Arthur Bullard Newton

Arthur Bullard Newton (1864-1940), who came to the area in 1892, was determined to make something of his new home. While J. L. Dillard constructed buildings, Newton, often called ”Mr. First,” devoted his time to civics, services, and business pursuits. He ran a general merchandise store, supplying the town and area growers with a variety of merchandise. In addition, he established the city’s post office in 1892, produced the town’s first newspaper called The Ricochet, acted as the town’s first depot agent, and served as the city’s first mayor. When the First National Bank of Winter Garden was established in 1919, he signed on as Cashier. He was also Orange County’s legislator in the Florida House of Representatives, serving as Speaker of the House on numerous occasions. Today, Newton Park, at 31 West Garden Avenue, bears his name. A lesser-known title identifies Newton as “the Godfather of Winter Garden.” The home he built at 125 West Smith Street in 1905 still stands.