Joe B. Acken Memorial Bench in Plant Park (View 1)

Abstract

This memorial bench was dedicated to Joe B. Acken. Mr. Acken, an architect and artist, came to Tampa in 1915. Though confined to a wheelchair, he visited Plant Park at the University of Tampa to paint and play checkers in this shady bower. The bench was removed during a construction project in 1999. The inscription reads: 1871 Joe B Acken 1930 Hate hypocrisy, love all beauty and face each day smiling.