UCF Libraries

Office of Library Development

University of Central Florida                             Volume II  Issue 3   June  2006

In Development

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Donor Spotlight – Anstiss Miller

Three months of ice and snow some thirty years ago made my decision for me, the decision to move to Florida.  I was able to do this despite being disabled due to multiple blows on my head from an assailant.  Being a handicapped widow seems somewhat on the negative side but I make positive of it, living as independently as I can and driving a car with just a few modifications.

Settling in down here was pleasantly uneventful and the only thing missing in my life was being able to find a nice niche for me to become involved in.  A course from WENDI (When Entering New Directions) in Cocoa’s Brevard Community College helped me find that direction when, in "Self-Improvement," our instructor went around the room on the last day and asked of us all, one-at-a-time, "What will you do to make your favorite dream come true?"  When she got to me, without even thinking, I said that my favorite dream was, "I got married right out of high school.  I have always dreamed of going to college but now I cannot because of my inability to read, and I am too old."

The instructor seemed startled and said, "Of course you can go to college.  It does not matter what age you are, and blind or physically handicapped people are welcomed."  She gave me the name of the Director of BCC Disabled Services.  After talking with the Director, I enrolled for the next semester.

Two of my brothers and a few friends were, and still are, willing to read on tape any book that I need.  My delightful journey began; my dream began to unfold.

Instead of the expected two years, it took me four because I tire quite easily and could take just one course per semester.  At this point I should say that the excitement of learning was, and still is, of equal importance in me to volunteering my time at the Cocoa Domestic Violence Shelter for Women.  I am honored to serve on the North Brevard Salvation Army Domestic Violence Advisory Board and offer volunteer administrative assistance to the Shelter.

After graduating, the next stop on my dream journey was starting classes at the Orlando UCF campus.  My major was English Literature.  I got my degree in 1989 and started on my master's degree; but then had to stop.  All of my required classes were in the evening and coming back on the Beachline, or the Bee Line as they then called it, late at night was truly frightening as well as exhausting.  I made an appointment with the head of the English Department, Dr. Schell.  His answer, "Why not get another undergraduate degree, in Liberal Studies?"  He said I had already finished the English Literature requirement (back in 1995, two minors made up the needed requirement) and I could take Psychology or Philosophy for the other.  I chose Philosophy and what a marvelous time I had!  And now with time taken to beat four bouts of cancer, I graduate in August at the age of 76.

I am going to make a donation to the library’s Philosophy Collection.  I once read constantly, and the end of this pleasure cannot destroy my love of books; it will always remain.  I cannot make a large gift [From the editor:  We think it’s outstanding, of course!] and may only be a biblical widow’s mite, but it is so willingly given.

I say to all of my professors and the library staff, you have my heartfelt gratitude.  Thank you for making my dream come true.  [From the Editor:  Anstiss, you have our gratitude, and may your example and your gift serve to make many others' dreams come true as well.]

For more information about services for the disabled, please visit the Libraries' Disability Services  and the University's Student Disability Services Web sites.

5 Historic Restaurants That Can Now Only Be Viewed at the Rosen Library

The Universal Orlando Foundation Library at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management occupies a remarkably open and beautiful building; it is truly a one-of-a kind.  The building the Rosen staff and students use is an absolute testament to modernity and elegance.  It is this which makes the UOF Library’s latest exhibit so much more contrasting and pleasant.

A large cabinet displays "Orlando’s Historic Restaurants."  The display contains tea sets, silverware, menus, postcards, and so much more.  The exhibit is dedicated to five extraordinary restaurants, though all have disappeared into the past.

To learn more about this exhibit and the Rosen Library Web site

The Hotel Fort Gatlin, established in 1926 and closed permanently in 1965.  The restaurant was renowned for the freshness of its fruits and veggies, as well as its "Full Course Fried Chicken."  The building in which the restaurant resided, at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Colonial was bought by the Orlando Sentinel and fell prey to the wrecking ball shortly afterwards.

Very close by at Colonial and Magnolia the Latchstring Tea Room delighted diners from around 1930 to approximately 1950.  Latchstring was benefited by its neighbor, mind not that they could borrow a cup of sugar, but they shared the corner with noted horticulturist Mulford Foster.  A tea drinker would be able to sit with their tea while gazing contentedly at the lush landscaping which included over 200 different species of plant life.  While Foster’s bromeliads can still be appreciated throughout the area as a lasting reminder of flowers and tea, the building itself made way for a truly great cultural example of history and culture…a 7 Eleven.

Serving for just short of 50 years, South Orange Blossom Trail’s Gary’s Duck Inn was not only a great celebrity draw (Bob Hope and Dolly Parton partook of the more than 25,000 pounds of shrimp), it even inspired the chain which would become Red Lobster.

At Bumby and East Colonial, Ronnie’s Restaurant thrilled diners for 39 years.  The hit parade of politicians and local celebrities joined the long lines, hours worth of lines that even food-sharing restrictions could not dissuade.  Local shrimp now breathe easier knowing the location was closed in 1995.

The most modern was Lee’s Lakeside, founded in 1980 and lasting until just last year.  Its extraordinary location on Lake Eola helped to make it a premiere restaurant, but the steady supply of celebrities certainly didn’t hinder matters.  Owner Lee Rose’s death led to three very difficult years for the eatery, forcing it to close in 2005. However, rejuvenation is well on its way in the form of Wolfgang Puck disciple and apprentice Robin Stotter.

Most of the artifacts for the exhibit came from the Orange County History Center, though when the need to fill the cabinet reared its head, our Rosen Library staff stepped up to lend artifacts of their own – including a beautiful tea set, pewter, and china - to complete this intrinsically satisfying exhibit.

Orlando’s Historic Restaurants opened in late May and we will all have plenty of opportunity to see it before it comes down at the beginning of August.

In Remembrance

Not long ago, the UCF Libraries lost a friend when John Stilwell passed away.  Most of us who knew Mr. Stilwell met him in conjunction with the Lois Holt Foundation, which, for the past twelve years, he ensured supported a scholarship for Libraries' student assistants.

Dwain Teague, Director of Major Gifts for the UCF Libraries, presenting John Stilwell with the President’s Medallion Society plaque on behalf of the UCF Foundation in 2005.

Mr. Stilwell has left us with a legacy of enduring and energetic kindness; he was as active as he was generous.  He began his professional career in 1945, joining the US Army at 18 shortly before the end of the war, eventually earning an officer’s commission in 1949.  His service ended in 1962 and Captain Stilwell made a home in Orlando, becoming a Chartered Life Underwriter as well as a Certified Financial Planner (a particularly difficult and prestigious license), beginning a second career in the insurance industry.

Apart from the UCF Libraries, he kept up a list of organizations for volunteering that was amazingly diverse.  To list just a few of his activities, he was a Crusade Champion for the American Cancer Society, Chairman of the Orange County Republican Party’s Executive Committee, designated speaker for the 1976 bicentennial celebration, was a charter member and later President of the Orlando Kiwanis Club, and best of all, acted as the President of the Friends of the Library.

Mr. Stilwell is survived by his sister, his wife’s daughter, a niece, and two nephews.

John Stilwell, you will be sorely missed.