Profiles on Everglades War Veterans

Any of Museum of the Everglades manager Thomas Lockyear’s Third Thursday lectures are well worth the scenic drive out to Everglades City. And Thursday, May 16, was no exception as Lockyear took his audience on a deep dive into the history of Everglades residents who served in the U.S. Military.

Lockyear’s free lectures are always meticulously researched and delivered with his showman chops. In addition to Lockyear’s lecture is the accompanying exhibit, Thank You for Your Service - a salute to Everglades veterans, which runs through September 14 at the Museum of the Everglades.

Lockyear has a knack for making you feel like you actually know the individuals whose stories he shares. In this case, particularly compelling were stories about Doug Hendry, Collier County Sheriff from 1957-1975, who was awarded a Purple Heart and five Bronze Stars during World War II. The popular sheriff, who suffered from alcoholism, sadly took his own life with a .32 caliber handgun at age 58.

Lockyear also shared stories of brothers Totch and Peg Brown. Totch, who gained notoriety with his book Totch: A Life in the Everglades, which was full of first-hand stories of life in the Everglades, was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star in WWII. His brother Peg, also a WWII veteran, was awarded two Bronze Stars and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. 

Lockyear’s research on the subject doesn’t stop with his lecture and exhibit. "We're collecting stories,” Lockyear said, "and we're collecting names. We're trying to complete the historic record."

Museum of the Everglades, like all Collier County Museums, offers free admission. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.