CHAPTER NEWS AND HAPPENINGS

This annual event continues to draw large crowds to Tampa Union Station, where many activities are scheduled, including live entertainment and a walk-through of an Amtrak train. Florida Chapter members set up a display and demonstration of Morse telegraph instruments and equipment which attracted a steady stream of visitors, starting well before the scheduled starting time and lasting until closing time. One visitor made an unexpected contribution. He had a Model 1914 U.S.Army Signal Corps Service Buzzer Set, which he donated to the Florida Chapter, because he wanted to make sure that it did not get thrown away after he died. Buzzer sets, which served as both telephone and telegraph instruments, were used for communications in the trenches of World War I. The Chapter expects to restore the unit to operating condition and then use it in future demonstrations.

When Kirkland's Tania Finlayson, communicates, what you hear is a series of beeps. "I have cerebral palsy, which occurred at birth. My disability makes it hard for me to control my body movements. I have always been non-verbal." Those words came out of a speaker, in a woman's computerized voice, attached to her wheelchair. Tania tilts her head back and forth to trigger a couple of devices that allow her to use Morse Code to communicate. The Morse Code is translated to type on a screen in front of her, and then the words come out of a speaker. She started using Morse Code when she was 11 or 12 and it changed her life. She could finally communicate. "My mom did not dress me in plaid anymore. I could tell on my brother. And I finally had the chance to annoy my dad with question after question about the world." "Ken (her husband) says Tania designed her Morse Code translator herself, despite having a degree in recreation, not engineering, and she now markets the product to others with physical constraints. "

 From a story on KIRO Radio, Seattle, WA. To read the full story and to see a photo of Tania, go to: http://mynorthwest.com/874/2269230/A-Spokane-Dash-For-Puppy-Cash-A-Kirkland-Woman-with-Cerebral-Palsy-Wants-to-Help-the-Blind

In the photo, a paddle is seen on the left side of Tania's head. There is a second paddle on the other side of her head, not visible in the photo. She makes Morse code dots by moving one paddle with her head and makes dashes by moving the other paddle with her head. It is not very fast, probably no more than five to ten words per minute, but it allows her to communicate. Dr. Thomas King, Professor of Communication Disorders at the University of Wisconsin, at Eau Claire, WI, has written a textbook Modern Morse Code in Rehabilitation and Education (available at Amazon for $148.00) and has been active in assisting manufacturers in developing Morse-input communication programs and devices for the disabled. Computers can be adapted so that almost any small movement a person is capable of doing-- such as moving the eyes, blowing with the lips, or using one small finger, can produce Morse code. He and Debra King, Outreach Program Manager at the university, were awarded a New Freedom Award in 2003 by the Department of Labor. The award is given to those who make significant contributions towards assisting those with disabilities.

For the third year, the Florida Chapter was invited to participate in this annual event, held this year April 29-May 3, which is designed to be a fun break for students after the rigors of state mandated testing, but at the same time, provide an educational experience. The railroad theme is used because of the school’s location, between two railroads within a couple of blocks in two directions. The school has a donated caboose near the entrance to the school grounds and a set of highway crossing signals stand tall in the lobby of the administration office. Chapter member Warren McFarland was set up in a vacant classroom and over the course of the day, eleven different classes were brought into the classroom where they learned a little bit about the history of the telegraph and its role in the development of the railroads. Questions were asked, answers were given, Morse codes were demonstrated and those who wished were given the opportunity to try to send Morse code with a telegraph key. Most gratifying was the fact that several students remembered information that they had learned a year earlier.

Florida Chapter (FX) celebrated this annual occasion at the Central Florida Railroad Museum, Winter Garden, FL with a display of antique and replica telegraph instruments and equipment for the benefit of the many visitors.  The Orlando Sentinel had featured the celebration as the “Spotlight Event” of the weekend, resulting in a larger than usual number of visitors for the day.  Very early on, two teachers showed up with a group of their students who were preparing to study about the impact of telegraphy on the development of the United States, followed by a visitor from Kentucky who had seen the announcement in the newspaper.  The Morse KOB program was activated and the museum’s large screen TV was converted to a computer monitor for the day, so that visitors could follow the telegraphic exchanges between the various chapters, individual members and interested participants from all over the world.
    After lunch at a nearby restaurant, chapter members returned to the museum where they viewed the segment from the CBS TV show, Sunday Morning, about the Morse Telegraph Club, followed by a short business meeting where Tom Bjorkman, President, Robert Feeney, Vice-President and Clyde Francis, Secretary-Treasurer were all re-elected to those chapter offices.  Then it was back to demonstrating and explaining for the balance of the day.
    According to Les Kerr, the following offices connected to the MorseKOB server during the Morse Day Celebration:

AK - Maurie - Auckland NZ
BX -Leo (Beechworth Aust)
CS-Carman,  Riverview NB Canada
FB (Ed in Fairbanks, Alaska)
NY-Gil-Moncton NB             
FX Florida chapter-Warren and Tom
HD Hobbs Depot Noblesville IN
SH GARRY WW9GT Sharpsville IN
HM    ( Garry - Homer AK )   
DS - Wabash Depot, Ferguson, MO
RI - Roger, Richmond, IN
System test, AC
WY - JW ASLRRA Atlanta
PO PAT   PEKIN INDIANA
Evergreen Chapter, Fife WA Meeting (monitoring)
CN - Don - Topeka, Ks
VE - J. Chris Hausler - Henrietta, NY
DK Line 1
DK Line 2
DK line 3
SR- Bill-Jersey Shore Jct, PA.
VX  John Scanlon MAPLE GLEN PA
MV Joe, Wichita Ks (listening)
KE, Keith - Freeport, IL
TY, Tom Curtola, Toronto – Ontario
YX Harold Richmond Hill On

