Tribal Canoes Will Cruise Two Events

Stranahan House March 24, 2001
Smallwoods Festival March 31, 2001

When Seminole Indians first emerged from the isolation of the everglades and swamps of South Florida at the turn of the century, they found friendship and respect at two historic Florida trading posts. Ivy and Frank Stranahan of Fort Lauderdale and Ted Smallwood of Chokoloskee provided food, shelter, clothing and commerce to the Indians, during uncertain frontier times, at their respective establishments on either side of the River of Grass.

This month, the Seminoles will take part in two colorful events that will recreate the past and honor the historic sites where Indian and white man first shook hands in Florida.

Seminole Tribal Chairman James E. Billie will lead a flotilla of Seminole dugout canoes along Fort Lauderdale’s New River, Saturday March 24, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Stranahan House. Then he will lead his musical band in a special concert for a $100 a plate audience at a gala dinner and concert beginning at 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Victorian mansion west of Las Olas Blvd. Guests can tour the House, which is now a museum and view the unimproved site, next door, where the Tribe and the City of Fort Lauderdale plan to construct a fabulous waterfront park named for the Seminoles and Stranahan.

Then, a week later on Saturday March 31, the Chairman will lead Seminole canoes through The Ten Thousand Islands up to the Chokoloskee beach site of the Smallwood Trading Post for a day of fun, music and contests titled "Seminole Indian Day." In addition to free admission to the store museum and the re-enactment of Indians arriving to trade pelts and plumes for flour and cloth, several Seminole style contests will be conducted (clothing, baby, motorcycles and arts and crafts). Slated to perform at the 10 a. m. to 6 p.m. event are Cowbone, Two Large Guys, Bobby Hicks, C.W. Colt, J. Robert, Hollywood Dave, Raiford Starke and Chief Jim Billie.

For more information about Stranahan House call (954) 524-4736. The Smallwood Store can be reached at (941) 695-2989.