Manatee History Matters: Early May in the Land O 'Manatee

The scene is the fairgrounds near the ball park on Ninth Street in Bradenton, and a May Day Festival beckons young and old. The Manatee River Journal described it as "one of the most elaborate programs ever held in Bradenton."

Highlighting the day was the crowning of a May Queen whose entrance was heralded by a procession of knights in costume bearing shields and spears. An accomplished cornetist played as the queen entered and dancers, representing the four seasons of the year, provided entertainment.

The popular pageant signaled the opening of the Spring Music Festival with performances by the Bradenton Women's Club Chorus and Bradenton Concert Band. The fairgrounds were originally located on the former Adam's pasture on Bradenton's Ninth Street where the McKechnie Field baseball stadium now stands.

Hearing the words "May Day" today, may call to mind International Workers' Day, or when communist countries show defense might. May Day celebrations were observed by Greek and Roman cultures, and during medieval times. This article will not trace its origins but focus on its customs emerging from the Victorian era, a time known for nostalgia and holiday enjoyment.

This culture influenced local residents living when the 19th century was ending and the 20th century was just arriving. For them, it was a time to socialize and enjoy the ad

vent of spring. It often included festivals, plays, gift baskets, maypole dances, the crowning of a queen and, occasionally, a king who helped conduct the activities of the day.

A photo of Bradenton Elementary Colored School Play, circa 1951, shows that May Day plays were held much later. Sources at the Family Heritage House Museum, at State College of Florida, say what is interesting is that they always understood that the May Day play was an annual event at the school. This is the former Bradenton Elementary School, located on 13th Avenue East where Team Success is currently housed.

This property included two schools for black students (Bradenton Elementary and First Street School, and a junior high that was renamed Bradenton Middle). The school board deeded the property to Manatee County after Bradenton Middle vacated the building and moved to the new Louise Johnson Middle School.

A note in the Manatee River Journal mentions that in May 1921, the Manatee High School commencement program included the crowning of a May queen.

Manatee River Journal archives mention a Woman's Club fundraiser that included the crowning of the May Queen on a beautiful white throne, under a canopy decorated with flowers, followed by a Maypole dance. (Note: Maypole dancing featured dancers around a wooden pole holding the end of a ribbon in their hands. The other end of the ribbon was attached to the top of the pole, and dancers, moving in intricate patterns around the pole, wove the ribbons into colorful designs.) Its society pages mentioned another party where Maypole dancing was an activity for youth.

Though not noted in local sources, it was a common practice (and amusement to some) to create small baskets filled with treats or flowers and leave them anonymously on someone's doorstep. The giver would ring the bell after leaving the basket and run away. The person receiving the basket might try to catch the giver. If caught, a kiss would be exchanged.

This custom was not always associated with romance. People might leave a surprise basket at the door of a neighbor who was failing in health. It was considered practicing the virtue of generosity to give to one's fellow man without expecting anything in return.

Today in the United States, May Day celebrations -- common at women's colleges and academic institutions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries -- are still observed at some of the same schools. Though the holiday has become more obscure each year, it is not extinct. Martha Stewart's website still covers May Day customs and how to craft May Day baskets and make a Maypole.

Christine Brown, special events and marketing coordinator for Manatee Village Historical Park, continues to be amazed at the wealth and variety of historical resources reserved and available for study in Manatee County. Contact her at christine.brown@manateeclerk.com or 941-741-4076.

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 11:26 PM with the headline "Manatee History Matters: Early May in the Land O 'Manatee ."