This annual one-day, family oriented, event is designed to showcase the Miami River and emphasize its continued importance as a recreational area and as a continuing part of commercial transportation. The Wagner Home, a log cabin built in the 1850s, and the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, is on the grounds of the park. Chapter members Robert and John Feeney had an operating telegraph position set up on the porch of the Wagner Home, with a wire running to a building in the former slave quarters where another telegraph position was set up. Telegraph messages were sent between the two positions, allowing visitors to observe the method of communication in use before the invention of the telephone, computers and all of the other means of communications that came with those inventions.

Chapter member Warren McFarland was the guest in Ms Bator’s American History class at Port St. Lucie High School on April 4th where students were involved in preparing essays for entry into a National History Day competition. Several students had chosen the invention of the electro-magnetic telegraph and its impact on the development of the United States as the subject for their papers. None of the students had ever heard or seen telegraph instruments before the demonstration, resulting in many probing questions and a lively discussion which lasted more than thirty minutes past the end of the class. Since it was the last class of the day, that would seem to indicate a high level of interest by the students.

The annual model train show, held at the Pioneer Florida Museum, in Dade City, FL, provided a steady flow of visitors to the old Trilby depot, located on the grounds of the museum. Chapter members Clyde Francis and Don Andrus were kept busy all day, explaining the history of the old depot, demonstrating the telegraph instruments, answering questions about the old steam locomotive outside, and giving impromptu “train order hooping up” lessons to aspiring young railroaders, and their parents. All in all, a very satisfying day and well worth the time and effort of chapter members.

This annual living history festival stretches from the time of the Spanish conquistadors five hundred years ago, through the events of World War II. Florida Chapter members concentrate their efforts on the Civil War era. Members John Feeney and Buck Buckley set up the Southern Telegraph Company field office and demonstrated the use of telegraph equipment and the method of wiretapping used during the Civil War. Children were delighted to attempt to send their names in American Morse Code. In addition to his duties as the default trouble shooter and technical advisor for the telegraph equipment, Chapter Member Robert Feeney transforms himself into a mid-1800s surgeon, complete with medical instruments from that time. Not to be outdone, Cathy Feeney and Karon Buckley set up an adjacent display of Civil War era ladies’ fashions, including all the fixings for high tea. The event is a major activity of the Collier County Museum and is always well-attended.

This was the second time that Florida Chapter members have participated in this annual event and it provided an outstanding opportunity for members to interact with the public, explaining and demonstrating American Morse telegraphy. Visitors were encourage to try their hand at sending a few letters or their own names in American Morse code. Park and event officials declared the demonstration the most interesting of the event, an opinion that was also expressed by many of the visitors. The hands-on experience of visitors of all ages made helped make them aware that the telegraph is more than just a word in the history books. An added benefit was that it took place in an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the source of the pristine, crystal clear, Rainbow River. As outdoor events go, it doesn't get any better.

This invitation only living history festival. held by the Charlotte County Historical Society, was a new event for Florida Chapter. Based on the experience of Chapter members Robert and John Feeney, it is hoped that the Chapter will be invited for a return next year. The Southern Telegraph Company field office was established, only a few yards from the beach, an ideal location. Antique and replica telegraph instruments and equipment were on display and demonstrated. The wire tapping demonsration continues to be a crowd pleaser, for all ages. Approximately 700 school children passed through the exhibit on the Friday school day. The history of the telegraph and an explanation of its role in the conduct of the War Between the States was a feature during the school day. Cathy Feeney, wife of John and mother of Robert, had an adjacent display of women’s clothing and artifacts of the Civil War era, which drew considerable attention.

This event, held annually at the Trinkle Center on the Plant City campus of the Hillsborough County Community College, provides an excellent opportunity for Florida Chapter members to demonstrate the art and science of telegraphy to the many visitors, using the mini-telegraph office and other antique and replica telegraph instruments and equipment. Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Clyde Francis and Don Andrus also used the event to educate visitors on the importance of the role that the telegraph played, not only in the development of the American railroad industry, but in technological development in the United States and the rest of the world.

Chapter members Robert and John Feeney had the replica U. S. Military Telegraph Corps field office set up inside Ft. Taylor during this three day annual event, Feb. 8, 9 & 10, 2013. Demonstrations of how the pocket relay was used during the Civil War was the favorite of the many visitors. Telegraph keys and sounders, operated by replica batteries of the period were another popular demonstration. The Friday school day saw about 250 children come through the fort. On the two public days, there was a variety of visitors, some cruise ship passengers from ships in port, some tourists and some local residents. Fort Taylor was one of the few forts in Florida which remained under Union control throughout the entire Civil War.

While a groundhog named Phil was predicting an early spring in Pennsylvania this day, Chapter members staffed the Trilby Depot for the combined Farm Festival/Draft Horse Competition, Quilt and Craft Show at the Hernando County Pioneer Florida Museum. Fine weather brought a greater than expected turnout to this annual event, once again making it well worth the Florida Chapter's participation in bringing the old depot's telegraph back to life for the day.

