Help Preserve an Orlando Legend: Billy the Swan
November 27 is Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity for nonprofits around the world. Donations to the Historical Society of Central Florida can make a real difference in our community.
This year, your contribution will help the History Center to preserve this feathered phenomenon. Billy the Swan set the stage for Orlando’s love affair with swans, although his reputation was far from sweet. Arriving in the city in 1910, Billy ruled Lake Lucerne, then a major city park, and became a legend for his imperious behavior – chasing schoolchildren and even cars who intruded on his domain. “Billy Bluebeard” even took the lives of mates who crossed him, according to Orlando lore. When the big swan died in 1933, he held such a high place in Orlandoans’ regard that he was stuffed and put in the case above. As you can imagine, after 73 years, Billy has some significant wear and needs some restoration. Due to Billy’s age, he will need a specialist in historical taxidermy to bring him back to his former glory.
Help us preserve Orlando’s unique history.
To help us preserve our friend Billy, we’ve set a goal of $5,000 for Giving Tuesday on November 27, 2018. That will pay for a specialist in historical taxidermy to make Billy like new again.
