A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of the Oviedo Garage, a complete automotive service business located at 139 North Central Avenue in Downtown Oviedo, Florida, operated by Bob Slavik and Helen Slavik. The garage was built within the first decade after the end of World War II. At the time that this photograph was printed in The Seminole Outlook, the building was owned by the Oviedo Tire Center. The site later became the location of the Townhouse Restaurant, which has since been demolished for road improvements.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Oviedo Garage. 2001: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Lake Jessup Morning by Bettye Reagan, 2012
A painting of Lake Jesup in 2012 by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida. One of the largest lakes in Central Florida, Lake Jesup is located along the middle basin of the St. Johns River. In the 1990s, after decades of pollution, the lake was cleaned up by a coalition consisting of the Friends of Lake Jesup, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). In 2008, the Florida State Road (SR) 46 bridge was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CoE) and the FDOT to cross the lake.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Lake Jessup Morning. 2012: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, featuring people along the Cross Seminole Trail. The trail was created from the former railroad line of the Sanford & Indian River Railroad, running between Sanford and Oviedo. In the early 1900s, a spur was added to the line, running north and east in order to allow farmers of Black Hammock a way to ship their produce to Sanford and Winter Park. The spur was later abandoned due to the advent of automobiles and the decline of the agricultural industry in Black Hammock. The tracks remained until they were purchased by the State of Florida for the Cross Seminole Trail.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Seminole Trail. 1996: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, featuring chickens at the Cross Seminole Trail. The trail was created from the former railroad line of the Sanford & Indian River Railroad, running between Sanford and Oviedo. In the early 1900s, a spur was added to the line, running north and east in order to allow farmers of Black Hammock a way to ship their produce to Sanford and Winter Park. The spur was later abandoned due to the advent of automobiles and the decline of the agricultural industry in Black Hammock. The tracks remained until they were purchased by the State of Florida for the Cross Seminole Trail.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Oviedo Chickens. 1996: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, depicting farmworkers grinding sugarcane at the Wheeler family farm. The Wheelers lived at 340 South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo, Florida. The family patriarch, Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. (1878-1954), was born in Dade City on January 2, 1878. After his father passed away in 1889, his family relocated to his mother's hometown in Oviedo. At age 16, Wheeler began working as a telegraph operator for the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railroad. In 1898, he purchased a seedling citrus grove that had been abandoned during the Freeze of 1894-1985. Wheeler soon became a successful citrus grower and celery cultivator. Wheeler married George Lee Wheeler in 1908 and the couple later had three children: Clara Lee Wheeler Evans (1917-2010); Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Jr. (1920-2006); and Miriam Louise Wheeler (b. 1922). In 1908, Wheeler partnered with C .F. Brannon and Steen Nelson to operate the Nelson Brothers packinghouse. In 1923, Wheeler purchased the company and renamed it Nelson & Company, Inc. Wheeler also served on the Seminole County Commission and the Oviedo City Council. He was also seminal in organizing the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Citrus Mutual, and the Citizens Bank of Oviedo.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Grinding Sugar Cane. 1994: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting of the Econlockhatchee River by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida. Called the Econ River for short, this tributary is the longest river in the state of Florida. The Econ River flows north from Lake Conlin, through the Econlockhatchee River Swamp, joining the St. Johns River near Puzzle Lake.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Econ River. 2002: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, of Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993) with three of her great grandchildren: Reagan Nicole Wilder (1978-), Brandie Lee Wilder (1980-), and Robert Brady Wilder (1982-). Alice Aulin was born in Sanford, Florida, to parents Charles Powell and Mary Maude Rabun Powell. Aulin arrived in Oviedo in 1921 to work as a switchboard operator and a seamstress. She married Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964), the son of Oviedo's first postmaster, Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918). Together, the couple had five children: Mary Lenora Aulin (b. 1924), Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), Charles Warren Aulin (1927-1964), Bettye Jean Aulin, and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (b. 1936). The Wilder children were born of Aulin's granddaughter, Debbie Lynn Reagan (1958-) and Robert Downey Wilder (1953-).
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Grandma Aulin: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of the road to Clifton Springs, a spring in Oviedo, Florida. Clifton Springs was named in honor of the hometown of Dr. Henry Foster, a wealthy grower from Lake Charm in Oviedo. Originally called White's Wharf, the site marks the approximate location where John Bartram and William Bartram camped during their excursion along the St. Johns River in 1765-1766. William G. White migrated to the area in the late 1870s and built a store here in 1879. White moved his store to Orlando in the 1880s. Many Oviedo residents used the site as the location for their annual May picnics, which began in 1880. The picnics were hosted by a joint committee of the local Baptist and Methodist churches. The wharf is now known as Hiley's Fish Camp. The road featured in this photograph is now Florida State Road (SR) 419.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Road to Clifton. 1986: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
The road to Clifton Springs, a spring in Oviedo, Florida, in the early 1900s. Clifton Springs was named in honor of the hometown of Dr. Henry Foster, a wealthy grower from Lake Charm in Oviedo. Originally called White's Wharf, the site marks the approximate location where John Bartram and William Bartram camped during their excursion along the St. Johns River in 1765-1766. William G. White migrated to the area in the late 1870s and built a store here in 1879. White moved his store to Orlando in the 1880s. Many Oviedo residents used the site as the location for their annual May picnics, which began in 1880. The picnics were hosted by a joint committee of the local Baptist and Methodist churches. The wharf is now known as Hiley's Fish Camp. The road featured in this photograph is now Florida State Road (SR) 419.
Original black and white photograph: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of Downtown Oviedo, Florida sometime, between 1880 and 1919. The painting depicts two past businesses located on Broadway: Peters Shoes and J. B. Jones and Brothers. The Timucuan Native Americans originally inhabited the area of present-day Oviedo, although the remains of their settlements have disappeared. Homesteaders arrived along the shores of Lake Jesup in 1865 just after the Civil War ended and began growing celery and citrus. The area was called the Lake Jesup Community until March 13, 1879, when postmaster Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), a Swedish immigrant, chose the name Oviedo.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Peters Shoes. 1986: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of Hotel Oviedo in Oviedo, Florida. The Timucuan Native Americans originally inhabited the area of present-day Oviedo, although the remains of their settlements have disappeared. Homesteaders arrived along the shores of Lake Jesup in 1865 just after the Civil War ended and began growing celery and citrus. The area was called the Lake Jesup Community until March 13, 1879, when postmaster Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), a Swedish immigrant, chose the name Oviedo.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Oviedo Hotel: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Hotel Oviedo in Oviedo, Florida. The Timucuan Native Americans originally inhabited the area of present-day Oviedo, although the remains of their settlements have disappeared. Homesteaders arrived along the shores of Lake Jesup in 1865 just after the Civil War ended and began growing celery and citrus. The area was called the Lake Jesup Community until March 13, 1879, when postmaster Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), a Swedish immigrant, chose the name Oviedo.
