E. W. Carswell
1989 Florida Folk Heritage Award
E. W. “Judge” Carswell (Chipley) was born in 1916 in Holmes County, Florida, and spent his entire adult life researching, writing about, and celebrating the traditional life of panhandle Florida. A noted journalist, Carswell wrote fifteen books and countless articles that document the history and culture of north central Florida. His interest in the heritage of his native state led him to affiliate with and serve as chair to five historical societies in north Florida. He also founded local celebrations of traditional life, including the Wausau Possum Festival and the Ponce de Leon Collard Festival.
Carswell was the recipient of over twenty awards for his writing and conservation efforts in north Florida, and served as the mayor of Chipley for many terms. He gave frequent lectures on north Florida folklife and heritage, and was a recognized authority on Floridiana in his region. Carswell was a member of the Florida Folklife Council from 1980-85.
