History of Time Period
In 1821, Spain relinquished control of Florida and the United States sent Andrew Jackson to be the military Governor. Tallahassee was deserted at that time, but after two years of crossing the wasteland of North Florida from Pensacola to St. Augustine and back again to conduct affairs of state, it was decreed that a central location be found for the capital of the new territory. The commissioners decided on the beautiful spot with rolling hills and fertile land which is now Tallahassee, and the first settlers arrived April 9, 1824.
Accounts of Tallahassee in those early years were wild and wooly. It is said that the yellow fever epidemic of 1841 helped clean up the town, and Francis Eppes, the first Mayor did the rest. The many families bringing great names with histories of fame and fortune became the leaders and law and order prevailed. More people came from far and wide and the new capital grew. Tallahassee flourished with plantations, schools, banks, merchants, transportation, and legislators. . . . Thus began a very long lasting love affair.
AT Krewe Chief- Susie Wilhelm 
Susie was born in Clearwater, Florida and remained there until relocating to Tallahassee in 2001. She has been married to her soul-mate, Bill Wilhelm, for twenty-eight years and between them they have four beautiful daughters, Whitney, Sherri, Angela, Lauren and seven grandchildren.
Susie has been a real estate broker for twenty years and is owner of Susan Bax-Wilhelm & Associates Realty. In addition to real estate, Susie was a manager for Pinellas County Government for just under eighteen years, was a Precinct Committee Woman and served on numerous executive boards and committees. She has also been employed as a National Program Developer and Administrator for Experior Assessments, a subsidiary of Sylvan Learning Systems; a lobbyist representing insurance companies and school boards; the manager of an employee placement company; and has worked for Bill’s law firm in Clearwater and various law firms in Tallahassee. For the past few years she has kept busy creating many period gowns for members of Springtime Tallahassee.
When not involved in Springtime functions, you will frequently find Susie and Bill at the coast on their sailboat, Manana. Before settling in Tallahassee, Susie and Bill participated in many regattas in Tampa Bay and races to Key West and the Dry Tortugas, winning their class on several occasions. In addition to sailing, Susie’s hobbies are sewing, fishing, traveling and spending time with Bill, her family and friends.
Susie and Bill joined Springtime Tallahassee in 2008. Susie credits Springtime Tallahassee with keeping her family in Tallahassee and maintaining a smile on her face.