Article and photo submitted by
Michael Spicer
September 22, 2015 4:00 p.m.
History, culture, art, and food were the themes at a Saturday night celebration of individuals and families whose roots helped to establish American Beach. This wonderful event, held at the American Beach Community Center on Amelia Island, highlighted a project that began almost a year ago by Marsha Dean Phelts and Steve Leimberg. The project documented many of the families of American Beach in portraits and first person accounts of the history of those who helped to establish and preserve American Beach.
150 or more people participated in a program that included speakers and a multimedia presentation that featured a stunning photographic essay of the individuals and families of American Beach while recordings of resident’s intimate stories accompanied the presentation. Copies of Mr. Leimberg’s portraits were then presented to each of the photographed individuals who were present at the event.
An over-the-top American Beach Taste Test Fest Cook-Off of incredible foods followed the presentation that treated everyone to dinner. People were asked to vote for the best in various categories of foods and dishes. The Office of Nassau County Supervisor of Elections supported the event by organizing and tabulating the voting for the food while also offering voter registration ballots to eligible voters.
Many volunteers and sponsors had a hand in making this well-attended, well-organized, entertaining, informative, and delicious event a memorable occasion. Thanks go out to all of you.
Historic American Beach was established in 1935 by Abraham Lincoln Lewis, Florida’s first black millionaire and president of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company.
Michael Spicer has degrees in Geology and Anthropology, has experience in the energy and insurance industries and is a veteran, a musician, world traveler, environmental fine art photographer, and registered independent. He lives in Fernandina Beach with his wife, artist and author, Carol Beck. We thank Michael for his contribution to the Fernandina Observer.
Great work for a fine community. Thanks Mike