The giant bald cypress tree known as The Senator during the first quarter of the 20th century. As early as the late 1800s, this centuries-old tree was considered a tourist destination, but it wasn't until 1927 that a park was established around the tree. Senator Moses O. Overstreet donated six acres of land , which included the tree, to Seminole County to establish a park with the stipulation that a road would be built to take visitors into the park. The generosity of Senator Overstreet inspired residents to name the giant cypress tree "The Senator." Located at 761 General Hutchinson Parkway in present-day Longwood, Florida, the new park was named the Big Tree Park in honor of the main attraction. In 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated a bronze plaque at the site of the tree. The plaque was stolen in 1945. Based on a core sample taken by the American Forestry Association, The Senator was estimated to be 3500 years old in 1946. The Big Tree Park also features another giant cypress estimated to be 2000 years old. In 2005, local elementary students names the tree Lady Liberty. It was considered to be the companion tree to The Senator, as they were only 40 feet apart. The Senator continued to be a tourist attraction and local landmark until January 16, 2012, when it was lost in a fire.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30B, item 129, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Seminole Big Tree Park, Longwood, Florida
Lake Monroe (Seminole County and Volusia County, Fla.)
Steamboats--Florida--St. Johns River--History
A dock in Sanford, Florida in 1934. Sanford's location on the shore of Lake Monroe played a significant role in the growth of the city as a commercial hub. Lake Monroe is a part of the St. Johns River which served as a commercial highway through central Florida before the railroads were built. Steamships carrying essential goods would travel up and down the St. Johns River and dock at piers in small towns along the way. Henry Sanford purchased the land for the city in 1870 and from the start he saw the potential for the site to become an important transportation location, saying that the new city would be the Gate City of South Florida. Throughout the 1870's and early 1880's commercial steamboats played a significant role in the development of Sanford. Henry Sanford encouraged investment in the growing town and formed a land company based in London to bring in new investors. Also during 1880 construction started on the South Florida Railroad. The line was to have a stop in Sanford and would help to continue to develop the city as a commercial center. The town grew prosperous from this business which led to the establishment of several wharves, a railroad station and a hotel. With the introduction of the railroad steamships became less important to the commercial business in Sanford, but the city was already established as a center for distribution. In 1913 Sanford was named the county seat to the newly formed Seminole County.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, May 31, 1934: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30B, item 117, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Former Southern Utilities Company Building
The former building of the Southern Utilities Company, located at 112 South Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. When the building first opened in 1924, it operated as an ice house. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated boxcars. Ice houses also provided cold storage for produce, meat, and other food goods for better food preservation. The most recent business that took over the building is a bar known as the Wet Spot.
Original color digital image by Laura Cepero, July 3, 2011.
RICHES of Central Florida
Former Sanford Public Service Company Building
The former building of the Sanford Public Service Company, located at 1501 West First Street in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. When the building first opened in 1922, it operated as an ice house. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated boxcars. Ice houses also provided cold storage for produce, meat, and other food goods for better food preservation.
Original color digital image by Laura Cepero, July 9, 2011.
Sanford Parents Complain Ice House is Hazard to Children
Newspaper article highlighting complaints from Sanford parents about the potential safety hazards of an old ice house operated and leased by Thomas Ice Company. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Photocopy of original newspaper article by Bob Frey: "Sanford parents complain ice house hazard to children." The Little Sentinel, August 16, 1978, page 8: Ice Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford Light and Fuel Company, Sanford Ice and Water Company, Crystal Ice Company
Newspaper article on the Sanford's three major utility companies: Sanford Light and Fuel Company, Sanford Ice and Water Company, and Crystal Ice Company. The latter two were ice plants, which manufactured ice that was used for shipping produce in refrigerated box cars. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Former Sanford Ice, Light, and Power Building
The former building of Sanford Ice, Light, and Power built in 1924. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles. It is now the location of Antiques and Dustibles.
Original color digital image by Laura Cepero, July 28, 2011.
The former building of Sanford Ice Company, which was located at 320 South Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida in 1887. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes prior to the invention and widespread use of modern refrigeration. At the time that this photograph was taken in 2011, the building was home of the First Presbyterian Church of Sanford.
