Fifth Grade Class at Sanford Grammar School, 1920
A fifth grade class at Sanford Grammar School in 1920. Originally located at 301 West Seventh Street in Sanford, Florida, Sanford Grammar School was first established as Sanford High School in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 9.5 x 7 inch black and white photograph, 1920: Sanford Grammar Collection, Archives Box 4B, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford Grammar School, Sanford, Florida
A class at Sanford Grammar School in 1916. Originally located at 301 West Seventh Street in Sanford, Florida, Sanford Grammar School was first established as Sanford High School in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 5.5 x 3.5 inch black and white photograph, March 29, 1916: Sanford Grammar Collection, Archives Box 4B, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Miss Owen's Class at Sanford Grammar School, 1919-1920
Miss Owen's Class at Sanford Grammar School during the 1919-1920 school year. Some of the students photographed are Billy Ball, Donald Dunn, Harley Vincent, Dave Van Ness, Eugene Turner, Harold McAlexander, Kemp Hasty, John Rotundo, and Joseph Prevatt. Originally located at 301 West Seventh Street in Sanford, Florida, Sanford Grammar School was first established as Sanford High School in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 6.9 x 5 inch black and white photograph: Sanford Grammar Collection, Archives Box 4B, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Arlene Boardman with Her Bench in Sanford Grammar School's Shade Garden
Arlene Boardman and the bench that she donated to Sanford Grammar School's Shade Garden. Originally located at 301 West Seventh Street in Sanford, Florida, Sanford Grammar School was first established as Sanford High School in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 6 x 4 inch color photograph: Sanford Grammar Collection, Archives Box 4B, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Tropical Garden at Sanford Grammar School
The Tropical Garden at Sanford Grammar School. Originally located at 301 West Seventh Street in Sanford, Florida, Sanford Grammar School was first established as Sanford High School in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Florida’s Purge: The Johns Committee Witch Hunt
Florida’s Purge: The Johns Committee Witch Hunt, known colloquially as The Committee, is a short film about the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee's investigation of communism and homosexuality amongst students and faculty at Florida colleges and universities. Commonly known as the Johns Committee, the committee was led by state senator and former governor Charley Eugene Johns (1905-1990). The committee was established in 1956 and originally focused on the investigation of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an historically African-American university, for its faculty's and staff's involvement of the Tallahassee Bus Boycott (1956-1957). However, as the committee expanded its McCarthy era anti-communist witch hunt, it came to focus on the homosexual lifestyles of many faculty members and students at colleges and universities. After growing public critique of the committee's activities, it was eventually disbanded on July 1, 1965. The Committee centers on the anti-homosexual investigations of the Johns Committee. The film was produced and directed by University of Central Florida professor Dr. Robert Cassanello and Dr. Lisa Mills. Other producers include Slyvana Fernández and Logan Kriete, and Monica Monticello serves as associate producer. The screenplay was written by Monica Monticello, Kathryn Paulson, and Amy Simpson, with research conducted by Alex Boyce and Shay Cambre. Ben Taylor and Alex Wood were the cinematographers and the arts and graphics were created by Patrick Fenelon and Adrien Mills. The film was edited by Aaron Hosé, with the aid of assistant editors Chelsea Echols and David Mariutto. The Committee includes interviews with Ruth Jense-Forbell, a lesbian student interrogated by the Florida State University Police Department in 1964-1965; Chuck Woods, a homosexual student interrogated by the University of Florida Police Department while attending the university from 1959 to 1965; John Tileston, Sr., a UF police officer who investigated various faculty members and students, including Woods; Dr. Karen Graves, a professor of education at Denison University and the author of And They Were Wonderful Teachers: Florida’s Purge of Gay and Lesbian Teachers; Dr. Judith Poucher, a professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville; Bob Graham, a graduate of UF, the 38th Governor of Florida (1979-1987), and former U.S. Senator for Florida (1987-2005); and Dr. Fred Fejes, a professor of multimedia studies at Florida Atlantic University. Florida’s Purge: The Johns Committee Witch Hunt won various awards and accolades, including an Emmy Award.
Original 23-minute and 58-second motion picture produced by Dr. Robert Cassanello, Dr. Lisa Mills, Slyvana Fernández, and Logan Kriete: Florida's Purge: The Johns Committee Witch Hunt, RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, 2013.
RICHES
Florida Legislative Investigation Committee, Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida
Stonewall Inn, Greenwich Village, New York City, New York
Georgetown Pathways to History Project Heritage Marker #3
Heritage Marker #3 of the Georgetown Pathways to History Project, which was developed by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee with assistance from the Sanford Museum and Sanford Historical Society. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891, as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation. Special thanks for Heritage Marker #3 was given to Patricia Ann Black (1956-), the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007). Her father, Pilgrim, was featured on the marker. Pilgrim was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black.
Original color marker by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee, 2014: Department of Recreation, City of Sanford, Sanford, Florida.
Department of Recreation, City of Sanford
Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Marker Ceremony Invitation
An invitation to a ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. Patricia Ann Black (1956- ), who can be seen wearing red in the photograph, was given special thanks for Heritage Marker # 3, which featured her father, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002). Jeff Triplett, the Mayor of Sanford, can be seen standing to the right of the podium. The ceremony was followed by a presentation of the Georgetown Pathways to History Project at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, locate at 230 East First Street. Pathways to History is a program created by Christine Dalton, Historic Preservation Office for the City of Sanford. The programs consists of eight themed tours showcasing the history and development of Sanford. The event also included a guided tour of Sanford Avenue, which had been the subject of a $3 million streetscaping project, and a reception at the Welcome Center, hosted by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency. The Georgetown Pathways to History Project was developed by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee with assistance from the Sanford Museum and Sanford Historical Society. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation.
Original 2-page invitation by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency, 2014.
Historic Sanford Welcome Center, Sanford, Florida
Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee at the Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Marker Ceremony
The Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee a the ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. Pictured in the photographs, from left to right, are Dr. Stephen Caldwell Wright, Bette Robinson, Ollie Williams, Christine Dalton, Patricia Ann Black, and Christine Kinlaw-Best. Special thanks for Heritage Marker #3 was given to Patricia Black (1956- ). Her father, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), was featured on the marker. Pilgrim was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Original color digital images by Connie L. Lester, November 20, 2014.
Special Thanks to Patricia Ann Black at the Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Marker Ceremony
Special thanks being given to Patricia Ann Black (1956- ), who can be seen wearing red in the photographs, at a ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett is seen standing in the center of the photographs. Black's father, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), was featured on the Heritage Marker #3. Pilgrim Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black.
Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Markers
Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett addressing the audience at a ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. The ceremony was followed by a presentation of the Georgetown Pathways to History Project at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, locate at 230 East First Street. Pathways to History is a program created by Christine Dalton, Historic Preservation Office for the City of Sanford. The programs consists of eight themed tours showcasing the history and development of Sanford. The event also included a guided tour of Sanford Avenue, which had been the subject of a $3 million streetscaping project, and a reception at the Welcome Center, hosted by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency. The Georgetown Pathways to History Project was developed by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee with assistance from the Sanford Museum and Sanford Historical Society. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford, as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation.
Original color digital image by Connie L. Lester, November 20, 2014.
