Bok Tower, Lake Wales, Florida.

This 200-foot structure was dedicated in 1929. It sits on the highest point in the Florida peninsula and is surrounded by 128 acres of gardens. The gardens and tower were a gift to the nation from Edward Bok, publisher of the Philadelphia-based Ladies Home Journal. The architect for the tower was Milton Medary from the Philadelphia firm of Zantzinger, Borie, and Medary.

Joseph H. D. Allen, president of Enfield, participated in the design. Enfield's greatest contributions are the massive grills, each 10 by 35 feet, that surround the bells. The grills are composed of a metal structure covered with polychrome tiles. These grills add colorful tropical scenes to the tower, while allowing the sound of the carillon to project. Other Enfield installations may be found elsewhere on the exterior and interior.

The project received much attention within the design and architecture communities. Enfield was asked to reproduce a section of one grill for an exhibition of international ceramics sponsored by the American Federation of Arts and shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Fall, 1928. The exhibition traveled around the country.

The Bok Tower Gardens are open to the public throughout the year. Lake Wales is located between Tampa and Orlando.

Contributed by Alan Selsor (Alan_Selsor@msn.com)
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