HOW THE 1904 MAY FESTIVAL AND APPEARANCE OF THE "GASPARILLAS" UNFOLDED PUBLICLY  IN THE PRESS

March 22, 1904 - NO MENTION OF GASPARILLA
Women' Ways columnist Louise Frances Dodge reported on the planning of the May Festival for the first time. The Floral Parade plans were receiving favorable comment.  "Secret Organizations" planned to have floats in the parade.  This refers to lodge organizations such as the Masons, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, etc.  Prizes were to be awarded for best decorated carriages, automobiles, and children's turnouts (costumes.)  Concerts were being arranged with local and foreign (not from Tampa) talent.  Outdoor events were being planned.  A ball in the great dining room of the Tampa Bay Hotel was being planned by a committee; a member of which was George Hardee.  Profit was to be divided equally between furnishings for the Children's Home and a fund for next year's festival.  Main streets of Tampa were expected to be decorated, residents were urged to fly flags from their houses.

1904, APR. 7 -  THE TAMPA TRIBUNE - BIG FEATURES FOR THE FESTIVAL

The Tribune gave the Floral Parade priority in this article, implying designs of the floral carriages have already been submitted. It then goes into detail of other such parades held elsewhere, and descriptions of some of the award-winning carriages. 

Mention is made of secret organizations making plans to display magnificent floats.  These were lodge organizations such as the Freemasons, Knights of Pythias, etc.  Businesses were also expected to participate in the parade, as well as the fire department, military, and various bands. 

Some details of the concerts are revealed--scenes from "Bohemian Girl" and "Faust" with fine solos, the brilliant "Human Frog" with patriotic tunes, the exquisite Rose Garden with nodding blossoms, and charming girls, choruses by the Glee Club, an hour of piano music, a lady minstrel show, and a great oratorio concert the "Creation." 

A political rally with leading politicians of the State would be held.  Plans for two days of horse racing are described as running, trotting, and match races , with some entries from Jacksonville.  The article reports that the "Tampa Bay Rod and Gun Club" is making elaborate preparations in the form of a live pigeon shoot, for which over 40 entries had already been received, and a prize of $400 to be divided among the winners.

The Festival Ball was to be an "exceptionally brilliant affair" with a membership of "society men" being secured with plans to make it permanent.  Decorations in the Tampa Bay Hotel included a May pole and a dance to open the program.  The first hint of a Mardi Gras theme is the mention of the members to be wearing masks, with elegant costumes of velvet and silk. 

SEE THE ENTIRE ARTICLE "BIG FEATURES FOR FESTIVAL"

1904, APR 20 -  THE TAMPA TRIBUNE - FIRST MENTION OF THE MYSTIC KREWE OF GASPARILLA

Louise Dodge revealed for the first time that a Carnival Ball Association was formed on Apr. 19, 1904 and that it was a secret organization., "...so few facts can be given."  Officers were elected and the name "Mystic Krew [sic] of Gasparilla" was chosen.  Miss Dodge mentions "Many Tampaites [sic] do not know that the pirot [sic] Gasparilla and his crew were said at one time to have infested this region, with treasures buried at Gasparilla Island." 

So the set up of the pirate theme had begun with reference to a past record of pirates "one time to have infested this region."  It is evident at this point that the upcoming April 23 letter from the Krewe member "Gossippo" had been planned.   Input by former New Orleans native George Hardee can be seen with the statement that "Handsome silk and velvet costumes and masks will be ordered from the famous costumer, Mme. Alabeau of New Orleans."  Mention is made of a queen and her maids to be chosen from young ladies of the city, and FORTY members of the "Krew" would be on horseback and masked in the floral parade.  There is no mention of an invasion of any sort.

1904, APR. 23 -  THE TAMPA TRIBUNE - FESTIVAL SEASON TICKETS

In her column, "Womans Ways and Wishes," Louise Dodge announced the cost of a "season ticket" and individual tickets. Season tickets were limited to 1,000 of them and would not be sold during the festival.  For one dollar you could attend "seven fine concerts..." but individual event tickets were 50 cents.