Sanford Avenue Streetscape Completion and Unveiling of Heritage Markers
The ceremony commemorating the completion of the Sanford Avenue Streetscape and the unveiling of several heritage markers. The unveiling of the heritage markers was held in Paulucci Park, located at the southwest corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, on November 20, 2014. Patricia Ann Black (1956- ), who can be seen wearing red in the photograph, was given special thanks for Heritage Marker # 3, which featured her father, Pilgrim Black (1905-2002). Jeff Triplett, the Mayor of Sanford, can be seen standing to the right of the podium. The ceremony was followed by a presentation of the Georgetown Pathways to History Project at the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, locate at 230 East First Street. Pathways to History is a program created by Christine Dalton, Historic Preservation Office for the City of Sanford. The programs consists of eight themed tours showcasing the history and development of Sanford. The event also included a guided tour of Sanford Avenue, which had been the subject of a $3 million streetscaping project, and a reception at the Welcome Center, hosted by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency. The Georgetown Pathways to History Project was developed by the Georgetown Heritage Advisory Committee with assistance from the Sanford Museum and Sanford Historical Society. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford, as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation.
A gathering of Winter Garden citizens on the corner of Main Street and Plant Street around 1913. To the right of the image by the car is a few of James Lafayette Dillard's (1858-1943) family. Dillard migrated to Central Florida from Virginia with his wife, Mattie Showalter, in 1887. He established himself primarily as a citrus and vegetable grower, but he also operated the M. V. Dillard and Company Garage, which was managed by his son, Marvin Dillard. In addition, he founded the Bank of Winter Garden, served as Winter Garden City Commissioner and a Florida State Legislator, and helped rebuild Downtown Winter Garden after two destructive fires in 1909 and 1912. Some of the buildings that Dillard helped construct include the Dillard and Boyd General Merchandise Store, the Shelby Hotel, and the Mann and Mills Dry Goods Store. He also donated land to the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.
Original black and white photograph: Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.
Plant Street and Main Street, Winter Garden, Florida
Train at the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot in Winter Garden
An Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railroad Company train coming in to the depot located at 1 North Main Street in Winter Garden, Florida, around 1915. Aspects of the downtown business district of Winter Garden are noticeable in this photograph, such as the Bank of Winter Garden on the right and the Shelby Hotel on the left. In 1895, the Orange Belt Railroad first train depot was constructed. A new depot was built in 1902, shortly after the Orange Belt merged with the ACL. The depot was in continuous use until 1967, when the building was converted for use for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, an antiques dealer, and a hair salon. The Chicone family later bought the building and donated it to the City of Winter Garden to be used as the home of the Winter Garden Heritage Museum.
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, Winter Garden, Florida
This aerial view from the Winter Garden water tower highlights the business district of Downtown Winter Garden, Florida, and some of it's prominent buildings in the 1920s. Those buildings include the First Baptist Church, South Apopka Supply Company, and the Tavares & Gulf railroad depot, all visible on the left hand side. On the right is what used to be the Gem Supermarket. In the center of the photograph is a two-story building that is now occupied by the Winter Garden Feed Store.
First Baptist Church, Winter Garden, Florida
South Apopka Supply Company, Winter Garden, Florida
Tavares & Gulf Railroad Depot, Winter Garden, Florida
Winter Garden Feed Store, Winter Garden, Florida
Tavares & Gulf Railroad Depot in Winter Garden
This photograph highlights the Tavares & Gulf Railroad Depot, a water tower, and Winter Garden Light & Water Company around 1913. This depot replaced the original 1889 structure in 1913, at a cost of $1,765. The western portion, built of Florida sand brick, contained the agent's office and passengers' waiting rooms. The eastern portion of the building, made of wood and covered with tin, was used for freight and baggage storage. This building replaced the original 1899 structure that was located on the other end of the block facing Main Street. The T&G Railroad was well known for both excellent customer service and frequent derailments. It had many nicknames, including "the Turtle and Gopher," "the Tug and Grunt," and "the Try and Go." Even with only 32 miles of track running from Tavares to Ocoee and a 6-mile spur to Clermont, the railroad was active and productive when Winter Garden was the largest citrus shipping point in the world. In 1949, the T&G generated more perishable freight per mile of track than any Class I railroad in the United States. On December 31, 1969, the line between Winter Garden and Astatula was abandoned. The station continued to operate as an agency for the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (SCL) until March 1978, when it was closed and all services were transferred to a mobile agency. In 1979, the Central Florida Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society purchased and rehabilitated the building for use as its headquarters. The railroad museum opened in 1983. In 2003, the museum became part of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation.
James Lafayette Dillard (1858-1943) built the Shelby Hotel in 1913 on 1 West Plant Street in Winter Garden, Florida. In this photograph, it is evident that construction was still in progress. The hotel was located a block away from both the Tavares & Gulf Railroad Company line and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL) line. Dillard migrated to Central Florida from Virginia with his wife, Mattie Showalter, in 1887. He established himself primarily as a citrus and vegetable grower, but he also operated the M. V. Dillard and Company Garage, which was managed by his son, Marvin Dillard. In addition, he founded the Bank of Winter Garden, served as Wnter garden City Commissioner and a Florida State Legislator, and helped rebuild Downtown Winter Garden after two destructive fires in 1909 and 1912. Some of the buildings that Dillard helped construct include the Dillard and Boyd General Merchandise Store, the Shelby Hotel, and the Mann and Mills Dry Goods Store. He also donated land to the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.
Arthur Bullard Newton's fourth store in Winter Garden, Florida, the 1920s. Over the years other businesses would take root in the building. However, in the early 1920s the store's interior was burned. Until it was repaired, Newton worked at a different location. The building was demolished in 1984. Often called "Mr. First," Newton moved to Winter Garden, Florida, in 1892 where he was continually busy with varied pursuits in business, politics, and services. In his long line of being first, he established the first post office for the city, the first newspaper, was the first depot agent, and was Winter Garden's first mayor. He also ran a general merchandise store and worked as a cashier for the First National Bank of Winter Garden. Newton has been given the nickname of "Godfather of Winter Garden" for all of his achievements and milestones. In honor of his achievements, Newton Park at 31 West Garden Avenue is named in his honor.
A. B. Newton's Store, Winter Garden, Florida
The First National Bank of Winter Garden, located at the corner of Plant Street and Boyd Street around 1919. The bank opened on the previous location of Arthur Bullard Newton's dry goods store, which was built in 1909. In 1919, Newton served as the bank's first cashier. His dry goods store moved to South Main Street. Often called "Mr. First," Newton moved to Winter Garden, Florida, in 1892 where he was continually busy with varied pursuits in business, politics, and services. In his long line of being first, he established the first post office for the city, the first newspaper, was the first depot agent, and was Winter Garden's first mayor. He also ran a general merchandise store and worked as a cashier for the First National Bank of Winter Garden. Newton has been given the nickname of "Godfather of Winter Garden" for all of his achievements and milestones. In honor of his achievements, Newton Park at 31 West Garden Avenue is named in his honor.
First National Bank of Winter Garden, Winter Garden, Florida
The building in the photograph is the third incarnation of Arthur Bullard Newton's dry goods store, which was built at 14 South Main Street in Winter Garden, Florida, in 1909. Across the building is advertising the merchandise sold at his store. Often called "Mr. First," Newton moved to Winter Garden, Florida, in 1892 where he was continually busy with varied pursuits in business, politics, and services. In his long line of being first, he established the first post office for the city, the first newspaper, was the first depot agent, and was Winter Garden's first mayor. He also ran a general merchandise store and worked as a cashier for the First National Bank of Winter Garden. Newton has been given the nickname of "Godfather of Winter Garden" for all of his achievements and milestones. In honor of his achievements, Newton Park at 31 West Garden Avenue is named in his honor.
