This photo by Bok Sanctuary; all other photos by Nori J. Muster.

The Bok Sanctuary carillon is a beautiful 205-foot bell tower, built by Edward W. Bok during the years 1927 - 1929. It has sixty bells and there is a recital every afternoon. Bok was editor of Lady's Home Journal for thirty years, beginning in 1889. He hob-nobbed with all the important men of his day, including Mark Twain, President Calvin Coolidge, and many more. He built the tower on top of Iron Mountain, the highest point in the Florida peninsula, as a gift to the people of Florida and the world.

In 1928, during the tower's construction, Bok offered a $100,000 prize to anyone who could bring about world peace. He ran ads and attracted quite a bit of media attention. His proposal was as follows:

"The American Peace Award: An award will be given to the author of the best practicable plan by which the United States may cooperate with other nations to achieve and preserve the peace of the world."

To get to Bok Sanctuary, take Highway 4 west toward Tampa, then get off at exit 55 (Highway 27) and go south to Lake Wales. Cut off at Highway 17 and follow the signs. Visit Bok Sanctuary online at BokSanctuary.org.


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