Catherine Finds the Lost Town of Ethel
Catherine Finds the Lost Town of Ethel
Catherine Finds the Lost Town of Ethel
A Florida Park Pals Adventure
Some adventures are hidden in history…
Join Catherine as she explores the quiet trails of Rock Springs Run State Reserve and discovers the story of a forgotten place—the Lost Town of Ethel.
As Catherine walks beneath towering live oaks and along sandy paths, her imagination begins to wander. What was life like here long ago? Through curiosity, observation, and a little bit of wonder, Catherine learns how families once lived, worked, and cared for the land in a small Florida settlement during the late 1800s.
Catherine Finds the Lost Town of Ethel gently introduces young readers to Florida history through exploration, imagination, and place-based learning. Along the way, Catherine discovers that even when buildings disappear, stories still live on in the land.
This story helps children learn about:
- Life in early Florida settlements
- Log cabins, gardens, historical sites, and railroads of the 1800s
- How history connects to modern-day state parks
- The importance of preserving and respecting historical places
Written for children ages 4–8, this beautifully illustrated book follows the signature Park Pals format:
- One Florida State Park
- One place-based adventure
- One meaningful lesson
The book also includes:
- A “What Catherine Learned” reflection page
- Age-appropriate historical context about the town of Ethel
- Park Pals activities and coloring pages
- A Park Pals Challenge Activities to encourage curiosity and stewardship
Perfect for classrooms, homeschool lessons, park gift shops, and bedtime reading, Catherine Finds the Lost Town of Ethel invites children to slow down, look closely, and discover the stories hidden in the landscapes around them.