1982 Thank-you letter from Marie S. Gladden to Davis Lodge #47

The Marie Stapler Gladden Collection

Original onion skin paper

1982-12-13

Marie Vista Stapler Gladden; Marie Stapler Gladden; Marie Stapler; Marie Gladden

Apopka, Florida, United States of America.

A typewritten thank-you letter dated December 13, 1982, sent from P.O. Box 413, Apopka, by Marie S. Gladden and the William Gladden Sr. family, to the officers and members of Davis Lodge #47 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Florida. Written on the same date as the letters to the mayor and city council, this letter thanks the lodge for the part they played in the renaming of Ninth Street to Michael Gladden Boulevard.

Marie Vista Stapler Gladden (March 13th, 2004 - May 14th, 2004) was the retired principal of the historic Black school, Phyllis Wheatley High School. Marie Stapler Gladden attained a Master's in Early Childhood Education and Certification in Administration and Supervision from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY. Marie married Michael Gladden Jr. on June 16, 1935. She became the co-owner of M. Gladden Staple and Fancy Groceries and later, Gladden's Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaning. Marie began her teaching career at the Hopper Academy elementary school in Seminole County, later teaching in Orange County for thirty-six years, including at schools in Oakland and Clarcona. Marie was a member of the Orange County Teachers Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Omicron Omega Chapter, the Apopka Chamber of Commerce, the Apopka Historical Society, and the Apopka Senior Citizen Center. She lived to be 100 years old.