Florida cuts the cake for William H. Seward

Florida - The Village of Florida’s favorite son, William H. Seward was born on May 16, 1801. More than 200 years later the community where he was born and grew up still celebrates his birthday and honors his memory. Last Saturday a whole series of events took place on what was declared “Seward Day.” The Florida Public Library held a used-book sale at the Seward Senior Center and also offered a family music program at 1 p.m. by Sergei Arzoumanov. The Village of Florida resident is a graduate of the Leningrad and Moscow music conservatories. He presented a program of classic piano concertos, children’s music and original compositions. The Florida Historical Society, which began the Seward birthday celebrations, held its 15th annual event. After a wreath-laying ceremony at the Seward monument at 10 a.m., the large contingent of participants and spectators moved to the S. S. Seward Cafetorium. The theme this year was, “Here’s Looking at You, Mr. Seward,” a mixture of art work, book presentations and guest speakers. Orange County Historian Theodore Sly did some research and described what life might have been like for Seward when he was in the fourth grade. That grade was chosen because the Golden Hill fourth-graders presented their traditional skits and their crowd-pleasing Seward song. One guest speaker was Alan K. Lewis, author/school administrator, who discussed his book, “I Grew Up On a Farm.” He later signed copies of the book for several eager youngsters and adults. Copies of that book were also presented to the local public and school libraries. Historical Society vice-president Robert Scott had the honor of giving out the “Farm” book as well as the Warwick Historical Society’s recent work, “Days Gone By.” Florida Historical Society trustee John Kimiecik continued the art theme with a discussion and re-dedication of a large oil painting of Seward done by C. Brower Darst in 1910. The painting is on permanent loan from the Warwick Historical Society to the Florida School District. It was restored by the Seward Alumni Association and is now hanging in the library/media center at Seward Institute. A plaque detailing that history was also presented to the school. Village of Florida Mayor James Pawliczek, in his opening remarks, made reference to the Seward name that still can be found in the Florida area: Seward Highway, Seward Institute, Seward Senior Center. A new housing development is reportedly taking that name as well. The Sewards may be gone from this area, but their legacy lives on.