Former Sanford Ice and Cold Storage Building
Sanford Ice and Cold Storage, founded in 1887, was located at 401 South Sanford Avenue in Sanford, Florida. This four-unit building, located on the corner of South Sanford Avenue and East First Street in the historic African-American neighborhood called Georgetown, was later occupied by the House of Bread Bakery in the 1920s. On March 7, 2012, Jason Turner's application for a Façade Improvement Grant was approved by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency for $20,000. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Original color digital images by Laura Cepero, July 9, 2011.
Excerpt from When Celery Was King by Charlie C. Carlson. The excerpt includes an image of the Rand Yard Ice House with accompanying text. The Rand Yard Ice House was located on Rand Yard Road in Sanford, Florida. The ice plant was built in 1926 by the Mountain Ice Company of Chicago, had a 700 ton storage capacity, operated 24 hours a day, ranked second in the U.S. for ice production, and was once Seminole County's largest building for somet time. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can. Although working at an ice plant was known as dangerous and hard work, employees enjoyed a steady well paid job. By 1928, the Rand Yard Ice House employed 73 African-American workers.
Carlson, Charlie. When Celery Was King. Sanford, Fla: Sanford Historical Society, 2000.
Sanford Historical Society, Inc.
Rand Yard Ice House, located on Rand Yard Road in Sanford, Florida in 2003. The ice plant was built in 1926 by the Mountain Ice Company of Chicago, had a 700 ton storage capacity, operated 24 hours a day, ranked second in the U.S. for ice production, and was once Seminole County's largest building for somet time. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can. Although working at an ice plant was known as dangerous and hard work, employees enjoyed a steady well paid job. By 1928, the Rand Yard Ice House employed 73 African-American workers.
Original black and white photograph published by EYESEEIMAGES: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Chart representing the various ice plants and houses located in Sanford, Florida. These ice houses include: Crystal Ice Company, 110 South Park Avenue; Hunter Ice & Fuel Company, 700 West Thirteenth Street; New Ice Company; Rand Yard Ice House, Rand Yard Road; Sanford Ice and Cold Storage, 403 South Sanford Avenue; Sanford Ice and Water Company, 702 South French Avenue; Sanford Ice Company, 320 South Park Avenue; Sanford Ice, Light, and Power, 218 East First Street; Sanford Public Service, 110 South Park Avenue and 1501 West First Street; Southern Utilities, 112 South Park Avenue; and Thomas Ice Company, 702 South French Avenue. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Original chart created by Laura Cepero, July 22, 2011.
Hunter Ice and Fuel Company, Sanford, Florida
Sanford Ice and Cold Storage, Sanford, Florida
Sanford Ice and Water Company, Sanford, Florida
Sanford Ice, Light, and Power, Sanford, Florida
Sanford Public Service, Sanford, Florida
Ice House Controversy Melts Into Compliance
Newspaper article on City of Sanford's failed efforts to condemn the dilapidated Hunter Ice and Fuel Company building located at 700 West Thirteenth Street in 2007. According the the article, the building's owner, John McFarland, could avoid having the factory condemned if he complies with city building codes. Prior to starting an ice manufacturing business in Sanford, owner Duval W. Hunter, Sr., operated an ice house in North Carolina which supplied ice for in-home use. In 1952, the Hunter moved his ice manufacturing business to Sanford because of the higher demand to cool and preserve agricultural goods. Prior to ice manufacturing, states along the east coast of the United States relied on harvested ice from frozen lakes and ponds shipped from New England. Many southern states during the 1860s began relying on ice manufacturing once the shipment of harvested ice from the northern states ceased. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can.
Original newspaper article by Joe Hendricks: "Icehouse controversy melts into compliance." The Sanford Herald, October 24, 2007.
The Sanford Herald
The Hunter Ice & Fuel Company, formerly located at 700 West Thirteenth Street in Sanford, Florida, sometime between 1952 and 1959. Prior to starting an ice manufacturing business in Sanford, owner Duval W. Hunter, Sr., operated an ice house in North Carolina which supplied ice for in-home use. In 1952, the Hunter moved his ice manufacturing business to Sanford because of the higher demand to cool and preserve agricultural goods. Prior to ice manufacturing, states along the east coast of the United States relied on harvested ice from frozen lakes and ponds shipped from New England. Many southern states during the 1860s began relying on ice manufacturing once the shipment of harvested ice from the northern states ceased. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can.
