Obituary
Guest Book
1943
2015
ABOUT CHARLIE CARLSON
Florida’s Own Master of the Weird
Born and raised in Seminole County, Florida, when it was the nation’s celery capital, Charlie Carlson can trace his maternal genealogy back ten generations in Florida to the second Spanish period. Since most of Florida’s population is from some other place, being a tenth generation native makes Charlie an oddity. On his paternal side, he is the grandson of Carl Carlson, a Swedish celery farmer back when Seminole County, Florida was the nation's celery capital. This prompted Charlie's first book, titled, "When Celery Was King." As you might have guessed, it wasn't about weird stuff---unless you consider celery to be strange.
As a youngster Charlie Carlson wanted to join the circus---but fate had other ideas. He joined the U.S. Army and retired 25 years later as a sergeant-major. Following his long stint in the military Charlie joined a real circus as an adventure until he was recalled to active duty during Gulf War. It seemed he could not get away from the army. Six months later, he retired again, and with his degree in history, began researching and writing about Florida’s lesser known histories and capturing some of the state’s most bizarre folklore.
Charlie Carlson authored over a dozen Florida books, big and small, and over 200 magazine and newspaper articles related to Florida’s past and--as he puts it---downright weird folklore. He is a past president of the Seminole County Historical Society and served on the Advisory Board for the City of Sanford Museum.
Known as Florida’s Master of the Weird by his readers---and with good reason, Charlie has appeared in numerous television documentaries, including the Curse of the Blair Witch on the SciFi Channel and in Blockbuster’s rental video, Stix and Stones. He has been featured in several cable television and rental DVD documentaries related to unexplained phenomena plus a half dozen independent movies.
In addition to having at one time been a promoter of Bluegrass music festivals, Charlie has operated his own traveling sideshow called, The Museum of the Strange and Unusual, and a theater illusion show billed as the Weird and Wacky Show. In 1997, he published Strange Florida, his first successful book because, as Charlie says, "People like reading about weird stuff." It was this book that landed him a writing job contributing to the Barnes and Noble best seller, Weird US. In 2003 he began work on his Florida best seller, Weird Florida, which, since its release in 2005, has sold over a million copies. He has contributed stories to several other books, among which are books like Weird Hauntings, [Sterling Publishing, NY] and Strange Florida II. As Florida’s Master of the Weird, he has appeared on hundreds of radio and television talk shows ranging from the mothership of paranormal talk shows, George Noory’s Coast-to-Coast Show, to Rob McConnel’s X-Zone talk show that airs worldwide from Ontario, Canada. After turning down dozens of offers to do a television show based on his Weird Florida book, he finally agreed to do it for WLRN because they had a real camera. He figured it was a good start if he was ever to have a television show. Weird Florida: Roads Less Traveled and the successful sequel, Weird Florida: On the Road Again has been distributed nationally to PBS stations and won numerous awards.
Charlie was a charter member of the Grand Order of Weird Writers of America. He was currently working on feature length movie based on his novel Ashley’s Shadow. When he was not in the swamp chasing skunk apes----or rambling down roads less traveled in search of weird stuff--- Florida's Master of the Weird was at home in New Smyrna Beach with his rescued dog, Lady Isabel and several cats.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by SpookHunters.com.
April 14, 2017
Mike McCrary
I just saw he passed enjoy all his shows. Rest in peace.
October 30, 2015
I am so sad to hear about Charlie's passing. Charlie has inspired me to be a better teacher of 4th grade studies for my students. Each year, my class does a project based on weird Florida places, and then watches Charlie's movie. He work will live on through the education of our kids.
September 20, 2015
Barbara Foley
So sorry to hear of his passing. My heart and prayers go out to the family.
September 19, 2015
Andrew Carlson
I love you, Andaddy. I am going to make you proud and go Army and will know you are with me always. That's all. Talk to you soon.
