|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
Happehatchee History
About Happehatchee |
|
|
| |
 |
Happehatchee is a Seminole word for
Happy River (hatchee—means “river.”) The
land that Happehatchee occupies was
originally part of the Koreshan
settlement—a sect that arrived in Estero in
the early 1900’s. |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
The Koreshan’s believed
that the human population lived on the
inside of a great sphere. The land was
originally occupied with citrus groves
situated along the river to take advantage
of the possibility of shipping citrus crops
through the Florida waterways to different
markets.
The Koreshan’s were followed by a series of
small farmers, and eventually the five acres
were purchased by the Girl Scout Council in
the 1940’s. When Page Field was dismantled
at the end of WWII the Council purchased two
barracks and moved them on to the land to
establish the Girl Scout Camp.
 The Girl Scouts by commercial eventually
sold the property in the 1960’s to move it
to a larger location in North Ft Myers. The
property was then purchased by a family from
Key West who wanted to have a “northern
retreat.” That family then sold the property
to Ellen Peterson (pictured right) in 1972. It remained a
private retreat used often by small groups
for celebrations of nature.
In 2005 Ellen began to conceive of
Happehatchee as being worthy of preservation
for use by groups who were environmentally
and spiritually friendly. It became apparent
because of the intense development in the
vicinity and the imminent danger of being
swallowed up by those interests. The
decision was made to gather like-minded
people together to discuss the future use of
the property, and decision was made to form a
non-profit corporation designed to further
eco-spiritual endeavors.
A Board was established which consists of
five officers:
President: Ellen Peterson
First Vice President: Genelle Grant
Second Vice President: Ann Smith
Secretary: Ruth Fotovat
Treasurer: Lesa Hansen
Member: Bobbielee Gruninger
Member: Caroline Ravelo
It is organized exclusively for charitable,
religious, literary, educational, and
scientific purposes. Happehatchee’s main
focus is to establish and operate an
educational and environmental conference
center to achieve charitable aims.
Here at Happehatchee we will sponsor or host
activities such as meditation and healing
groups, instructional groups, workshops and
seminars (like Native American sweat lodges,
Gather the Women Groups, Magnificence of
Circle Learning groups, research on
environmental sustainability and healing
methods, leadership training, educational
and psychological counseling and training,
and activities for children focused on
nature.
In addition, Happehatchee Center plans
cooperative involvements with organizations
such as the Coalition of Immokalee Workers,
interfaith alliances and other similar
social justice activates.
No portion of the net earnings will go to
benefit or be distributed to its Directors,
Officers, or other private persons. It will
be authorized to pay reasonable compensation
for services rendered and make payments only
to pursue our activities.
Click to find out more information
About Happehatchee.
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
