Gertrude Welsh and Lynn Lenahan at Church Street Station, located at 76-135 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in January of 1989. The original site was occupied by a railroad depot built around 1883 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). The depot was designed by T. B. Cotter in the Queen Anne/Eclectic Victorian style and constructed by Henry B. Plant (1819-1899). The building was demolished around 1890 and the current Church Street Station Depot was constructed by the South Florida Railroad on the same lot. The site also served the Tavares, Orlando and Atlantic Railroad, and the Orlando and Winter Park Railway. In 1926, the Orlando Health/Amtrak station took over passenger operations, but Church Street Station continued to serve as a ticket outlet and freight station until 1972. In 1973, a Dixieland-theme entertainment complex was established between the railroad tracks and Garland Avenue in seven vacant buildings for $22 million. The depot itself houses retail shops. The depot was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1978. In 1988, the complex was expanded to include the Church Street Exchange and the Church Street Market. The development was led by Bob Snow and Steve Fuller and sold in 1989 for $61 million. The complex peaked in the 1980s, drawing approximately 1.7 million visitors a year. Due to failure to compete with major theme parks, visitor attendance dwindled and the complex was sold in 2001, only to close shortly after.
Original color photograph by Nancy Lynn Cepero by Nancy Lynn Cepero, 1989: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Church Street Station, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium, 1989
Gertrude Welsh at Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium in 1989. Rosie O'Grady's was a restaurant that was once part of the Church Street Station entertainment complex in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The original site was occupied by a railroad depot built around 1883 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). The depot was designed by T. B. Cotter in the Queen Anne/Eclectic Victorian style and constructed by Henry B. Plant (1819-1899). The building was demolished around 1890 and the current Church Street Station Depot was constructed by the South Florida Railroad on the same lot. The site also served the Tavares, Orlando and Atlantic Railroad, and the Orlando and Winter Park Railway. In 1926, the Orlando Health/Amtrak station took over passenger operations, but Church Street Station continued to serve as a ticket outlet and freight station until 1972. In 1973, a Dixieland-theme entertainment complex was established between the railroad tracks and Garland Avenue in seven vacant buildings for $22 million. The depot itself houses retail shops. The depot was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1978. In 1988, the complex was expanded to include the Church Street Exchange and the Church Street Market. The development was led by Bob Snow and Steve Fuller and sold in 1989 for $61 million. The complex peaked in the 1980s, drawing approximately 1.7 million visitors a year. Due to failure to compete with major theme parks, visitor attendance dwindled and the complex was sold in 2001, only to close shortly after.
Original color photograph, 1989: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Church Street Station, located at 76-135 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in January of 1989. The original site was occupied by a railroad depot built around 1883 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). The depot was designed by T. B. Cotter in the Queen Anne/Eclectic Victorian style and constructed by Henry B. Plant (1819-1899). The building was demolished around 1890 and the current Church Street Station Depot was constructed by the South Florida Railroad on the same lot. The site also served the Tavares, Orlando and Atlantic Railroad, and the Orlando and Winter Park Railway. In 1926, the Orlando Health/Amtrak station took over passenger operations, but Church Street Station continued to serve as a ticket outlet and freight station until 1972. In 1973, a Dixieland-theme entertainment complex was established between the railroad tracks and Garland Avenue in seven vacant buildings for $22 million. The depot itself houses retail shops. The depot was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1978. In 1988, the complex was expanded to include the Church Street Exchange and the Church Street Market. The development was led by Bob Snow and Steve Fuller and sold in 1989 for $61 million. The complex peaked in the 1980s, drawing approximately 1.7 million visitors a year. Due to failure to compete with major theme parks, visitor attendance dwindled and the complex was sold in 2001, only to close shortly after.
Original color photographs, 1989: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Street Performer at Church Street Station, 1998
A street performer at Church Street Station, located at 76-135 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in March of 1998. The original site was occupied by a railroad depot built around 1883 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). The depot was designed by T. B. Cotter in the Queen Anne/Eclectic Victorian style and constructed by Henry B. Plant (1819-1899). The building was demolished around 1890 and the current Church Street Station Depot was constructed by the South Florida Railroad on the same lot. The site also served the Tavares, Orlando and Atlantic Railroad, and the Orlando and Winter Park Railway. In 1926, the Orlando Health/Amtrak station took over passenger operations, but Church Street Station continued to serve as a ticket outlet and freight station until 1972. In 1973, a Dixieland-theme entertainment complex was established between the railroad tracks and Garland Avenue in seven vacant buildings for $22 million. The depot itself houses retail shops. The depot was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1978. In 1988, the complex was expanded to include the Church Street Exchange and the Church Street Market. The development was led by Bob Snow and Steve Fuller and sold in 1989 for $61 million. The complex peaked in the 1980s, drawing approximately 1.7 million visitors a year. Due to failure to compete with major theme parks, visitor attendance dwindled and the complex was sold in 2001, only to close shortly after.
Original color photograph, March 1998: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Disney's River Country, located at the Walt Disney World Resort Bay Lake near Orlando, Florida, in June of 1991. In the first photograph, Dennis Cepero (b. 1986) can be seen in the bottom left corner wearing a white t-shirt. In the second photograph, Ray Cepero (b. 1947) can be seen in a blue swimsuit, with his daughter, Laura Lynn Cepero (b. 1987) sitting to his right. Set on the shore of Bay Lake, Disney's first water park opened on June 20, 1976. The wilderness-theme water park utilized a water-filtering system that used water dammed from Bay Lake. Despite competition from Disney's more successful water parks—Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach—River Country continued to operate until September 1, 2001. Originally, the park had planned to re-open when the warm-weather season came around in the spring of 2002. However, business for all Disney attractions suffered as a result of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001. River Country did not re-open due to lack of guest demand.
