59 YEARS AGO: November 11, 1965
Astronaut John Glenn graced the Naples Yacht Club during a visit hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Norton of Birmingham, Alabama. Norton, who serves as chairman of the board for the Royal Crown Cola Company, also shares a professional connection with Glenn, as both are esteemed members of the organization.
Remembered as a pioneering American astronaut, Glenn’s remarkable career also included service as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a notable stint as a U.S. Senator representing Ohio. His historic achievements reached a pinnacle in 1962 when he became the first American to successfully orbit the Earth in his spacecraft, “Friendship 7,” marking a significant milestone in the Space Age.
Tragically, Glenn passed away on December 8, 2016, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
56 YEARS AGO: November 15, 1968
The Big Cypress Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution officially organized in Naples, with Joy Butts Carter of Immokalee taking on the pivotal role of regent.
Charter member Katherine “Penny” Collier Sapp reminisced about the early days of the organization, sharing insights into a time when South Florida was characterized by limited roads and transportation options. “This was a time of limited roads and transportation in South Florida. There were no computers or cell phones. Actually snail mail, telephone land lines and just getting together for lunch was the best way of communicating,” she recalled fondly.
55 YEARS AGO: November 4, 1969
In a significant community decision, residents of Immokalee once again rejected the concept of incorporation, voting against it by a margin of nearly two to one for the second time in two decades. Immokalee remains an unincorporated area within Collier County and continues to lack its own municipal government. However, discussions emerged in 2017 among local business leaders regarding the potential benefits of incorporation, emphasizing a desire for greater control over infrastructure and improving representation within Collier County.
The area, originally known as Gopher Ridge by the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians, holds a name that translates to “My Home” in the Mikasuki language, encapsulating its rich cultural heritage.
35 YEARS AGO: November 3, 1989
In a moment that surprised many given the passage of time, the Philharmonic Center for the Arts celebrated its grand opening in Naples. The inaugural concert, conducted by the talented Timothy Russell, showcased a remarkable repertoire that included masterpieces by renowned composers Wagner, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky, setting the stage for a vibrant arts scene in the community.
**Interview with Katherine “Penny” Collier Sapp on the Historical Events in Naples**
**Editor:** Welcome, Katherine “Penny” Collier Sapp! Thank you for joining us to discuss those significant historical events in Naples. First, let’s delve into your memories from the early days of the Daughters of the American Revolution. What motivated you and others to establish the Big Cypress Chapter in 1968?
**Penny Sapp:** Thank you for having me! I think the establishment of the Big Cypress Chapter was driven by a strong desire to preserve our American heritage and foster community spirit. At that time, South Florida was still growing, and we wanted to create a supportive network that empowered women to participate more actively in civic life and historical preservation.
**Editor:** You mentioned the limited roads and transportation in South Florida during that period. Can you elaborate on how these conditions impacted your initial efforts with the organization?
**Penny Sapp:** Absolutely! The infrastructure was quite primitive, and traveling from one community to another was a challenge. Many of our meetings had to be organized locally, as some members had to traverse great distances just to attend. Despite this, our commitment was unwavering. We would hold events and functions that brought people together, regardless of the hurdles we faced.
**Editor:** Shifting gears a bit, on a different historical note, John Glenn’s visit to Naples in 1965 is a fascinating part of our local history. Do you remember when he came to town? How did the community react to his presence?
**Penny Sapp:** Though I wasn’t directly involved with that visit, I remember hearing stories about it. Glenn was a monumental figure—being the first American to orbit the Earth was amazing! His presence genuinely energized the community. Many viewed him as a hero, and it was an honor to have such a distinguished astronaut visit our city.
**Editor:** Glenn’s legacy continues to inspire. In your opinion, what does his contribution as an astronaut and a public servant mean for future generations?
**Penny Sapp:** John Glenn exemplified courage and dedication. He not only pushed the boundaries of space exploration, inspiring countless individuals to dream big, but as a senator, he championed important issues. For future generations, he should be a reminder that they can achieve great things, both in pursuing their passions and in serving their community.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Penny! It’s enlightening to hear your perspectives on these historical milestones in Naples. Your stories help keep the legacies alive.
**Penny Sapp:** Thank you for the opportunity! It’s essential to pass on these stories so that we can appreciate our past and inspire our future.