Original black and white newspaper photograph: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of Broadway in Downtown Oviedo, Florida, during the 1940s. The Timucuan Native Americans originally inhabited the area of present-day Oviedo, although the remains of their settlements have disappeared. Homesteaders arrived along the shores of Lake Jesup in 1865 just after the Civil War ended and began growing celery and citrus. The area was called the Lake Jesup Community until March 13, 1879, when postmaster Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), a Swedish immigrant, chose the name Oviedo.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Oviedo. 1984: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Broadway in Downtown Oviedo, Florida, during the 1940s. The Timucuan Native Americans originally inhabited the area of present-day Oviedo, although the remains of their settlements have disappeared. Homesteaders arrived along the shores of Lake Jesup in 1865 just after the Civil War ended and began growing celery and citrus. The area was called the Lake Jesup Community until March 13, 1879, when postmaster Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), a Swedish immigrant, chose the name Oviedo.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Aulin immigrated to Oviedo in 1870 and, in 1879, he was appointed the postmaster of the area formerly called the Lake Jesup Settlement,. Aulin also founded the local Ionic Lodge, which was the predecessor to the Masonic Lodge. Aulin was married to Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and had five children: Theodore Aulin, Willie Aulin, Mattie Aulin, Mary Aulin, and Andrew Aulin, Jr.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Andrew Aulin, Sr.. 2005: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of the backyard of Paul Mikler, a history teacher and coach from Oviedo, Florida. Mikler was born on July 8, 1916, and was raised in Slavia, an unincorporated community that was once part of Oviedo. He taught at Oviedo High School (OHS), where he was seminal in shaping the school's baseball program, from 1946 to 1970. Mikler passed away on April 12, 2000.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Mikler Playhouse. 2003: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
The backyard of Paul Mikler, a history teacher and coach from Oviedo, Florida. Mikler was born on July 8, 1916, and was raised in Slavia, an unincorporated community that was once part of Oviedo. He taught at Oviedo High School (OHS), where he was seminal in shaping the school's baseball program, from 1946 to 1970. Mikler passed away on April 12, 2000.
Original color photograph, 2003: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993) at the Winter Park Hospital in Winter Park, Florida, as she is being visited by her daughter, Bettye Jean Aulin Reagan (1923-), and her grandson, James Phelps Richardson. Alice Aulin was born in Sanford, Florida, to parents Charles Powell and Mary Maude Rabun Powell. Aulin arrived in Oviedo in 1921 to work as a switchboard operator and a seamstress. She married Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964), the son of Oviedo's first postmaster, Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918). Together, the couple had five children: Mary Lenora Aulin (b. 1924), Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), Charles Warren Aulin (1927-1964), Bettye Jean Aulin, and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (b. 1936).
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Need No Title. 1994: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Bettye Jean Aulin Reagan and James Phelps Richardson Visiting Mary Alice Powell Aulin at the Winter Park Hospital
Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993) at the Winter Park Hospital in Winter Park, Florida, as she is being visited by her daughter, Bettye Jean Aulin Reagan (1923-), and her great grandson, James Phelps Richardson (1987-). Alice Aulin was born in Sanford, Florida, to parents Charles Powell and Mary Maude Rabun Powell. Aulin arrived in Oviedo in 1921 to work as a switchboard operator and a seamstress. She married Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964), the son of Oviedo's first postmaster, Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918). Together, the couple had five children: Mary Lenora Aulin (b. 1924), Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), Charles Warren Aulin (1927-1964), Bettye Jean Aulin, and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (b. 1936). Richardson was the son of Reagan's daughter, Julie Karin Reagan (1959-), and Barry Phelps Richardson (1953-).
Original color photograph: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Meads Woods Picnic No. 2 by Bettye Reagan
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of a picnic at Meads Woods near Oviedo, Florida. Mead Woods was named after Dr. Theodore Luqueer Mead (1852-1936), who was famous for hybridizing orchids, amaryllis, and caladiums. Dr. T. L. Mead migrated from New York to Eustis, Florida, in 1869, and then to Oviedo in 1886. At his 85-acre estate in the Lake Charm area, Dr. Mead conducted experiments and accumulated one of the world's largest butterfly collections.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Meads Woods Picnic No. 2. Year: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Meads Woods Picnic: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A picnic at Meads Woods near Oviedo, Florida. Mead Woods was named after Dr. Theodore Luqueer Mead (1852-1936), who was famous for hybridizing orchids, amaryllis, and caladiums. Dr. T. L. Mead migrated from New York to Eustis, Florida, in 1869, and then to Oviedo in 1886. At his 85-acre estate in the Lake Charm area, Dr. Mead conducted experiments and accumulated one of the world's largest butterfly collections.
Wekiva River (Lake County-Orange County, Fla.)
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of the first bridge built across the Wekiva River. The Wekiva River, sometimes spelled Wekiwa, in a river originating in Apopka and joining the St. Johns River. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has designated Wekiva as a Florida State Canoe Trail, an Outstanding Florida Water body, and an Aquatic Preserve. The wood used to build the bridge in the photograph was milled in Markham, a community west of Sanford and north of Heathrow, Florida.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Wekiva River Bridge. 2001: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
The first bridge built across the Wekiva River in Florida. The Wekiva River, sometimes spelled Wekiwa, in a river originating in Apopka and joining the St. Johns River. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has designated Wekiva as a Florida State Canoe Trail, an Outstanding Florida Water body, and an Aquatic Preserve. The wood used to build the bridge in the photograph was milled in Markham, a community west of Sanford and north of Heathrow, Florida.
Lake Jessup Morning by Bettye Reagan, 2001
A painting of Lake Jesup in 2001 by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida. One of the largest lakes in Central Florida, Lake Jesup is located along the middle basin of the St. Johns River. In the 1990s, after decades of pollution, the lake was cleaned up by a coalition consisting of the Friends of Lake Jesup, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). In 2008, the Florida State Road (SR) 46 bridge was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CoE) and the FDOT to cross the lake.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Lake Jessup Morning. 2001: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Sunday Afternoon Baseball by Bettye Reagan
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of men, possibly students, playing baseball in front of the Oviedo School, located at 601 King Street in Oviedo, Florida, in the 1940s. The school was first established in 1922 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations; its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education; and its successful athletics programs.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Sunday Afternoon Baseball. 2001: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A photograph of men, possibly students, playing baseball in front of the Oviedo School, located at 601 King Street in Oviedo, Florida, in the 1940s. The school was first established in 1922 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations; its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education; and its successful athletics programs.
The Oviedo Garage, a complete automotive service business located at 139 North Central Avenue in Downtown Oviedo, Florida, operated by Bob Slavik and Helen Slavik. The garage was built within the first decade after the end of World War II. The Slaviks resided at 435 North Lake Jessup Avenue. Helen Slavik also served as the city clerk from 1965 to 1968. Together, the couple had one child, Roger Slavik. At the time that this photograph was printed in The Seminole Outlook, the building was owned by the Oviedo Tire Center. The site later became the location of the Townhouse Restaurant, which has since been demolished for road improvements.