Original color photographs, June 1991: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Disney's River Country, Orlando, Florida
Discovery Island, located at the Walt Disney World Resort Bay Lake near Orlando, Florida, in September of 1991. Before the arrival of Walt Disney World, the 11.5-acre island was called Raz Island, in honor of the family that inhabited it. In the late 1930s, Delmar "Radio Nick" S. Nicholson (1898-1978) purchased the property and renamed it Idle Bay Isle. Twenty years later, the island was sold and renamed Riles Island, which was used as retreat for hunting. Disney finally bought the island in 1965, prior to the construction of the Walt Disney World Resort. On April 8, 1974, the property opened to guests as Treasure Island. Some years later, it was designated as a zoological park and renamed Discovery Island. On April 8, 1999, the park was closed to the public and all animals were relocated to Disney's Animal Kingdom or other zoos. Despite talks of developing Myst Island in cooperation of the developers of the video game Myst, the park remains closed to the public.
Original color photographs, September 1991: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Special Olympics Track Practice at University High School, 1998
Special Olympics track practice at University High School, located at 2450 Cougar Way in Orlando, Florida, in 1998. The school was established in 1990 and is part of Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). University has both an International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a Global Technologies (GT) program. Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009), the sister of President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), in 1968. The project began as a day camp for children with intellectual disabilities in June of 1962. The first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held in 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Original color photograph, 1998: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
University High School, Orlando, Florida
A LEGO structure at Downtown Disney, an entertainment complex located at 1780 East Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in 1998. Originally called the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, the complex opened on March 22, 1975. In 1977, the complex was renamed Walt Disney World Village. Pleasure Island was added to the village on May 1, 1989, and the complex was renamed the Disney Village Marketplace later that year. In 1995, Walt Disney World began to enhance and expand the complex, while also combining the Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island into one district called Downtown Disney, which was introduced on September 7, 1998. On March 14, 2013, Disney announced that Downtown Disney would be revitalized as Disney Springs.
LEGO Imagination Center, Downtown Disney, Orlando, Florida
Rainbow Elementary School's Chorus at Downtown Disney, 1998
The chorus of Rainbow Elementary School, a school in Winter Springs, at Downtown Disney, an entertainment complex located at 1780 East Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in 1998. Originally called the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, the complex opened on March 22, 1975. In 1977, the complex was renamed Walt Disney World Village. Pleasure Island was added to the village on May 1, 1989, ad the complex was renamed the Disney Village Marketplace later that year. In 1995, Walt Disney World began to enhance and expand the complex, while also combing the Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island into one district called Downtown Disney, which was introduced on September 7, 1998. On March 14, 2013, Disney announced that Downtown Disney would be revitalized as Disney Springs.
Original color photograph by Nancy Lynn Cepero, 1998: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, 1974
Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom in 1974. Magic Kingdom, located at 1180 Seven Seas Drive, is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Construction for the resort began in 1967, after the death of Walt Disney (1901-1966). Magic Kingdom was the first park of the Walt Disney Resort to open on October 1, 1971. The park included 33 attractions in six themed areas: Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Liberty Square. Main Street features architectural and decorative influences from various regions in the country.
Original color photograph, 1974: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Main Street, U.S.A., Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom, 1974
Nancy Lynn Cepero (b. 1954) walking across the bridge at Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom in 1974.Magic Kingdom, located at 1180 Seven Seas Drive, is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Construction for the resort began in 1967, after the death of Walt Disney (1901-1966). Magic Kingdom was the first park of the Walt Disney Resort to open on October 1, 1971. The park included 33 attractions in six themed areas: Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Liberty Square. Tom Sawyer Island is an island in Frontierland that opened on May 20, 1973. It features references to Mark Twain's (1835-1910) novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Original color photograph by Ray Cepero, 1974: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Tom Sawyer Island, Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
Nancy Lynn Cepero (b. 1954), on the right, at Adventureland at Magic Kingdom in 1974. Magic Kingdom, located at 1180 Seven Seas Drive, is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Construction for the resort began in 1967, after the death of Walt Disney (1901-1966). Magic Kingdom was the first park of the Walt Disney Resort to open on October 1, 1971. The park included 33 attractions in six themed areas: Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Liberty Square. Adventureland features themes of jungles in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Adventureland, Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney-MGM Studios, 2000
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney-MGM Studios (now called Disney's Hollywood Studios), located at 351 South Studio Drive in 2000. MGM Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Disney and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer agreed to a licensing contract that would allowed Disney to use the MGM name and logo for Disney-MGM Studios. Despite several lawsuits and countersuits between the two partners, the theme park opened on May 1, 1989. Around this same time, the Tower of Terror was being designed for Euro Disney (now Disneyland Paris). Euro Disney abandoned the project, which was picked up by MGM Studios. The ride is based on the television program The Twilight Zone. Construction began in the beginning of 1992 and the attraction opened on July 22, 1994. Disney-MGM Studios was renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios on January 7, 2008.
Original color photograph, 2000: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Disney-MGM Studios, Orlando, Florida
Laura Lynn Cepero (b. 1987), Alicia Lynn Cepero (b. 1975), and Samantha Ariel Pryor (b. 1990) in Mystery Fun House, an Orlando attraction, in 2001. The attraction was founded by David A. Siegel on March 28, 1976, and was located at 5767 Major Boulevard. The fun house was closed in 2001.
Original color photograph by Nancy Lynn Cepero, 2001: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Universal's Islands of Adventure, located at 6000 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, Florida, in 2001. The Incredible Hulk roller coaster can be seen to the right of the photograph. Part of Universal Studios Florida, the theme park opened on May 28, 1999. The idea for Islands of Adventure were first conceived in 1991. By 1993, plans were being announced. Construction began in 1997.
