May Mann Jennings Papers

May Mann Jennings was a leading member of the women's club movement and an influential advocate for social reform and civic causes in Florida and nationwide. Born in New Jersey in 1872, she moved with her family to Crystal River, Florida, in 1874. She was educated at St. Joseph's Convent in St. Augustine, and lived primarily in Jacksonville throughout her life. No stranger to politics, her father was Florida State Senator Austin Shuey Mann and she married future Governor William Sherman Jennings in 1891. During their years in the Governor's mansion, she became known as the "Mother of Forestry" for her advocacy efforts on behalf of the state Board of Forestry. Her interests varied widely and she championed numerous causes related to the Seminole Indians, women's rights and suffrage, conservation, beautification efforts, child welfare, public health, education, and Democratic politics.

A prominent leader in the women's club movement, she served as president of the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs from 1914-1917, and as both Florida director and vice president of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (1918-1920). She also held several important leadership positions with social club and civic organizations throughout Florida, including numerous beautification committees and the state Audubon Society. During her tenure as president of the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs, she spearheaded the effort to have the Royal Palm State Park established in 1915, thereby preserving a portion of the Everglades for public use. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s she continued to oversee and advocate for the Royal Palm Park on behalf of the Federation. She was appointed to the Everglades National Park Commission in the late 1930s and pushed for the creation of a national Everglades Park. She died April 24, 1963.