White Springs in Hamilton County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Foodways of the Suwannee

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 29, 2023

1. Foodways of the Suwannee Marker

Inscription. From homemade jellies to boiled peanuts, the heritage of the Suwannee River Valley is experienced through local foodways. For example, Chicken Pilau - a chicken and rice dish cooked over an open fire - has been a culinary tradition in Florida for over 300 years. Today, this tradition remains a staple of community gatherings, family reunions and church suppers.

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Pleasant Jenkins serving pilau rice. Florida State Archives

Local honeys made from gallberry, tupelo and saw palmetto nectar have distinct flavors and colors that beekeepers pursue by moving their hives. Florida State Archives

For generations locals have made jelly from mayhaws, a fruit that grows wild near the Suwannee. Some newcomers to the region failed to recognize the usefulness of the fruit and cleared the trees from their property. However, local canners such as Helen Cribbs and Marie Norris planted mayhaws in their yards to produce enough fruit to make jelly for their families and the community.

Erected by Florida Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas

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• Women.

Location. 30° 19.85′ N, 82° 46.172′ W. Marker is in White Springs, Florida, in Hamilton County. It can be reached from the intersection of Lillian Saunders Drive and Foster Barnes Drive, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located within the Stephen Foster State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11016 Lillian Saunders Drive, White Springs FL 32096, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Florida.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Folklife of the Upper Suwannee (here, next to this marker); Tradition and Change (a few steps from this marker); “There’s an art to everything you do”

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 29, 2023

2. Foodways of the Suwannee Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); A Love Letter from ”Way Down Upon the Suwannee River “ (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Commemorating the Organization of the Second Girl Scout Troop in America (about 500 feet away); The Historic Architecture of White Springs (approx. half a mile away); White Sulphur Springs (approx. half a mile away); Welcome to the White Springs Historic District (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in White Springs.

Also see . . . Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. (Submitted on August 9, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 9, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.