SEE THE ENTIRE ARTICLE

1904, APR 23 -  THE TAMPA TRIBUNE
YE MYSTIC KREWE OF GASPARILLA ANNOUNCES INTENTIONS OF VISITING TAMPA

On Apr. 23, 1904, the Tribune published a proclamation claiming to be from Gossippo, Lord High Chamberlain of the Pantry Key. This letter, later to be revealed as written by George Hardee, was addressed to the associate editor of the Tribune, Edwin Lambright as our beloved cousin, Edwindo Lambrighto, Duke of Tribunes, Minister of Plentyconfectionery (perhaps Lambright was fond of eating plenty of sweets, being a large man.) The letter claims to have originated from The Royal Palace, Gasparilla Island.

In the letter, Gossippo stated that "after a century of obscurity and retirement" and many changes of generations of Tampa, their (the Krewe's) beloved friends had become ignorant of the details of their Royal history.  The legend refers to PRINCE GASPARILLA, not Jose Gaspar.  In fact, neither "Jose" or "Gaspar" is mentioned in any of the 1904 festival publicity.  The present beloved Sovereign was the unnamed King Gasparilla the 'Steenth  who planned to visit Tampa with his Krewe.

There was no reference to an invasion or hostile takeover of any sort; it was planned as a friendly visit, and their leader was King Gasparilla the 'Steenth, NOT Jose Gaspar or Prince Gasparilla.  In later years, accounts of this first "Gasparilla" would erroneously claim that the letter in the Tribune's was written as from Jose Gaspar. 

SOME FACTS CONCERNING THE NATURE OF THE KREWE AND THEIR 1904 PLANS

1. The event was described as a VISIT, not an INVASION.

2. Three times the "Lord High Chamberlain Gossippo" refers to the people of Tampa as their "beloved friends" and once Tampa is referred to as "beloved city."

3. The message says that Gasparilla was a prince who had a fondness for daring and adventure and so left his home country.  No mention of Spain or Jose Gaspar.

4. A history of "friendly visits" by a "Royal Court" to the "beautiful city of your ancestors" had previously continued through the years but came to an end due to a Yellow Fever epidemic.

5. Though the world forgot about them and thought they had been exterminated, some escaped the epidemic, with some survivors being lineal descendants of King Gasparilla himself  (f.k.a. Prince Gasparilla before establishing his "kingdom") and together after many years of trial and hardship, reestablished themselves in obscurity.

6. Their present king was "King Gasparilla the 'Steenth" and referred to as "His Royal Majesty." 

The first appearance of the pirates in Tampa's second May Festival was not planned as a mock hostile takeover, invasion, or capturing of the city by marauding, cutthroat pirates.  The original pirate leader, Gasparilla, was a "Prince" and then a "King" from long ago.  A "Royal Court," his descendants, along with descendants of his crew, were coming to Tampa as a friendly visit, in the same manner their ancestors used to visit before a Yellow Fever epidemic.  There was no claim that their current leader was Jose Gaspar.

THIS WAS THE ORIGINAL THEME OF THE GASPARILLA CARNIVAL.
 

LAMBRIGHT REWRITES HISTORY

In 1936, Lambright published "The Life and Exploits of Gasparilla, Last of the Buccaneers, with the History of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla."  He described each celebration held since 1904, named the members of the Court of Gasparilla, and described various events of the celebrations, with some photos.  The book was only for members of the society of Ye Mystic Krewe (most likely not for free.)  Thirty or so pages were devoted to his "proof" that Jose Gaspar was real.  It was a complete embellishment of the legend created by Lambright himself, including his claim of an anonymous Spanish archives source and Gaspar's diary.    (A diary which Lambright himself said contained only brief notes of various adventures, yet he went on to write page after page of word-for-word conversations Gaspar had over his lifetime of piracy that it read like a Hollywood script.)  Lambright created the history and claimed to have presented facts.  His account of Gaspar's demise can be disproven by Naval archives records.