Original color photograph, 2001: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Universal's Islands Of Adventure, Orlando, Florida
Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena, 1991
The Orlando Magic playing the Milwaukee Bucks at the Orlando Arena, located at 1 West Amelia Street in Orlando, Florida, on December 19, 1991. The game ended with the Bucks defeating the Magic 95 to 87. Following the 1991-1992 season, the Magic would gain popularity as it acquired Shaquille O'Neal (b. 1972). Other notable Magic superstars over the years include Penny Hardaway (b. 1971), Tracy McGrady (b. 1979), and Dwight Howard (b. 1985). Planning for the Orlando Arena, colloquially nicknamed "The O-Rena", began in 1983, but the project was delayed for several years due to financial issues. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in January of 1987. Shortly thereafter, the National Basketball Association (NBA) approved the creation of a franchise in Orlando. Construction was completed in 1989 and cost $110 million. The Orlando Magic was founded that same year, becoming the first major-league professional sports franchise in the Orlando area. On September 19, 1991, the DeVos family, with Richard DeVos (b. 1926) as the head, bought the franchise for $85 million. Although the arena originally seated nearly 15,300 spectators, renovations between 1994 and 1995 increased the arena's capacity to approximately 17,500 guests. The name of the arena was changed to the TD Waterhouse Centre in 2000. In December of 2006, the venue was briefly named The Arena in Orlando and then the Amway Arena, after the City of Orlando and Orange County agreed to construct a new arena. The old Amway Arena closed on September 30, 2010, and operations moved to the new Amway Center, located at 400 West Church Street. Demolition of the old structure began on December 15, 2011. As of 2014, the City of Orlando has made plans to create a "Creative Village" on the site. This new complex would offer space for offices, residences, educational centers, hotels, retail stores, and entertainment venues.
Original color photographs, December 19, 1991: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Baldwin Park, a neighborhood located southwest of Lake Baldwin in Orlando, Florida, sometime betwen 2005 and 2006. The neighborhood is 1,000 acres, is home to 8,000 residents, and includes 125 businesses. Baldwin Park was built at the former site of the Naval Training Center Orlando (NTC Orlando). The community is an example of New Urbanism, a design movement which features walkable neighborhoods with a range of housing styles and job types. The movement began in the early 1980s and is influenced by the principles of traditional neighborhood design (TND) and transit-oriented development (TOD).
Original color photographs by Laura Lynn Cepero: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium, 1992
Rosie O'Grady's Good Time Emporium in 1992. The siblings pictured in the photograph are, from left to right: David Cepero (b. 1978), Dennis Cepero (b. 1986), Laura Lynn Cepero (b. 1987), and Alicia Lynn Cepero (b. 1975). Gertrude Welsh, the great-aunt of the children, is standing in the back. Rosie O'Grady's was a restaurant that was once part of the Church Street Station entertainment complex in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The original site was occupied by a railroad depot built around 1883 for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). The depot was designed by T. B. Cotter in the Queen Anne/Eclectic Victorian style and constructed by Henry B. Plant (1819-1899). The building was demolished around 1890 and the current Church Street Station Depot was constructed by the South Florida Railroad on the same lot. The site also served the Tavares, Orlando and Atlantic Railroad, and the Orlando and Winter Park Railway. In 1926, the Orlando Health/Amtrak station took over passenger operations, but Church Street Station continued to serve as a ticket outlet and freight station until 1972. In 1973, a Dixieland-theme entertainment complex was established between the railroad tracks and Garland Avenue in seven vacant buildings for $22 million. The depot itself houses retail shops. The depot was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1978. In 1988, the complex was expanded to include the Church Street Exchange and the Church Street Market. The development was led by Bob Snow and Steve Fuller and sold in 1989 for $61 million. The complex peaked in the 1980s, drawing approximately 1.7 million visitors a year. Due to failure to compete with major theme parks, visitor attendance dwindled and the complex was sold in 2001, only to close shortly after.
Original color photograph by Nancy Lynn Cepero, 1992: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Charlie Crist at the University of Central Florida, 2012
Former Governor Charlie Crist (b. 1956) speaking at a political rally at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, on October 29, 2012. The rally was hosted by the UCF College Democrats and held on behalf of President Barack Obama (b. 1961), who was campaigning for his re-election bid in the Presidential Election of 2012. President Obama was originally scheduled to speak at the rally, but had to cancel due to emergency relief needs for Hurricane Sandy in the northeast. Former President Bill Clinton (b. 1946) and Democratic Senator Bill Nelson (b. 1942) also spoke at the rally. President Obama went on to win re-election, defeating his Republican opponent, former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney (b. 1947). Governor Crist is best known as the 44th Governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011. After a career as an attorney, Crist entered politics as a Republican and served in the Florida Senate from 1993 to 1998. He also served as the Florida Education Commissioner from 2001 to 2003 and as the Florida Attorney General from 2003 to 2007. Following his governorship, Crist ran for the U.S. Senate. After being defeated by Marco Rubio (b. 1971) in the race for the Republican nomination, Crist left the Republican Party and ran as an independent, ultimately losing to Rubio. During the Presidential Election of 2012, Crist endorsed and campaigned for President Obama. On December 7, 2012, he officially joined the Democratic Party. He ran for Governor of Florida again in 2014, but was defeated by incumbent Republican Governor Rick Scott (b. 1952).
Original color digital images by Laura Lynn Cepero, October 29, 2012: Private Collection of Laura Lynn Cepero.
