With the constant threat of hurricanes, tropical storms, and the mushrooming growth, utility companies in Florida are dismantling their open wire routes (toll lines with insulators) as rapidly as possible. The railroad signal lines and even "back woods" rural routes are rapidly being replaced by cables, aerial and underground, and microwave facilities. This is a well known fact to all collectors everywhere, especially in Florida.

Collectors have proved quite well in this state, with 60 to 70 active enthusiasts. Collectors, though scattered around the state, seem to be centered in the central Florida area. Much of this state, especially along the coast line, where the majority of the population is located, is primarily tourist oriented, with very little industry. Much of these areas, especially Miami, were built up in the last 40 to 50 years, with the biggest growth in the previous twenty years. Not much for old insulators. Jacksonville, the only industrial city in the state, has contributed many different types, both old and new.

Several collectors have contributed to this list of insulators, to give other collectors an idea of what has been found in this area. This appears to be very impressive. I was very surprised to find so many different styles have been found. Traditionally, Florida has been considered to be "insulator poor" and high priced. This belief is just not true, as this list indicates. North Florida is very old, being settled long before the Civil War. Most of the few rare pieces have been found in that area. Only one (except for a few rare cases of two) of any one rare type have been located. This is not many considering the number of collectors in the state. This list includes most insulators known to have been found, except the most common. It includes even the one-of-a-kind that may have been found six years ago.

Occasionally a few nice items do turn up by digging. However, the high acid content of the soil does leave something to be desired in the quality of the glass. I know of the county dump here in Miami where many insulators were dumped years ago. Expansion and growth in Miami has been so rapid, that when the dump was filled, a golf course was built on top of it. I guess that if I were to try to dig there, I would have to take a mighty big divot with my driver.

It is the intent of this list to show what insulators have been found in Florida. It is hoped that collectors from other states will follow this article with a list of what has been found in their areas.

I wish to thank the following collectors for contributions to this list: Bob Alexander, Winter Haven; Don & Ruby Bryant, Lauderhill; Marlin Glasgow, Holly Hill; Jim Meyer, Ormond Beach; Bob & Phoebe Adams, Miami; Bill Dreggors, Deland; Fred Griffin, Palatka; and Ed & Nick Smith, Seminole.

Insulators from Florida