He described the events of the start of Gasparilla during the 1904 May festival.  In this history he included what he claimed to be the contents of the above 1904 proclamation letter from "Gossippo" published by the Tribune, but he presented a different version of it by removing the "friendly" parts so they didn't conflict with more vicious version containing threats of violence and hostility, which he added, and which the celebration had become.  Those added threatening aspects changed the entire character of the Krewe's first visit to fit with the present theme.  A less courtly, less jovial, meaner, nastier Krewe had begun to creep into Gasparilla in the early 1910s and in 1914 turned into a full-blown invasion of nasty-looking, marauding, cutthroat, fearsome buccaneers.  So shocking was it to some that the St. Petersburg Times criticized the allusions to violence the festival had taken on only to have the Tribune fire ridicule back at them.

THE NEW 1936 VERSION OF THE 1904 PROCLAMATION
By omitting sections 1 and 2, and adding the green section shown below, Lambright has changed the first visit of Ye Mystic Krewe from a courtly, friendly visit to an invasion with possibly violent attack if they met with any resistance.

Lambright also claimed there were communications from the Krewe every few days when in fact there were only two.  This, the first one on Apr. 23, and the next one below, Apr. 24.

1904, APR. 24 - YE MYSTIC KREWE WAS PLEASED WITH CITY'S RESPONSE,  ANNOUNCED ARRIVAL DATE IN TAMPA

In another mock correspondence published in the Tampa Tribune on April 24th, Gossippo states that "His Majesty" was pleased to hear of the arrangements Tampa had made to welcome their visit.  His Majesty wanted to let Tampa know of  "his expressions of gratitude at the prompt and excellent manner" by which Tampa had perfected the arrangements for his approaching visit.   They would "land in your Fair City" on Wed, May 4 and "participate in the 'FESTIVE PAGEANT'" in honor of His Majesty's arrival that day. 

The selection of the Queen and her Maids - The choice of Queen and her Maids would be made before their visit, at their "palace" on April 26th (two days after the article) after a meeting of the members.  Their "king" had already been chosen but identity not revealed. "His Majesty" would make the decision, and would keep it a secret to surprise "the Nobles" as well as the people of "your beloved City." 

Their identity would be revealed at the Royal Ball on Friday evening, May 6th.  Some members of the Krewe had made their preference for Queen known (which probably meant that they had submitted their daughters or wives as entrants) but  their King would allow "no electioneering" (no publicity to promote or influence his choice.)  The positions would be chosen by "His Majesty" based on the honest input of "His trusted subjects." (Probably a majority vote.)

The Costumes - Reference is made to the arrangements being made for "les costumes" by the "Grand Duke de Operetta, Earl-inspector of the Royal Wardrobe" which is no doubt a reference to George Hardee, through his connections with his contacts in New Orleans where he was from.  See later his popularity as an excellent vocalist and composer of an operetta.

This was the second and last article in the Tribune to take the form of a communication from the "Royal Palace."

SEE THE ENTIRE ARTICLE:  "GASPARILLA SURE TO COME - Official Notice Now Served of His Visit"

THIRTY-FIVE CARRIAGES  ENTERED IN THE PARADE AS OF APR. 28.

Apr. 28, 1904 - The Tribune reported that thirty-five carriages had thus far been entered in the parade.  These were horse-drawn buggies.  Also mentioned is that "All the automobiles in this section of the State will be in line." This turns out to be extremely optimistic.  Businesses and "secret orders" were to have floats, and displays by military companies, labor unions, and others were to be part of the celebration.

The second May Festival was to be "the event of the State" with thousands of visitors.  Lack of preparation time is again cited as the reason the first May festival was "on a small scale."  This year it "assumes a much wider scope."  The article touts a gathering of "the South's leading thinkers and commercial powers" at the first convention ever held solely for the purpose of the upcoming start of the building of the Panama Canal.  Tampa's location put it at the top of U.S. cities to profit from the new canal.  Carnival features promised to become a nationally-known event such as the Mardi Gras.  A political debate was planned featuring candidates for the highest offices in the State.