Memory Mall, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
Bill Nelson Speaking at the University of Central Florida, 2012
Bill Nelson (b. 1942) speaking at a political rally at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, on October 29, 2012. The rally was hosted by the UCF College Democrats and held on behalf of President Barack Obama (b. 1961), who was campaigning for his re-election bid in the Presidential Election of 2012. President Obama was originally scheduled to speak at the rally, but had to cancel due to emergency relief needs for Hurricane Sandy in the northeast. Former President Bill Clinton (b. 1946) and former Florida Governor Charlie Crist (b. 1956) also spoke at the rally. President Obama went on to win re-election, defeating his Republican opponent, former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney (b. 1947). At the time that this photograph was taken, Senator Nelson was a Democratic Senator in the U.S. Senate, representing the State of Florida since 2001. Nelson originally began his political career in the Florida House of Representatives, serving from 1973 to 1979. From 1979 to 1991, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives. In January of 1986, Nelson flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia, becoming the second sitting member of the U.S. Congress to fly in space. In 1990, he retired from Congress to run for Governor of Florida, but was defeated by Lawton Chiles (1930-1998). He then served as the Florida State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Fire Marshal from 1995 to 2001, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate.
Bill Clinton Speaking at the University of Central Florida, 2012
Former President Bill Clinton (b. 1946) speaking at a political rally at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida, on October 29, 2012. The rally was hosted by the UCF College Democrats and held on behalf of President Barack Obama (b. 1961), who was campaigning for his re-election bid in the Presidential Election of 2012. President Obama was originally scheduled to speak at the rally, but had to cancel due to emergency relief needs for Hurricane Sandy in the northeast. Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist (b. 1956) and Democratic Senator Bill Nelson (b. 1942) also spoke at the rally and can be seen on stage in several of these photographs. President Obama went on to win re-election, defeating his Republican opponent, former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney (b. 1947). President Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. He is married to Hillary Clinton (b. 1847), who served as New York Senator from 2001 to 2009 and as U.S. Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. Before his presidency, President Clinton served as the 50th Attorney General of Arkansas from 1977 to 1979 and as the 40th and 42nd Governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and from 1983 to 1992, respectively. As president, he presided over the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history. His presidency is also known for passing welfare reform, his sex scandal with White House intern Monica Lewinsky (b. 1973), his impeachment for perjury and obstruction of justice in regard to the Lewinsky affair, and his achievement of a budget surplus during the last three years of his administration. Following his presidency, he founded the William J. Clinton Foundation to address various international humanitarian causes.
The Orange Blossom Special, the last train at the Church Street Railroad Station, located at 76 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1989. The original site was occupied by a railroad depot built around 1883. That building was demolished around 1890 and the current Church Street Station Depot was constructed by the South Florida Railroad on the same lot. The site also served the Tavares, Orlando and Atlantic Railroad and the Orlando and Winter Park Railway. In 1926, the Orlando Health/Amtrak station took over passenger operations, but Church Street Station continued to serve as a ticket outlet and freight station until 1972. The last train, called the Orange Blossom Special, remained at the station until January of 2012. The 100-year-old engine was transported to the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish in order to make room for the new SunRail platform. Church Street Station is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Baby Shamu Celebration Show at SeaWorld Orlando, 1990
The Baby Shamu Celebration killer whale show at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 1990. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.
Original color photograph, 1990: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Sea Lions Tonite Animal Show at SeaWorld Orlando, 1990
The Sea Lions Tonight Animal Show at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 1990. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.
Discovery Cove, located at 6000 Discovery Cove Way in Orlando, Florida, in 1990. Discovery Cove is owned and operated by SeaWorld Orlando Parks & Entertainment. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.
Shamu: World Focus Show at SeaWorld Orlando, 1998
The Shamu: World Focus killer whale show at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 1998. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.
Original color photographs, 1998: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 1998. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.
Water Ski Show at SeaWorld Orlando, 2001
Water ski show with Santa Clause at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 2001. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.
Dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 1974. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.
Original color photographs, 1974: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Killer whale at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 1974. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.
Sea lions at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 1974. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.
Back to the Future DeLorean DMC-12 at Universal Studios Florida, 1991
David Cepero (b. 1978) and Alicia Lynn Cepero (b. 1975) in front of the Back to the Future DeLorean DMC-12 at Universal Studios Florida, located at 6000 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, Florida, in 1991. Also seen in the photograph is the entrance of the Phantom of the Opera Horror Make-Up Show. Universal Studios Florida, a movie- and television-themed amusement park, opened on June 7,1990. Design began in 1982, with plans to include a working studio. However, the project was put on hold until 1986. The park originally featured several themed areas: "In Production" (Front Lot and Production Central), "Now Shooting" (New York), "On Location" (San Francisco and Amity), and "The World of CineMagic Center" (Expo Center). In 1998, Universal began expanding its property to include Islands of Adventure.
Original color photograph, 1991: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida
The Jaws ride at Universal Studios Florida, located at 6000 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, Florida, in 1991. Universal Studios Florida, a movie- and television-themed amusement park, opened on June 7,1990. Design began in 1982, with plans to include a working studio. However, the project was put on hold until 1986. The park originally featured several themed areas: "In Production" (Front Lot and Production Central), "Now Shooting" (New York), "On Location" (San Francisco and Amity), and "The World of CineMagic Center" (Expo Center). This ride is based on the film Jaws and opened the same date as the park. Jaws and the Amity area of the park permanently closed on January 2, 2012, in order to make room for Diagon Alley, an area based on the Harry Potter film series.
Jaws, Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida
Back to the Future DeLorean DMC-12 at Universal Studios Florida, 1994
Dennis Cepero in front of the Back to the Future DeLorean DMC-12 at Universal Studios Florida, located at 6000 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, Florida, in 1994. Universal Studios Florida, a movie and television-theme amusement park, opened on June 7,1990. Design began in 1982, with plans to include a working studio. However, the project was put on hold until 1986. The park originally featured several themed areas: "In Production" (Front Lot and Production Central), "Now Shooting" (New York), "On Location" (San Francisco and Amity), and "The World of CineMagic Center" (Expo Center). In 1998, Universal began expanding its property to include Islands of Adventure.
