Francis Read Moore: Florida Folk Artist, by Robert F. Moore

This colorful book contains more than 250 historical images of small town life in Florida at the turn of the twentieth century. Francis Read Moore (1917-2004) became a folk artist who captured some of Florida's early history through primitive style paintings of buildings and scenes he knew and loved. As his father did before him, Francis lived almost his entire life in Hawthorne, Florida. Photographs kept by his family in an old fifty-pound lard can were the inspiration and guides for his paintings. Each colorful painting is placed next to a matching B&W photograph along with historical information. An illustrated area history dating from the sixteenth century provides context to the painting subjects. This history has been accepted by and is on display at the Hawthorne Historical Museum and Cultural Center. Also included are humorous stories and quips by Francis Moore. His hand-drawn memory map of old Hawthorne and a street layout with index of painting subjects may be used for self-guided tours of Hawthorne today. If you like Americana, you will love this book!