Pearl Godwin, Founder of Gatorland - Orlando, FL
Posted by: 
Janila
N 28° 21.355 W 081° 24.139
17R E 460573 N 3136695
Pearl's tree is found near the Gatorland Express Train, right next to the "weather station."
Waymark Code: WMYZ3Y
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 08/14/2018
Views: 1
In the 1940s, Pearl Godwin's husband, Owen, had a dream, a dream that she didn't totally share, to open a wildlife attraction in central Florida. But being a supportive wife, she went along with his crazy ideas and, soon Gatorland was born. It wasn't called Gatorland at the beginning but instead was named Florida Fish and Wildlife Institute. That name lasted a year or two and when it didn't produce the desired response, the name was changed to Snake Village which didn't work either. So after another year, Gatorland was born. And if it hadn't been for Pearl's working side by side with her husband to run the business, it may not have bloomed into the wonderful, kitschy Florida tourist attraction it is now.
Pearl died in 2002 and this tree was planted in her honor by John and Laura Knight.