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Shutterbug To Be Honored At City Archives Gala

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By GEORGE WILKENS

gwilkens@tampatrib.com

Published: March 18, 2009

PLANT CITY - Gladys Jeffcoat, a professional photographer for 45 years, will be presented the Heritage Award at next week's Plant City Photo Archives annual gala.

The Plant City native's extensive photography career began at age 16, and her life's work chronicles Plant City's heritage and history, archives President Ed Verner said.

Still in high school, in 1941 the 16-year-old was earning $1 weekly at The Hollywood Studio, a Plant City portrait business, said Gil Gott, Photo Archives executive director. She learned the business from the ground up, from darkroom work to lighting and timing.

At 19, the Plant City native persuaded the owner of Kramer Photo Service to sell her his studio - on a monthly installment plan.

"At that time they did most, if not all, photography in studios; it was basically portraits," Gott said. "She was one of the first to actually go out on site," shooting high school sports and other activities.

Jeffcoat was the official photographer for Plant City High and the Florida Strawberry Festival. Her Arcade Studio was Plant City's first camera shop and Eastman Kodak retailer.

Jeffcoat, 84, retired in 1990 and last year turned over thousands of her photos to the Plant City Photo Archives to ensure they are preserved.

In addition to her photography, Jeffcoat was active in the preservation of the area's history and heritage through the East Hillsborough Historical Society, of which she is a founding member.

She was active in efforts to preserve the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, was on the Arts Council of Plant City board and active with the council's efforts to save the historic train depot. Jeffcoat was named Woman of Achievement by the Plant City Business & Professional Women's Club in 1985.

"She's an interesting woman," Gott said.

The seventh annual black-tie-optional gala, Evening of Picture-Perfect Memories, will include an exhibit of Jeffcoat's photography, music by the Florida Southern College Jazz Combo, a continuous hors d'oeuvres buffet, complimentary beer and wine, cash bar and more.

Presented to an outstanding citizen for helping preserve the community's history and heritage, the Heritage Award was instituted in 2004.

Previous winners include David E. Bailey Jr., James L. Redman, Robert Trinkle, B.M. "Mac" Smith Jr., Betty Barker Watkins and Hal Brewer. The archives preserves the area's photo history and has thousands of photos at its headquarters at 119 N. Collins St.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "Evening of Picture-Perfect Memories"

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. March 26

WHERE: Red Rose Ballroom, Red Rose Inn and Suites, 2011 N. Wheeler St., Plant City

COST: $75 per person; $85 for nonmembers

RESERVATIONS: Call (813) 754-1578, e-mail candy@plant cityphotoarchives.org or go towww.plantcityphoto archives.org.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4433.

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