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Palm Harbor Museum Presents Quinton Spiaggi with Lue Gim Gong—The Citrus Wizard of Florida on June 4
On this centennial of the death (June 3, 1925) of the brilliant Chinese American horticulturist Lue Gim Gong, Palm Harbor Museum Presents on June 4th Quinton Spiaggi, volunteer Research Associate at Palm Harbor Museum, sharing his extensive research about Lue, who was recognized as a Great Floridian in 2000.
Lue pioneered citrus cultivation in Florida in the 19th and 20th centuries and died poor at age 65 in June 1925—100 years ago. Quinton will incorporate events surrounding Lue's life, facts about the 170-year history of Chinese immigrants in Florida, and even share an original letter from Lue in his possession in his exciting presentation, Lue Gim Gong—The Citrus Wizard of Florida. This event is open to all at no charge on June 4th at 6:30 PM at Palm Harbor Library.
Born to farming parents in Canton, China, Lue became interested in horticulture at a young age and in 1872 at age 15, journeyed to San Francisco, then on to Massachusetts, and finally settled in DeLand, Florida. Following the harsh freezes of the 1890s, Lue successfully developed a strain of frost-resistant orange that came to be known as the Lue Gim Gong Orange. The New York Times reported in 1925 that Lue "saved the industry millions of dollars by his perfection of an orange tree on which fruit would remain until far beyond maturity.” Cultivating aromatic and cold-resistant grapefruit, hybrid roses, and various fruit varieties as well, Lue generously shared them with neighbors and visitors. When Lue faced financial challenges in 1922 that nearly cost him his home, an article in Florida Grower Magazine prompted readers and the community to rally together to help him preserve his property. He spent his final years in his beloved DeLand grove until his death in 1925. In 1999, a tribute was established to honor Lue's profound impact with the creation of the Lue Gim Gong Memorial Garden at the DeLand House Museum along with monuments and mural. In 2000, Lue was recognized as a Great Floridian by the Florida Department of State.
There is no charge to attend and no RSVP necessary. Plenty of free parking is available at Palm Harbor Library (2330 Nebraska Avenue) between US 19 and Belcher on Nebraska Ave, next door to Sprouts. The library is handicapped accessible and this program takes place in the Community Room (first door on the right as you enter the library). All are welcome — please join Palm Harbor Museum for this fascinating and insightful program.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3058741-0
