Smallwood made the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, which might help to preserve other important buildings from being torn down for more mansions and golf courses. Built in 1906, the store was resurrected by pioneer Ted Smallwood’s granddaughter Lynn Smallwood McMillin and her friend, Nancy Hollister, both delightful amateur historians of the area. Hollister says barrels and tins, including "swamp angel (mosquito) ointment," were "still sealed away as in an Egyptian tomb" when they restored the place. McMillin tells tales of "getting rid of rats as big as cats" during the reclamation in the early 1990s.
When I visit this well-preserved site overlooking the ’glades, I can still hear Totch’s mullet jump and the swish of canoes cutting through the mangrove maze as Seminoles come to trade. Famous former tribal chairman James Billie’s band has played more than once for Smallwood’s Seminole Indian Days Festival, which is now on hiatus. But times have changed for Billie since he was fired by his tribe in 2003. In his 24-year reign as tribal chairman, the local folk hero, alligator wrestler and songwriter took the tribe from subsistence on federal grants to a $300 million a year corporate behemoth. But, unfortunately, he also siphoned off tribal funds.
Whereas the proud, independent Seminole tribe told white negotiators in 1936, "Just leave us alone," now, in their post-Billie era, they advertise their casinos and visits to their reservation in glitzy TV ads. As with all of South Florida, isolation for preservation just isn’t possible anymore. Too many people want a piece of paradise without realizing there is a price—and that price may be a large part of what people want to purchase.
Still, steps are being taken to stop the precious past from disappearing. The Goodland Preservation Association has proved its mettle more than once. Florida panther experts Chris Belden and Darrell Land are working hard to protect the loner, territorial big cats. Collier County has hired sea grass expert Dave Tomasko, and initial improvements in bay and Gulf water are being made. County commissioners and the Pelican Bay developer WCI Communities are funding mangrove forest restoration.
More people with the power to make the right kinds of changes are realizing that "auld acquaintance" should not be forgot in the march of big development. My fervent hope is that everyone who loves the treasures of South Florida will do everything in their power to honor our
illustrious past. They must, don’t you think?
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