FFVA's 14th ANNUAL CONVENTION

A look back 50 years to Miami Beach, 1957 ...

The year 1957 was one of domestic unrest. Highlights included enactment of the Civil Rights Law and President Eisenhower's calling out the National Guard to desegregate an Arkansas school. It was also a year of progress and excitement. The Space Age and "space race" began just days before the convention when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first man-made space satellite.

FFVA's 14th Annual Convention was held Oct. 9-11 at Miami Beach's Fountainebleu Hotel (although some meetings may have taken place at the Sans Souci, judging by the podium signs). The registration fee was $25.

Any help in identifying those pictured below would be appreciated. Please email barbara.wunder@ffva.com or call (321) 214-5207. Thank you to George Sorn for his help in identifying some of these fine folks.

The 1957 FFVA Convention was well-attended.

The John Harlees enjoy themselves.

The buffet was elegant and bountiful.

An unidentified speaker addresses the group.

Gov. LeRoy Collins steps up to the microphone with a smile.

Longtime Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nathan Mayo speaks.

Pictured at top left is board member Harold Kastner, others not yet identified.