Original black and white photograph: Ice Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Former Hunter Ice & Fuel Company building, located at 700 West Thirteenth Street in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. Prior to starting an ice manufacturing business in Sanford, owner Duval W. Hunter, Sr., operated an ice house in North Carolina which supplied ice for in-home use. In 1952, the Hunter moved his ice manufacturing business to Sanford because of the higher demand to cool and preserve agricultural goods. At the time that this photograph was taken in June 2011, the building was vacant. Prior to ice manufacturing, states along the east coast of the United States relied on harvested ice from frozen lakes and ponds shipped from New England. Many southern states during the 1860s began relying on ice manufacturing once the shipment of harvested ice from the northern states ceased. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can manufacturing states along the east coast of the United States relied on harvested ice from frozen lakes and ponds shipped from New England. Many southern states during the 1860s began relying on ice manufacturing once the shipment of harvested ice from the northern states ceased. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can.
Newspaper article about and portrait of businessman and politician, Forrest Lake around 1910. Forrest Lake first arrived in Sanford, Florida in the 1880s. Lake was known as a local politician and later a member of state government. One of his most well known successes in politics was the passing of the bill that created Seminole County in 1913. Throughout the early- to mid-1920s, Lake owned an icehouse, founded Seminole County Bank, and established the Hotel Forrest Lake. By the end of the Florida real estate boom, Lake suffered many financial loses when the hotel went bankrupt and he was accused of bank fraud. In 1928, Lake went through a series of trials related to the bank fraud scandal and was later sent to state prison for fourteen years. Lake only served six years and lived the rest of his life in Sanford. He died in 1939.
Original newspaper article by Edward Talcot Woodruff: Sanford Chronicle Industrial Edition (Winter 1910): 16.
Journal article about developments of the ice industry in the Florida cities of Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Miami, and Sanford in 1904. In Fort Piece, Joseph Jefferson, C. C. Chillingworth, and A. R. Beaujean organized a company that planned on erecting an electric light plant and ice factory in the city. The Diamond Ice Company planned to enlarges its 20-ton ice and cold storage plant in Gainesville. In Miami, the Florida East Coast Ice Company began building a 30-ton ice plant with ice storage rooms and machinery furnished by the Frick Company of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. The Sanford Ice Company also made plans to enlarge its ice factory in Sanford and to install new machinery. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Original journal article: "Florida." Ice and Refrigeration 1, vol. 27 (1904): 197.
Vegetable Shipments in Refrigerated Boxcars
Refrigeration and refrigerating machinery--United States
Vegetables being crated for shipment by rail during the first quarter of the twentieth century. Each boxcar was refrigerated by blocks of ice provided by local ice houses in Sanford. With the introduction of ice houses and refrigeration, farmers were able to harvest their crops more efficiently and to take in more profits from the better preserved fruits and vegetables. Farmers in relied on local ice houses to better preserve their crops before and during transport to markets. Box cars were also refrigerated to ensure that produce crops remained fresh until they were sold. Many farmers in Sanford, Florida grew celery during the early-1900s and utilized the local ice houses to store their produce. It was recommended that celery kept in ice refrigeration be stored at 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Original black and white photograph: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Arcadia Publishing
Former Crystal Ice Company and Sanford Public Service Building
The former Crystal Ice Company building, which was located at 110 South Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida. The Crystal Ice Company was located here in 1915, and the Sanford Public Service ice house moved in by 1917. By 1922, the building became an ice storage shop. At the time that this photograph was taken in July 2011, the building was vacant. By the beginning of the twentieth century, most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Citrus fruit industry--Florida--Orange County
Agricultural laborers fumigating citrus trees at Isleworth Grove in Windermere, Florida in 1904. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove. Isleworth Grove covered a total of 1,300 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Between 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. Between 1894 and 1900, different types of pesticide equipment was created, including equipment driven by steam, machines, and horses.Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965. The Isleworth property stayed in the Chase family until 1984 when Franklin Chase, the son of Sydney Chase, sold the property to famed golfer Arnold Palmer.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 212, folder 8.18, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Three citrus workers at Isleworth Grove in Windermere, Florida in 1904. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove. Isleworth Grove covered a total of 1,300 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Between 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. Between 1894 and 1900, different types of pesticide equipment was created, including equipment driven by steam, machines, and horses.Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965. The Isleworth property stayed in the Chase family until 1984 when Franklin Chase, the son of Sydney Chase, sold the property to famed golfer Arnold Palmer.