September 19, 2015
Charlie Carlson, IV
To my Andaddy, I will carry on the tradition and legacy and get into film especially animation and UNXFilm Studios is still mine and will live on with your spirit. I won't be in front of but rather behind the camera. I won't let you down and you won't let me let you down or fail. I have broken through my block and am doing much better in animation and doing more but have to hold off all the ideas and inspirations first. Andrew and I miss you and I am going to know you are with us all the time. Andrew will be your grandson that will go into the Army as he likes that side better than I do. We love you, Andaddy.
September 19, 2015
Charlie Carlson, III
He is with me and my family and is always watching over us. He will forever be the best and greatest father anyone could ever have. I don't refer to my Dad in the past tense but rather in the present because I know he is still with us just not in the physical form. He enjoyed reading about ghost stories and telling them now he can show us what ghosts can really do and he will have fun doing it. He is the best father and grandfather that me and my sons have the honor of knowing. He lives on through his legacy he has left behind and I can't wait for my oldest son who bears his name (Charlie Carlson, IV) to pick up the reins and enter into the entertainment industry and produce great films and animation. We all love and honor you, Dad. THE SHOW MUST AND WILL GO ON!!! Now on with the show...
September 16, 2015
Donna Fant
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Charlie. I met Charlie at the Florida Motion Picture & Television Assoc. back in 2010. It's been a pleasure to talk with him and be a part of the Ashley's Shadow movie. He was always so interested in life and the weird things going on in this world. I will miss him a lot. Donna McGregor Fant
September 14, 2015
Doris Carlson-Sutter
My brother and I were lucky to grow up in a place and time when we 'made our own fun'...through imagination and what lay in our backyard...old tires, pieces of tin, lumber and an old worn Army-Navy 'tarpoline'. As little sisters do, I would trail after my brother, and when I wouldn't go away, I was usually the go-for or guinea pig of his shenanigans.
From building Forts in the back field with bb shootouts with Charlie's buddy, Raymond to a circus tent with Charlie as Ringmaster and me, the 'wild woman' and our dog BooWoo, as the Lion. Those were great memories.
Charlie picked up drawing cartoons from Disney books, even had a cartoon strip about a pair of Hobo's riding the rails in the local Penny Saver. He was also an amatuer archeologist and spent much of his young teen years digging through indian mounds and along the St. Johns for a collection of arrow heads, sharks teeth, pottery, bones, and mammoth teeth which he recruited me and my friend Jeri to label as he setup a small museum in the washroom of our garage. His funny faces and antics that imitated Jerry Lewis and the 3 stooges always made us laugh, Mama and Aunt Grace were always a good audience...Pops (Booga) not so much :-) he would rather Charlie 'mow the grass'. My brother always had a beat to a different drummer which made him unique and a little weird; but made him that much more loveable. So Sad to see him go, but know that he will always be around and up to his tricks...watch close. Til we meet again, brother mine. Love You!
September 12, 2015
Pat {Muse} Keene
As the song goes, go rest high on that mountain, son your work on earth is done. You leave us with many memories. My best was when you taught me how to get past Granny Carlson. Go up stairs to get into her snuff. When she started up stairs you showed me how to open the window screen, climb out on the porch roof and climb down the tree, then run around to the back porch and act like we had been there all the time. But you did that on purpose, just so she'd swear at us in Swedish. You will be missed by so many of us!! Love you Cuz
September 12, 2015
Carol Shimp
I first met Charlie in ST. Augustine at, Ripley's Believe it Or Not. His deep commanding voice was magical. Great with commercials. I wish I knew him better. He will be missed. Carol Shimp
September 12, 2015
Brenda Marble
Met Charlie at Deb and Owen's wedding. Know he is extremely special to them and will be tremendously missed.
September 12, 2015
Charlie was a "One of a Kind" and inspired me to seek the unexplained and weird side of life. I'll miss him!!!!!
Dave Koenig
September 12, 2015
Gem Gelinskey
Very good man, will be missed deeply, respect, honor, treasure. My deepest condolences to the family, such a kind hearted man.
