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Virgie Thompson Born into a pioneer family in North West Florida, the appreciation of the Real Florida began at an early age for Virgie.
Marriage to a Naval aviator and the ensuing journey of world travel gave credence to the belief that what we have in Florida is unique in all the world. A three-year tour as Naval Attaché in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean gave opportunity for extensive travel in Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean. A follow on tour to Ottawa, Canada, opened up another world. After thirty years of Navy life, Virgie returned home to a disappearing Florida. The need to do something led to University of Florida’s Master Gardening course and volunteering in State Parks. Virgie has spent ten of the past twelve years on the Board of Directors at Eden Gardens State Park, serving three years as president. During the terms as president, she spearheaded restoration and installation of a rose garden in an original partier flowerbed and helped with repairs and restorations in the museum. A Partnership in Parks program offered the opportunity to build a much-needed pavilion, screened, with kitchens and toilets. The pavilion is a source of revenue for Friends of Eden and the park system. Virgie currently serves on the Board of Directors of Eden Gardens State Park, Point Washington, and The Friends of Florida State Parks as president-elect. —Preserve and Protect” spilled over into the preservation of Governor Stone, a sailing schooner built in 1877. Governor Stone is listed on the Historic Register of Historic Places, as is a National Landmark. Her mission is education with special efforts of at risk children. This has been a six-year effort. The Seventy-fifth Anniversary celebration of our parks is a cause the entire world should embrace. |