One year old citrus buds at Isleworth Grove in Windermere, Florida in 1904. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove. Isleworth Grove covered a total of 1,300 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Between 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. Between 1894 and 1900, different types of pesticide equipment was created, including equipment driven by steam, machines, and horses.Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965. The Isleworth property stayed in the Chase family until 1984 when Franklin Chase, the son of Sydney Chase, sold the property to famed golfer Arnold Palmer.
Aerial views of Isleworth Grove in Windermere, Florida in 1936. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove. Isleworth Grove covered a total of 1,300 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Between 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. Between 1894 and 1900, different types of pesticide equipment was created, including equipment driven by steam, machines, and horses.Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965. The Isleworth property stayed in the Chase family until 1984 when Franklin Chase, the son of Sydney Chase, sold the property to famed golfer Arnold Palmer.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photographs by Chase & Company, March 3, 1936: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 212, folder 8.18, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida in 1880. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880, but was destroyed by a fire in 1923. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1880: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 112, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Sanford House Hotel Park, adjoining the Sanford House Hotel, overlooked the waterfront of Lake Monroe at Commercial Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida in 1934. The hotel was built by Henry Sanford (1823-1891) with the intent of attracting tourists and providing housing for would-be wealthy settlers to the city of Sanford. The Sanford House Hotel was joined by the Lake Monroe House, a lower-cost alternative geared towards laborers, both of which were completed in 1876. Facing the waterfront, the hotel was located at the intersection of Commercial Street and Palmetto Avenue. The Sanford House Hotel featured three stories – two of which included porches – and enough rooms to serve 150 guests. The hotel’s landscaping included flower beds and citrus trees. A boardwalk led visitors straight from the hotel to the shores of Lake Monroe. Rates for a room in 1884 ranged from $15 to $20 per week. The 1887 fire came very close to the Sanford House, and it was feared that sparks would add it to the destruction. What saved it were wet blankets which were draped from the roof and windows. The Sanford House Hotel was torn down in May of 1920. At the turn of the century, the Sanford House Hotel was the center of all major city events and celebrations. While guide books from the period often included positive reference to the hotel, it failed to attract many visitors. The hotel did not make any profit during its first years of operation. By its third year, the 1879-1880 season, the hotel netted only $800 in profits. The hotel continued to make meager profits for the remainder of the nineteenth century. Nonetheless, it served as a central point of focus during city celebrations during the period.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, May 31, 1934: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 116, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida during Easter of 1901. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880, but was destroyed by a fire in 1923. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, April 4, 1901: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 118, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Church of the Holy Cross Destroyed in Hurricane of 1880
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida after the Hurricane of 1880. On August 29, 1880, a Category 2 hurricane made landfall near Saint Augustine, affecting areas from the Jupiter Inlet to the mouth of the St. Johns River to the Gulf of Mexico. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880, but was destroyed by a fire in 1923. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photoprint by Chase & Company, 1880: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 117, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880. The church pictured is most likely the second incarnation of the Holy Cross Episcopal Church. It was destroyed in 1923 by a fire. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 110, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Intersection at Second Street and Oak Street
The intersection of Second Street and Oak Street in Sanford, Florida in 1884. When General Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) first established the City of Sanford, he laid out the streets on a grid plan. Streets running toward Lake Monroe were given names of native Florida trees, while streets running parallel to the lake were numbered.
Original 8.5 x 5.5 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1884: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 114, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Sanford, Florida after the Great Fire of 1887. On September 27, 1887, "The Big Fire" burned and damaged the majority of the east side of Sanford. The fire began at Altree's Bakery on First Street and quickly spread through the wooden buildings in the city. The Sanford Fire Department helped extinguish the fire. Buildings such as the Sanford House Hotel were spared by placing wet blankets on the roof. Many of those buildings that were destroyed in the fire were immediately rebuilt using brick.
Original 8.5 x 5.5 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 109, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Original 8.5 x 5.5 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 108, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Interior View of Holy Cross Episcopal Church
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida. The photograph was likely taken before the building burned down in November of 1923. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880, but was destroyed by a fire in 1923. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 107, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Orange grove in Sanford, Florida. By the time that this photograph had been taken in 1897, citrus groves in Central Florida had mostly recover from the devastating Freeze of 1888. In 1871, General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891) began clearing land and planting citrus groves. He began planting citrus groves at St. Gertrude, an orange grove named after his wife. By 1873, General Sanford moved his orange growing endeavors to Belair, a tract of 145 acres three miles from Sanford. In 1894, General Sanford and other citrus growers suffered greatly as a result of record low and freezing temperatures. Since all of the year's crop yield was damaged as well as the trees, farmers in Sanford relied on celery as a new crop and source of income. Local business Chase & Company continued growing citrus and took over the operations at Belair to become one of Sanford's largest employers during the early twentieth century.
