William M. and Emily Larkin were early supporters of the museum. In memory of her husband, Emily's generosity led to the museum being located on these 21 acres, once part of their ranch, Little Everglades. She actively supported her husband's agricultural and civic endeavors and served for many years as a trustee of the museum. William, an attorney, lumberman, and rancher, established the first Santa Gertrudis herd of cattle east of the Mississippi River, beginning with bulls brought to Dade City from the King Ranch in Texas in 1941, and he delighted in being known as the "meanest man in Pasco County."