There is a lovely art form called silhouettes. The artist uses scissors to cut a representation of the subject’s profile. It is cut from black paper or fabric and then mounted and framed. Frederick and Margaret Lykes had their silhouettes probably made in South Carolina before they became one of Hernando County’s prominent families in 1851.
The artist was a well-known woman by the name of Martha Ann Honeywell. Miss Honeywell was from Lempster, New Hampshire, but traveled the country giving performances. Anyone who can create silhouettes is talented, but she was truly unique…she was born without hands or forearms and had only three toes on one of her feet! She was also skilled at embroidery and penmanship, using her mouth, upper arms and toes to create her art. The Lykes silhouettes are found hanging in the parlor of the May-Stringer Museum. Mrs. Sheldon Stringer, Sr., was their daughter.
The Museums Schedules!
The May-Stringer tours on Wednesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – 352-799-0129
The 1885 Depot tours on Friday & Saturday from noon – 3 p.m. – 352-799-4766
The Countryman One Room Schoolhouse tours on Thursday – Saturday from noon – 3 p.m. – 352-515-3054