Original color photograph, 1994: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Universal Studios Florida, located at 6000 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, Florida, in 1997. Universal Studios Florida, a movie and television-theme amusement park, opened on June 7,1990. Design began in 1982, with plans to include a working studio. However, the project was put on hold until 1986. The park originally featured several themed areas: "In Production" (Front Lot and Production Central), "Now Shooting" (New York), "On Location" (San Francisco and Amity), and "The World of CineMagic Center" (Expo Center). In 1998, Universal began expanding its property to include Islands of Adventure.
Original color photograph, 1997: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Jurassic Park T-Rex Attack at Universal Studios Florida, 1997
Jurassic Park T-Rex Attack at Universal Studios Florida, located at 6000 Universal Boulevard in Orlando, Florida, in 1997. From left to right in the photograph are Dennis Cepero (b. 1986), Bobby Lenahan (b. 1995), Laura Lynn Cepero (b. 1987), and Alicia Lynn Cepero (b. 1975). Lenahan is a maternal cousin of the Cepero siblings. Universal Studios Florida, a movie and television-theme amusement park, opened on June 7,1990. Design began in 1982, with plans to include a working studio. However, the project was put on hold until 1986. The park originally featured several themed areas: "In Production" (Front Lot and Production Central), "Now Shooting" (New York), "On Location" (San Francisco and Amity), and "The World of CineMagic Center" (Expo Center). In 1998, Universal began expanding its property to include Islands of Adventure.
Alligators at Gatorland, located at 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida, in 1996. Gatorland is a theme park and wildlife preserve founded by Owen Godwin in 1949. In 1962, Godwin's son, Frank Godwin, designed an entrance in the shape of a large gator jaw, which has become a Central Florida icon known as The Mouth.
Original color photograph, 1996: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
The 25th Anniversary at the Magic Kingdom, located at 1180 Seven Seas Drive. In the first row, from left to right, are Bobby Lenahan (b. 1995) and Laura Lynn Cepero (b. 1987). The second row shows Alicia Lynn Cepero (b. 1975), Lynn Lenahan, and Dennis Cepero (b. 1986). Robert Lenahan can be seen standing in the back. The Magic Kingdom is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Construction for the resort began in 1967, following the death of Walt Disney (1901-1966). Magic Kingdom was the first park of the Walt Disney Resort to open on October 1, 1971. The park included 33 attractions in six themed areas: Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Liberty Square. Mickey's Toontown Fair was added in 1988, originally as a temporarily area called Mickey's Birthdayland to celebrate the character's 60th birthday. Later, the area was renovated as Mickey's Starland and eventually renamed Mickey's Toontown Fair.
Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
A photographic postcard of the Masonic Temple, located on 205 East Central Boulevard in Orlando, Florida. The building was constructed in the 20th Century Commercial style in 1925 and was dedicated on January 13, 1926. The original owner was the Free and Associated Masons of Orlando from 1926 until 1982. The building was purchased in 1982 for $660,000 and underwent extensive modifications, including an additional two stories. The building now serves as professional offices. The First Unitarian Church of Orlando's Unity Chapel, located at 1 North Rosalind Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida, can be seen to the far left of the postcard. On January 8, 1911, a congregation of Universalist Unitarians, lead by Reverend Eleanor Gordon, formed in the home of Caroline Groninger Gore, the second wife of former Mayor Mahlon Gore, which was located at 211 Lucerne Circle. The church was formally organized the following year in the home of Edward McNeill, located at 309 Robinson Street. The congregation held some of its earliest services in the Lucerne Theatre before holding its first service at Unity Chapel on February 16, 1913. Unity Chapel was designed by architects Ida Annah Ryan and Isabel Roberts in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style. The chapel was dedicated on March 16. By 1954, the congregation had outgrown Unity Chapel and moved to a new church located at 1901 East Robinson Street. In 1957, the chapel's last service took place. Sam Murrell constructed a new building, called the Murrell Building, that was designed by Richard Boone Rogers in 1957.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photographic postcard: Private Collection of Joy Wallace Dickinson.
Masonic Temple, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Undertaker's Memorandum for Amos Arrington
Undertakers and undertaking--United States
An undertaker's memorandum for Amos Arrington (1892-1894), who passed away on August 11, 1894. Arrington was an African-American child who was just under two years old when he died. His address is listed as Middle Street, which was likely in the Orlando, Florida, where the Carey Hand Funeral Home was located. Arrington's physician was A. L. Prince. His cause of death was listed as marasmus, which is a severe malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency. Arrington was buried in Orlando, but the memorandum does not specify at which cemetery. The Carey Hand Funeral Home, originally located at 39 West Pine Street, was founded by Elijah Hand in 1885. Hand was the first known embalmer in Orlando. In 1907, his son, Carey Hand, inherited the funeral home. He passed away in 1947 and his wife sold the business the following year. In 1969, the Carey Hand Funeral Home merged with Cox-Parker Funeral Homes. Now called the Carey-Hand Cox Parker Funeral Home, the home is located at 1350 West Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, Florida.
Original memoranda, 1894: "Book 002: Carey Hand Funeral Home records, July 16, 1894 to December 31, 1896." Call number RA622 .C36, Carey Hand Funeral Home Records, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Carey Hand Funeral Home, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Undertaker's Memorandum for Isaac Chapman
An undertaker's memorandum for Isaac Chapman (1792-1894), who passed away on August 30, 1894. Chapman was an African American who died at the age of 102 years and six months. His cause of death was listed as old age and cholera morbus. Chapman was buried in Orlando, Florida, but the memorandum does not specify at which cemetery. The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church paid for his funeral expenses. The Carey Hand Funeral Home, originally located at 39 West Pine Street, was founded by Elijah Hand in 1885. Hand was the first known embalmer in Orlando. In 1907, his son, Carey Hand, inherited the funeral home. He passed away in 1947 and his wife sold the business the following year. In 1969, the Carey Hand Funeral Home merged with Cox-Parker Funeral Homes. Now called the Carey-Hand Cox Parker Funeral Home, the home is located at 1350 West Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, Florida.