The sound of American Morse Code emanating from the old Sulphur Springs depot, on the grounds of Pinellas County’s Heritage Village in Largo, competed successfully with the local sounds of the area’s premier folk musicians, as well as the more distant Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa. Excellent pre-event news coverage of the activities and outstanding weather may have contributed to that success. The three chapter members on hand were kept busy all day, responding to questions from the steady stream of visitors and demonstrating the restored telegraph instruments and equipment in the depot.

Santa Claus was roaming the grounds of the Pioneer Arts Settlement at Barberville during this annual event, while Florida Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Don Andrus and Warren McFarland were busy in the old Pierson depot and Huntington Post Office sending and receiving SantaGrams for the younger visitors. SantaGrams were quite popular, with many of the senders hunting the roaming Santa Claus to show him their souvenir copy. Meanwhile, other visitors to the depot and post office were interested in learning more about the history of Morse telegraphy.

The Floral City Historic District was filled with demonstrators and docents wearing costumes appropriate to the 1890s, during this annual event, celebrating the “Phosphate Boom” of that era. Florida Chapter members Don Andrus and Warren McFarland, had the mini-telegraph office set up in the Heritage Museum, where it attracted considerable attention all day long. The Chapter has already been invited to participate in this event next year.

Chapter Members John, Cathy and Robert Feeney participated in this event through a telegraph exhibit which informed show-goers of the long association of the Morse telegraph and railoads and demonstrated the role of the telegraph in the evolution of the railroads in this country. Visitors had the opportunity tp try their hand at sending either, or both, American Morse or International Morse on a KOB or a code practice buzzer.

This year’s annual event was designed to emphasize the 500 year history of horses in Florida and there were plenty of Florida Cracker horses in evidence. However, the traditional 19th Century emphasis also continued, with a Cracker farm, complete with house and animals, sugar cane boiling for syrup, candle making, barrel making, blacksmithing, Union and Confederate reeanactors, and, of course, Morse telegraphers as well as many other occupations. Approximately 5000 school children visited the Museum Tuesday through Friday, November 6-9, 2012, with an additional 2,000 general public visitors on Saturday and Sunday. A telegraph circuit was set up for the week-end so that souvenir telegrams could be sent for interested visitors, of whom there were many. One young girl left the telegraph demonstration after asking many questions, declaring that she was going to go home and work to become a “telegraph reader,” and an older woman was observed taking notes as the telegraph demonstration took place. Chapter member Warren McFarland was on hand for the entire event and was joined by members Tom Bjorkman, Don Andrus and Clyde Francis for the weekend.

Chapter members Robert and John Feeney have developed a fruitful association with the Plantation Hitorica Museum in Plantation, FL. Earlier this year, the two members constructed a replica of the wireless room of the Titanic, including replica instruments constructed by Robert Feeney. Later, as part of an exhibit celebrating the centennial of the completion of Henry Flagler’s overseas railroad to Key West, they constructed a replica of a turn-of-the-century railroad office, including a telegraph operator’s position, complete with telegraph instruments, replica wet-cell batteries, original railroad documents and a facsimile of the weather report which was telegraphed to all offices along the overseas extension, warning of the impending hurricane of Labor Day, 1935. That hurricane was responsible for more than 400 deaths and demolished large portions of the railroad. The effects of the hurricane ended Flagler’s overseas railroad venture. (See album page of this site for photos of the two displays.)

This annual event is themed around the sound of music, which was prevalent all over the grounds and included the musical sound of American Morse Code emanating from the old Pierson depot, which was open and staffed by FX Chapter Members Tom Bjorkman, Don Andrus and Warren McFarland on November 3 and 4, 2012. Several visitors made the connection between the rhythmic sound of Morse code and the musical events. Chapter members were kept busy answering questions from interested visitors and demonstrating the antique telegraph equipment in the depot

Chapter member Clyde Francis had the old Seaboard Air Line Sulphur Springs depot open for business, Saturday, October 27th at the Heritage Village in Largo, FL during the annual Fall County Jubilee. The weather was good and the crowd was large with a high proportion of children. The sound of Morse code emanating from the depot attracted many of the visitors in to see what was going on. Several of them were extremely interested, including one potential new member.

The Seventh annual Winter Garden Music Fest drew large crowds over the weekend of October 6-7, 2012. Unfortunately, relatively few of them were interested in visiting the Central Florida Railroad Museum where Chapter Member Warren McFarland had antique and replica telegraph instruments and equipment on hand for display and demonstration. The Morse KOB program was also activated, using the museum's large screen TV as a computer monitor, so that non-telegraphers could listen to Morse Code and see it printed on the screen at the same time. Several of the visitors expressed considerable interest in the demonstrations.

The sound of American Morse telegraph was heard again in the old Seaboard Air Line Railway Sulphur Springs, FL depot on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15th and 16th, as Florida Chapter members Clyde Francis, L. A. Bailey and Warren McFarland demonstrated antique and replica telegraph instruments and equipment to the steady stream of visitors on both days. The depot is now located on the grounds of the Pinellas County Heritage Village in Largo, FL.

A steady stream of visitors through the old Trilby depot, located on the grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City, kept chapter members Tom Bjorkman and Warren McFarland busy all day during this annual Labor Day event.

Chapter members Tom Bjorkman and Clyde Francis had the mini telegraph office set up and operating at this new event for the Chapter, held at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, Saturday, August 4, 2012. The event was intended as a summer program for children which would make them aware of the role of railroads and communication in the development of the United States. Unfortunately, through a series of circumstances, attendance was very sparse and some of those in attendance appeared to not have any interest in telegraphy, although a few did. Those who were interested had an opportunity to learn to send their names in American Morse Code and also to learn about the role of telegraphy in the development of railroads.

