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Charles T. Thrift collection 
donated to Center for Florida History

LAKELAND, Fla. (Sept. 12, 2002) - Nell Thrift, daughter of FSC's 14th president, the late Charles T. Thrift, has donated her father's books and maps to FSC's Center for Florida History. The collection, valued at approximately $11,000, includes significant works on Florida's history. 

Over 150 books, a few published in the 1800s, represent several centuries of Florida history and include literature by Florida authors, such as Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and Marjorie Kinnen Rawlings. Many of the 17 maps of Florida cities and natural areas are between 100 and 200 years old. 

Charles T. Thrift, FSC's president from 1957 to 1976, was a well-known and well-regarded Florida historian. He served as president of the Polk County Historical Association and was a member of the board of directors of the Florida Historical Society. "I am extremely honored to have Dr. Thrift's materials because I've always respected his work," said Dr. James M. Denham, director of the Center for Florida History. "(Thrift's daughter) Nell has always taken an interest in the Center, and she was very supportive of us and willing to help. She just wanted us to have her father's books, and I'm honored that she feels that way." 

Although copies of most of the books are also in the Roux Library, Denham wants to see these books used as much as possible. "They are extremely valuable, and I think it's wonderful to have them here," he said. The books and maps are on display and are available for use at the Center for Florida History, 960 Callahan Court on the FSC campus. For further information about the Center, please contact Denham at 863-680-4312 or e-mail at jdenham@flsouthern.edu.


About Florida Southern College
Florida Southern is a four-year, private, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and a master of business administration degree accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Located in Lakeland, Fla., the college is home to the largest, single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. 

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