Original black and white newspaper photograph: The Seminole Outlook: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of the Dakin family in Georgetown, Florida. The family consisted of George W. B. Dakin and Anna Marie Olcott Dakin, along with their children: Florence Dakin, Leonard Dakin, Paul Dakin, and Jesse Messmore Dakin. The Dakins owned Racimo Plantation, an orange grove along the St. Johns River, in 1887. Within the next decade, Leonard Dakin developed the Racimo Plantation with 5,000 orange trees, 40 laborers, and a packinghouse. The grove was destroyed by a freeze in 1895.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Dakin Family Picnic. 1997: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
The Dakin family in Georgetown, Florida. The family consisted of George W. B. Dakin and Anna Marie Olcott Dakin, along with their children: Florence Dakin, Leonard Dakin, Paul Dakin, and Jesse Messmore Dakin. The Dakins owned Racimo Plantation, an orange grove along the St. Johns River, in 1887. Within the next decade, Leonard Dakin developed the Racimo Plantation with 5,000 orange trees, 40 laborers, and a packinghouse. The grove was destroyed by a freeze in 1895.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of George W. B. Dakin with his daughter, Florence Dakin, and wife, Anna Marie Olcott Dakin, at the Racimo Plantation, an orange grove along the St. Johns River, in 1887. The caption incorrectly cites the name of Dakin's wife as Anne Maria. Dakin purchased property near Georgetown, Florida, in the early 1880s and settled his family there. Within the next decade, his son, Leonard Dakin, who took the photograph, developed the Racimo Plantation with 5,000 orange trees, 40 laborers, and a packinghouse. The grove was destroyed by a freeze in 1895.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Dakin Family. 1997: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of the Lawton General Store Oviedo, Florida sometime between 1900 and 1939. The store was run by two brothers: Thomas Willington Lawton (1882-1963) and Winborn Joseph Lawton, Sr. (1881-1971). T. W. Lawton graduated from Rollins College in 1903. He later received his master's degree from Andover Newton College in Boston, Massachusetts. Following college, Lawton returned to Oviedo, where he married Charlotte "Lottie" Lee (1887-1984) and served as the principal of the Oviedo School from 1905 to 1907. In 1916, he became the first elected Superintendent of Schools of Seminole County. He held that post until 1952 and passed away 11 years later in 1963. Lawton Elementary School is named in his honor. W. J. Lawton, Sr. served as a trustee of the First Baptist Church of Oviedo, as well as a secretary and treasurer for the church's Sunday school. He graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, in 1900. Lawton married Lillian Della Lee (ca. 1883-1977) and had four children: Elizabeth Lawton Laney, Kathryn Lawton, John. K. Lawton, and Winborn Joseph Lawton, Jr. Lawton was in the mercantile business, worked as an insurance agent, and grew citrus.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Lawton's Store. 1998: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Peters Shoes. 2001: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of the Whitney-Wolcott House, located at 6297 Lake Charm Circle, near Lake Charm in Oviedo, Florida. After buying property from Dr. Henry Foster in 1886, Calvin Whitney built his Victorian Revival-style, two-story winter home near Lake Charm. Whitney, who was the president of the A.B. Chase Piano Company, partnered with Dr. Foster in 1889-1890 to form the Lake Charm Improvement Company, which built a bulkhead, drained from the lake, and removed muck from the bottom. Whitney and Dr. Foster hired a Philadelphia-based mason to construct a sidewalk around the lake. The home was later owned by O. Gus Wolcott. Another well-known inhabitant of the house was Wyatt Wyatt, author of Catching Fire and Deep in the Heart, in the 1990s.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Wolcott Home. 1999: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
The Whitney-Wolcott House, located at 6297 Lake Charm Circle, near Lake Charm in Oviedo, Florida. After buying property from Dr. Henry Foster in 1886, Calvin Whitney built his Victorian Revival-style, two-story winter home near Lake Charm. Whitney, who was the president of the A.B. Chase Piano Company, partnered with Dr. Foster in 1889-1890 to form the Lake Charm Improvement Company, which built a bulkhead, drained from the lake, and removed muck from the bottom. Whitney and Dr. Foster hired a Philadelphia-based mason to construct a sidewalk around the lake. The home was later owned by O. Gus Wolcott. Another well-known inhabitant of the house was Wyatt Wyatt, author of Catching Fire and Deep in the Heart, in the 1990s.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of farm workers loading celery onto a truck in Slavia, Florida. Slavia was established in 1911 when the Slavia Colony Company purchased about 1,200 acres of land west of Oviedo. The earliest settlers of the community came from rural areas in Central Europe who were attracted to Florida's warm climate and rich soil. By the mid-1920s, celery became Slavia's leading cash crop.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Duda Celery Farm. 2004: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A black and white newspaper photograph of farm workers loading celery onto a truck in Slavia, Florida. Slavia was established in 1911 when the Slavia Colony Company purchased about 1,200 acres of land west of Oviedo. The earliest settlers of the community came from rural areas in Central Europe who were attracted to Florida's warm climate and rich soil. By the mid-1920s, celery became Slavia's leading cash crop.
Dindas Feeding Chickens by Bettye Reagan
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of two women feeding chickens on a farm in Slavia, Florida. Slavia was established in 1911 when the Slavia Colony Company purchased about 1,200 acres of land west of Oviedo. The earliest settlers of the community came from rural areas in Central Europe who were attracted to Florida's warm climate and rich soil. By the mid-1920s, celery became Slavia's leading cash crop.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Dindas Feeding Chickens. 1989: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Dinda Family Hauling Logs by Bettye Reagan
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of Michael Dinda, Sr. (1863-1935) and his twin sons, Michael Jacob Dinda, Jr. (1895-1978) and John Paul Dinda (1895-1968) hauling logs in Slavia, Florida, around 1915. Dinda was one of the founders of both Slavia and of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Dinda moved his family to the area in 1913. During this time, John Dinda was visiting from college. He also began teaching at the Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1915.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Dinda Family Hauling Logs. 2001: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of Joe Lee, an African-American laborer, with Blue Goose celery at Charles Simeon Lee, Sr.'s farm in Oviedo, Florida, in 1928. The two Lees were of no relation. C. S. Lee (1892-1991) was born on October 27, 1892, and married Goldie Eva Beckley Lee (1892-1976) on April 21, 1915. During the Great Depression, Lee grew celery and bought 20,000 acres to start a cattle ranch. He passed away on November 9, 1991.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Loading Celery. 2003: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting created by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, in 1996. The painting was inspired by photograph of a Sunday school picnic at Clifton Springs located near Lake Jesup in Oviedo, Florida, on November 12, 1910. Some of the individuals appearing in the painting are J. C. Brainan, J. H. Lee, Olauc Howard-Huret, Frank Anderson, Sid Brown and his wife, H. B. McCall, and Hugh White. Clifton Springs was named in honor of the hometown of Dr. Henry Foster, a wealthy grower from Lake Charm in Oviedo. Originally called White's Wharf, the site marks the approximate location where John Bartram and William Bartram camped during their excursion along the St. Johns River in 1765-1766. William G. White migrated to the area in the late 1870s and built a store here in 1879. White moved his store to Orlando in the 1880s. Many Oviedo residents used the site as the location for their annual May picnics, which began in 1880. The picnics were hosted by a joint committee of the local Baptist and Methodist churches. The wharf is now known as Hiley's Fish Camp.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Church Picnic. 1988: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A painting by Bettye Reagan, a local artist in Central Florida, inspired by a photograph of the Nelson and Company Packing Plant in 1913. The business was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The Wheeler Fertilizer Plant was a holding of Nelson and Company. The original plant was destroyed in a fire in 1947, but eventually rebuilt six months later. Nelson and Company is located in what is now the Nelson and Company Historic District, and was incorporated in September of 2001. The 80-acre district encompasses four of Nelson and Company's historic buildings. This photograph shows the Nelson and Co. packing plant in 1913.
