Zeta Phi Beta Moseley Museum celebrates 10th anniversary

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The 10th anniversary of the Moseley House Museum was celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 30th. Program highlights included the unveiling of a heritage marker and the dedication of a newly developed flower garden to the late Mrs. Mattie Everette of St. Petersburg and the late Mrs. Helen Gallman of Daytona Beach. Both of these ladies served as State Directors for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and they were very much involved in the fundraising efforts and sweat equity invested in the purchase of the property.

Mattie Everette was a Pinellas County educator for more than thirty years. She was the wife of the late Cyrus Everette, also an educator, and the mother of Cyrus, Jr, Carol, and Connie Everette (Hicks). Mrs. Gallman, and her husband, Herman Gallman, were also educators. They lived in Daytona Beach, FL. Their daughter, Ayakao Watkins, resides in St. Petersburg with her husband and son.

The Heritage Marker was unveiled by Louise Franklin, a member of the ZETA advisory board. The dedication of the flower garden was done by St. Petersburg’s Emma Cavin, as the ribbon was cut by Carol and Connie Everette and Herman Gallman. Huretta Wright, who is the Southeastern Regional Director for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, presided. Other program participants included Erna Foushee, the FL/Bahamas State Director at this time, who gave the welcome. The invocation was given by the Rev. Lawrence Williams, pastor of the St. Lawrence AME Church. Greetings and remarks were given by Mayor Bruce Mount of Eatonville, Herman Gallman, who represented Phi Beta Signa Fraternity, and Maye St. Julien – Chair, the Eatonville Historic Preservation Council. The occasion was given by Clarriette Gray.

Stephanie Dukes, the National Director of Budget and Finance made a special presentation to Florida’s most active Zeta for more than sixty-five years. Marion Shannon of Miami, FL, was given a beautifully framed portrait of herself. Known as the “Zeta for All Seasons”, Shannon has been a participant in every activity that the Florida Zetas have held since she became a member of the organization. In addition, she has served on all levels and traveled across the nation to provide encouragement, instruction, and inspiration to her sisters.

Much like Mrs. Shannon is Rosa Brown. Presently a member of the National Trustee Board, she has followed in Mrs. Shannon’s footsteps in her devotion to the causes and programs the organization undertakes. Everyone who knows her will tell you that this museum has been her dream, her passion, and her love. She is like the worker bee when it comes to getting things done at the Moseley House Museum

Following the program, a “Zora is in the House” tour was taken and refreshments were served. For entertainment and to facilitate discussions about the books on display, Zora Neale Hurston, who uses the alias, Emma Cavin, was available to the curious Harlem Renaissance fans and museum goers. Zora Neale Hurston books were sold with autographs and conversation when desired. Students wanted to talk about Their Eyes Were Watching God. A number of readers wanted to know where she has been since 1960, reportedly the year of her death. Her answer? She was sitting around in the St. Petersburg sun to treat her arthritis. According to Zora, “As long as people read my books, I will never die.” On Saturday, Zora was assisting Harriet Brown in keeping the people moving along as Stephanie Dukes and Nila Jones cheerfully served cake and other refreshments.

To those who know nothing about Zora Neale Hurston , it is merely a house, but to those who are acquainted with her works and her life in Eatonville, Florida, the Moseley House Museum has historical significance. It is a monument to two friends; it is a place to remember one of the town’s greatest inhabitants. Thoughts of Zora warm the hearts of the town’s present inhabitants and all members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The Moseley House Museum is the home of Zora’s best friend, Matilda “Tilly” Moseley, and Zora often slept there whenever she was in town to visit. Now owned by the Zeta Educational Thespian Association (ZETA) and the Florida State Leadership Conference, the house is on the National Registry and has been restored to its original condition and refurbished with period furniture that was donated by Florida ZETA members.

Much of the work to restore the house was done by the Zeta sorors, their Amicae members, friends, and relatives on weekends and during a special work session within the first two years of the purchase. It truly takes one back in time … the wood-burning stove, pedal-powered sewing machine, the parlor furniture, the high bed with hand-made quilts, and the backyard pump. These are things modern America just reads about, but they can be seen at the Moseley House Museum in Eatonville, Florida.

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