The emphasis was on Transportation and Communication during this week of the summer program, held at the Brick City Adventure Park, in Ocala, FL. The children learned about the history of telegraphy and its importance to transportation and in the commercial and industrial development of the United States. Each child was then given an opportunity to send his or her name in American Morse. Those who succeeded in sending their names so that they could be “read” by Chapter member Warren McFarland, the telegrapher on duty, were given Certificates of Accomplishment, indicating that they had done so. Several showed promise as telegraphers.

Tampa Union Station celebrated its 100 years of existence in conjunction with National Train Day, May 12, 2012. Amtrak furnished an actual train for the train buffs to walk through. There was live music, model train layouts, historical exhibits, and, of course, the Florida Chapter of the Morse Telegraph Club. Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Clyde Francis and Warren McFarland had the mini-telegraph office open for business, as well as other telegraph instruments and equipment for display and demonstration. Visitors began arriving well before the opening hour and a flood of visitors continued throughout the day. The three chapter members were kept busy with simultaneous demonstrations of telegraphy all day. The many children, and quite a few adults, were given the opportunity to try to send their names in American Morse code, and several of them showed promise as telegraphers. One potential new member requested a membership application.

Lakeville Elementary School, in Apopka, FL uses a railroad theme for all of its activities because there are railroad tracks within a few blocks of the school in two directions.. The annual Casey Jones week event is a planned break for students after the completion of the annual mandatory state testing. Students and faculty dress in railroad themed clothing and see video and hear railroad representatives talk about safety and other aspects of railroading. For the past two years, FX Chapter has been invited to demonstrate Morse telegraphy and talk about its connection to railroading. Chapter member Warren McFarland was given the use of a classroom on May 8th and over the course of the day, groups of students were brought in to the classroom where they saw telegraph instruments and equipment and heard both American and International Morse Code. Lively question and answer sessions followed the demonstrations and individual students in the smaller groups were given the opportunity to try their hand at sending Morse code. A great time was had by all and genuine interest in learning Morse code was shown by a few.

Chapter members gathered at the Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden, FL on April 28th for the annual celebration of Morse Day. An Internet connection was set up and various chapter members exchanged telegraphic greetings with members of other chapters on this Internet wire. Non-telegrapher chapter members and museum visitors were able to follow the telegraphic communications on the museums large screen TV which had been co-opted as a computer monitor. Chapter member Don Andrus brought his hand-crafted replica of the wireless telegraph key used on the Titanic, along with the mini replica Titanic radio shack which he had constructed. This display drew much attention from both chapter members and museum visitors. (See the Album section of this website for photos.) After a companionable lunch at a nearby restaurant, a short business meeting was held, during which Tom Bjorkman was elected chapter president, Robert Feeney chapter vice-president and Clyde Francis chapter Secretary-Treasurer for the coming year. Cathy Feeney outdid herself this year by baking two birthday cakes for Samuel Morse instead of the usual one. The proverbial icing on the cake for the chapter was provided by John Wood, a former telegrapher on the Soo Line RR visiting the museum, who joined MTC on the spot.

Florida chapter members Tom Bjorkman and Warren McFarland had the mini-telegraph office and other telegraph equipment set up in the foyer of Tavares City Hall for this annual event, held April 7th this year. However, the location had difficulty in competing for visitors with the live, wood-burning steam locomotive providing rides a couple of blocks away. Although the number of visitors was fewer than in the past, those who did come showed a lot of interest in the demonstration. One visitor requested membership information to send to his telegrapher brother in law in British Columbia!

Florida Chapter member Don Andrus was the acting station agent for this annual event held March 24th at the Trilby Depot, located on the grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum. Attendance was above average, compared to previous years, and the percentage of children with their parents or grand parents visiting the depot was most gratifying. They all got a taste of American Morse and many learned to 'hoop up' train orders. Several visited for their second year and were quick to show off what they remembered from their previous visit

A steady stream of visitors through the Depot Museum during this annual event, March 24th, kept Florida Chapter member Warren McFarland busy demonstrating and explaining the role of American Morse telegraphy in the development of the United States and in the operation of railroads.

The annual Plant City (FL) Model Train Show, hosted by the H. B. Plant Railroad Historical Society attracted hundreds of visitors on Saturday, March 17, 2012. Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Don Andrus and Warren McFarland were on hand to demonstrate antique and replica telegraph instruments and equipment throughout the day. As might be expected, given the venue, there were many questions regarding the role of telegraphy in the development of railroads in the United States. One visitor, Roland Stayton, a retired telegrapher, joined the Morse Telegraph Club on the spot.

Florida chapter members John and Robert Feeney, Bethany Waricka and new member, Ed(Buck) Buckley, assisted by Cathy Feeney and Karon Buckley, had their hands full but managed to set up and demonstrate in three separate displays at this annual event, held March 10-11 at the Collier County Fairgrounds in Naples, FL. The Southern Telegraph Company field office was staffed by John and Buck, while Robert held forth in an 1800s style surgeon’s tent. Cathy, Karon and Bethany demonstrated 1800s home crafts of weaving and crocheting. The highlight of the telegraph demonstration was demonstrating to visitors how the telegraph lines were actually tapped during the Civil War. In addition, a Confederate Cipher Wheel was used to illustrate how the message would read should it be encoded and then how it looked when it was finally decoded. The weather cooperated and there were large crowds for both days of the event. Morse Telegraph Club membership applications were handed out to four visitors who expressed interest in joining the Club.

