"The Stowes were a real force in the life of Mandarin. They had come to the village only two years after the War Between the States, while the economy of Florida was still shaken and the sense of bitterness was still rankling in the hearts of the people. Times were not easy; but the Stowes, entranced by the charm of Mandarin and sincere in their desire to become a part of a new life, gave their entire strength and efforts to the building of this old-new village. Whenever the Stowes were in residence there was sure to be activity. Calvin Stowe, though healthful in appearance, was actually very fragile and suffered from an incurable disease; nevertheless, he devoted himself to teaching German to a class of young ladies, and he gave simple, earnest sermons to the group that gathered in the church-school house each Sunday. His wife assumed the more strenuous duties in the village and used ever means to enliven and enrich the life in Mandarin. Mrs. Stowe and her daughters were faithful performers when the Mandarin Amateur Dramatic Association was active. Then there were groups that met in various homes for the Sunday evening "sing." Though not musical herself, Mrs. Stowe enjoyed the harmonious get-togethers and proudly proclaimed her daughters as the "family choir." In all of Mrs. Stowe's writings, whether they were personal letters or commercial contracts, there was a reference to the charm and congeniality of life in Mandarin. No paid advocate could have done more for Mandarin in the years between 1867 and 1884 than Harriet Beecher Stowe. These were years of contentment for Calvin Stowe and his wife, for here they lived fully and simply among friends who respected and accepted them as individuals and not merely as celebrities."
-Mary B. Graff, from Mandarin on the St. Johns
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