An Evening With the Author

Join us for

Yesteryear I Lived in Paradise, by Myrtle Scharrer Betz

CALADESI MEMORIES

Myrtle’s granddaughter, Terry Fortner, will present

Caladesi Memories,

a descriptive narrative accompanied by projected historic images  which present the pioneer lifestyle and history of the Scharrer Homestead on Caladesi Island, now preserved as a Florida State Park.

Myrtle Scharrer Betz (1895-1992) experienced pioneer life first hand growing up on her family’s 156 acre homestead on Caladesi Island.  Myrtle’s Swiss immigrant father, Henry, was an outgoing and capable man who loved the freedom, sustainability and beauty of the Florida barrier island. Myrtle’s Irish immigrant mother, Catherine, instilled wonder for shells and plants, and imparted a talent for cooking.  The home the Scharrers made on Caladesi was an early tourist destination; hundreds of photos document the steady stream of visitors who arrived by boat to visit and to enjoy Henry’s guided tour of island landmarks.

When Myrtle reached the age of 87 she took the time to write about her memories of growing up on Caladesi Island.  These memoirs became Yesteryear I Lived in Paradise, published in a revised third edition by University of Tampa Press, available now in a second 2009  printing.

“Told with compelling honesty and humanity, this tale by the only child ever born on Caladesi Island captures the natural wonders, discomforts, challenges, and joys of pioneer life on a Florida West Coast barrier island, spanning the time from when Henry first arrived from Switzerland in 1883 until his death in 1934 . . . . more than 130 historic illustrations provide a visual legacy to complement Myrtle’s narrative.”

The book Yesteryear I Lived in Paradise will be available for sale,

$20 paperback, $30 hardcover.

Also, a few first preview copies of a CALADESI COOKBOOK. $20.00  Gary Mormino wrote the foreward:"Caladesi Cookbook : Recipes from a Florida Lifetime is pure delight. More than simply a good cookbook, it is a touching story of a lost and vanishing Florida . . . . Myrtle's granddaughters, Terry Fortner and Suzanne Thorp, have lovingly compiled not simply the recipes, but the memories and stories that make Caladesi Cookbook: Recipes from a Florida Lifetime a culinary and historic treasure."

Proceeds from the sales of the book at this event, benefit both theHenry Scharrer Memorial Fund supporting preservation, education and conservation activities at Caladesi Island State Park and the Progress Energy Art Gallery.