A. B. Newton's Dry Goods Store, Winter Garden, Florida
Arthur Bullard Newton in 1909. Often called "Mr. First," Newton moved to Winter Garden, Florida, in 1892 where he was continually busy with varied pursuits in business, politics, and services. In his long line of being first, he established the first post office for the city, the first newspaper, was the first depot agent, and was Winter Garden's first mayor. He also ran a general merchandise store and worked as a cashier for the First National Bank of Winter Garden. Newton has been given the nickname of "Godfather of Winter Garden" for all of his achievements and milestones. In honor of his achievements, Newton Park at 31 West Garden Avenue is named in his honor.
Original black and white photograph, 1909: Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.
The City Station, located at the southeast corner of Dillard Street and Plant Street in Winter Garden, Florida, in 1924. Built by James Lafayette Dillard (1858-1943), this building was a combination of a gas station and a grocery store with upstairs apartments, a feature common to buildings of that time period. A gasoline pump can been seen just to the rear of the vehicle. Dillard is pictured with his second wife, Frances "Fannie" Bedingfield Dillard. On the left side in the background is the Wilson and Toomer Fertilizer building. At the right is the Roper Brothers packing house. City Station was torn down to make way for a new building, now the site of two restaurants.
Original black and white photograph, 1924: Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.
The Bank of Winter Garden, located on the corner of Main Street and Plant Street in Winter Garden, Florida, in the early 1900s. In 1908, James Lafayette Dillard (1858-1943) founded the Bank of Winter Garden. He would later become the Director and Vice President of the bank. During the 1912 fire, the bank survived even though Strozier Merchandise (seen on the left) and the Orange Hotel (seen on the right) were both destroyed. The Bank of Winter Garden closed in the 1929 crash and the building, enlarged with the addition of a second floor and expanded the west wall, became a department store, and later, a drug store and professional offices. In 1960, the bank was destroyed by a fire. In the picture, G. T. Smith, a bank cashier, is standing in the door of the bank.
Bank of Winter Garden, Winter Garden, Florida
Intersection of Plant Street and Main Street in Winter Garden Before the Fire of 1912
The intersection of Plant Street and Main Street in Winter Garden, Florida. This photograph was taken in the winter of 1912, before the infamous fire that same year. The fire occurred on March 12, destroying several bushiness such as the wood Strozier store and the Orange Hotel. The fire also caused damage to buildings such as the Dillard & Boyd Building and the Bank of Winter Garden.
Original black and white photograph, 1912: Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.
Main Street in Winter Garden After Fire of 1912
A revitalized Main Street after being rebuilt from two devasting fires devastating fires in 1909 and 1912 in Winter Garden, Florida. Taken around 1912, this photograph shows the new Bank of Winter Garden (1908-1929) and, on the right, the Dillard & Boyd Building can be easily seen. The Dillard and Boyd Building was constructed in 1912 and is where Arthur B. Newton's dry goods store one stood before the 1909 fire. In 1908, James Lafayette Dillard (1858-1943) founded the Bank of Winter Garden. He would later become the Director and Vice President of the bank. During the 1912 fire, the bank survived, but later closed in the 1929 crash and the building, enlarged with the addition of a second floor and expanded the west wall, became a department store, and later, a drug store and professional offices. In 1960, the bank was destroyed by a fire.
Construction of the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden
The construction of the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, Florida, around 1922. The congregation was originally organized in Ocoee, Florida, in August of 1888 with nine charter members. After eight years, the church voted to relocate to 125 East Plant Street in Winter Garden, on land donated by James Lafayette Dillard (1858-1943). Before construction, which occurred in the early 1920s, the site was occupied by a small sawmill operated by Will Pennington. The first wooden building in Winter Garden was constructed at the southwest corner of Plant Street and Woodland Street. In 1921, members initiated a building campaign and commissioned architect J. J. Baldwin to design a new building. The cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1922, and the church was completed in 1923 at a cost of $150,000, a substantial amount for a small community. The construction of the church was supervised by R. W. Wimbish, who also oversaw the construction of the Edgewater Hotel and the Black Building (now known as the Cappleman Building).
One of Winter Garden's first hotels was the Orange Hotel, located on the east side of South Main Street. The hotel had various types of guests, such as fishermen, salesmen, and regular visitors. The hotel burned down in the fire of 1912.
Ku Klux Klan 120 Parades Sanford By Night
A newspaper article about a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) parade in Sanford, Florida, on December 5, 1921. The KKK was first organized by ex-Confederate soldiers in in Tennessee in 1866, but was disbanded by the first Imperial Wizard Nathan Bedford Forrest (1821-1877) in 1869 in order to avoid government sanctions. The second klan was reformed by William Joseph Simmons (1880-1945) in 1915. Although the KKK deteriorated nationally during the Great Depression, it still flourished in Florida until a $685,000 lien was filed against the national klan in 1944 for back taxes from the 1920s. In 1948, Dr. Samuel Green (1889-1949) revived the KKK in Georgia, which spread to Florida and other states. In 1951, the Florida KKK responded violently to the activities of Harry T.Moore's (1905-1951) Progressive Voters' League and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during a period dubbed "The Florida Terror." As of the early 2000s, the Florida KKK remained to be on of the more active klans in the country.
Original newspaper article: "Ku Klux Klan 120 Parades Sanford By Night." December 5, 1921: box 173, folder 2.36, Chase Collection (MS 14), Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Orlando Remembered Exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center
The Orlando Remembered Exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 400 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The exhibit features the history of the block surrounded by South Orange Avenue, East Church Street, South Magnolia Avenue (formerly South Main Street), and East Jackson Street, particularly in the 1940s and 1950s. Businesses and institutions featured in the exhibit include the Bass Hotel (formerly the Astor Hotel), Gator Bar, Economy Auto Store, City Cab Company Taxi Service, the Bumby-Yothers House, American Fire and Casualty Company, Nick Serros' Fish and Poultry Company, Winn-Dixie, the First Methodist Church of Orlando, the Thomas Building, Brass Rail, Fems Printing Company, American Dry Cleaners, Chamberlin’s Natural Foods, Menendez Spanish Restaurant, Foster’s Quality Foods, the Wilmott Building, Irwin's Shoes, Star Barber Shop, Keene & Keene, and Ferrell Jewelry. In the early 1960s, the buildings within the block were demolished and replaced by the Barnett Plaza and CNA Tower in 1952. The lot now includes the Downtown Orlando Information Center and the BB&T Bank building.
Original exhibit by Orlando Remembered: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Information Center, Orlando, Florida.
Downtown Orlando Information Center, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Nick Serros' Fish and Poultry Company, Downtown Orlando, Florida
City Cab Company Taxi Service, Downtown Orlando, Florida
American Fire and Casualty Company, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Thomas Building, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Chamberlin Natural Foods, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Star Barber Shop, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Ferrell Jewelry, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Economy Auto Store, Downtown Orlando, Florida
First Methodist Church, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Fems Printing Company, Downtown Orlando, Florida
American Dry Cleaners, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Menendez Spanish Restaurant, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Foster’s Quality Foods, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Wilmott Building, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Keene & Keene, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Bumby-Yothers House, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Irwin's Shoes, Downtown Orlando, Florida
An oral history interview of Sharon Ekern, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) from 1981 to1990 and now works at the University of Central Florida (UCF) with the Student Development and Enrollment Service. This interview was conducted by Roy McKinney at UCF on November 13, 2014. Interview topics include Ekern's family life, her education, enlistment in the Marines, boot camp, advanced training, her first duty station, the San Diego Recruit Depot, Parris Island, the Cold War, being assigned to Orlando, serving as a female Marine, the Tailhook Scandal, Camp Smith, her awards and medals, life after service, her employment at UCF, and being an expert markswoman.
