Georgette Draffman

**Georgette Anna-Maria Draffman** (nee **Walbott**) (February 28, 1871 - September 1, 1960) was a British-American heiress, philanthropist, author, art collector, vintner, and businesswoman. She was married to William Draffman, the Governor of Florida from 1931 to 1932, during his term she served as First Lady of Florida.

## Early life

Georgette Anna-Marie Walbott was born on February 28, 1871, in London, England, United Kingdom. Her father, John Harbour Walbott was a prominent businessman, who served as a British MP from 1876 to 1892. Her mother, Anna-Maria Vasquez, was the daughter of the Treasurer of the Royal Household of Spain.

## Life and career

With the help of her father, she moved to New York City, New York, United States, in 1890, where she was quickly excepted into New York high society, however after a dispute with Alva Vanderbilt, she moved to Tallahassee, Florida. In Tallahassee she was also quickly excepted into the Tallahassee high society, where she threw lavish and flamboyant galas and dinners, all with her fathers money.

She was hired as the editor-in-chief of the Tallahassee Social Register, by its owner, Fortworth Dykeman, in 1893, cementing her place in Tallahassee high society. She left her position in 1896, to explore other ventures.

In 1906, John Harbour Walbott died, and she inherited his vast fortune. Her mother had previously died in 1900. Using her inheritance, she built The Everglades, the largest mansion in Florida. In 1908, she purchased a struggling vineyard, and imported new grapes from Italy. She founded Walbott Vineyard Co. in 1909, and the brand was an instant success.

With her inheritance she donated vast amounts of money to charitable causes in Tallahassee. She founded the Tallahassee Women's League in 1911, and helped campaign for women's right to vote. The TWL dissolved in 1983.

In 1916, she met William Draffman, a wealthy Jasper, Florida businessman. They Swere married in 1917, and upon their marriage, William made Georgette the Vice-Chairman of his company, Draffman Goods and Such, however she disliked her position and resigned in 1918. That same year, she was made a member of the bord of Jasper Municipal Hospital, however she was fired after William old the hospital later that same year.

In 1918, William was appointed a member of the Florida State House of Representatives, and served until 1931. During her husbands time in office, she managed his convenience stores, and became President and Chairman of the company in 1920. Under Georgette, Draffman Goods and Such changed its name to simply Draffman's, relocated its headquarters to Tallahassee, and expanded to ninety stores, including two in Texas. She eventually grew tired of her job, and resigned in 1929, leaving her protege, Kley Hounk in charge.

Draffman was life-long collector of art, and amassed a large collection. In 1928, she donated a Manet to the Tallahassee Museum of Art, and was made an honourary curator.

When William was elected Governor of Florida in 1930, and was sworn in in 1931, Georgette became First Lady of Florida. Georgette was a popular First Lady, and publicly supported philanthropic causes during her tenure. William died in the sinking of the GSS St. Albert in 1932, Georgette was also on the boat, and survived.

In 1934, she ran as an Independent for Governor of Florida, however she withdrew before the election. After her failed bid for her husband' former office, she withdrew from public life.

In 1950, she launched a surprise campaign for the Republican nomination for Governor of Florida, she won the primary after her rivals withdrew by acclamation. She lost the general election to the Democratic nominee, Robert Evauld, 52%-to-46%.

## Personal life

Georgette Draffman was married to William Draffman in 1917, he died 1932. Georgette and William never had any children, however in 1937, Georgette adopt her distant cousin's son, Gabriel Fernandez, after her death in a house fire.