Brochure for Weeki Wachee produced in the mid-1950s. Weeki Wachee features performances by underwater mermaids, a glass-bottom boat ride, and other natural attractions. The springs are named after the Seminole words for "little spring" or "winding river." In 1946, former U.S. Navy member Newton Perry began to develop a tourist attraction at Weeki Wachee. By the 1950s, Weeki Wachee was one of the top tourist stops in the United States. The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) purchased the site in 1959 and continued to expand. In 2008, Weeki Wachee was taken over by the state of Florida as a state park.
Original pamphlet: Private Collection of Thomas Cook.
Digital reproduction of original pamphlet.
Copyright to this resource is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.
"History of Weeki Wachee Springs." Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. http://weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html.
Pelland, Maryan, and Dan Pelland. Weeki Wachee Springs. Charleston, SC: Arcadia, 2005.
Vickers, Lu, and Bonnie Georgiadis. Weeki Wachee Mermaids: Thirty Years of Underwater Photography. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2012.
BOB HOPE says "The live mermaids are the greatest at the Weeki Wachee. . .and it's fun!"
ARTHUR GODFREY says "Weeki Wachee is one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World!"
World famous LIVE mermaid show!
Completely new show every year!
At each performance a lovely mermaid attempts a 117 foot deep dive into the depths of Florida's famous underwater grand canyon.
"Wonderous," the Mermaid of Weeki Wachee, and our live Mermaid, one of the stars of the world's greatest underwater show.
Deputy of the Andy Griffith Show, says "I love the Mermaids at Weeki Wachee!"
You are seated 16 feet below the surface of this crystal clear spring where you'll view the world's greatest underwater show through 90 feet of absolutely clear plate glass windows 2 1/2 inches thick. The lovely, lively mermaids work against an awesome backdrop of underwater caverns and mountains. Dressed in beautiful costumes, they perform amazing acrobatic feats of synchronized beauty and grace that will thrill you.
Approved and Applauded by Millions!
BE SURE TO PLAN A FULL DAY AT WEEKI WACHEE. . .
An unforgettable experience. Your trip to Florida is not complete without seeing this beautiful and unusual attraction. See the lovely and lively mermaids, stars of movies, TV and radio, in a show of beauty, comedy, novelty and unbelievable feats of daring. You'll be in living room comfort while watching the world's most highly skilled women athletes. Performances daily from 9 to 5, rain or sun. Bring your camera for wonderful underwater snapshots and movies.
Special Performance Saturday Night at 8:30 P.M.
Famous scientist says, "Your show is like our last rocket, it is out of this world."
Popular mystery writer says, "No mystery why it is Florida's finest attraction."
Unbelievable girls live like fish!
Costumes, swim suits and mermaid playsuits by Alix of Miami, Florida's first name in underwater fashions.
Underwater settings and props by Max Weldy of the Folies Bergeres.
Produced by Jack and Marilyn Nagle.
You'll take home snapshots and memories like these.
Ted Mack says: "This is the finest underwater talent in the world."
"Weeki Wachee is one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World."
World famous Underwater Theatre and Underwater Show that attracts visitors from the entire world (visitors from 32 foreign countries last year). You will enjoy guaranteed entertainment in year 'round air conditioned comfort.
Experience thrills and beauty of primitive, untouched river. . . ride glass bottom, side wheel boat . . . see animals, birds, Trader's Landing . . . wild natural beauty of primitive past.
Famous photographer says: "this is seeing the real Florida."
Chief of Seminole Indians says: "This river trip reminds of the old times."
Weeki Wachee proudly recommends the following attractions in the state.
A.A.A. Approved . . .
Fine Foods for a Snack or a Complete Meal.
A tropical floral paradise of hundreds of varieties of exotic blooms.
Don McNeil says: "What a thrill. What a joy. You'll love the mermaids at Weeki Wachee!"
you'll climb aboard the Wilderness Chief Covered Wagon and head for the wilds of Weeki Wachee. . . where you'll see the real Florida. See the wonders of this Florida forest. . . left in the same unspoiled, natural setting since the days of prehistoric man. Be sure to enjoy Weeki Wachee's newest attraction.
Spacious, modern, comfortable. Directly across the highway.
BE SURE TO PLAN A FULL DAY AT WEEKI WACHEE . . .
“Florida's Weeki Wachee: Spring of Live Mermaids.” RICHES of Central Florida accessed April 21, 2019, https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/997.