Ekern, Sharon L. Interviewed by Roy McKinney. Audio/video record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, RICHES of Central Florida, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
RICHES of Central Florida
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, North Carolina
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, San Diego, California
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Port Royal, South Carolina
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
Post-traumatic stress disorder--United States
An oral history of Joshua R. Dull, a Creative Writing student at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida. Dull served in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) during the Global War of Terror (2001-2009) and completed his service as a Senior Airman. Dull discusses his family's military background, his experience in basic training, tech school, the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, deployments in Qatar at Al Udeid Air Base and in Afghanistan, operating cryogenics, leisure time in a war zone, maintaining a romantic relationship while deployed, struggles in life after service, and working at the UCF Veterans Academic Resource Center (VARC) and helping veteran students.
Dull, Joshua R. Interviewed by Rachel Williams. Audio/video record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, RICHES of Central Florida, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona
Bagram Airfield, Bagram, Parwan, Afghanistan
Oral History of Dr. William "Bill" Blank
An oral history of Dr. William Blank, who served in the U.S. Army (USA) from 1971 until 1974. Dr. Blank ultimately reached the rank of Specialist 4 and was stationed in Mannheim, Germany. Now the Director of Career Development at the University of Central Florida (UCF), Dr. Blank discusses his experiences during and after his military service. Some of the topics include the Yom Kippur War and the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, benefits of being in the military, personal experiences in Europe, the evolution of the military and public opinion of veterans, working with international students, and opinions of the military today and modern conflicts.
Blank, Bill. Interviewed by Gabrielle Hank. Audio/video record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, RICHES of Central Florida, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Marine Corps Base Quantico, Triangle, Virginia
Watergate Office Complex, Washington, D.C.
Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France
An oral history of Garnett White, conducted by Joseph Morris on October 13, 2011. Born in St. Augustine, Florida, White moved with his family to Sanford at a young age. In the interview, he discusses attending Southside Elementary School during World War II, running a paper route and riding bikes around Sanford, his experiences as a real estate broker, Sanford's celery industry, the history of Chase and Company, Red Hill Groves and the citrus industry, his service in the U.S. Navy, his civic service, and his family.
White, Garnett. Interviewed by Joseph Morris. October 13, 2011. Audio record available. Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
West 10th Street and South Laurel Avenue, Sanford, Florida
Chase & Company Washhouse, Sanford, Florida
An oral history of James Singleton, conducted by Ashley Wilt on July 21, 2010. Singleton has served as the Deputy Director of Facilities Fleet and Urban Maintenance for the City of Altamonte Springs, Florida, since January 1976. In this oral history interview, he discusses the history of the Altamonte Springs City Library, the establishment of an Information System (IS) for the city, the library's Mobile Information Center (MIC), the youth area for the library, library patrons, his career with the City of Altamonte Springs, and Project APRICOT (A Prototype Realistic. Innovative Community of Today).
Singleton, James. Interviewed by Ashley Wilt. July 21, 2010. Audio record available. Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
Altamonte Springs City Library, Altamonte Springs, Florida
Altamonte Springs City Hall, Altamonte Springs, Florida
Oral History of Luticia Roberts Lee and Catherine Lee Dingle
An oral history of Luticia Lee, with her daughter, Cathy Lee Dingle. Lee was born in Sanford, Florida, where her mother bought a grocery store on First Street at half-interest in 1910. Lee's mother graduated from Sanford High School in 1913 and Lee graduated in 1942, after it was renamed Seminole High School. Her children in the attended the school in the 1960, and her grandson graduated later. Lee met her husband, James Lee, who had just returned from service in the U.S. Army in December of 1945. In September of 1946, the couple married. They had three children and five grandchildren. In this oral history, Lee discusses how they started the tradition of throwing pasture parties, life was like during integration in Sanford, how Jim Crow laws were applied, Lee's old house, and tornadoes and hurricanes that had passed through Sanford.
Lee, Luticia and Catherine Lee Dingle. Interviewed by Trish Thompson and Laura Donaldson. Celery Soup. July 2012. Audio record available. Creative Sanford, Inc., Sanford Florida.
East 3rd Street and South Palmetto Avenue, Sanford, Florida
West 15th Street and South Oak Avenue, Sanford, Florida
American Legion Campbell-Lossing Post 53, Sanford, Florida
An oral history of Dick Quentin Harkey (b. 1942). In 1942, Harkey was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the fifth child in his family. In 1957, his family moved to Gainesville, Georgia. Harkey attended Young Harris College and the University of Georgia, graduating with a degree in psychology. He worked first for Great American Insurance in the Claims Department and married a woman that he met at the University of Georgia. After living in Atlanta, Georgia, for some time, Harkey was transferred to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1967. He moved back to Atlanta for a couple of years after getting divorced, but later transferred to Orlando, on March 25, 1971. Harkey met a schoolteacher, Cheryl Harkey, through the Young Republicans in April 1973. The couple married in December and had their daughter, Marianne Harkey, on February 11, 1978. After working for Great American Insurance, Harkey went to work with IMA and then later for CNA Financial. In this oral history, Harkey discusses the story of how his family came from North Carolina, stories about when he worked for Channel Nine, and stories about his time as a lawyer for insurance policies. He was active within the Republican Party and discusses the political and economic implications of the SunRail for Sanford and the surrounding areas. He also speaks briefly about racial tensions.
Harkey, Dick Quentin. Interviewed by Trish Thompson. 2009. Audio record available. Creative Sanford, Inc., Sanford, Florida.
Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Florida Hospital Health Village, Orlando, Florida
A thermometer from Hotel Bass, which operated under that title from 1946 to 1965. The hotel was owned by Walter C. Bass (1900-1973) and his wife, Ethel Bass. Located at 217 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida, the building itself was built in 1907 and functioned as a hotel. The hotel has changed hands multiple times throughout its existence. Upon Bass' death his wife sold the hotel to Conway Kittredge for $52,000 and it was remodeled as an office space. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
Original thermometer: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Information Center, Orlando, Florida.
An etching of the Barnett Plaza and the adjacent CNA Tower, built in 1962. The plaza and the tower were constructed on the block surrounded by South Orange Avenue, East Church Street, South Magnolia Avenue (formerly South Main Street), and East Jackson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The lot now includes the Downtown Orlando Information Center and the BB& T Bank building. The center is located at 400 South Orange Avenue.
Original black and white etching: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Information Center, Orlando, Florida.
This painting accompanies the Orlando Remembered exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 201 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The painting was created by James Stoll, who has contributed various works of art, as well as some scale model replicas, to several Orlando Remembered exhibits. This particular portion of the painting features the Hotel Bass, which operated under that title from 1946 to 1965. The hotel was owned by Walter C. Bass (1900-1973) and his wife, Ethel Bass. Located at 217 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida, the building itself was built in 1907 and functioned as a hotel. The hotel has changed hands multiple times throughout its existence. Upon Bass' death his wife sold the hotel to Conway Kittredge for $52,000 and it was remodeled as an office space. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
Original color painting by James Stoll: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Information Center, Orlando, Florida.
This painting accompanies the Orlando Remembered exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 201 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The painting was created by James Stoll, who has contributed various works of art, as well as some scale model replicas, to several Orlando Remembered exhibits. This particular portion of the painting features the American Fire and Casualty Company. The Exchange Building was home to American Fire and Casualty Company, an Ohio-based insurance corporation that had offices in the top two floors of the building for 18 years. In 1946, the insurance company bought the building and renamed it the American Building. These lots, as well as the rest of the block, were later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
This painting accompanies the Orlando Remembered exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 201 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The painting was created by James Stoll, who has contributed various works of art, as well as some scale model replicas, to several Orlando Remembered exhibits. This particular portion of the painting features Nick Serros' Fish & Poultry Company sometime around 1938. Nick Serros (b. 1888), the company owner, was born in Greece in 1888 and immigrated to the United States in 1923. He opened his business in the late 1930s. The business remained on the block until it was bought out to make way for the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza. In 1941, Serros' held a location of 117 South Court Street, but moved to 37 East Jackson Street by 1943. The following year, the business was listed at 37-41 E. Jackson and remained at that location until 1952.
