Gladesmen: Gator Hunters, Moonshiners, and Skiffers

by Glen Simmons and Laura Ogden

Book Overview

"An homage to the rugged 'swamp rats' who were largely overlooked or scorned by the region's historians, naturalists, and adventurers."-- Miami Herald "Documents an aspect of Florida history and culture of which far too little has been written. . . . [ Gladesmen ] is alive with South Florida history and spiced with Simmons' understated humor and world view."-- Folk Winds "Contains interesting tales of outlaws, moonshiners and other characters--some...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813035554
• ISBN13: 9780813035550
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: University Press of Florida
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating

This book is a fascinating description of life in times in the Glades, Florida Pioneers and a life forgotten. It will move you, awe you, intrigue you and you will come away with a sense of admiration for the people of the Everglades whether white or black or Indian. It was not an easy life but it was a life full of wildness and freedom. This book provides a rare glimpse into the past and the Florida of yesterday. Well done.

Florida Everglades Truth!

LOVED this book! Many insights as to the lives of my family while living in wild Florida..at least the Anglo side of my family! Loved it, explained why we do and act certain ways. Usage of vocabulary, phrases, etc.. Great stories. Recommend to anyone.

Everglades History and Biography

I highly recommend this interesting book. The details about Florida history are fascinating as Ogden presents some terrific stories told by Simmons. There is rich information about alligator hunting, bootlegging, and boat building. I am especially interested in Simmons' boats as the type of skiff that he makes is characteristic, if not unique, to the 'glades.This portrait of Florida is vivid and harsh, and the book provides a richer, more nuanced, view of the state than most imagine.

gladesmen and skiffers

it is with great honor that i speak of this book that was wrote by my friend, who lived all his life in the glades. his grandfather was ducan brady the founder of flamingo and his parents were the keepers at waddell grove on cape sable. this book is testimony to the hardships that our pioneer familys endured in a land all but gone.hell westerneralvin in naples

Unique View of Florida

This book is a fascinating study of fishing, hunting, and working in the Florida Everglades. Most of the activities that are described are set in the 1930s. Most of the book consists of stories and descriptions of live from Glen Simmons, a boat builder who has lived in the Everglades region all his life. The stories are intriguing accounts of the everyday events and the extraordinary happenings that form the stuff of history. Readers of this book will find interesting encounters with a colorful cast of characters, learn about Florida wildlife, and discover how a unique style of boat is built. This book is annotated with well-written introductions by Laura Ogden and illustrated with a wide variety of period photographs that make the rich descriptions even more vivid.