Walk with a Doc April 21, 2025 - The Hidden Lives of Trees

Lue Gim Gong: Born in China around 1860, Lue Gim Gong came to the US at a young age. He later settled in DeLand, becoming a renowned horticulturalist. Using his knowledge of pollination, he developed new fruit varieties, most notably the cold-hardy and juicy Lue Gim Gong orange. He also cultivated an early-ripening apple and clustered tomatoes. Inheriting land from his former teacher, Fannie Burlingame, he lived a somewhat solitary later life but was respected by the DeLand community. He passed away in 1925 and is remembered for his significant contributions to Florida's citrus industry.

John Findley Nelson Sr.: Born in Vermont in 1908, John F. Nelson Sr. moved to DeLand and became a key figure in Florida's citrus industry. A founding member of Golden Gem Growers, he served as president and chairman. Nelson innovated citrus handling with the development of the citrus pallet box. He also established the importance of pounds solids yield for grower payment and recognized the different values of orange varieties. Active in his community, Nelson was involved in various organizations and spearheaded the Umatilla city swimming pool. He retired after 58 years in the industry and continued as a consultant, his legacy carried on by his son.

Gerald Edwin “Jerry” Frierson Jr.: A lifelong resident of DeLand, born in 1938, Jerry Frierson Jr. was a self-employed appliance service owner and deeply involved in his community. He was a founding member and charter president of the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club, where he initiated the "Rotary Trees for Tomorrow" project, leading to the "Gerald E. Frierson Jr. City Nursery." Frierson was also a dedicated volunteer for over 30 years at the DeLand Family YMCA and a lifetime member of Trinity United Methodist Church, serving in various roles. Remembered as a loving and selfless individual, he passed away in 2013.

Genevieve Warren Tribble: Born in O’Brien, Florida in 1935, Genevieve Warren Tribble moved to DeLand and, with her husband Samuel, owned a local nursery. They were known for supplying Christmas poinsettias to area churches, becoming a part of many community celebrations. Genevieve was also a familiar face at local markets in DeLand, Flagler Beach, and Daytona Beach, selling their plants and building relationships. She attended Stetson Baptist Church in DeLand. Predeceased by her husband and son, Genevieve passed away in 2018, her legacy living on through the plants she cultivated and the beauty she brought to the community.