This painting accompanies the Orlando Remembered exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 201 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The painting was created by James Stoll, who has contributed various works of art, as well as some scale model replicas, to several Orlando Remembered exhibits. This particular portion of the painting features the City Cab Company Taxi Service, founded by Napoleon B. Broward as early as 1941. Broward left the company in 1943 and was replaced by the company's secretary treasurer, Paul Mears. Later renamed Mears Transportation, it became one of the largest taxicab companies in Orlando and still operates today.
This painting accompanies the Orlando Remembered exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 201 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The painting was created by James Stoll, who has contributed various works of art, as well as some scale model replicas, to several Orlando Remembered exhibits. This particular portion of the painting features Star Barber Shop and Ferrell Jewelry. Max Yacobian worked as a barber at Star Barber Shop since 1938, and perhaps as early as the late 1920s. By 1939, he became the sole proprietor of the barbershop located at 205 South Orange Avenuea. After cutting hair for over 25 years, he passed away sometime between 1953 and 1956. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
Brass Rail, Chamberlin Natural Foods, and Cervantes Spanish Restaurant
This painting accompanies the Orlando Remembered exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 201 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The painting was created by James Stoll, who has contributed various works of art, as well as some scale model replicas, to several Orlando Remembered exhibits. This particular portion of the painting features Brass Rail, Chamberlin Natural Foods, and Cervantes Spanish Restaurant. Brass Rail was a bar and restaurant. Cervantes was one of the first Spanish restaurants to come to Orlando. Cervantes was one of the first Spanish restaurants to come to Orlando, Florida. It was run by Paul Vines and his wife, Annie Vines, and their business partner, C. Menendez. The restaurant sat at 19 East Church Street and stayed at that location for nearly 20 years. The restaurant had moved to that location in 1937 and remained there until the mid-1950s, when it was replaced by J & G Fine Foods, owned by a Gladys Barnett. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
Cervantes Spanish Restaurant, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Chamberlin Natural Food, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Thomas Building, Ladies Uniforms, and Orlando Steam Laundry
This painting accompanies the Orlando Remembered exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 201 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The painting was created by James Stoll, who has contributed various works of art, as well as some scale model replicas, to several Orlando Remembered exhibits. This particular portion of the painting features the Thomas Building, which was an arcade that included several stores. The building was located at the intersection of Church Street and Magnolia Avenue, with a street address of 100 East Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. Magnolia was previously called Main Street until the mid-1900s. Most of the block was occupied with small shops, such as Cervantes Spanish Restaurant, Family Loan Company, Roger Reality Company, and other shops. Slightly larger businesses such as the Astor Hotel, later the Bass Hotel, also existed on the block. The building was torn down and a new building was constructed in the late 1950s and demolished in the early 1960s. The Thomas Building was also sometimes referred to as the Church and Main Arcade. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
Ladies Uniforms, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Orlando Steam Laundry, Downtown Orlando, Florida
This painting accompanies the Orlando Remembered exhibit at the Downtown Orlando Information Center, located at 201 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The painting was created by James Stoll, who has contributed various works of art, as well as some scale model replicas, to several Orlando Remembered exhibits.
The Downtown Orlando Information Center with the BB&T Bank building in the background. The Barnett Plaza was built in 1962 and was the location of the CNA Tower. The center is located at 400 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida.
Original color digital image by Andrew W. Jeffries, October 2014: University of Central Florida, Department of History, Orlando, Florida.
An advertisement for Vergowe Agency in the Florida Polk's Orlando City Directories: Including Conway, Maitland and Winter Park for 1949. Located at 29 East Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, Vergowe Agency was founded by Milton Stanley Vergowe as early as 1942.
Original advertisement, 1949: R. L. Polk & Company Florida Polk's Orlando City Directory: Including Winter Park and Orange County. Richmond, Va: R. L. Polk, 1949: Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, Florida.
R. L. Polk & Company
Vergowe Agency, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Andvertisement for the Roper Realty Company in the Florida Polk's Orlando City Directories: Including Conway, Maitland and Winter Park for 1949. Located at 200 South Main Street (present-day Magnolia Avenue) in Downtown Orlando, Florida, Roper Realty Co. was a real estate agency during the 1940s and 1950s. Amons Andrew Rope migrated to the Orlando area in 1930, with his son, George Oliver Roper, following in 1945. Roper Realty Co. appears in city directories as early as 1946, but seems to have ceased to exist by 1956. In 1949, the business moved from its original location at 72 East Church Street to its new location on Main Street. The real estate broker, associate, and salesman for the company were Amos A. Roper, George O. Roper, and C. J. Gray, respectively. In 1961, both Roper and his son passed away.
Roper Realty Company, Downtown Orlando, Florida
An advertisement for real estate agent J. Daniel Kolar in the Florida Polk's Orlando City Directories: Including Conway, Maitland and Winter Park for 1949. Kolar ran a real estate business from 206 South Main Street (present-day Magnolia Avenue) sometime between 1948 and 1955. Prior to becoming a real estate agent, Kolar served as Vice President of Sunray Product, Inc. around 1943. During that same year, he resided at 473 South Orange Avenue with his wife, Helen M. Kolar. The couple had migrated to Ocoee, Florida, by 1954.
J. Daniel Kolar's Real Estate Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Stanley's Radio Sales & Service Advertisement
An advertisement for Stanley's Radio Sales & Service in the Florida Polk's Orlando City Directories: Including Conway, Maitland and Winter Park for 1949. Located at 226 South Main Street (present-day Magnolia Avenue) in Downtown Orlando, Florida, Stanley's was in businesses from approximately the mid-1940s to the early 1950s. The manager, Stanley Deware, was a registered Audio Frequency Track Circuits (AFTC) radio mechanic.
Stanley's Radio Sales & Service, Downtown Orlando, Florida
An advertisement for Johnson Electric Company published in the Florida Polk's Orlando City Directories: Including Conway, Maitland and Winter Park for 1949. Located at 23 East Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida, the company furnished services as electrical contractors for business in and around Orlando starting in approximately 1914. According to the ad, Johnson Electric Co. worked with lighting, fixtures, appliances, washing machines, electrical refrigerators, and ironers, and also offered a washing machine repair service. Over the years, the company expanded to included 23-29 East Church Street and, by 1963, Johnson Electric Co. had moved to 260 Magnolia Avenue. In 1981, the company was purchased by Harry A. Ferran, who merged it with Ward Air-conditioning to form Ferran Engineering Group, Inc. Ferran Servicing and Contracting is headquartered at 530 Grand Street.
Johnson Electric Company, Downtown Orlando, Florida
The Thomas building was an architectural arcade, which included several stores. The building was located at the intersection of Church Street and Magnolia Avenue, with a street address of 100 East Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. Magnolia was previously Main Street until the mid-1900s. Most of the block was occupied with small shops, such as Cervantes Spanish Restaurant, Family Loan Company, Roger Reality Company, and other shops. Slightly larger businesses such as the Astor Hotel, later the Bass Hotel, also existed on the block. The building was torn down and a new building was constructed in the late 1950s and demolished in the early 1960s. The Thomas Building was also sometimes referred to as the Church and Main Arcade. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
Original black and white photograph: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Information Center, Orlando, Florida.
