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By LAURA KINSLER

lkinsler@tampatrib.com

Published: December 5, 2008

ZEPHYRHILLS - In a town that was founded as a colony for Civil War veterans, it's no surprise that nearly a half century passed before a black family moved here.

Bessie and Jake Giles worked for a railroad company and settled in Zephyrhills in 1933. They are just one of 138 people and places detailed in the newly published "Zephyrhills From A to Z."

The 296-page book is loaded with interesting facts, biographies and family histories.

For example, Willa Rice is one of four former mayors who all lived in the same Fifth Avenue house at some point.

Karl Mueller, a German-born stained glass artist, designed and created the windows in several local churches, including First United Methodist Church on Fifth Avenue.

Arthur B. Storms was shot and killed during a 1918 bank heist.

"The American State Bank was robbed twice in that year," city librarian Vicki Elkin said. "They blew up the vault, but there was nothing in it. They shot Mr. Storms on the way out."
Elkin spent eight years researching and compiling an encyclopedia of information for the resource book. She set aside time every Thursday and worked closely with Margaret Seppanen, president of the Zephyrhills Historical Association.

"There was never a deadline," she said. "It just took as long as it took."

But sending the final draft to University of Tampa Press gave her an overwhelming sense of relief.

"It's like sending your baby off to school for the first time," Elkin said.
Elkin researched decades' worth of archives from the Zephyrhills News, but many of the photos and details came from local residents. As early as 2000, when head librarian Kathleen Burnside launched the project, the library put out a call for family histories and artifacts.

The books were printed and bound at a press in Dexter, Mich., and will arrive in Zephyrhills next week. The city ordered 700 copies for the first publication, which will be unveiled at a book party Dec. 19 at the Zephyrhills Depot Museum.

After the party, copies will be available for sale at the depot museum, the Zephyrhills Library or City Hall, or they can be purchased online from University of Tampa Press. The price is $32.05.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "Zephyrhills From A to Z" book party

WHEN: 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 19

WHERE: Zephyrhills Depot Museum, 39110 South Avenue

CONTACT: (813) 780-0064

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 779-4617.

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