September 12, 2015
Linda Moscato
Charlie will be greatly missed. I treasure the manatee cartoons he gave me.
September 11, 2015
Anthony Lopez
I met Charlie back in 2005 at the Barnes and Nobles in Jacksonville, ever since he became a good friend of mine, even though I'm a big fan of his. always called me the #1 fan in Jacksonville.
September 11, 2015
Dennis Bowman
I was just always fascinated by the almost encyclopedic history that Charlie had in his head. We've been on ghost tours all over the country, we love the stories & history. But the best was a very special tour of St. Augustine that Charlie once gave our group. It was utterly fascinating. When my wife became ill with cancer, Charlie took the time to seek her out, and presented her with a special stone with a story...which helped her through her journey and she still keeps to this day. We'll miss him...
September 10, 2015
Karan Bowman
It was an honor to have know him, we had so much fun exploring places with him...such an interesting person.
September 10, 2015
Owen SLITER
He IS an amazing spirit that will live on in all of us. Death always comes too soon for those of us left. I'm buying multiple copies of weird Florida and giving them out for Halloween & Christmas.
September 9, 2015
We send our deepest condolences to Charlie's family.
Paul and Linda Dolan
September 9, 2015
Jeri Wheatland Laxson
The Charlie I remember was as the handsome, older brother of my best childhood girlfriend. My memories of that time are still so vivid. I loved going over to their home to play. One Sunday afternoon, I went with them to search for mammoth teeth. By then Charlie had a collection of them and had already been written up in the newspaper. He always had a searching mind with interests in so many things. The most recent time I spent with him was around 8 years ago, when he escorted my sister and I on a tour of the Seminole County Museum. He made it come alive and filled our heads with wonderful, old memories. I am grateful that he preserved some of old Florida through his wonderful books. Goodbye big brother - you will always live in my memory.
September 7, 2015
Doris Carlson-Sutter
The History of the Calipervox
By: Charlie Carlson
The calipervox was invented by Sven Calipersen of Ostergotland, Sweden in 1253 A.D. The instrument was first used to call reindeer. In 1375 A.D., Olaf Skanedotter adapted this reindeer calling device for use as a musical instrument. Olaf was originally a reindeer caller but was also a talented singer and musician. After losing part of his tongue in a freak reindeer accident, Olaf turned his efforts toward developing the calipervox for use as a musical instrument. The original instrument invented by Calipersen was destroyed in the great Vasa fire in 1750. However, the old Skanedotter instrument is now on exhibit at the Erickson Calipervox Institute in Oslo, Norway.
The calipervox was brought to North America in 1850 by Scandinavian musicians and was first used on the battlefields of the Civil War to entertain Union troops.
During the heyday of Vaudeville, several traveling calipervox players appeared on stages throughout the country. During the Great Depression, due to the lack of butter, Hermann Weisson almost completely changed the instrument. He replaced the original wing bellows with accordian-type bellows operated by foot pedals, and added a three-speed gear-shift which was operated with a mouth-piece similar to an inner-tube valve stem. Weisson attached wheels to the instrument for use in parades. A steering wheel and brake pedal were added for control. This machine had to be pulled by oxen due to its weight. In 1928, Alex Feldman installed a Ford Model-T engine to power the giant musical instrument making it completely self-propelled. Thus began a new era for the calipervox.
Calipervox playing began declining during World War II due to the difficulty in obtaining windshield wipers caused by the rubber shortage. Today there are only 86 registered calipervox players in the world. Of these registered players only 41 play the old style instruments. Modern calipervoxes are made of plastic and rubber with ceramic resonators. Since 1957, all calipervox players have been required by federal law {18 USC 940.1 - The Hambone Act of 1951} to have transmodifiers installed to reduce pollution. Gone are the old purge-buckets, with the new transmodifiers they are no longer necessary. In the State of Florida, all calipervox players must have a Class A license.