Walter C. Bass (1900-1973) was born in Kissimmee, Florida, on January 9, 1900. He had attended the University of Florida (UF) and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, a 32d Degree Mason, a member of the Grotto and the Elks Club. Bass belonged to the Methodist Church and the Orlando Country Club. Over his lifetime, he held a variety of jobs, working in a meat market and grocery store, and then coming to own the Bass Hotel, work as a real estate agent, and, most importantly, serve as Orlandos city commissioner from 1952 to 1954. He was married to Ethel Bass and had two children. Bass passed away on January 19, 1973.
Original newspaper article: "Walter C. Bass, City Father." The Kissimmee Gazette: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Information Center, Orlando, Florida.
Hotel Bass, which was operated under that title from 1946 to 1965. The hotel was owned by Walter C. Bass (1900-1973) and his wife, Ethel Bass. Located at 217 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida, the building itself was built in 1907 and functioned as a hotel. The hotel has changed hands multiple times throughout its existence. Upon Bass' death his wife sold the hotel to Conway Kittredge for $52,000 and it was remodeled as an office space. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
This image is of South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida, sometime between 1930 and 1950. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
South Orange Avenue, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Cervantes Spanish Restaurant was one of the first Spanish restaurants to come to Orlando, Florida. It was run by Paul Vines and his wife, Annie Vines, and their business partner, C. Menendez. The restaurant sat at 19 East Church Street and stayed at that location for nearly 20 years. The restaurant had moved to that location in 1937 and remained there until the mid-1950s, when it was replaced by J & G Fine Foods, owned by a Gladys Barnett. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
Original 8 x 10 inch black and white photograph: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Information Center, Orlando, Florida.
Max Yacobian Cutting Doug Crenshaw's Hair
In this image, Max Yacobian is seen trimming the hair of Doug Crenshaw in 1953. The boy's father and grandfather, Don Crenshaw and Earl Crenshaw, respectively, are also in attendance. Yacobian worked as a barber at Star Barbershop since 1938, and perhaps as early as the late 1920s. By 1939, he became the sole proprietor of he barbershop located at 205 South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida. After cutting hair for over 25 years, he passed away sometime between 1953 and 1956. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
Original 8 x 10 inch black and white photograph, 1953: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Information Center, Orlando, Florida.
The Orlando Sentinel
Max Yacobian's Barbershop, Downtown Orlando, Florida
City Cab Company Taxi Service and the American Fire and Casualty Company
This photograph shows three businesses located on South Orange Avenue in Downtown Orlando, Florida, sometime between 1941 and 1946: City Cab Company Taxi Service, Kelly's Tires, and the American Fire and Casualty Company. City Cab Co. was founded by Napoleon B. Broward as early as 1941. Broward left the company in 1943 and was replaced by the company's secretary treasurer, Paul Mears. Later renamed Mears Transportation, it became one of the largest taxicab companies in Orlando and still operates today. The Exchange Building, pictured in the distance, was home to American Fire, an Ohio-based insurance corporation that had offices in the top two floors of the building for 18 years. In 1946, the insurance company bought the building and renamed it the American Building. These lots, as well as the rest of the block, were later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
A fishing lure handmade by Jim Pfiffer and sold at Jackson Sporting Goods, which was owned by William R. Jackson. From approximately 1935 to 1950, the store was located at 28 East Church Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. According to the records reviewed for the 1940s and the 1980s, a Jim Pfiffer was not located by name or profession and remains unknown. This lot, as well as the rest of the block, was later replaced by the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza.
Original fishing lure by Jim Pfiffer: Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Downtown Orlando Information Center, Orlando, Florida.
Jackson Sporting Goods, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Six men standing in front of Nick Serros' Fish & Poultry Company in Downtown Orlando, Florida, sometime around 1938. Nick Serros (b. 1888), the company owner, was born in Greece in 1888 and immigrated to the United States in 1923. He opened his business in the late 1930s. The business remained on the block until it was bought out to make way for the CNA Tower and Barnett Plaza. In 1941, Serros' held a location of 117 South Court Street, but moved to 37 East Jackson Street by 1943. The following year, the business was listed at 37-41 E. Jackson and remained at that location until 1952.
A History of Central Florida, Episode 30: Bolita
Episode 30 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Bolita. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 30 features a discussion of bolita, a Cuban game similar to the lottery. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Nick Wynne of the Florida Historical Society, Dr. Gary Ross Mormino of the University of South Florida, and George "Speedy" Harrell, a resident of Brevard County.
Original 12-minute and 22-second podcast by Kendra Hazen, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 30: Bolita." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Groveland Historical Museum
Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum
Florida Memory Project
Library of Congress
A History of Central Florida, Episode 35: Leather Fire Helmet
Episode 35 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: Leather Fire Helmet. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 35 features a discussion of a 1920s-era leather fire helmet located at the Mount Dora History Museum in Mount Dora, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with former firefighter Jerry Michals of the Denver Firefighters Museum and Fire Chief Stephen "Skip" Kerkhof of the Mount Dora Fire Department.
Original 12-minute and 38-second podcast by Ella Gibson, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 35: Leather Fire Helmet." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Mount Dora History Museum
Archive.org
MSA Safety, Inc.
Mount Dora History Museum, Mount Dora, Florida
Mount Dora Fire Department, Mount Dora, Florida
Trinity Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York City, New York
Denver Firefighters Museum, Denver, Colorado
A History of Central Florida, Episode 34: Rollins Collegiate Wear
Episode 34 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: Rollins Collegiate Wear. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 34 features a discussion of collegiate wear housed at Rollins College's Olin Library in Winter Park, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Christopher Loss of Vanderbilt University and Dr. Jack Constant Lane of Rollins College.
Original 13-minute and 38-second podcast by Daniel Velásquez, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 34: Rollins Collegiate Wear." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Department of College Archives and Special Collections, Olin Library, Rollins College
A History of Central Florida, Episode 33: Salt and Pepper Shakers
Episode 33 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: Salt and Pepper Shakers. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 33 features a discussion of souvenir salt and pepper shakers sold to tourists during the 20th Century. This podcast also includes interviews with Andrea Ludden of the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Dr. Tracy J. Revels of Wofford College, and Dr. Nick Wynne of the Florida Historical Society.
Original 14-minute and 20-second podcast by Chip Ford, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 33: Salt and Pepper Shakers." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Clermont Historic Village
Clermont Historic Village, Clermont, Florida
Orange County Regional History Center, Downtown Orlando, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 32: Tapestries
Episode 32 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: Tapestries. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 32 features a discussion of New Deal-era tapestries displayed at the New Smyrna Museum of History in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Susan Ware, author Nick Taylor, and Dr. Nick Wynne of the Florida Historical Society.
Original 13-minute and 9-second podcast by Bethany Dickens, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 32: Tapestries." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
New Smyrna Museum of History
New Smyrna Museum of History, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 31: Quilt Stories
Episode 31 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: Quilt Stories. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 31 features a discussion of quilts located at the Lake Mary Historical Museum in Lake Mary, Florida, and Winter Garden Heritage Foundation in Winter Garden. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Amanda Sikarskie of Western Michigan University and quilter Dorothy MacDougall.
Original 14-minute and 46-second podcast by Chip Ford, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 31: Quilt Stories." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Lake Mary Historical Museum
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
Harry & Harriette Moore Memorial Park
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida
Harry & Harriette Moore Memorial Park, Mims, Florida
Lake Mary Historical Museum, Lake Mary, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 29: Mosquito Beater
Episode 29 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Mosquito Beater. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 29 features a discussion of a mosquito beater located at the Florida Historical Society in Cocoa, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Gordon Patterson of the Florida Institute of Technology, George "Speedy" Harrell of the Mosquito Beater Club, and Dr. Nick Wynne of the Florida Historical Society.
