DeSoto County Historical Society

10/14/2026

“I Wonder . . .” Wednesday features a historic photograph, and we are asking for your help in identifying some aspect of the photograph—who, what, when, or where. Please share what you know!

I Wonder Who . . . this cowboy is? He is seated—perhaps on his saddle or other gear—next to a bag that has a fringed garment (chaps?) in it, perhaps, next to another cowboy. And where are they in Arcadia? In Arcadia this weekend, Oct. 16-18, is the 13th Annual Arcadia Fall Rodeo: check it out at arcadiarodeo.com

10/06/2026

Thanks to Fussell's Meat for donating the delicious pork steaks to the Society for our 6th Annual Florida Cracker Meal at Pine Level Church. They've been Arcadia's premier butcher shop since 1947! Please thank them when you buy your meat at Fussell's Meats, 2039 SE Carlstrom Field Rd.: 863-494-2112.

Also thanks to Steve Fussell for grilling to perfection the pork steaks donated by Fussell's Meats for our 6th Annual Florida Cracker Meal at Pine Level Church. Please thank Steve when you see him or need help buying or selling property at Fussell Realty, 4 E. Oak St., Unit A, or 863-491-3010 or online at fussellrealty.com

09/30/2026

It's “I Wonder . . .” Wednesday, featuring a historic photograph, and we are asking for your help in identifying some aspect of the photograph—who, what, when, or where. Please share what you know!

I Wonder Who . . . these two men are? Obviously taken in a studio with one man seated and the other standing, this formal photograph from the Frances E. Pooser was printed as a postcard published by “J.E. Batchelder, 6th Ave., New York City.” It is addressed to her father Mr. L. B. Pooser” when he lived in Fort Ogden between about 1905 and 1920. The “correspondence” reads: “Hello Scout / How is the Old Man?”

09/23/2026

I Wonder Who . . . this couple is and where was this photograph taken? Also from the Frances E. Pooser collection, this photograph was printed as a postcard. The woman and man are standing in front of wire fence with poultry netting at the ground. With his right hand in his pocket, the man seems to be showing off a pin on a ribbon attached to his belt.

09/23/2026

“I Wonder . . .” Wednesday features a historic photograph, and we are asking for your help in identifying some aspect of the photograph—who, what, when, or where. Please share what you know!

I Wonder Who . . . these two people are? They are standing beside the front door of West Elementary School in this photograph from the Frances E. Pooser collection, so one or both may have taught there. There are four names written on the back of the photo: “Bradley, Franklin Gray, Bevis Browning, Frances Collins."

09/10/2026

Can't wait for BINGO? Want to help the community?

This year, the Rotary Club is raising money to offer children swimming lessons and asked us to share this. They will be working with the YMCA and Health Dept to set up classes in DeSoto County so you don't have to transport out of town.

This is exciting news. They're still working out the details of where the lessons will take place, but there is definitely a need for every child in Florida to know how to swim.

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

Tickets on sale now!