I chose to take lessons on the calipervox and played it for years. In the seventh grade I earned an award for playing it and was the only one in the school band that played a calipervox, I even marched in the Sanford Christmas parade with it. The only school band today, that has a calipervox player is Seminole High School, but they never march with it because it is so huge. I still have my calipervox, but the tuning strut needs repairing, it is hard to find a music shop that even knows how to work on, or tune, a calipervox, especially the older ones like mine.
For more information please contact the National Calipervox Center at 1-800-HOG-HORN.
September 7, 2015
Christine Kinlaw - Best
I will never forget your love of our local history. Researching & writing our books together was so much fun. I keep finding so many funny things that I want to send to you, so you'll get a good laugh out of our crazy Sanford history. Thank you for all your years of dedication to researching the Swedes & for always coming up with something really funny for the St. Lucia Festival. I really miss you. My heart is so heavy. Lots of love to Dori, Erika, Charlie 3, Joyce, Charlie 4, Andrew & Anita.
September 6, 2015
Rod Bullard
So long old friend... later.
September 6, 2015
Denise Stoner
So many times I see feelings and thoughts about Charlie written in this guest book - the same things written over and over again - friend, mentor, great heart, honor to work with him - I must add all of these. He knew the history of Florida like no other and I could see that everyone whose path he crossed were made to feel important to him - and we were, I have no doubt. He loved people and let everyone of us know how he felt using his words and actions. He never used just a simple thank you, he always told you why you were worthy of that thank you. He reminded me that I was a part of his "group", network, and what he did. He gathered us in to his life making sure we were a part of who he was. Thank you Charlie, I can only hope that I can lift up people in my life as you did mine. Rest In Peace. Denise Stoner, Winter Park, Florida
September 5, 2015
Anita
September 5, 2015
Anita Carlson
September 5, 2015
Anita Carlson
September 5, 2015
Anita Carlson
How can I go on without you? You were my sunshine, my lover and playmate,my best friend for 7 short years. Your friends and fans will miss you, but I knew the true you, that quriky southern boy with a heart of gold. Your spirit is with me always. Rest in peace my love.
Anita Carlson
September 4, 2015
John Johnsen
It was an honor and a privilege to work with Charlie on two film projects. He will live on through his media and writing.
September 4, 2015
Rosetta Gadson
I had the honor of meeting Charlie Carlson over 7 years ago, and ever since then I consider him my earth angel. He gave me a chance to do what I enjoy, and I gained a friend in him. He was always so nice to me, and always believed in me, and my goals as a actress. He rescued me at a time when I needed help and a place to stay. I'm forever ever grateful and thankful to him. I know he with GOD In GLORY. Thank You Charlie - I miss you.
September 4, 2015
John Johnsen
I met Charlie years ago while working on "Henry Blackhart is Dead", a film Charlie was in. I have been honored and privileged to have known him and to have been working with him on Ashley's Shadow the last couple of years. I will miss him and his oddball sense of humor. Rest in peace my friend.
September 4, 2015
Robert Robinson
A true friend and mentor. My family and I have great memories of Charlie. We will never forget him.
September 3, 2015
Mia Laurenzo
You've had a profound affect on my life, as a business partner, mentor, friend and family member for which I was most proud. It wasn't a long time, but it was a good time. I'm so glad I found you. It was our destiny to meet. I look forward to finding you again in the next life.
Love, Mia
September 2, 2015
Jack Proctor
I pray that your memories and love will carry you through this time. Charlie was a special person and special friend. He will be remembered with great fondness.
September 1, 2015
Daisy Blakelock
You live on in your stories and the many lives you touched. Thank you for all of the work you've done to highlight Central Florida's unusual and notable history. Thank you for helping me with my master's thesis film--I wish that you could have seen the final result and now, as I work toward finishing it, it will be in your memory.
September 1, 2015
Jonna Norton
My heart is heavy for the loss of such a heart warming, kind, beautiful soul. I am essed to have known him.
September 1, 2015
Diana McCreight
Oh how my heart is broken. What an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his Family and Friends. He will be missed but never forgotten.
August 31, 2015
Fred & Paulette Swaggerty
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results
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