Original 11-minute and 24-second podcast by Ella Gibson, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 29: Mosquito Beater." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Florida Historical Society
Florida Historical Society, Cocoa Beach, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 28: Rum Runner
Episode 28 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Rum Runner. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 28 features a discussion of a barometer and pair of binoculars owned by Bill McCoy, the famous rum runner during Prohibition. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Leonard R. Lempel of Daytona State College, Dr. Mark Howard Long of the University of Central Florida, and John Beale of the Florida Maritime Museum.
Original 13-minute and 19-second podcast by Katie Kelley, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 28: Rum Runner." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Halifax Historical Museum
Halifax Historical Museum, Daytona Beach, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 27: Leather Cap & Goggles
Episode 27 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Leather Cap & Goggles. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 27 features a discussion of a leather racing cap and goggles, as well as automobile racing artifacts located at the Halifax Historical Museum in Daytona Beach, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Randal L. Hall of Rice University and Buzz McKim, a National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) historian.
Original 13-minute and 1-second podcast by Bethany Dickens, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 27: Leather Cap & Goggles." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A History of Central Florida, Episode 26: Fishing Boats
Episode 26 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Fishing Boats. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 26 features a discussion of fishing boats and other artifacts located at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and the Museum of Geneva History. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Mark Howard Long of the University of Central Florida and Doug Kelly, author of Florida's Fishing Legends and Pioneers.
Original 10-minute and 50-second podcast by Katie Kelley, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 26: Fishing Boats." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Museum of Geneva History
Rick Prelinger Archives
Winter Garden Heritage Museum, Winter Garden, Florida
Museum of Geneva History, Geneva, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 20: Railroad Bells
Episode 20 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Railroad Bells. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 20 features a discussion of the railroad bells housed at the Halifax Historical Museum and the Central Florida Railroad Museum. This podcast also includes an interview with Dr. Mark Howard Long of the University of Central Florida.
Original 12-minute and 55-second podcast by Katie Kelley and Christopher Brooke, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 20: Railroad Bells." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Central Florida Railroad Museum
freesound.org
Central Florida Railroad Museum, Winter Garden, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 19: Russian Samovar
Episode 19 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Russian Samovar. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 19 features a discussion of the Russian Samovar housed at the Museum of Geneva History. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Mark Howard Long and Dr. Vladimir Solonari of the University of Central Florida, and Dr. Gary Ross Mormino of the University of South Florida.
Original 12-minute and 7-second podcast by Katie Kelley, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 19: Russian Samovar." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A History of Central Florida, Episode 18: Time Pieces
Episode 18 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Time Pieces. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 18 features a discussion of time pieces at the Museum of Geneva History, the Central Florida Railroad Museum, and the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Mark Howard Long of the University of Central Florida, Dr. Alexis M. McCrossen of Southern Methodist University, Philip Cross of the National Railway Historical Society, and Ben Green, author of Before His Time: The Untold Story of Harry T. Moore, America's First Civil Rights Martyr.
Original 14-minute and 39-second podcast by Bethany Dickens, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 18: Time Pieces." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex, Mims, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 17: Travel Dining
Episode 17 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Travel Dining. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 17 features a discussion of a travel dining on steamships in Central Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Mark Howard Long of the University of Central Florida, Dr. Tracy J. Revels of Wofford College, and Philip Cross of the National Railway Historical Society.
Original 12-minute and 42-second podcast by Bethany Dickens, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 17: Travel Dining." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Museum of Seminole County History
Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 16: Print Culture
Episode 16 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Print Culture. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 16 features a discussion of print culture in Central Florida, focusing on newspapers The New Smyrna Breeze and The Sanford Herald. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Elizabeth Haven Hawley of the University of Florida and Dr. Kimberly Voss of the University of Central Florida.
Original 13-minute podcast by Ella Gibson and Christopher Brooke, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 16: Print Culture." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Sanford Museum
ryanives.net
A History of Central Florida, Episode 25: Company Scrip
Episode 25 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Company Scrip. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 25 features a discussion of the company scrips housed at the Groveland Historical Museum and the Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Mark Howard Long of the University of Central Florida and Dr. Paul Ortiz of the University of Florida.
Original 12-minute and 7-second podcast by Ella Gibson, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 25: Company Scrip." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Groveland Historical Museum, Groveland, Florida
Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum, Kissimmee, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 24: Gatch Family Farm Equipment
Episode 24 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Gatch Family Farm Equipment. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 24 features a discussion of Willard Gatch and the Gatch Family farm equipment housed at the Lake County Historical Museum, located at 217 West Main Street in Tavares, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Mark Howard Long and Dr. Connie L. Lester of the University of Central Florida, as well as Willard Gatch.
Original 13-minute and 8-second podcast by Chip Ford, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 24: Gatch Family Farm Equipment." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Lake County Historical Museum
Lake County Historical Museum, Tavares, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 23: Turpentine Industry
Episode 23 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Turpentine Industry. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 23 features a discussion of turpentine industry in Central Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Nick Wynne of the Florida Historical Society and Barbara Hines of the Florida Public Archaeology Network.
Original 12-minute and 35-second podcast by Bob Clarke, 2013: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 23: Turpentine Industry." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Museum of Geneva History (museum partner)
Museum of Seminole County History (museum partner)
Florida Memory Project (photos)
Library of Congress (photos)
The Prelinger Archives (film clips)
A History of Central Florida, Episode 22: Dickson's Folly
Episode 22 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Dickson's Folly. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 22 features a discussion of a Dickson's Folly, an early attempt to regulate traffic in Orlando, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Julian C. Chambliss of Rollins College and Dr. Fon Gordon of the University of Central Florida.
Original 10-minute and 58-second podcast by Katie Kelley, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 22: Dickson's Folly." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Orange County Regional History Center
Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 21: Townsend House
Episode 21 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Townsend House. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 21 features a discussion of Townsend House, part of the Clermont Historic Village, located at 490 West Avenue in Clermont, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Anne Lindsay of the University of Central Florida, Dr. Julian C. Chambliss of Rollins College, and Dr. Charlie Hailey of University of Florida.
Original 14-minute and 50-second podcast by Chip Ford, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 21: Townsend House." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Clermont Historic Village Museum
A History of Central Florida, Episode 15: Cracker House
Episode 15 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Cracker House. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 15 features the Lanier House, an exemplary structure of cracker architecture. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Mark Howard Long of the University of Central Florida, Dr. Ronald W. Haase of the University of Florida, David Haase, and Dr. Charlie Hailey of the University of Florida.
Original 12-minute and 55-second podcast by Bob Clarke, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 15: Cracker House." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A History of Central Florida, Episode 14: Cannonball
Episode 14 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Cannonball. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 14 features a discussion of the American Civil War-era cannonballs found in New Smyrna, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Barbara Gannon of the University of Central Florida and Dr. Robert A. Taylor of Florida Institute of Technology.
Original 9-minute and 17-second podcast by Daniel Velásquez, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 14: Cannonball." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A History of Central Florida, Episode 13: Buck and Ball
Episode 13 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Buck and Ball. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 13 features a discussion of war artifacts from the Seminole Wars. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Andrew K. Frank of Florida State University, author John Missal, and Gary D. Ellis of the Gulf Archaeology Research Institute.
