[left.htm]
You once could read this memorial near Munroe Station,
Everglades Florida
(Retyped for clarity)
1936 SEMINOLE
CONFERENCE
ŻŻŻŻŻ ° ° ° ŻŻŻŻŻ
On February 22, 1936, this pine hammock was the site of a conference attended by
about 275 Seminoles and several representatives of state and local governments. Florida's
New Deal governor, David W. Shotlz (1933 - 37), had aided the state's economic recovery
from the great depression. Accompanied by members of his cabinet and D. Graham Copeland of
the Collier County Board of Commissioners. Sholtz journeyed into the Everglades to discuss
with Seminole leaders what the government could do to assist the Indians in those trying
times. A ceremonial welcome was followed by conversations in which Gotch Nagoftee (Josie
Billie) and Tush Kee Henehe (Corey Osceola) spoke for the Seminoles. The Indians
appreciated the offer of aid but, fearing removal from the Everglades, gave the Governor
this reply: "Pohoam Checkish" - "Just leave us alone."
SPONSORED BY THE COLLIER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY IN COOPERATION WITH DEPARTMENT OF
STATE