The Southern Telegraph Company Field Office was set up in a prime location at the annual Cracker Days event at Rainbow Springs State Park, near Dunnellon, FL. The event is focused on post-Civil War Florida history and was a new venue for Florida Chapter. Chapter members Tom Bjorkman and Don Andrus staffed the field office and report a heavy flow of visitors on Saturday, Feb 25th, beginning before the event opened and continuing without letup until after the gates were closed. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall on Sunday forced cancellation of that day’s activities, just as it did at the Daytona 500 about sixty miles distant.

The old Pierson, FL Atlantic Coast Line RR depot was open for business on the grounds of the Barberville, FL Pioneer Arts Settlement, Saturday, Feb. 25th, during their Cracker Culture event. Chapter member Warren McFarland was on hand to demonstrate the antique telegraph instruments which are integral to the Pierson depot. Most of the visitors appeared to be more interested in the featured Cracker Road Show entertainment than in the telegraph demonstrations, but there were several visitors, including some of the performers, who expressed interest and spent considerable time asking questions.

In an unusual venue, Florida Chapter particpated in a series of demonstrations in conjunction with the Jacksonville, FL Public Library’s presentation of an American Library Association traveling exhibit on “Lincoln: the Constitution and the Civil War.” Jacksonville librarians, aware of the important role of the telegraph during the Civil War, contacted Florida Chapter through the chapter’s website, seeking assistance to augment the traveling exhibit. Chapter members loaned replica telegraph instruments along with copies of Civil War telegrams from Robert E. Lee, and chapter member Warren McFarland presented live demonstrations on January 4, January 20, February 1 and February 17, to coincide with library activities, plus he presented an impromptu demonstration in a moving elevator in response to interest from other passengers. Although attendance was not at the level of most demonstrations, the Chapter feels that this was in important event in pursuing the goal of keeping alive the knowledge and history of American Morse telegraphy.

The Morse Telegraph Club placed a bronze plaque on the Samuel Morse monument in Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, N.Y. After the original plaque was stolen, the cemetery replaced it with a substitute. Recently, the original showed up on e-Bay. International President James Wades contacted the seller and was successful in obtaining the return of the plaque to the cemetery to be placed back on the monument. Read more about it at: http://www.green-wood.com/2012/bronze-plaque-heading-home/

In conjunction with the "Save Our History" Military Gun & Antique Show at the War Memorial Auditorium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, reenactors constructed Civil War, World War I, and World War II replica camps on the grounds surrounding the auditorium. Chapter members John and Robert Feeney set up their World War I Signal Corps and "doughboy" soldier display in the appropriate area. World War I era telegraph, wireless, and field telephone communications were on display and explained. The event was well attended and the exhibitors, collectors, and general public enjoyed the displays and information. (See the Album section of this web site for photos of the event.)

The old Trilby Depot on the grounds of the Florida Pioneer Museum, Dade City, FL was once again open for business during the two days of this annual event. A telegraph wire was strung between the main entrance and the depot, so that souvenir telegrams could be sent for visitors. Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Clyde Francis and Don Andrus staffed the demonstration. Turnout was light, but those visitors in attendance showed considerable interest in the telegraph display. Three of those visitors also expressed some interest in joining the Morse Telegraph Club.

The Southern Telegraph Company Field Office was in operation for the Battle of Townsend Plantation, near Mt. Dora, FL. Friday was school day with about 250 students in attendance. They learned about Civil War life, including the role of the telegraph. Civil War era wire tapping, using the pocket relay, was a highlight. Saturday and Sunday were public days and both were well attended. The weather was great. Chapter members John, Robert, and Cathy Feeney plus Bethany Waricka were present. Many people enjoyed the telegraph exhibit and information. Two former telegraph operators and a former Western Union employee stopped by and expressed interest in the Morse Club.

The old Sulphur Springs, Fl Seaboard Railway depot, now in Pinellas County's Heritage Park in Largo, saw a lot of activity during the annual Folk Festival event. Chapter member Don Andrus did the honors, and reports an excellent turnout. Between tapping out kids names on the printing register and giving the adults the 'everything you'd like to know about the telegraph' - the 3 minute version -, hooping up train orders, and encouraging kids to try to send a few letters in Morse, there was little time for anything else. All in all, a great day for Morse and a sure invitation for the Chapter to come again.

Florida Chapter member Warren McFarland was the guest speaker at the Deland, FL Rotary Club, January 19, 3012, using the opportunity to demonstrate both American and International Morse code, along with the appropriate instruments, and to impress upon those in attendance the important role that American Morse telegraphy played in the development of the United States and the rest of the world. There was considerable interest displayed, with several Rotarians staying beyond the end of the meeting to ask questions. In appreciation for Warren's appearance, the Rotary Club made a donation, in the name of Florida Chapter, MTC, to the Rotary Foundation, to be used to further its goal of eradicating polio worldwide.

The old Atlantic Coast Line RR Pierson depot, abandoned, then moved to the grounds of the Pioneer Arts Settlement in Barberville, once again came alive with the sound of American Morse as chapter members Don Andrus and Warren McFarland displayed and demonstrated antique and replica telegraph instruments and equipment during the annual Florida Christmas Remembered event. After a slow, weather delayed start, there was a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, who were exposed to the delightful sound of American Morse in holiday mode.