Original 12-minute and 40-second podcast by Kendra Hazen, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 13: Buck and Ball." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A History of Central Florida
Cassanello, Kathleen
Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center
Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, Ocala, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 12: Spalding Plate
Episode 12 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Spalding Plate. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 12 features a discussion of a spalding plate recovered from the Spalding Upper Indian Store in Astor, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Daniel S. Murphree of the University of Central Florida and Dr. Andrew K. Frank of Florida State University.
Original 12-minute and 27-second podcast by Kendra Hazen, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 12: Spalding Plate." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A History of Central Florida, Episode 11: Tobacco Pipes
Episode 11 of A History of Central Florida podcasts: Tobacco Pipes. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 11 features a discussion of the use of tobacco pipes by Precolumbian Native Americans in Central Florida, particularly the Timucua. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Jerald T. Milanich of the University of Florida, Dr. Neill J. Wallis of the Florida Museum of Natural History, and antique pipe collector Frank Burla.
Original 14-minute and 4-second podcast by Chip Ford, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 11: Tobacco Pipes." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A History of Central Florida, Episode 10: Piliklikaha
Episode 10 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: Piliklikaha. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 10 features the Piliklikaha, a safehaven town for runaway slaves. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Brent Weisman of the University of South Florida and Dr. Terrance M. Weik of the University of South Carolina.
Original 15-minute and 7-second podcast by Kendra Hazen, 2014: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 10: Piliklikaha." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Florida Museum of Natural History
Rebellion: John Horse and the Black Seminoles, First Black Rebels to Beat American Slavery
Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 9: St. Benedict Medal
Episode 9 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: St. Benedict Medal. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 9 features a discussion of the St. Benedict Medal found in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Emily Graham of Oklahoma State University, Dr. Roger Grange of the University of South Florida, and Dr. Daniel S. Murphree of the University of Central Florida.
Original 13-minute and 5-second podcast by Chip Ford, 2013: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 9: St. Benedict Medal." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
A History of Central Florida, Episode 8: European Earthenware
Episode 8 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: European Earthenware. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 8 features a discussion of the European ceramics found in the New World. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. George Long of University of Central Florida, Dr. Roger Grange of the University of South Florida, and Dr. Daniel S. Murphree of the University of Central Florida.
Original 10-minute and 59-second podcast by Bethany Dickens, 2013: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 8: European Earthenware." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Florida History Online
Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, St. Augustine, Florida
University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
A History of Central Florida, Episode 7: Spanish Mission Bell
Episode 7 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: Spanish Mission Bell. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 7 features a discussion of the Spanish mission bell recovered in the Ocklawaha River between Palatka and Ocala, Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. John Worth of the University of West Florida and Dr. Daniel S. Murphree of the University of Central Florida.
Original 11-minute and 40-second podcast by Kevin Stapleton, 2013: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 7: Spanish Mission Bell." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources
A History of Central Florida, Episode 6: Early Maps of Florida
Episode 6 of A History of Central Florida Podcast: Early Maps of Florida. A History of Central Florida Podcast series explores Central Florida's history through the artifacts found in local area museums and historical societies. These podcasts can involve the participation or cooperation of local area partners. Episode 6 features early maps of Florida. This podcast also includes interviews with Dr. Ben Huseman of the University of Texas at Arlington and Dr. Daniel S. Murphree of the University of Central Florida.
Original 14-minute and 27-second podcast by Kendra Hazen, 2013: "A History of Central Florida, Episode 6: Early Maps of Florida." A History of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Internet Archive
Oral history told by Peter Newman, playwright, director, and board member of Creative Sanford, Inc., a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup: Florida's Folk Life Play community theater productions. Celery Soup's first production was Touch and Go, a play about how the people of Sanford overcame obstacles throughout their history. This interview, conducted by Mark Miller, deals with topics such as the history of Creative Sanford, and Celery Soup, Newman's playwriting process, the Florida highwaymen, scripts that Newman wrote, the use of history as inspiration for plays, the importance of authenticity, the story of Dr. George H. Starke, dealing with sensitive issues and race relations, the interviewing process, and the community's reaction to Celery Soup's plays.
Newman, Peter. Interviewed by Mark Miller. Audio record available. RICHES of Central Florida.
Creative Sanford, Inc., Sanford, Florida
Naval Air Station (NAS), Sanford, Florida
Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Sanford, Florida
An oral history of 89-year-old Odetta Copper (b. 1921), who was born on June 26, 1921, in France, Florida. She migrated to Sanford in 1946. Copper tells of her strict upbringing and the hardship she faced when growing up with her parents and nine siblings. In the interview, she also describes what it was like working on the farm, what holidays were like, and how times have changed.
Copper, Odetta. Interviewed by Bev [last name unknown]. February 25, 2010. Audio record available. Creative Sanford, Inc., Sanford Florida.
Oral History of Calvert and Phyllis Conklin
An oral history of Calvert Conklin and Phyllis Conklin. Cal moved from Baltimore, Maryland, to Florida in 1963 and Phyllis was born in Florida. The couple met each other at the University of Illinois, where Cal pursued his doctorate degree after returning from the Korean War. In the interview, Cal and Phyllis discuss their involvement in the development of the historic section of Downtown Sanford. They also discuss their humanitarian experiences and awards. The couple then delves into the racial tensions within Sanford during integration, even going so far as to tell detailed stories of violence within the city and the alienation they experienced because they came from the North and openly mixed with African Americans.
Conklin, Calvert and Phyllis Conklin. Interviewed by Trish Thompson. Celery Soup, June 24, 2011. Audio record available. Creative Sanford, Inc., Sanford Florida.
Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, Sanford, Florida
Woman's Club of Sanford, Sanford, Florida
Rescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida, Sanford, Florida
Good Samaritan Home of Sanford, Sanford, Florida
First Presbyterian Church, Sanford, Florida
An oral history of Elizabeth Bridges. Bridges discusses what life was like in Singapore as a child in the 1960s. She also talks about how she met her first husband, Victor Green. Green worked on an oil rig in the Pacific Ocean for HuffCo. Bridges tells what it was like for her husband to work for that company. She had to learn how to cook Southern food and adapt to life in America. Her first husband died of lung cancer in 1991. She then met her second husband, Jack Bridges, and married him in 1998. After her husband overcame his alcohol addiction, he ran for city commissioner in 2005. He brought many positive changes to the city and was a well-known and successful attorney.
Bridges, Elizabeth. Interviewed by Trish Thompson. 2010. Audio record available. Creative Sanford, Inc., Sanford Florida.
Oral History of Patricia Ann Black and Billy Hardy
An oral history of both Patricia Ann Black (b. 1956) and Billy Hardy (b. 1956). Hardy was born on August 17, 1956, and Black was born 14 days later on August 31. Both grew up at the end of Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. This oral history interview was conducted by Trish Thompson and Freddie Román-Toro. Hardy and Black attended Hopper Elementary School through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. They talk about what life was like in Sanford during segregation and what happened to make integration possible. Black talks about what her education in New York was like when compared to that in Sanford. Hardy discusses how football helped ameliorate tensions among blacks and whites. He also shares his experiences in the Army. Black and Hardy also discuss their childhood romance and how circumstances changed their relationship. Hardy also speaks about his time in technical school and his passion for cars. Other topics include the differences between attending school in New York and Florida, the Trayvon Martin case, and the sexual abuse of Black as a child.
Black, Patricia and Billy Hardy. Interviewed by Trish Thompson and Freddie Román-Toro. March 2013. Audio record available. Creative Sanford, Inc., Sanford, Florida.
Lakeview Middle School, Winter Garden, Florida
Sanford Junior High School, Sanford, Florida
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.
Original color photograph, 1997: Private Collection of Nancy Lynn Cepero.
Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
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.
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.
Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, Florida
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.