Original painting: Reagan, Bettye. Nelson and Company. 1989: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Nelson and Company Packing Plant, Oviedo, Florida
A resume for Bettye Reagan (b. 1934), a pastel painter based in Lake Mary, Florida. Born on January 27, 1934, Reagan is the granddaughter of Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), who is credited with naming Oviedo. Reagan married Joel Edwin McGill in 1952 and the couple had two children together: Daniel Lee McGill (1953-) and Kathleen Ann McGill (1955-). After McGill's death, Reagan married Donald Thomas Reagan (1923-) in 1956. Together, the couple had four children: Debbie Lynn Reagan (1958-), Julie Karin Reagan (1959-), Andrew Scott Reagan (1961-), and Patrick Kelley Reagan (1962-1986).
Original resume, 2009: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A family tree showing the ancestors of Bettye Jean Aulin Reagan (b. 1934), a pastel painter based in Lake Mary, Florida. Born on January 27, 1934, Reagan is the granddaughter of Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), who is credited with naming Oviedo. Reagan married Joel Edwin McGill in 1952 and the couple had two children together: Daniel Lee McGill (1953-) and Kathleen Ann McGill (1955-). After McGill's death, Reagan married Donald Thomas Reagan (1923-) in 1956. Together, the couple had four children: Debbie Lynn Reagan (1958-), Julie Karin Reagan (1959-), Andrew Scott Reagan (1961-), and Patrick Kelley Reagan (1962-1986). The background photograph shows Reagan at her wedding to McGill in 1952. Pictured from left to right are Hazel Somersill, Sady Beth Duda, sister Alice Kathryn Aulin Bunch and father Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
Original typed document: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A family tree showing the ancestors of Debbie Lynn Reagan (b. 1958), the great-granddaughter of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Reagan married Robert Downey Wilder (b. 1953) and had three children: Reagan Nicole Wilder (b. 1978), Brandy Lee Wilder (b. 1980),and Robert Brady Wilder (b. 1982). Reagan's husband and children appear in the background photograph.
Mary Leonora Aulin and Alice Kathryn Aulin
Mary "Lona" Lenora Aulin (b. 1924) and Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), daughters of Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964) and Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993) and granddaughters of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Lona married Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921) and had four children: Patricia Eileen Bartlett (b.1948), Alice Irene Bartlett (b.1949), Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954), and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959). Kathryn married Richard Burdette Bunch (b.1924) and had two children: Mary Kathryn Bunch (b.1947) and Billie Beatrice Bunch (b.1948).
Mary Alice Powell Aulin, Alice Irene Bartlett, Patricia Eileen Bartlett, Mary Leonora Aulin Bartlett, Andrew Aulin, and Llewellyn Roberts Bartlett, Jr.
Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993), who goes by Alice, and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964) with their daughter, their son-in-law, and their grandchildren. Photographed from left to right are Alice Aulin, Alice Irene Bartlett (b. 1949), Patricia "Trish" Eileen Bartlett (b. 1948), Mary "Lona" Leonora Aulin Bartlett (b. 1924), Andrew, and Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921). Andrew was the son of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. The Bartletts had two more daughters: Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954) and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959).
Alice Kathryn Aulin, Charles Warren Aulin, Mary Leonora Aulin, Andrew Aulin, and Bettye Jean Aulin
The children of Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964) and Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993).In the back row are, from left to right, Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926); Charles Warren Aulin, Sr. (1927-1964); Mary "Lona" Leonora Aulin (b. 1924). Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964) and Bettye Jean Aulin (b. 1934) are standing in front. These five children are also the grandchildren of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida.
Alice Irene Bartlett, Mary Leonora Aulin Bartlett, Patricia Eileen Bartlett, and Llewellyn Roberts Bartlett, Jr.
Mary "Lona" Leonora Aulin Bartlett (b. 1924) and Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921) with her two eldest daughters, Patricia "Trish" Eileen Bartlett (b. 1948), and Alice Irene Bartlett (b. 1949). Lona was the granddaughter of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. In addition to Trish and Alice, the Bartletts had two more daughters: Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954) and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959).
Original black and white photographs: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Patricia Eileen Bartlett, Mary Leonora Aulin Bartlett, and Alice Irene Bartlett
Mary "Lona" Leonora Aulin Bartlett (b. 1924) with her two eldest daughters, Patricia "Trish" Eileen Bartlett (b. 1948) and Alice Irene Bartlett (b. 1949). Lona was the granddaughter of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. She married Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921) and had four children: Trish, Alice, Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954), and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959).
Mary "Lona" Lenora Aulin (b. 1924) with a child. Aulin was the daughter of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. She married Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921) and had four children: Patricia Eileen Bartlett (b.1948), Alice Irene Bartlett (b.1949), Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954), and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959).
Alice Kathryn Aulin, Madelyn Bogard, and Mary Leonora Aulin
Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), Madelyn Bogard, and Mary "Lona" Lenora Aulin (b. 1924) in 1940. The Aulin sisters were the daughters of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Kathryn married Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921) and had four children: Patricia Eileen Bartlett (b.1948), Alice Irene Bartlett (b.1949), Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954), and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959). Lona married Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921) and had four children: Patricia Eileen Bartlett (b.1948), Alice Irene Bartlett (b.1949), Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954), and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959).
Original black and white photograph, 1940: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Mary "Lona" Lenora Aulin (b. 1924) as May Queen in honor of the 1942 May Day holiday, celebrating the coming of spring. Aulin was the daughter of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. She married Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921) and had four children: Patricia Eileen Bartlett (b.1948), Alice Irene Bartlett (b.1949), Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954), and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959).
Original black and white photograph: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan, 1942.