Inclement weather limited attendance during the weekend of December 10 & 11, 2011 at this annual event. Fortunately, the weather was good for the Friday School Day and Chapter members Robert and John Feeney took advantage of that and were able to demonstrate antique and replica telegraph instruments and discuss the role of telegraphy in the Civil War with the students in attendance.

This was the first time that Florida Chapter has participated in this annual event, but the reception by event visitors was so great that the chapter has already been extended an invitation to participate next year.  The purpose of the event is to celebrate and perpetuate the history of the town and its development, which was based on citrus and, later, the phosphate industry.  When the first railroad was built through the area, it bypassed the town, but the town moved itself to the railroad so not to miss out on the economic boost that it brought.  Two telegraph stations were set up, but unfortunately a wire could not be strung between the two locations so that souvenir telegrams could be sent for event visitors.  Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Don Andrus, L. A. Bailey, Catelyn Chamblin, Clyde Francis and Warren McFarland staffed the two offices.

Chapter members Robert, John & Cathy Feeney, attired in turn of the century garb, set-up their telegraph and railroad memorabilia display at this event. Working wet cell batteries, telegraph key, sounder, and bug provided much interest to the visitors. A kid's key was also set up so that children could experience sending Morse code. All who stopped by enjoyed the display.

Ocali Country Days, sponsored by the Marion County School District, is centered around a “Cracker” farmhouse, complete with animals, surrounded by various other old buildings from the 19th Century un Marion County. During this annual event, 1800s crafts and trades, such as weavers, candle makers, barrel makers, blacksmiths, and telegraphers are demonstrated to visitors. Elementary school children are bused in from all over the county during the week. In addition, private schools and home schoolers are invited to attend. An estimated 4,000 students attended. On the weekend, the event is open to the general public, with an estimated 3,000 visitors on those two days. Several school children remembered the telegraph demonstration from last year and one boy even remembered how to send Morse code, although he could not remember the code. On Sunday, a documentary film maker filmed and interviewed the telegraphers at work. The documentary will be shown on Cox Cable network at a date yet to be determined. Chapter members Don Andrus, Tom Bjorkman and Warren McFarland staffed the telegraph instruments

Chapter members Robert and John Feeney had their World War I Signal Corps display set up for this show. Robert and John were dressed as WW I soldiers for the event. Along with the telegraph key & sounder, wireless transmitter & receiver, period batteries and field/trench phones they also exhibited the equipment and knapsack carried by a typical World War I "doughboy." Much interest was shown in the display and the communication technology of "The War to End All Wars." The Stuart Air Show is one of the largest air shows on Florida's East coast and draws thousands of spectators.

Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Don Andrus and Warren McFarland had the old Pierson depot open for business during this annual two day event. A telegraph wire was strung to the old Huntington, FL Post Office, which is also on the grounds of the Settlement, and souvenir telegrams for visitors were sent between the two locations. There were large crowds of visitors on both days, many of whom had never seen telegraphy in action before this event.

Chapter members L.A.Bailey and Warren McFarland occupied the old Seaboard Airline Railway Sulphur Springs, FL depot during this annual event, demonstrating original telegraph instruments for the edification of the thousands of visitors who passed through the depot during the day. Heritage Village has numerous historical buildings which have been moved into the village from the surrounding area. This was the first time that the Chapter has participated in this event, but they have been invited to be a part of several future events at this location.

The event was held at Vista View County Park on October 15, 2011. Civil War reenactors set-up their displays and exhibits for the Cub Scouts. Chapter members Robert, John & Cathy Feeney and Bethany Waricka set up the Civil War telegraph display with working equipment and information about the history of the telegraph. The scouts, as well as their parents, appreciated the information and were interested in seeing actual telegraph equipment in action, especially the pocket relay (wire tapping). It was a well attended event, enjoyed by everyone.

Students at Immanuel Lutheran Church school had the opportunity of hearing both American and International Morse Code for the first time in their rather short lives as Florida Chapter member Warren McFarland demonstrated telegraph equipment and talked about the history of the electric telegraph. Before the session ended, every student had an opportunity to use a telegraph key to send their names in American Morse Code to test Warren's ability at receiving code. The students enjoyed the activity, with several students expressing considerable interest. These students were furnished additional material to aid them in learning more about telegraphy and, perhaps, to even learn to send and receive either American or International Morse Code.

The old Trilby Depot, located on the grounds of the Florida Pioneer Museum, Dade City, FL was open for business on Saturday and Sunday of the Labor Day weekend, staffed by Florida Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Clyde Francis and Warren McFarland. A telegraph wire was strung between a telegraph desk near the entrance to the museum and the depot so that souvenir telegrams could be sent and received for museum visitors on both days. There was a steady stream of visitors to the depot all day long, on both days. Florida Chapter is assisting the Museum in restoring the depot to its approximate 1950s appearance, but financial problems are slowing the process.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding, the City of Auburndale, FL held a four day affair, May 25-29, with many different events over the four days. Florida Chapter members Tom Bjorkman and Warren McFarland were set up in conjunction with three separate model train layouts to demonstrate the role that Morse telegraphy would have played at the time of the city’s founding. Approximately 2200 school children were bused in over the first three days of the event, most of whom knew nothing about Morse telegraphy, but were well informed by the time they left. In addition to the the school children, there were many adult visitors over the course of the event.

