Wakulla: a story of adventure in Florida

Mark and Ruth Elmer have spent a lifetime in a modest New England town, but a failing health and a generous offer from an adventurous uncle spark a bold new direction. When an unexpected lease on a Florida plantation appears, the family must quickly pack up, board a steamer bound for the Gulf, and leave the familiar comfort of their small house behind. The children, Mark Jr. and Ruth, can’t contain their excitement, already dreaming of alligators, orange groves, and mysterious Seminole tales that await them.

The story follows their hurried preparations, the bustling departure from Bangor, and the first taste of Southern heat as the ship cuts through the water toward the St. Mark’s River. Along the way, the Elmers confront the practical challenges of a last‑minute move while their imaginations run wild with visions of pirates, monkeys, and untamed wilderness. Their journey promises a blend of humor, hope, and the thrill of stepping into an unknown world, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure in the Land of Flowers.