Undertaker's Memorandum for Josephine L. Schultz
An undertaker's memorandum for Josephine L. Schultz (ca. 1854-1894), who passed away on October 22, 1894. Schultz was a female from Winter Park, Florida, who died at the age of 44. Her cause of death was listed as consumption, which is now more commonly known as tuberculosis. Schultz was buried in Orlando, but the memorandum does not specify at which cemetery. The Carey Hand Funeral Home, originally located at 39 West Pine Street, was founded by Elijah Hand in 1885. Hand was the first known embalmer in Orlando. In 1907, his son, Carey Hand, inherited the funeral home. He passed away in 1947 and his wife sold the business the following year. In 1969, the Carey Hand Funeral Home merged with Cox-Parker Funeral Homes. Now called the Carey-Hand Cox Parker Funeral Home, the home is located at 1350 West Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, Florida.
Fountain at Eola Park, Orlando: "The City Beautiful" Postcard
A postcard showing the Sperry Fountain on the southern shore of Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The fountain was named in honor of Frank E. Sperry (1843-1916), Mayor of Orlando from 1913 to 1916. Lake Eola and the surrounding park are one of the unusual features that sets the city of Orlando apart from other places. From its earliest days, Downtown Orlando was situated on the west side of the lake. As the town grew into a city, Lake Eola continued to be a focal point for the inhabitants, who used it for bathing, swimming, and fishing, while on its shores people picnicked and listened to concerts and religious services. Much of the land around Lake Eola was donated to Orlando by Jacob Summerlin (1820-1893), who designated that it be a public park. It has remained one ever since. The rest of the park land was donated by the Musselwhite family and Mayor Sperry. Once Sperry had settled in Orlando, he started the South Florida Foundry and Machine Works, which developed into a large enterprise and Orlando's first real industry. Sperry was active in the business for a number of years, but sold out his interest because of failing health. He also began to have a great interest in the growing of citrus in the county. He served as Mayor of Orlando and was also a member of the Park Commission. In 1913, while serving with the Park Commission, he donated the final piece of land on Lake Eola that completed a ring around the lake. On that land, he donated $2,000 to place a fountain that stands to this day and bears his name as a reminder of his generosity. The fountain, made of wrought iron was described as a "large acanthus leaf with a duck base surmounted by a bittern set in an octagonal masonry basin with eight vases." At the base of the fountain there is a plaque with the following statement: "This fountain donated by Frank E. Sperry, Mayor 1914 - 1916."
Original color postcard: ""Fountain at Eola Park, Orlando, Florida: 'The City Beautiful.'" Central Cigar and Tobacco Company, Orlando, Florida: Thomas and Georgine Mickler Collection, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Sperry Fountain, Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Orlando Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Station Postcard
A color postcard featuring the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railway Company station, located at 1400 Sligh Boulevard in Orlando, Florida, in the 1930s. This station was constructed in 1926 at a cost of $500,000 and was originally part of the ACL system. However, in 1967, the station joined the Seaboard Coast Line (SCL) Railroad, after a merger between the SCL and the ACL. With stucco facade and towers flanking its entrance, the station has been studied many times for its Mission Revival-style architecture. After being in operation for 65 years, the Orlando Amtrak station was in desperate need of renovations. In 1991, a collective of local organizations, companies and groups came together to fund the needed renovations.
Original 10 x 14 centimeter color postcard: "A.C.L. Railway Station, Orlando, Fla. 'The City Beautiful.'" Orange News Company, Orlando, Florida: Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company Station, Orlando, Florida
Downtown Orlando Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Station Postcard
A postcard featuring the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railway Company station, located at 127 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in the early 20th century. The station was first constructed in 1880, connecting Orlando to Sanford. After the railroad was bought up by the Plant System in 1883 from the South Florida Railroad, it was extended to Tampa. This brought a large boom to Orlando's economy shipping cattle and lumber, but chiefly citrus. By 1926, the depot was becoming too small for the volume of trade going through, so the depot was moved south to what is today the Amtrak Station. This depot became run down until the mid-1970s, when Church Street Station opened up around the depot and stayed open until the early 2000s. Now, the station is used as a stop along the Sunrail Tram system.
Original 9 x 14 centimeter color postcard: "Atlantic Coast Line Depot, Orlando, Fla." H. and W. B. Drew Company, Orlando, Florida: Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company Station, Downtown Orlando, Florida
A postcard featuring the agricultural laborers working at a celery field in Orlando, Florida. The Orlando area was originally occupied by the Creek and Seminole tribes. In 1838, Fort Gatlin was erected on the shores of Lake Gatlin, just a few miles south of present-day Downtown Orlando. Centered around Church Street, Orlando became a city in 1884. Originally a cattle town, Orlando grew into a major citrus growing center by the 1920s. The city continued to grow during the Great Depression with aid from the Work Progress Administration (WPA). During World War II, Orlando became a major military center as well, with the development of the McCoy Air Force Base and Pinecastle Air Force Base, and with the addition of the Naval Training Center Orlando (NTC Orlando) in 1968. Downtown Orlando declined in the 1960s and 1970s. Redevelopment began in the 1970s and continued into the 1980s, with projects such as the Church Street Station entertainment complex. In 1998, a building boom began and continued through the 2000s.
Original black and white postcard: "Celery Field, Orlando, Fla.": Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, Florida.
A postcard featuring Orange Court Apartment Hotel, located at 650 North Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The hotel was designed in Spanish Revival architectural style by G. Lloyd Preacher (1882-1972) of Atlanta, Georgia, and constructed by G.A. Miller, Inc. (also known as the GA Miller Construction Company) in 1924. The hotel had 275 rooms, a Spanish garden, and a small orange grove. Orange Court was also one of the first hotels in Orlando to have a steam-heated swimming pool. The building was demolished in 1990.