The Tampa, FL observance of National Train Day took place May 7 in and around Tampa Union Station. There were attractions such as an Amtrak train on display, model train layouts, a computerized locomotive simulator, a working telegraph office staffed by Florida Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Don Andrus and Warren McFarland, Operation Lifesaver, and much more. Large crowds of visitors were in attendance all day, with the simulator and the telegraph office drawing the most interest. Many of the visitors had neither seen nor heard telegraph instruments before and expressed amazement at the technology. Florida Chapter has been invited to participate again next year and will most likely do so.

FX Chapter members gathered at the Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden to celebrate Morse Day, April 30 this year. Chapter members brought their most unusual telegraph instruments and equipment for display and demonstration and took advantage of the gathering to trade “war” stories with their fellow members. Internet access was provided, courtesy of the museum, and the Morse KOB computer program was activated, turning the Internet into multiple telegraph wires. The museum recently installed a 55 inch flat screen television in order to show railroad videos to museum visitors, but on this day it was converted into an oversize computer monitor, displaying the Morse KOB screen so that non-telegrapher museum visitors could follow along as chapter members from all over the U.S. and Canada exchanged telegraphic greetings. This proved to be the most popular event of the day, as visitors basically ignored the display of telegraph instruments and equipment to watch the exchanges on the screen. From time to time the display was changed over to the wire transmitting Civil War news stories, which also proved to be very popular. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, chapter members returned to the museum for a short business meeting and a Samuel Morse birthday cake and coffee, prepared by John and Cathy Feeney. During the business meeting, chapter officers – Tom Bjorkman, president; Rob Feeney, vice-president; and Don Andrus, Secretary-Treasurer, were re-elected for another term.

Lakeville Elementary School in Apopka, FL, located between two sets of railroad tracks and with a caboose on the school grounds, has used railroad themes for many of its activities, one of which is an annual Casey Jones Safety event. The event, which most likely is a break for students after the period of state mandated annual testing, nevertheless serves an important purpose. Operation Lifesaver, and other railroad representatives are on campus to remind students of the importance of safety around railroad tracks and, at the same time, educate them about the various aspects of railroading. This year, The Morse Telegraph Club was also invited to participate in the event, held April 26th. Chapter member Warren McFarland was set up in a classroom and over the day, individual classes from grades three through five were brought to the classroom where Morse code and telegraph instruments were demonstrated, the history of telegraphy was discussed, questions were answered, and every student was given the opportunity to operate a telegraph key to send their name in American Morse code. It is hoped that the students will remember their exposure to Morse telegraphy. (See the Albums section for evidence of student appreciation.)

The Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Pierson, FL depot, now located on the grounds of the Pioneer Arts Settlement in Barberville, FL was once again alive with the sound of trains and telegraph instruments during the annual Spring Music Festival, held April 16, 2011. Although the train sounds came from a model train layout in the freight warehouse, the telegraph sounds were the real deal as chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Don Andrus and Warren McFarland had a telegraph wire strung between the depot and the historical Huntington, FL post office, which has also been moved onto the Arts Settlement grounds. Many of the approximately 2000 visitors took advantage of the opportunity to send souvenir telegrams to themselves. Among the many visitors was one Leah Morse, a young lady who said that she was the five-times great niece of Samuel F. B. Morse. She said that her grandfather had attempted to teach her Morse Code, but was not successful. Chapter members also installed a permanent telegraph display in the Pierson depot, which includes a Morse code generator, activated by a motion sensor; a KOB which visitors may use to try their hand at sending Morse code; and a display of the chapter’s handout with information about landline and wireless telegraphy and the chapter’s website. The display was constructed by member Don Andrus. Unfortunately, the day’s activities were cut short when a large brush fire several miles north of the Pioneer Arts Settlement burned poles carrying electricity to the Settlement and also succeeded in shutting down the main line of the CSX when cross ties caught fire.

This annual event, produced by the city and held this year on April 2nd, had a train show, a car show, a model train layout, telegraph demonstrations and BBQ, capped by a country music show in the evening. All of these activities drew large crowds which streamed through the lobby of city hall all day, where chapter member Warren McFarland had telegraph instruments set up for demonstrations of the art and practice of telegraphy. The sound of American Morse code attracted the attention of many visitors, intrigued by the early technology. Among those attracted was a potential new member for the Morse Telegraph Club.

The Southern Telegraph Company Office was set up on the porch of the Wagner House, the oldest structure (1857) in Miami-Dade County, during this annual event, held this year on April 2nd, in Lummus Park on the Miami River in downtown Miami, to highlight the history of the river and the area. A wire was strung to the Ft. Dallas (original name of Miami) building across from the Wagner House and a KOB was connected. There was a steady of stream of visitors all day with considerable interest as Chapter members John and Robert Feeney and Bethany Waricka demonstrated how telegraph messages were sent and received. Cathy Feeney and Bethany also demonstrated quilting and weaving to visitors. Good weather and a good crowd made it a successful day for all.

Chapter members Don Andrus and L.A. Bailey demonstrated Morse instruments and equipment and the use of Morse telegraphy in the Trilby Depot during the annual Hernando County Model Train Show, held March 26th on the grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum, Dade City, FL. A good turn out was experienced, highlighted by an attentive Brownie Troop, full of questions. The Brownies were delighted and fascinated as each had their name spelled out slowly, then fast, in Morse code. The museum is beginning renovation and restoration of the old depot and has asked for the Chapter's help in identifying any needs which might further improve the telegraph setup, and the depot. When they learned that member L.A Bailey had worked at the depot for six years beginning in 1949, they pounced upon him with a deluge of questions as to how everything looked at that time. They plan to restore the Trilby Depot to as near its 1950s appearance as possible.

