The Three Mrs. Flaglers

Friends of the Main Library St. Augustine is pleased to welcome the talented Dianne Jacoby to perform her one-woman play, The Three Mrs. Flaglers. 

The story of empire builder Henry Morrison Flagler comes to life in this historical drama in three acts. Henry’s tremendous drive and magnificent accomplishments during Florida’s glorious Gilded Age are seen through the eyes of his three captivating wives as each beautifully gowned lady tells of her years with the man who took the blank canvas of Florida and created a rich man’s paradise.

Each woman loves Henry in her own way. The devoted but sickly Mary Harkness, the mother of his children, stood with him as he founded Standard Oil. Because of Mary’s chronic ill health, Henry takes her to the wilds of Florida, but she eventually dies tragically of consumption. Henry yearns to return to St. Augustine to create a winter paradise for the wealthy, and he seeks consolation in the arms of the frivolous and high-strung Ida Alice Shourds.

Soon Mr. Flagler returns with his second wife to the wilderness of Florida and begins building magnificent grand hotels as his new wife lavishly entertains. Henry makes a string of luxurious hotels and a railroad line, but sadly, amidst all the delight of the elite social scene, mental illness begins to claim Ida Alice’s sanity. As she spirals into insanity, Mr. Flagler meets a wealthy and young heiress who captivates him, the Southern Belle Mary Lily Kenan.

A scandalous divorce ensues and the 71-year-old Henry, now the most powerful man in Florida, soon takes the 34-year-old Mary Lily as his third wife. Twelve years after their marriage, Mary Lily became the wealthiest widow in the world. Each unique woman shares her experience, strength, and hope as Mrs. Flagler. Meet Henry Flagler as only his wives knew him!

This program is free, open to the public, and will take place at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., which shares a parking lot with the Main Library. Seating begins at 12:00 pm, and the presentation starts promptly at 1:00 pm. No reservations are required. For more information, please call the Main Library at 904-827-6940.

Dianne Jacoby is a proud fourth-generation Floridian. As a historical dramatist, she writes, researches, and performs one-woman shows throughout the country. She co-founded The Double Trouble Theatre Co., specializing in sixteenth-century Spanish Comedia, Murder Mysteries, and Ghost Theatre.

She has performed in PBS documentaries, educational films, and a variety of live theater. Ms. Jacoby has enacted living history throughout the eastern seaboard as personas both male and female in periods from 1513-1915. She is certified in black powder and fire pistol, musket, and cannon! A graduate of Stetson University, she lectures, performs, and coordinates Stetson University’s Roadscholar programs as an adjunct professor. As an educator, she taught for many years in south Florida and was also an adjunct professor of Art at Flagler College for ten years.

The Waterworks is available through the generosity of the City of St. Augustine and the St. Johns Cultural Council.