Alice Kathryn Aulin, Mary Leonora Aulin, and Charles Warren Aulin, Sr.
Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), Mary "Lona" Lenora Aulin (b. 1924), and Charles Warren Aulin, Sr. (1927-1964), children of Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964) and Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993) and grandchildren of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Kathryn married Richard Burdette Bunch (b.1924) and had two children: Mary Kathryn Bunch (b.1947) and Billie Beatrice Bunch (b.1948). Lona married Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921) and had four children: Patricia Eileen Bartlett (b.1948), Alice Irene Bartlett (b.1949), Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954), and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959). Charles married Lyndia Lorene Schroeder (b. 1925) and had four children: Charles Aulin, Jr. (b.1953); Ruth Ida Aulin (b.1955); Steven Aulin (b.1957); and Sandra Aulin (b.1958).
Mary "Lona" Lenora Aulin (b. 1924) and Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), who are the daughters of Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964) and Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993) and granddaughters of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Lona married Llewellyn "Lew" Roberts Bartlett, Jr. (b. 1921) and had four children: Patricia Eileen Bartlett (b.1948), Alice Irene Bartlett (b.1949), Margaret Ellyn Bartlett (b.1954), and Nancy Ann Bartlett (b.1959). Kathryn married Richard Burdette Bunch (b.1924) and had two children: Mary Kathryn Bunch (b.1947) and Billie Beatrice Bunch (b.1948).
Children at the First Baptist Church of Oviedo
Children at the First Baptist Church of Oviedo, which was founded in 1869, with its first service led by Reverend W. G. Powell on the property of W. H. Luther, located along Lake Jessup Avenue. The first church building was made of wood and was located on what was the property of Lois Ruddell at the time that this book was written. The old building served the church until 1887, later became the house of the Beasley family, and was finally torn down. A new wooden church building was erected in 1887 and remained in use until 1926. The brick church building constructed later on is still in use by CrossLife Church.
First Baptist Church of Oviedo, Oviedo, Florida
Girls' Auxiliary at the First Baptist Church of Oviedo
The Girls' Auxiliary (GA) at the First Baptist Church of Oviedo. The GA was officially founded in 1913 as a Baptist organization for young girls. The First Baptist Church of Oviedo was founded in 1869, with its first service led by Reverend W. G. Powell on the property of W. H. Luther, located along Lake Jessup Avenue. The first church building was made of wood and was located on what was the property of Lois Ruddell at the time that this book was written. The old building served the church until 1887, later became the house of the Beasley family, and was finally torn down. A new wooden church building was erected in 1887 and remained in use until 1926. The brick church building constructed later on is still in use by CrossLife Church.
Mary Leonora Aulin, Charles Warren Aulin, Sr., Alice Kathryn Aulin, Bettye Jean Aulin, and Andrew Aulin, Jr.
The children of Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964) and Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993). In the back row are, from left to right, Mary "Lona" Lenora Aulin (b. 1924), Charles Warren Aulin, Sr. (1927-1964), and Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926). Bettye Jean Aulin (b. 1934), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (b. 1936) are standing in front. These five children are also the grandchildren of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida.
Theodore Aulin, Sr. and Margaret Elizabeth Grogan
Theodore "Judge" Aulin, Sr. (1874-1961) with his niece, Margaret Elizabeth Grogan (b. 1919). Aulin was the son of Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Judge Aulin married Nettie Dorcas Jacobs Aulin (1885-1971) and had one child, Theodore Aulin, Jr. (1918-1966). Grogan was the daughter of Mary Hannah Aulin Grogan (1887-1964), Aulin's sister, and James Wilburn Grogan (1872-1953).
Mary Hannah Aulin Grogan and Martha Lenora Aulin Wheeler
Mary Hannah Aulin Grogan (1887-1964) and Martha "Mattie" Lenora Aulin Wheeler (1884-1963), the daughters of Emma Lenora "Lona" Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Mary married James Wilburn Grogan (1872-1953) and had four children: an unnamed baby boy who died in infancy in 1918, Margaret Elizabeth Grogan (b. 1919), Velma Leonora Grogan (1923-1924), and Wilburn Aulin Grogan (1925-1962). Mattie married Robert Lee Wheeler, Sr. (1881-1955) and had four children: Florence Wheeler (b. 1906), Evelyn Wheeler, Robert Lee Wheeler, Jr., and Thelma Louise Wheeler.
A pamphlet about Bettye Jean Aulin Reagan (b. 1934), a pastel painter based in Lake Mary, Florida. Born on January 27, 1934, Reagan is the granddaughter of Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), who is credited with naming Oviedo. Reagan married Joel Edwin McGill in 1952 and the couple had two children together: Daniel Lee McGill (1953-) and Kathleen Ann McGill (1955-). After McGill's death, Reagan married Donald Thomas Reagan (1923-) in 1956. Together, the couple had four children: Debbie Lynn Reagan (b. 1958), Julie Karin Reagan (1959-), Andrew Scott Reagan (1961-), and Patrick Kelley Reagan (1962-1986).
Original pamphlet: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Robert Lee Wheeler, Sr. and Martha Lenora Aulin Wheeler
Robert Lee Wheeler, Sr. (1881-1955) and Martha "Mattie" Lenora Aulin Wheeler (1884-1963), the daughter of Emma Lenora "Lona" Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Wheeler was the brother of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. (1878-1954), who owned the Wheeler Fertilizer Plant and later acquired Nelson and Company. Together, the couple had four children: Florence Wheeler (b. 1906), Evelyn Wheeler, Robert Lee Wheeler, Jr., and Thelma Louise Wheeler.
Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964) at age 12. Aulin was born on May 20, 1893, to Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918) and Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907). Aulin's father was the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Aulin married Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993) and the couple had five children together: Mary Lenora Aulin (b. 1924), Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), Charles Warren Aulin, Sr. (1927-1964), Bettye Jean Aulin (b. 1934), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (b. 1936).
An oral history interview of Bernard O. Blackwood, conducted by Alexandra Dobson on March 19, 2015. Blackwood was born on April 9, 1933, and attended the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, Florida. After graduating from college, Blackwood migrated to St. Petersburg with his wife, Suzanne A. Blackwood, to work as a city planner. In the 1970s, the couple moved to Oviedo with their children. There, Blackwood helped plan several residential subdivisions alongside Ben Ward, Jr. Interview topics include land development, the effects of Florida Technological University (present-day University of Central Florida), Blackwood's wife and children, Ben Ward's contributions to the community, desegregation and the Civil Rights Movement in St. Petersburg, and his career as a city planner.
Blackwood, Bernie Interviewed by Alexandra Dobson, March 19, 2015. Audio record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
RICHES of Central Florida
Oral History of Edwin White and Carolyn White
An oral history interview of Edwin White and Carolyn White, conducted by Porsha Dossie on April 18, 2015. Around 1967, the Whites moved to Oviedo, Florida, where they established a horse ranch. In the interview, the Whites discuss how Oviedo has changed over time, their horse ranch, and the wildlife that lives around their property. Due to technical difficulties, the first six and a half minutes of the recording lacked audio and were edited out of the final version.