The Tribune urged all Tampans to throw all other plans "to the wind" and do their duty by working for the success of the carnival.

SEE THE ENTIRE ARTICLE

OFFICIAL PROGRAM, TAMPA'S MAY FESTIVAL WEEK

No details were mentioned concerning the parade participants in this program.  The  only mention of YMKG was for the May 6 Festival Ball at the Tampa Bay Hotel.  Tampa's mayor at this time was James McKay (Jr.)

SEE THE "OFFICIAL PROGRAM" OF SCHEDULED OF EVENTS

The First Mounted Masked Troupe of the Kingdom of Gasparilla 1904.
Notice the abundant foliage in the background behind the sculpture. 

From E.D. Lambright's limited edition book "The Life and Exploits of Gasparilla, Last of the Buccaneers, with History of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla." exclusively for members of Ye Mystic Krewe. Notice the lan-like masks; these were not Mardi Gras-style masks.   Courtesy of Hathitrust.

The parade would start at "Tampa Bay Park" at 4pm.  Today, Tampa Bay Park is known as Plant Park between the University of Tampa and the river.  The term "Tampa Bay" did not refer to the city, the area, or the body of water.  It was a reference to the HOTEL.   Horse races were planned for Tampa Bay Track.

Tampa Bay Track was opened in Dec. 1898 at the site we now call "Plant Field."  This is before Cass St. split the hotel from the track & field  facility.  It is where the Fla. State Fair was held from its inception in 1905 until moving to east Tampa in 1977. (In 1976 the fair was held on the parking areas of Tampa Stadium.)  The track and grandstands were used for many years for the Gasparilla Parade route and the State Fair sprint car races as well as other State Fair thrill shows.

The names of both venues were a reference to the hotel, not the body of water or the city.

The big attraction of the 1904 festival was to be the floral parade, with Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparillas appearing fifth in the parade order followed by decorated carriages and decorated automobiles..

THE IMAGINARY SHIP "OCTOPUS"

Reports of the ship "Octopus" were fictitious, there was no ship in 1904. This is the only reference to violence threatened by the Krewe.  It does not appear to be something put forth by the Krewe, but instead was the Tribune's own publicity in order to influence readers not to go looking for the Octopus.

There was "much speculation" as to who was chosen queen.  Apparently, several rounds of voting by the club members  took place, each time with no majority outcome.  The voting was called off and the King of YMKG made the choice himself.

DISMAL TURNOUT OF AUTOMOBILES

The automobile, a relatively new form of transportation in Tampa, was previously expected to have entries from all over this section of the state.  This became an extremely optimistic prediction as the whole article ends with the names of the owners of the FIVE cars that participated.

Though the number of automobiles was small, the Tribune didn't seem to care to describe them.  Only the names of  owners were given: DeWorde Caldwell, Mr. Sherman, Dr. J.H. Mills, Ernest Berger, and Dr. G. H. Altree.  Because of this, we may never know who the four occupants were in the patriotic Cadillac seen below. Dr. J. H. Mills was the owner of nearly 100 acres in Sulphur Springs which he had turned into a resort spa, promoting the "healing properties" of the spring water.  In 1904 he would sell his property to Josiah Richardson, a former sign-painter and wallpaperer turned real estate developer.  Richardson borrowed $10,000 to buy Mills' property and developed it and the spring into a swimming pool and amusement park in the 1910s.  See Sulphur Springs history at TampaPix. Described as "First Gasparilla Parade, two couples seated in decorated 1903 Cadillac" dated May 4, 1904 in the Burgert Bros. catalog. TampaPix has enhanced and colorized it using images of restored 1903 Cadillacs found online, most of which were red.

KING GASPARILLA and his COURTLY RETINUE
DESCRIPTION OF THE GASPARILLA BALL

COURTLY - of a quality befitting the court : ELEGANTLY.  Favoring the policy or party of the court.  POLITELY.  Adj. classy elegant, fine, graceful, handsome, majestic, refined, stately, tasteful.

