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Gator curator
By JORGE SANCHEZ, Times Staff Writer
A look at the real and commercialized world of the alligator is the latest temporary exhibit at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum. Alligators, Dragons in Paradise explores the world of the alligator, focusing on different themes, such as the alligator's role in preserving the environment and the ways in which the tourism industry links gators with the Sunshine State. Among the exhibits is a section of alligator souvenirs, featuring an alligator-shaped hair comb, pins and dozens of collectible postcards featuring gators. There is even a velvety-smooth piece of alligator hide that visitors can stroke. Aside from its value as a tourism marketing tool, the alligator is a vital part of the Florida ecosystem, and this theme is also examined. The exhibit includes artifacts such as reproductions of alligator skin shoes and purses, a simulated alligator nest complete with eggs and a huge stuffed alligator in a menacing pose. Historic photographs also depict early alligator hunters, including Seminole Indians and U.S. soldiers who used the gator for food and trade. Other items include the gear the trappers used, including a gig, a large treble hook on a stout line and the modern bang-stick, which fires a projectile when its tip is pressed against a gator's head. Another portion of the exhibit traces the origin of alligator wrestling. A picture of Henry Coppinger, Jr., also known as "Alligator Boy," shows him wrestling a large gator in Tropical Gardens Park in Miami in the 1920s. Coppinger was one of the first alligator wrestlers and his performances helped popularize the activity. A local connection to the exhibit is the famous photograph taken by the late Bob Moreland, who lived in Citrus County and was a photographer for the Times. Moreland's picture, taken at what is now Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, shows a toothy gator gnawing on a sign that reads "No Swimming." Alligators, Dragons in Paradise will be at the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum through May 28. It is on loan from the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee. The museum is at the old courthouse, One Courthouse Square, Inverness. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. -- Jorge Sanchez can be reached at 860-7313 or sanchez@sptimes.com
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