Silver Springs, FLORIDA - Glass Bottom Boats - Fish Play "Football" - 1947: Silver Springs is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Marion County of northern Florida. It is the site of the Silver Springs, a group of artesian springs and a historic tourist attraction that is now part of Silver Springs State Park. The community is part of the Ocala metropolitan area. It was first listed as a CDP for the 2020 census, when it had a population of 2,844.  One of Florida's first tourist attractions, the springs drew visitors even before the U.S. Civil War. Glass-bottom boats have been a popular way to see the 242-acre (98 ha) complex. A small amusement park with various animals, a concert stage, a carousel, and exhibits also developed. 

In 1947, a popular vintage linen postcard titled "The Fish Play 'Football' at Florida's Silver Springs" captured a quirky roadside attraction scene. Visitors on famous glass-bottom boats peered into crystal-clear 72-degree water to watch handlers entice dense schools of freshwater fish around underwater props designed to mimic a gridiron spectacle.

History of Silver Springs

-  Oldest Attraction: Established in the 1870s, Silver Springs State Park in Marion County is widely recognized as Florida's first commercial tourist destination.

-  Glass-Bottom Innovation: The iconic glass-bottom watercraft were pioneered here, allowing awe-inspiring views of deep artesian spring vents, archaeological artifacts, and Hollywood movie sets.

-  The "Football" Gimmick: Postcards from the 1930s through the late 1940s frequently featured humorous or staged spectacles like fish "playing football" to advertise the teeming, highly visible aquatic life.

This Linen Era postcard, published in 1947, is in good condition.  Genuine Curteich-Chicago "C.T. Art-Colortone" Chicago. No. 7B-H771.