While continuing my research into local figures in Orlando certain connections have brought the seemingly familiar into a whole new light. At the center of this experience was Baldwin Park. An area that I saw as a lavish, cozy spot for studying or a relaxing walk was actually in the past at the center of much controversy. Learning about its history helped me see it in a new lens. Additionally, the offsite provided more opportunity for me to get comfortable with collections management.
At the beginning of this week I launched right back into my usual routine. I found myself having a set, easy rhythm when it came to completing audio logs. Once I had made sufficient head way in my provided set of audio logs, I shifted my focus to further research. This week I narrowed in on specifically researching former mayor and Secretary of State, Glenda Hood. I was able to engage with her extensive career in serving the Central Florida community. I read many more excerpts about her work ethic and various roles within organizations. While reading these excerpts I came across a pointed article written by a journalist concerning Baldwin Park. Recognizing the name of the neighborhood I expected to see news about unique cafes, family-friendly activities, or the idyllic scenery. However, I was met with an article discussing how the neighborhood was before the site of a Naval Training Center. The land this center was built on was bought under contentious circumstances. An outside buyer was sold the land at a very low price, in contrast to what the buyer later sold it for which allowed them, someone from outside the Central Florida community, to make an astronomical profit. I read further articles describing local citizens being upset that the land was not used for more of the community or that their wishes were not fully considered. Many saw the later development of Baldwin Park as driving up housing prices and creating a wealthy oasis amid other struggling nearby areas.
This insight allowed me to view the area with a new perspective. I realized that despite its grandeur there were negative effects for people in the vicinity of the new neighborhood. Moreover, this exercise was also a way to practice reading against the grain. If I had just used these few scathing articles I could have painted an overall unflattering picture of former mayor Hood. However, with further research I found other articles detailing her dedication to the community in other matters. I recognized that it was important to look at the sources of these articles and not fall into the sensationalism whether positive or negative. One such example, was a story about how local firefighters in 2001 had sued mayor Hood and the city for alleged withholding of medical information during annual visits. I could have easily ran with these sensational articles. Instead, I did further research and found more information explaining how the case was quickly dismissed and how not much evidence was ever found. Though the truth may be more complex and never known the example still illustrates the importance of being open to various perspectives. Rarely are things so black and white, especially when it comes to people. Whether it be during an oral history or outside of it, it is important to capture the many aspects of a person.
This lesson weighed on my mind even as I continued the week at the offsite. While continuing Mary I. Johnson's collection of intricate items I was mindful to consider the many different elements to her legacy. In the midst of this reflection, I still focused on the more technical side of things. I had become more accustomed to the system of Proficio. I once again found a comfortable rhythm while cataloguing items. I finished Johnson's large collection of pins and started a new set of items that included her badges from various city departments. I was once again struck by the breadth of Johnson's involvement in the community. Then, while continuing this process I was told that I could soon begin learning how to correctly take photographs of the items for digital access on the History Center's website. I am excited to start learning this skill next week along with the other factors behind digitizing these objects and their information. I see it as acting in the spirit of public history as now these items will not just be in a physical space secluded from many, but instead made public to many through the Internet.
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