Original color postcard: "Orange Court Apartment Hotel, Orlando, Florida." E. C. Kropp Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Orange Court Apartment Hotel, Downtown Orlando, Florida
40 Years of the Parliament House is a documentary film about the history of the Parliament House, a gay resort located at 410 North Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida. The Parliament House Motor Inn chain was founded in Kansas City, Missouri, by Ned Eddy, Sr. and his two sons, Ned Eddy, Jr. and James "Jimmy" Eddy. The Orlando Parliament House was a 120-room hotel and the first motor inn established by the chain. The inn was designed by Alan Berman and was built on Orlando’s Rock Lake by Hodes and Cumming Construction. Parliament House officially opened on February 11, 1962. Ned Eddy, Jr. served as the inn manager and his brother, Jimmy Eddy, was the manager of the cocktail lounge. With the opening of the Walt Disney World Resort in 1971, came the construction of hotels and motels on International Drive, leaving the Parliament House Motor Inn outside the tourist district. The motor inn soon became a hotspot for prostitution as the OBT area declined. By 1975, the Parliament House was near bankruptcy. On March 27, 1975, William G. Miller (d. 1987) and Michael Hodge (d. 1992) purchased the motor inn and converted it into a gay resort. A couple of years after the deaths of Bill Miller and Mike Hodge, the Parliament House was sold to Susan Unger and Don Granatstein in August of 1999. Unger and Granatstein began renovating the resort, which had been in decline since Hodge's death in 1992. Renovations were completed in 2000. The Parliament House again faced foreclosure in 2010 and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on July 25, 2014. Stakeholders approved a $14-million debt relief plan in February of 2015.
Original 34-minute and 24-second motion picture: 40 Years of the Parliament House: GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Inc., 2015.
GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Inc.
IDEAS
Parliament House Resort, Orlando, Florida
A newspaper article published by The Central Florida Press on June 20, 1930. The article describes a trip made by Florida Gold Star Mother Mrs. Paul T. Butler to Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial in Belleau, France, to visit the grave of her son, Paul Butler, Jr., who died fighting in the U.S. military during World War I. The Gold Star Mothers Club was established by Grace Darling Seibold to provide support for mothers who lost children in world War I. Now called the American Gold Star Mothers Inc., the club has extended support to mothers who lost children during all American wars.
Original newspaper article: "Gold Star Mother Returns to Orlando." The Central Florida Press, Vol. 1, No. 9, June 20, 1930, page 1: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial, Belleau, France
A newspaper article published by The Central Florida Press on June 20, 1930. The article describes plans for a logrolling convention to be held in Orlando, with 5,000 delegates expected to attend. The convention was hosted by the Central Florida Log Rollers' Association, which was a branch of the Woodmen of the World, on July 3-4, 1930. Logrolling was a sport in which two athlete would stand on the end of a log of wood floating in water. The competitors would then attempt to sprint and kick the log until his/her opponent would fall off.
Original newspaper article: "Orlando Log Rolling Convention." The Central Florida Press, Vol. 1, No. 9, June 20, 1930, page 2: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
This report gives an overview of the Florida Mall's perspective place in the Central Florida retail market. The Florida Mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
Original typed flyer: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation
This report provides demographic statistics for the region surrounding the Florida Mall. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
This report provides detail on the Florida Mall's site development plans. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
This report looks at the roadways which will provide access to the Florida Mall. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
DeBartolo Announces Plans for the Florida Mall
This press release provides full insight into the design ideas that went into the development of the Florida Mall, as well as the companies future initiatives in the region. The Florida Mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
Original 5-page typed press release: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
The proposed site location for the Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida, around 1979. These photographs have been annotated to show major highways and other areas of interest. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
Photocopy of original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photographs: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Artist's Renderings for the Florida Mall
Artist's renderings of the exterior and the interior of the Florida Mall. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
Original 8 x 10 inch color drawings: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
An artist's rendering of the exterior of the Florida Mall. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
Original 8 x 10 inch color drawing: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Letter from Dorothy Barbour to Carolyn S. Cope (September 12, 1979)
A letter from Dorothy Barbour to Carolyn S. Cope, whose first name is misspelled in the letter. In the letter, Barbour requests land information connected to the planned site for the Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida. Cope was a real estate broker for Two XI, Inc., located in Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
Original 1-page typed letter from Dorothy Barbour to Carolyn S. Cope, September 12, 1979: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Letter from Carolyn S. Cope to Dorothy Barbour (September 19, 1979)
A letter from Carolyn S. Cope was sent in response to an inquiry from Dorothy Barbour regarding outparcel land surrounding the Florida Mall. Cope was a real estate broker at of Two XI, Inc., located in Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
Original 1-page typed letter from Carolyn S. Cope to Dorothy Barbour, September 19, 1979: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Two XI, Inc., Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida
Home of Dorothy Barbour, Orlando, Florida
Receipt from the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation for Bob Lancaster (April 7, 1982)
A receipt for an order of prints and site plans sent to Bob Lancaster from David Handel of the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation. The receipt includes handwritten notes regarding other parcels near the planned site for the Florida Mall site, including the square foot price of individual parcels. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
Original 1-page receipt: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Florida Mall Total Development Plan, 1981
An architectural development plan showing the Florida Mall, along with the surrounding parcels of real estate, drawn in 1981. The Florida Mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores. This report gives an overview of the Florida Mall's perspective place in the Central Florida retail market.
Original 37.5 x 25 inch architectural drawing, December 16, 1981: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Florida Mall Total Development Plan, 1979
An architectural development plan showing the Florida Mall, along with the surrounding parcels of real estate, drawn in 1979. The Florida Mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores. This report gives an overview of the Florida Mall's perspective place in the Central Florida retail market.