RETINUE - a group of retainers or attendants. a cortège, an entourage or following.
 

Below: Cropped version of group photo from the Burgert Bros. collection of the Tampa Hillsborough Co. Public Library System.

The 1904 Queen and her Maids from "The Life and Exploits of Gasparilla" etc., by Edwin Lambright, 1936
Their married names were added by Lambright, but in 1904 they were all single.

WHO WAS EDWARD R. GUNBY?

Edward Roach Gunby was a well-known attorney, legislator and Republican candidate for Governor of the State of Florida in 1896 (vs. William D. Bloxam.)

He was born in eastern Maryland on Mar. 11, 1858, a son of Dr. Hiram H. Gunby and Emily F. Wittington Gunby. Upon completing his education in local public schools, he was a school teacher for two years.

At age nineteen he started study in the office of Thomas Hodson, one of Maryland's leading lawyers, and was admitted to the Maryland bar in 1879 at age twenty-one, starting his legal practice with Hodson at Crisfield, Md.

In 1881 he was a state legislator from Somerset Co. in the Maryland State House of Representatives where he served one term.

He practiced law for a couple of years and then through the advice of Captain William Bedsworth of New Haven, Conn., and a former citizen of Somerset County, he came to Florida in 1883, first residing in Orlando where he practiced until 1889. 

In 1889 he was a delegate for the state -at-large to the Republican National convention as a supporter of Benjamin Harrison.  In 1889 he was appointed collector of customs at the port of Tampa by Pres. Harrison and so moved to Tampa in July of that year.  He held this position until March 1894.

In the summer of 1889, Gunby was unable to convince the Treasury Department in Washington D.C. to retain the position of female Customs House Inspector in Tampa which was held by Mrs. Carew.

In 1892 he was again delegate-at-large to the national convention at Minneapolis, MN which renominated Benjamin Harrison and in 1894 Gunby resumed his practice of law in Tampa.

In 1896 he attended as a delegate from Florida the national convention held in St. Louis. Later that same year he was nominated on the Republican ticket for governor of Florida, running against W.D. Bloxam.  In 1898 he was Republican nominee for congress in the First Florida district.

On May 26, 1896, he married Miss Catherine Walker of Richmond, Ky, who died Dec. 15, 1898, leaving two very young daughters Daphne and Dorothy.

In early May, 1904, he was elected the first King of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, a new secret society which formed for the purpose of drawing crowds to Tampa's second annual May festival and presenting a Grand Coronation Ball on the final night where the King's identity was revealed.

Mr. Gunby then became active in city politics, figuring prominently in several city mayoralty campaigns.  He was city attorney under the administration of William H. Frecker.

In the fall of 1907 Mr. Gunby married Miss Eleanor Howell of Atlanta, sister of Clark Howell, editor of the Atlanta Constitution.

In 1914 after a very violent and alarming illness he was advised by his physician that it would be dangerous for him to continue his practice. He therefore, at the solicitation of his wife, removed to Atlanta, where she inherited large real estate interests which needed attention, and thereafter his activities were devoted to the preservation and development of this property and his property in Tampa.

Having given up the active practice of law and taken up the quiet life of a retired man of affairs, Mr. Gunby had reached the stage where he felt it proper to enjoy life in a leisurely fashion.  He was ever the same, keen, alert mastermind, however, never settling into routine, but always ready to follow any subject with interest.  His frequent visits to Tampa were a source of great joy to his friends who always welcomed him, and who upon his death in 1919, felt that he was still really a Tampan and not an Atlantan.

The above article has been shortened.  Read the entire article in the Tampa Tribune.

The Atlanta Journal of Oct 22 1919 said, “Ned Gunby was a man of brilliant legal and scholarly attitude. Not only was he a deep thinker, and possessed of an usual knowledge but he was one of the most noted court room advocates in the south. He was, in truth, a silver tongued orator and his appearances on public occasions were signals for crowded and enthusiastic audiences.”