Chapter members Tom Bjorkman, Clyde Francis and Warren McFarland provided Morse telegraph demonstrations at the Depot Museum during the annual two-day Springtime On The Mall Festival at Avon Park, FL, March 25-26, 2011. There was a steady stream of visitors for most of the two days, with many of them spending considerable time watching and asking questions. A potential new member was given an application blank and one child was able to learn the code for her name during several repeat visits and by the end of the day could send her name in Morse code without referring to a chart.

Levy County (FL) Railroad Day, March 19th, was in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Florida Railroad across Levy County to Cedar Key, FL. Various activities took place in the communities of Bronson, Otter Creek and two locations in Cedar Key. FX Chapter members Tom Bjorkman and Warren McFarland were located in Bronson and Cedar Key, respectively, 35 miles apart, with antique and replica telegraph instruments and equipment for demonstrations, and with access to a toll-free telephone line between the two sites. Modems were connected at both sites and souvenir telegrams transmitted for interested visitors. There was a high level of interest in the telegraph demonstrations, with many visitors spending considerable time, watching and asking questions. See photos of various activities at www.levycountyhistoricalsociety.com

By RONNIE BLAIR rblair@tampatrib.com Tampa (FL) Tribune, Published: Sep 5, 2005

DADE CITY - The tapping sounds emanating from the telegraph instruments in the old Trilby Depot provide a time-machine experience for Tom Bjorkman and Warren McFarland. The two men worked - long, long ago, they say - as telegraphers for railroad companies. Bjorkman, 67, of Brooksville, was with the Erie Railroad. McFarland, 82, of Orlando, was with the Atlantic Coastline Railroad. Once upon a time, they were go-to guys when it came to sending and receiving messages. For these two, Morse code is a second language, as simple as A, B, C. Or in this case, as simple as dot-dash, dash-dot- dot-dot, dash-dot-dash-dot. Where others hear meaningless noise, Bjorkman and McFarland hear an insistent tapping that lifts away the years and hearkens back to a time when the telegraph played a crucial role in the nation's development.

These days, though, the message Bjorkman, McFarland and others like them send is mainly one of remembrance. As members of the Morse Telegraph Club of Florida, they keep the torch lit for a means of communication that serves little purpose in an age of cellular telephones and e-mail. ``We just like to keep it alive a little bit longer,'' Bjorkman said. On Sunday, at the 31st annual Pioneer Days Festival, Bjorkman and McFarland demonstrated telegraph equipment to visitors who strolled through the Trilby Depot, which sits on the grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village. Morse Telegraph Club members also demonstrated the equipment Saturday, but they won't be back today as the festival concludes.

Bjorkman said the club is restoring the telegraph table at the depot. Work remains to be done, but progress has been made. ``We have a good working display,'' Bjorkman said. The club members, no fans of the hands-off approach, encouraged children to tap out their names in Morse code. The youngsters might as well do it for fun. None of them is likely to do it for pay, as Bjorkman and McFarland once did. ``I last did it for real in 1962,'' Bjorkman said.

The telegraph had a good ride, though. Samuel Morse invented the telegraph in the 1840s and by the 1850s its use was widespread in the United States. McFarland and Bjorkman said that during the Civil War, the telegraph was used to keep generals updated about events on the battlefields. The military also made use of the telegraph in World War I and, to a lesser extent, in World War II, Bjorkman said. By the mid-20th century, though, as other means of communications developed, the telegraph's importance began to wane. In most places, it was phased out in the 1960s, Bjorkman said. The last land line in the United States was discontinued in 1982 at Whitehall, Mont., he said.

Telegraphers had seen that coming 40 years earlier. In 1942, some of them formed the Morse Telegraph Club to keep the traditions of their vocation alive. Now there are club chapters in nearly every state, including the chapter in Florida, which has 34 members. Once a year, the members pay homage to the man who made their old profession possible. On the last Saturday of each April, each chapter celebrates Morse's birthday, which was April 27, 1791. The Florida group holds its Morse birthday gala at the Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden.

Railroads and the telegraph were linked almost from the beginning, McFarland said. Since the railroad tracks were already there, it made sense to put in telegraph lines along the tracks. ``Then it became natural for railroad employees to become telegraph operators,'' he said.

One piece of equipment Bjorkman and McFarland demonstrated Sunday was an Instructograph, a device used to teach Morse code. The lessons were on yellow paper tape that was threaded through a machine. Holes punched in the paper represented the dots and dashes. The machine read those, then sent a message to a telegraph sounder and the student would try to write down the message as it was tapped out. McFarland said he never had an Instructograph. Instead, his father served the machine's role, helping him to learn Morse code. ``I learned this,'' McFarland said. ``I've never forgotten it.''     Reprinted from The Tampa (FL) Tribune.  Used by permission.

Morse Telegraph Club International President Lavina Shaw has announced that the Florida and Saskatoon Chapters are  recipients of the 2006 President's Award for the United States and Canada, respectively.  This award is given annually to recognize the activities of those chapters who are outstanding in forwarding the mission of the Morse Telegraph Club, which is to preserve the history and knowledge of Morse telegraphy.  Both chapters have been very active in presenting demonstrations in many different venues and in participating in various reenactments which highlight the importance of Morse telegraphy in the national history of both countries.