Original 37.5 x 27 inch architectural drawing, February 13, 1979: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
An architectural plot plan showing the location of various out parcels and parking facilities surrounding the Florida Mall property. The plan also shows the names of the five department stores that made up the original mall configuration: Sears, J.C. Penney, Robinson's, Belk-Lindsey, and Jordan Marsh. The 13-story, Crown Plaza Hotel, located within the mall, is also named in the plot plan. The Florida Mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation. The DeBartolo Corporation was founded by Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr., joined his father's business and together they became the king's of the shopping mall. By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed fifty one shopping malls, including twenty one in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy. Originally the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space and featured over 160 stores.
Original 45 x 36.5 inch architectural drawing created, October 9, 1984: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Orangewood Village Preliminary Subdivision Plan, 1977
A 1977 preliminary subdivision plan for Orangewood Village in Orlando, Florida. This residential development is located just south of Freedom High School, off Central Florida Parkway. The real property of Orangewood Village was owned by Florida Land Company and surveyed by Daryl Ganung. Reynolds, Smith & Hills engineered the development. Now called RS&H, Inc., the engineering company was founded in Jacksonville in 1941.
Original 36 x 30 inch preliminary subdivision plan, January 10, 1977: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Reynolds, Smith & Hills
A plat map showing the area around the Four Lakes area, located east of Florida State Road 436 near the border of Seminole County and Orange County, Florida. The area is named in reference to the four surrounding lakes: Lake Sharp to the north, Deep Lake to the northeast, Lake Pearl to the south, and Lake Burkett to the west. This plat map was prepared by Dyer, Riddle, Mills and Precourt, an Orlando-based engineering firm, in 1983.
Original 61 x 36 inch preliminary plat, April 1983: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Dyer, Riddle, Mills and Precourt
A play map showing Woodside Village, a residential community in Orlando, Florida. This plat shows real property located north of University Boulevard and west of North Econlockhatchee Trail and was prepared by Dyer, Riddle, Mills & Precourt, an Orlando-based engineering firm.
Original 37 x 20 inch plat map: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Postal Willys Wagon at the Dixie Village Post Office, 1958
The Postal Willys Wagon, which first debuted in August of 1953. Willys Motors gained credibility for developing rugged and reliable vehicles during World War II. The Postal Willys Wagon was the first right-hand drive vehicle to be produced in the United Sates in 30 years. Prior to this change, mail carriers either had to park and walk to a mailbox or reach across the passenger's side to deliver the mail. This Willys Wagon is pictured outside the Dixie Village Post Office during its dedication ceremony on August 2, 1958.
Original black and white photograph, August 2, 1958: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Dixie Village Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Dixie Village Post Office, located at 2860 Delaney Avenue in Orlando, Florida. This photograph was taken during the post office's dedication ceremony on August 2, 1958. Speakers included First Baptist Church of Orlando pastor J. Powell Tucker, City Commissioner Waldron Sanderlin (1925-2014), and Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012). After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
J. Powell Tucker and Waldron Sanderlin at the Dixie Village Post Office Dedication Ceremony
The dedication ceremony of the Dixie Village Post Office, located at 2860 Delaney Avenue in Orlando, Florida, on August 2, 1958. Many local dignitaries were present and spoke at the ceremony. The first photograph shows J. Powell Tucker, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Orlando, on the left. On the right is Commissioner Waldron Sanderlin (1925-2014), Orlando's longest-serving Commissioner. Commissioner Sanderlin also briefly served as pro tem mayor. Sanderlin is also pictured in the second and third photographs.
Original black and white photographs, August 2, 1958: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. at the Dixie Village Post Office Dedication Ceremony
The dedication ceremony of the Dixie Village Post Office, located at 2860 Delaney Avenue in Orlando, Florida, on August 2, 1958. Many local dignitaries were present and spoke at the ceremony. This photograph shows Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012) speaking at the ceremony. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Dixie Village Post Office Dedication Ceremony
The dedication ceremony of the Dixie Village Post Office, located at 2860 Delaney Avenue in Orlando, Florida, on August 2, 1958. Many local dignitaries were present and spoke at the ceremony. Speakers included First Baptist Church of Orlando pastor J. Powell Tucker, City Commissioner Waldron Sanderlin (1925-2014), and Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012). These photographs feature an unidentified speaker, the audience at the ceremony, and police officers raising the American flag.
An elevated view of Orlando, Florida, in 1884. The lithograph focused on Sinclair's Real Estate Agency, located on the corner of Pine Street and South Orange Avenue. Other sites highlighted in the lithograph include the home of J. G. Sinclair, the home of N. L. Mills, the new Orange County Jail, and Orange County Courthouse, the opera house, the Orlando Masonic Hall, the South Florida Seminary, the Charleston House, and the Summerlin House. The lithograph also marks various manufactories, mills, churches, and the South Florida Railroad Depot. The Orlando area was originally occupied by the Creek and Seminole tribes. In 1838, Fort Gatlin was erected on the shores of Lake Gatlin, just a few miles south of present-day Downtown Orlando. Centered around Church Street, Orlando became a city in 1884, the year that this lithograph was created Originally a cattle town, Orlando grew into a major citrus growing center by the 1920s. The city continued to grow during the Great Depression with aid from the Work Progress Administration (WPA). During World War II, Orlando became a major military center as well, with the development of the McCoy Air Force Base and Pinecastle Air Force Base, and with the addition of the Naval Training Center (NTC) Orlando in 1968. Downtown Orlando declined in the 1960s and 1970s. Redevelopment began in the 1970s and continued into the 1980s, with projects such as the Church Street Station entertainment complex. In 1998, a building boom began and continued through the 2000s.
Original black and white lithograph by Adam Beck and Clemens J. Pauli, 1884: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Sinclair's Real Estate Agency, Orlando, Florida