 Dr. MLK St. North, St. Petersburg, FL
Visitation will be Wednesday October 26, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
With Grotto Funeral Service at 7:00 pm.
Memorial Service will be Thursday October 27, 2016 at 11:00 am. with a Masonic Service.
Burial will following the service at Sunny Side Cemetery
5300 19th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33714

The Beginning of Easter Seals in Florida

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In 1954 a group of community leaders who were connected to each other through the Masonic Order and Eastern Star of Florida met in Orlando to plan the kick-off campaign for a new National Program called Easter Seals.  (Left to right:  Mrs. David L. Black – Daytona Beach; J. W. Dupree – Tampa; Francis C. Walton – Daytona Beach; Earl E. Lettelier, Sr. – Ft. Lauderdale; A. Pickens Coles, President – Tampa;  Robert S. Carr – Orlando; Mr. R. B. Sensabaugh – Gainesville; Lisle Reese, Executive Director – Orlando; Judge A. J. Hayward, Jr. – Dade City)

Their mission was to help, aid and assist the National Easter Seals Foundation by raising money locally and funding an Easter Seals Clinic and Mobile Therapy Units to travel statewide helping crippled and disabled children.  (Left to right:  Earl E. Lettelier, Sr., Mrs. Netta Kessler, and Frank Ghiotto)

A poster child was selected and Florida Grotto Units lead by Feramo Grotto in Ft. Lauderdale quickly raised needed monies.

The first Easter Seals Clinic was opened in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida at the old Naval Air Station.  Note the wheelchair ramps leading into the building!

At the clinic, parents would bring their children for a variety of free clinical services. 

Many of the children didn’t even have a clue of the seriousness of their conditions (flat footed and feet turned out).  The look on the mother’s face above is one of worry, yet her little girl smiles happily for the photographer’s camera.

The Florida State Grotto Association is seen here presenting a check to the Easter Seals Foundation President A. Pickens Coles as well as two mobile therapy units.

Many of Florida’s disabled children lived in rural areas far from the Ft. Lauderdale clinic.  These 1957 Chevy Station Wagons were staffed by a driver and a nurse who took their work into the field to visit them.

Many parades were held around Florida by the Florida State Grotto Assoc. to popularize the Easter Seals Campaign.  Note the early television movie cameras on the top of the entrance to the old Sarasota Hotel.

A special “Thanks” to our Museum Curator David J. Lettelier, who’s grandfather Earl E. Lettelier, Sr. was the Fla. State Grotto President and responsible for having the above photos taken.  His grandfather rallied behind the Easter Seals campaign when his youngest son Jack Lettelier (David’s uncle) was born with cerebral palsy.  To become active in an Easter Seals Chapter near you click on the links below:

www.fl.easterseals.com

www.easterseals.com