White, Edwin and Carolyn White. Interviewed by Porsha Dossie, April 18, 2015. Audio/video record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
Oral History of Bettye Jean Aulin Reagan
An oral history interview of Bettye Jean Aulin Reagan, conducted by Rebecca Schwandt on April 2, 2015. Born January 27, 1934, Reagan is the granddaughter of Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), who is credited with naming Oviedo, Florida. In this oral history, Reagan discusses growing up in Oviedo, attending school at Oviedo High School, the great technological advances that have occurred during her life, segregation and integration, her hopes and aspirations, and her family life. She also tells stories about her grandfather and talks about the history of the Aulin family, as well as the Lawtons and the Wheelers. Finally, Reagan discusses her career as an artist.
Reagan, Bettye Jean Aulin. Interviewed by Rebecca Schwandt, April 2, 2015. Audio/video record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
Oral History of Alice Kathryn Aulin Bunch
An oral history interview of Alice Kathryn Aulin Bunch (1926-), conducted by Porsha Dossie on April 18, 2015. Bunch was born in in Oviedo, Florida, on July 2, 1926. After graduating from Oviedo High School, Bunch began working in a bank in Downtown Orlando. On August 17, 1946, she married Richard Burdette Bunch (1924-) and together they had two daughters: Mary Kathryn Bunch Hamby (1947-) and Billy Beatrice Bunch Parrot (1948-). In the interview, Bunch discusses attending high school during World War II, her career as a bank teller, how she met her husband, the founding families of Oviedo, church and her social life growing up, the influence of the military on Oviedo, the artifacts that she contributed to the Oviedo History Harvest, her parents and her siblings, and how Oviedo has changed over time.
Bunch, Alice Kathryn Aulin. Interviewed by Porsha Dossie, April 18, 2015. Audio/video record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
An oral history of James Marion Jones, conducted by Elizabeth Tammaro on March 19, 2015. Jones, who was born June 19, 1945, grew up in Oviedo, Florida, and had a long career as teacher and assistant principal in Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS). This oral history interview conducted by Elizabeth Tammaro at the Lawton House on March 19, 2015. Interview topics include family history, such as his great-great grandfather's service in the American Civil War under A. P. Hill, an historic dental kit of one of his ancestors, and his parents, who worked at the post office, with his father being the postmaster general for many years. Other topics include his brother, vacations and summer activities, college at the University of Florida (UF), the Oviedo School plane crash , life in the Navy, his career in education, how Oviedo has changed over time, hobbies, marriage and children, and influence of past teachers.
Jones, James Marion. Interviewed by Elizabeth Tammaro, March 19, 2015. Audio record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
Oral History of Julia Nadine Davis Aulin
An oral history interview of Nadine Davis Aulin, conducted by Sarah Schneider at the Alafaya Branch Library of the Orange County Library System in Orlando, Florida, on March 13, 2015. Born in 1945, Aulin grew up in Orlando and migrated to Oviedo as an adult. Aulin married Andrew Aulin, the grandson of a founding member of Oviedo, the eldest Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918). Interview topics include growing up in Orlando, migrating to Oviedo, how Oviedo has changed over time, the history of the Aulin family, and the founding of Oviedo.
Aulin, Julia Nadine Davis. Interviewed by Sarah Schneider, March 13, 2015. Audio/video record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
An oral history of Lars D. White, conducted by Sarah Thorncroft on March 27, 2015. In the interview, White discusses the transformation of Oviedo, Florida, from small agricultural community to a suburb of the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. He discusses attending desegregated schools, school bus rides, various school activities, and what people did for entertainment. White also talks about growing up on a horse farm and the different riding shows and competitions that he participated in. White talks about meeting his wife, her community involvement, and how their children’s upbringing was similar and different compared to theirs. He also discusses volunteering as a firefighter and then rising in the ranks to become Fire Chief and the Emergency Management Director. White recalls some memorable moments from his long career with the City of Oviedo, as well as discussing his involvement in the development of the Oviedo Veterans Memorial. White also talks about the iconic Oviedo chickens and the lesser known Oviedo peacocks.
White, Lars D. Interviewed by Sarah Thorncroft, March 27, 2015. Audio/video record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
In this interview, Ingrid Bryant, a long-time resident of Oviedo, Florida, recalls her experiences growing up and living in this community. Bryant discusses her birth in Munich, Germany, in 1944, during the height of World War II, and her subsequent immigration to the United States. Bryant reminisces about the difficulties that faced her in Orlando, specifically her language barrier. She then goes on to talk about her success at Oviedo High School, her eventual mastery of English, and her decision to become an American citizen. Bryant talks at length about her family and her love for Oviedo. She also highlights her efforts to obtain a Catholic Church for the Oviedo area and her membership in the Oviedo Historical Society (OHS). She also voices her strong feelings about the new plan for Oviedo’s downtown and her desire for the creation of a museum to showcase Oviedo’s rich history.
Bryant, Ingrid. Interviewed by Erin Montgomery, March 21, 2015. Audio/video record available. Oviedo History Harvest, Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, Oviedo, Florida
A newspaper obituary published in The Oviedo Voice for Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993). Aulin was born in Sanford, Florida, to parents Charles Powell and Mary Maude Rabun Powell. Aulin arrived in Oviedo in 1921 to work as a switchboard operator and a seamstress. She married Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964), the son of Oviedo's first postmaster, Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918). Together, the couple had five children: Mary Lenora Aulin (b. 1924), Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), Charles Warren Aulin (1927-1964), Bettye Jean Aulin (b. 1934), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (b. 1936).
