Nalaka Turpentine Distillery at Avon Park Air Force Range
The “Nalaka turpentine distillery” is a historical industrial site located within the boundaries of the modern Avon Park Air Force Range. Academic and institutional archaeological records establish that the Nalaka site operated as a turpentine distillery from approximately 1918 to 1930. At its peak, it was one of the largest producers of turpentine in the United States.
Documentation of the site is primarily maintained through archaeological survey work, including projects supported by the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). Because contemporary written records of the labor camps are scarce, physical documentation of the Nalaka site is critical for understanding the naval stores industry in this part of Florida.
2004 Hurricanes and Fire History Research
The physical remnants of historical turpentine operations on the range also intersect with modern ecological research. In 2004, hurricanes Charley and Jeanne struck the Avon Park Air Force Range and felled many older pine trees, including “catface” trees bearing the characteristic scars of historical resin tapping.
Researchers used the downed trees to study the fire history of the region via dendrochronology (tree rings) and fire scars, reconstructing historical fire regimes. This research routinely references the 1925–1930 turpentine operations. Surviving catface trees are frequently preserved on the range as “leave trees” to provide wildlife habitat, specifically for the red-cockaded woodpecker.
Open Research Action
While the identity and date range of the Nalaka distillery have been established, Park T. DeVane’s unpublished 32-page 1983 report, “A History of the Lands Composing the Avon Park Bombing Range,” has not yet been obtained. Institutional catalogues indicate a physical copy is held at the Avon Park Museum.
References
- Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). Archaeological internships and public materials regarding Avon Park Air Force Range turpentine camps.
- Various authors. Fire history studies of the Avon Park Air Force Range following 2004 hurricanes Charley and Jeanne.
Where this comes from
- Evidence
- corroborated — More than one independent source agrees.
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- unverified — Drafted from sources but not yet checked by a volunteer.
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