[1950s HOME MOVIE BUSINESSMAN'S FLORIDA GOLF]

Personal footage from unknown American businessmen captures the tranquil serenity of a 1950’s Florida. A group of men in suits take their private camera to various sites in unidentified portions of the state on what appears to be a business retreat. Footage captures white sands, blue shorelines banked by lanky palms, a swanky club house and a golf course as well as small boats on the harbor. It opens with the group’s arrival at a train station disembarking from a New York Central train and loading into vintage automobiles. While New York Central trains no longer operate in Florida, the railroad in the 1950’s was the dominant form of long distance travel and Florida was experiencing a boom in population and in tourism. In order to serve longer routes, railroads often formed partnerships with other lines which extended farther south. The group continues to explore, taking a boat ride and tee off on the golf course.

Images feature personal shots of the travelers, amenities of the golf club and thick foliage common of Florida’s subtropical climate. Opening shots watch the businessmen in dark suits and fedoras arrive at the station (:10). They load into a small boat (:26). Shots pan over the marina (:30), boats and palm trees as the group settles in for a ride (:52). They tour white sandy beaches (1:45). Residential homes appear surrounded by thick tropical foliage (2:09). The group exits from a lanai (2:35) heading for trails (2:48) around the residence. They visit a sprawling golf course on the water and club house (2:54). Panoramic shots sweep the shoreline (3:29) and the dining area of the club house (3:48). A waitress tends to guests (4:04) as the open air patio fills (4:27). Two men stand near the flagstick on the green (4:30). Push carts sit around a ping-pong table (5:21). Point of view shots move down a stone path way over looking the water (5:34). The camera man captures personal images of the group on a small dock (6:07). A valet carts luggage (6:14). Distant shots show the expanse of the club house (6:28). Views from the boat watch the dock and club house fall behind (6:42). Sailboats dot the shore (6:54). The film concludes as the men lounge on the boat (7:27) smoke cigars and converse.