The Singing Tower, Mountain Lake Sanctuary, Lake Wales, Florida

THE SINGING TOWERThe Singing Tower is located on the highest spot in Florida and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds.  –The Sanctuary.  The Tower is built of Florida coquina stone and Georgia pink marble, weight 5,500 tons, and took over two years to complete.  It contains one of the largest and finest Carillons in the world, consisting of 71 bells the smallest bell weighing 17 pounds, while the largest weighs 12 tons.  This beautiful Sanctuary and wonderful Singing Tower were given to the people by Mr. Edward W. Bok as a symbol of beauty, and as an expression of his thanks to the American Flag.  The place has been rightfully called “The Most Beautiful Spot in America.”

July 1944

Dear Davie:

Be a good boy and here’s a big kiss Honey X

Love Mommie and Daddy

Master David Topinka

2331 Charney Rd.

U. Hts. 18

Cleveland, Ohio

There’s no postmark or stamp on this postcard from the mysterious Honey X, but July 1944 is written in pencil with a December 1944 stamp.  Did this card take half a year to arrive in Cleveland?  Thinking that Master David Topinka was probably a child when he received this card, it's very probable he is still alive.  Just not in Cleveland.  His house, built in 1942 is still standing, and recently sold in a transaction that featured no one from the Topinka family.

It is very odd that this postcard declares the bells' weight to be more than the previous card from 13 years ago.  The Great Depression must have had some perverse effect on the laws of gravity.  No matter what the bells weigh these days, you can hear them this weekend if you attend the International Carillon Festival this weekend at Bok Tower Gardens?  (Again, I am not a paid sponsor.)