Map of Orange County, Florida, 1890
Orange County (Fla.)--Maps
Seminole County (Fla.)--Maps
Cadastral maps
Surveyor and cadastral map of Orange County, Florida, which included present-day Seminole County. This map was created by a Swedish immigrant, J. Otto. Fries, in 1890. Coming to America in 1874, Fries was a respected civil engineer that later attended the University of Florida. He was hired by Orange County to create this surveyor’s map with all of its distinct features.
This map is very special because of two unique characteristics. Firstly, it is a topographical and a cadastral map, showing the physical features and real estate of the area. Secondly, this map includes local family names on the location of their residence, something that is quite rare for public maps. Also, this map shows Orange County before it was split into two different counties: Seminole County and Orange County. This map was kept in the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford until 1913. In 1954, the map was given as a gift from Jack Fox to Arthur Beckwith. From there, it was donated to the Museum of Seminole County History by Arthur Beckwith, where it has undergone extensive restoration to fix the discoloration, peeling edges, and ripped pieces.
Fries, J. Otto
Original 56.75 x 42.5 inch color map by J. Otto Fries, 1890: E. W. Smith & Company: Philadelphia, 1890: <a href="http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/leisure-services/parks-recreation/museum-of-seminole-county-history/" target="_blank">Museum of Seminole County History</a>, Sanford, Florida.
E. W. Smith & Company
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Orange County, Florida
Seminole County, Florida
Letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry DeForest (December 8, 1881)
Sanford (Fla.)
A personal letter from Henry L. DeForest (1857-1902) to his wife, Anna M. Sperry DeForest. In the letter, DeForest discusses Henry Shelton Sanford's (1823-1891) recovery from an illness, DeForest's purchase of land from Sanford, the "celebrated occultist" Dr. Agnew's visit to Sanford, Mr. Case's hotel, and DeForest's hope to see Anna in the winter.<br /><br />DeForest was born in Derby, Connecticut, and knew Henry Shelton Sanford since childhood. In 1870, DeForest came to Florida seeking better health in the warmer climate. He became Sanford's agent and helped carry out the work of establishing Sanford. He managed the contracted workers for Sanford's groves, especially the contracted Swedes that Sanford brought over in 1871. By the 1880s, he had married Anna M. Sperry, also from Derby, and had become an established businessman and grove owner in Sanford. He built his general store in 1887, which was the second oldest brick building in Downtown Sanford. His general store was the building where the historic September 1887 fire stopped. DeForest built other commercial buildings in downtown. His home, known as "The Palms," was located at 105 Aldean Drive and still stands today.
DeForest, Henry L.
Original letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry DeForest, December 8, 1881: DeForest Collection, <a href="http://www.sanfordfl.gov/index.aspx?page=456" target="_blank">Sanford Museum</a>, Sanford, Florida.
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Derby, Connecticut
Sanford, Florida