Original newspaper article: "Mary Alice Aulin Dies at Age 88." The Oviedo Voice, January 1993: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A newspaper article about R. H. Noegel's Rexall Drug Store in Oviedo, Florida. The article also briefly describes the story behind the naming of the town of Oviedo. Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swede credited with naming Oviedo, immigrated to the area in 1870 and, in 1879, he was appointed the postmaster of the area formerly called the Lake Jesup Settlement. Aulin also founded the local Ionic Lodge, which was the predecessor to the Masonic Lodge. Aulin was married to Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and had five children: Theodore Aulin (1874-1907), Willie Aulin, Martha Lenora Aulin (b. 1844), Mary HAnnah Aulin (1887-1974), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
Original newspaper article: "Oviedo Best in World.": Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Letter from Steen Nelson to Annie Tes Rae (July 20, 1938)
A letter of correspondence from Steen Nelson, co-founder of Nelson and Company, to Annie Tes Rae, a representative of the Southern Women's Study Club, dated July 20, 1938. In the letter, Nelson explains how the town of Oviedo was named. Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918) was the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Aulin immigrated to Oviedo in 1870 and, in 1879, he was appointed the postmaster of the area formerly called the Lake Jesup Settlement. Aulin also founded the local Ionic Lodge, which was the predecessor to the Masonic Lodge. Aulin was married to Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and had five children: Theodore Aulin (1874-1907), Willie Aulin, Martha Lenora Aulin (b. 1844), Mary Hannah Aulin (1887-1974), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
Original letter from Steen Nelson to Annie Tes Rae, July 20, 1938: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Diary of Narcissa Melissa Lawton: Summer Oaks Plantation, Georgia, 1862
A transcription of the diary of Narcissa Melissa Lawton (1817-1883), who lived much of her adult life on the Summer Oaks Plantation in Thomas County, Georgia, with her husband, Alexander Benjamin Lawton (1809-1861). Together, the couple had seven children: Alexander Cater Lawton (1841-1921), Winborn Theodore Lawton (1843-1892), Clara J. Lawton (b. 1845), Robert W. Lawton (b. 1847), Benjamin F. Lawton (ca. 1848-ca. 1853), Thomas J. Lawton (b. 1851), and Emma Lenora Lawton (1853-1907). Lawton also had three stepchildren from her husband's previous marriage to Elizabeth Brisbane Lawton (1808-1839): Mary Jane Lawton (b. 1832), Martha S. Lawton (b. 1834), and Eusebia Lawton (ca. 1836-ca. 1850). Much of the diary is about Lawton's thoughts of her sons, Alex and Winny, joining the Confederate Army to fight in the American Civil War.
Original 75-page typed transcription of original diary by Narcissa Melissa Lawton, 1962: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Summer Oaks Plantation, Thomas County, Georgia
Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Aulin immigrated to Oviedo in 1870 and, in 1879, he was appointed the postmaster of the area formerly called the Lake Jesup Settlement. Aulin also founded the local Ionic Lodge, which was the predecessor to the Masonic Lodge. Aulin was married to Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and had five children: Theodore Aulin (1874-1907), Willie Aulin, Martha Lenora Aulin (b. 1844), Mary HAnnah Aulin (1887-1974), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
Emma Lenora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907), nicknamed Lona, was the daughter of Alexander Benjamin Lawton (1809-1861) and Narcissa Melissa Lawton (1817-1883). She was born on November 5, 1853 in Hampton County, South Carolina. Aulin later married a Swedish immigrant named Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), who is credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Her husband immigrated to Oviedo in 1870 and, in 1879, he was appointed the postmaster of the area formerly called the Lake Jesup Settlement. Together, the couple had five children: Theodore Aulin (1874-1907), Willie Aulin, Martha Lenora Aulin (b. 1844), Mary Hannah Aulin (1887-1974), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
A photograph of men, possibly students, playing baseball in front of the Oviedo School, located at 601 King Street in Oviedo, Florida, around 1950 or 1951. The school was first established in 1932 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations; its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education; and its successful athletics programs.
Oviedo School
A photograph of the Lawton Brothers Store in Oviedo, Florida, in 1910. The man behind the cash register in the photograph is likely Thomas Willington Lawton (1882-1963) or his brother, Winborn Joseph Lawton, Sr. (1881-1971). T. W. Lawton graduated from Rollins College in 1903. He later received his master's degree from Andover Newton College in Boston, Massachusetts. Following college, Lawton returned to Oviedo, where he married Charlotte "Lottie" Lee (1887-1984) and served as the principal of the Oviedo School from 1905 to 1907. In 1916, he became the first elected Superintendent of Schools of Seminole County. He held that post until 1952 and passed away 11 years later in 1963. Lawton Elementary School is named in his honor. W. J. Lawton, Sr. served as a trustee of the First Baptist Church of Oviedo, as well as a secretary and treasurer for the church's Sunday school. He graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, in 1900. Lawton married Lillian Della Lee (ca. 1883-1977) and had four children: Elizabeth Lawton Laney, Kathryn Lawton, John. K. Lawton, and Winborn Joseph Lawton, Jr. Lawton was in the mercantile business, worked as an insurance agent, and grew citrus.
Downtown Oviedo, Florida sometime between 1880 and 1919. The Timucuan Native Americans Originally inhabited the area of present-day Oviedo, although the remains of their settlements have disappeared. Homesteaders arrived along the shores of Lake Jesup in 1865 just after the Civil War ended and began growing celery and citrus. The area was called the Lake Jesup Community until March 13, 1879, when postmaster Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), a Swedish immigrant, chose the name Oviedo.
Michael Dinda, Sr., Michael Dinda, Jr., and John Dinda
Michael Dinda, Sr. (1863-1935) and his twin sons, Michael Jacob Dinda, Jr. (1895-1978) and John Paul Dinda (1895-1968) hauling logs in Slavia, Florida, around 1915. Dinda was one of the founders of both Slavia and of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Dinda moved his family to the area in 1913. During this time, John Dinda was visiting from college. He also began teaching at the Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1915.
Joe Lee, an African-American laborer, with Blue Goose celery at Charles Simeon Lee, Sr.'s farm in Oviedo, Florida, in 1928. The two Lees were of no relation. C. S. Lee (1892-1991) was born on October 27, 1892, and married Goldie Eva Beckley Lee (1892-1976) on April 21, 1915. During the Great Depression, Lee grew celery and bought 20,000 acres to start a cattle ranch. He passed away on November 9, 1991.
A Sunday school picnic at Clifton Springs located near Lake Jesup in Oviedo, Florida. Although the caption states that the photograph was likely take around 1912, the precise date has been determined to be November 12, 1910. Some of the individuals appearing in the photograph are J. C. Brainan, J. H. Lee, Olauc Howard-Huret, Frank Anderson, Sid Brown and his wife, H. B. McCall, and Hugh White. Clifton Springs was named in honor of the hometown of Dr. Henry Foster, a wealthy grower from Lake Charm in Oviedo. Originally called White's Wharf, the site marks the approximate location where John Bartram and William Bartram camped during their excursion along the St. Johns River in 1765-1766. William G. White migrated to the area in the late 1870s and built a store here in 1879. White moved his store to Orlando in the 1880s. Many Oviedo residents used the site as the location for their annual May picnics, which began in 1880. The picnics were hosted by a joint committee of the local Baptist and Methodist churches. The wharf is now known as Hiley's Fish Camp.
A newspaper advertisement for Nelson and Company and Wheeler Fertilizer Company. The business was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The Wheeler Fertilizer Plant was a holding of Nelson and Company. The original plant was destroyed in a fire in 1947, but eventually rebuilt six months later. Nelson and Company is located in what is now the Nelson and Company Historic District, and was incorporated in September of 2001. The 80-acre district encompasses four of Nelson and Company's historic buildings. This photograph shows the Nelson and Co. packing plant in 1913.
Original newspaper advertisement: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
The family history the Lawtons of the Summer Oaks plantation in Thomas County, Georgia. This family history centers around Alexander Benjamin Lawton (1809-1861) and his wife, Narcissa Melissa Lawton (1817-1883). Together, the couple had seven children: Alexander Cater Lawton (1841-1921), Winborn Theodore Lawton (1843-1892), Clara J. Lawton (b. 1845), Robert W. Lawton (b. 1847), Benjamin F. Lawton (ca. 1848-ca. 1853), Thomas J. Lawton (b. 1851), and Emma Lenora Lawton (1853-1907). Lawton also had three children from his previous marriage to Elizabeth Brisbane Lawton (1808-1839): Mary Jane Lawton (b. 1832), Martha S. Lawton (b. 1834), and Eusebia Lawton (ca. 1836-ca. 1850). Part I on the book focuses on the Lawton family background, highlighting William Lawton, Joseph Lawton, Benjamin Themistocles Dion Lawton, and Winborn Asa Lawton. Part II details the immediate family of Alexander Benjamin Lawton and his family while living in South Carolina, while Part III discusses the family's migration to the Summer Oaks plantation in Georgia. Part IV describes the location of Summer Oaks and Part V discusses theories about the location of Alexander Benjamin Lawton's resting place. Part VI details the descendants of the Lawtons of Summer Oaks. This family history was compiled by the great-great-great granddaughter of Alexander Benjamin Lawton and Narcissa Melissa Lawton, Stacey Allene Church and her father, Gerald Marshall Church. Many of the descendants of the Lawtons migrated to Oviedo, Florida.
Original book by Stacey Allene Church and Gerald Marshall Church: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Mulberry Grove Plantation, Walterboro, South Carolina
Black Swamp, Robertville, South Carolina
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The article discusses an Oviedo City Council meeting and a number of resolutions to be considered at the meeting. The resolutions dealt with a surplus of 1989 Duplex American Eagle fire Engines, Commercial Solid Waste Franchise Agreements with three contractors, and the Twin Rivers-Alafaya Woods Neighborhood Improvement District. The article continues onto page 6 of the newspaper, which is currently unavailable.
Original newspaper article: "Meeting Squeezed In Between Storms." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
City Appoints New Fire Chief, Finance Director
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The article discusses the appointment of Lars White as acting fire chief of the Oviedo Fire and Emergency Services Department until the city finds a permanent replacement for its retiring chief, Wayne Martin. According to the article, White was considering applying for the permanent position of fire chief. White was hired as one of the department's first paid employees in 1983, after serving for several years as a volunteer. His experience included service as a firefighter, a captain, a lieutenant, a battalion chief, the public information officer, a training coordinator, the public education director. The article also discusses the appointment of Cindy Lindsay as Finance Director. A certified public account, Lindsay's experience also included service as the assistant for the Oviedo Finance Department, service for the City of Casselberry, and experience running her own business.
Original newspaper article: "City Appoints New Fire Chief, Finance Director." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Colette Cadwell
A document created by Colette Cadwell as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe her favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Cadwell, who was over 65 at the time, stated that her neighbors, especially Mildred Adicks, were her favorite memory.
Original document by Colette Cadwell, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Elizabeth T.
A document created by Elizabeth T. as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe her favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Elizabeth, who was 22 at the time, stated that driving around Downtown Oviedo was her favorite memory.
Original document by Elizabeth T., April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Sarah Thorncroft
A document created by Sarah Thorncroft as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe her favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Thorncroft, who was 24 at the time, stated that attending Oviedo High School and attending the funeral of a teacher, Gary Barnett, were her favorite memories.
Original document by Sarah Thorncroft, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Dane Kolb
A document created by Dane Kolb as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe his favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Kolb, who was 25 at the time, stated that skating and rollerblading around Lawton Elementary School was his favorite memory.
Original document by Dane Kolb, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
Lawton Elementary School, Oviedo, Florida
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Shelby
A document created by Shelby as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe her favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Shelby, who was 21 at the time, stated that the charm and community feel was her favorite memory.
Original document by Shelby, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
A map of Oviedo drawn by Elizabeth T. as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015 The map shows various locations in Oviedo, including Oviedo High School, the First Baptist Church of Oviedo
Lawton Elementary School, Oviedo Bowling Center, and the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. Elizabeth was 22 at the time that the map was drawn.
Original hand-drawn map by Elizabeth T., April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
A map of Oviedo drawn by Dane Kolb as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. The map shows various locations in Oviedo, including Red Bug Lake Road, the Oviedo Mall, a cemetery, a school, and Kolb's home. Kolb was 25 at the time that the map was drawn.
Original hand-drawn map by Dane Kolb, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
A map of Oviedo drawn by Sarah Thorncroft as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. The map shows various locations along Aloma Avenue, which is part of Florida State Road 426, and Central Avenue, which is part of SR 419. These sites include Oviedo High School, the dentist's office of Dr. Gregory J. Jann, the First Baptist Church, the Lawton House, Lawton Elementary School, the post office, and Black Hammock. Thorncroft was 24 at the time that the map was drawn.
Original hand-drawn map by Sarah Thorncroft, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
Office of Dr. Gregory J. Jann, Oviedo, Florida
A newspaper cartoon published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The cartoon shows a cat reading a newspaper with the headline "Ivan's Coming!" Florida was hit by four major hurricanes in the 2004 season: Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances, Hurricane Ivan, and Hurricane Jeanne.
Original newspaper cartoon: The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
Seminole County Offers Supplies for Income Eligible Households
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. According to the article, Seminole County Community Development offered disaster relief for low-income households following Hurricane Frances, which hit Central Florida in early September of 2004. Qualifying residents could get supplies from Harvest Time International, located at 131 Maritime Drive in Sanford, Florida. Frances caused damages exceeding that of Hurricane Charley, another hurricane that hit Florida the previous month. The article continues onto page 7 of the newspaper, which is currently unavailable.
Original newspaper article: "Seminole County Offers Supplies for Income Eligible Households." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
Harvest Time International, Sanford, Florida
City Supports Application: Hospital Headway?
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. According to the article, the Oviedo City Council sent a letter the State of Florida supporting the application of certification for the Central Florida Regional Hospital, located at 1401 West Seminole Boulevard in Sanford, Florida. The hospital was seeking certification in order to open a 60-bed satellite facility in Oviedo that would include emergency, outpatient, obstetric, and diagnostic services. The hospital later received its certificate and established the Oviedo ER, located at 8300 Red Bug Lake Road. The article continues onto page 6 of the newspaper, which is currently unavailable.
Original newspaper article: "City Supports Application: Hospital Headway?." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
Central Florida Regional Hospital, Sanford, Florida
A newspaper announcement published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The announcement postpones the Harvest Jamboree that was scheduled to be held by a local church on October 1-2. The event was postponed due to damage from Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Frances. Charley hit Florida in August and Frances hit the state in September. Together, the two hurricanes cost the state billions of dollars in damage.
Original newspaper article: "Hurricane Postponement." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.