Original 8.5 x 5.5 inch inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, June 3, 1897: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 113, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Former building at First Street and Magnolia Avenue prior to the construction of the N.P. Yowell and Garner Woodruff Buildings. The building was named after Fort Reid, which was established by Colonel William Harney on July 7, 1840. Colonel Harney named the fort after Robert Raymond Reid, the fourth Territorial Governor of Florida. "Reed" is another common spelling used in Sanford. Newton P. Yowell first came to Central Florida in 1884 with his family. Nine years after arriving in Florida, Yowell borrowed money from his mother and friends and opened a dry goods store. Shortly after Yowell opened his store in Sanford, the freeze of 1894-1895 hit the community hard. Even though crops were damaged and many people left Sanford, the Yowell Store remained open and survived the hard economic times. After the freeze, Yowell began construction on a new two-story brick building that would become the new store.
The intersection of First Street and Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida in 1882. When General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891) first established the City of Sanford, he laid out the streets on a grid plan. Streets running toward Lake Monroe were given names of native Florida trees, while streets running parallel to the lake were numbered.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1882: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Sanford Hotel House Park in Sanford, Florida in 1880. The Sanford House Hotel was built by Henry Sanford (1823-1891) with the intent of attracting tourists and providing housing for would-be wealthy settlers to the city of Sanford. The Sanford House Hotel was joined by the Lake Monroe House, a lower-cost alternative geared towards laborers, both of which were completed in 1876. Facing the waterfront, the hotel was located at the intersection of Commercial Street and Palmetto Avenue. The Sanford House Hotel featured three stories – two of which included porches – and enough rooms to serve 150 guests. The hotel’s landscaping included flower beds and citrus trees. A boardwalk led visitors straight from the hotel to the shores of Lake Monroe. Rates for a room in 1884 ranged from $15 to $20 per week. The 1887 fire came very close to the Sanford House, and it was feared that sparks would add it to the destruction. What saved it were wet blankets which were draped from the roof and windows. The Sanford House Hotel was torn down in May of 1920. At the turn of the century, the Sanford House Hotel was the center of all major city events and celebrations. While guide books from the period often included positive reference to the hotel, it failed to attract many visitors. The hotel did not make any profit during its first years of operation. By its third year, the 1879-1880 season, the hotel netted only $800 in profits. The hotel continued to make meager profits for the remainder of the nineteenth century. Nonetheless, it served as a central point of focus during city celebrations during the period.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1880: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item No. 4, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. Original 5 x 7 inch black and white postcard: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC , Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
First Street Between Palmetto Avenue and Magnolia Avenue
First Street between Palmetto Avenue and Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida in 1882. When General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891) first established the City of Sanford, he laid out the streets on a grid plan. Streets running toward Lake Monroe were given names of native Florida trees, while streets running parallel to the lake were numbered. Also pictured in the photograph was the Sanford General Store, founded by Henry Sanford (1823-1891) in March 1871. The store was created with hopes of bolstering the success of the Sanford Sawmill, opened the year prior. The creation of the store was the result of advising offered to Sanford by Edwin Eastman. Eastman advised that a general store would be the surest way to improve profitability of the ailing sawmill, as mill employees would be paid goods from the store. The general store’s initial years of operation were plagued by problems. The store suffered from periodic shortages of crucial supplies and local farmers, faced with poor agricultural production, had a difficult time turning their produce into the cash needed to purchase goods. The only way Sanford proved able to ensure consistent sales was through the extension of credit to local settlers. This approach proved untenable, however, as impoverished customers proved unable to pay their debts to the store. In January 1873, the store was owed $4,000 by delinquent customers, a number that ballooned to $25,000 by early 1879. As Sanford’s personal financial state suffered, maintaining the stock of groceries became increasingly difficult. By March 1879, Sanford, unable to continue the operation of the general store, disposed of the remaining supplies and leased the building, alongside the wharf and its attached warehouse, for three years terms at $550 per year. At the time that this photograph was taken in 1881, the store was being operated by Michael J. Doyle, an immigrant from Ireland and originally settled in Volusia County prior to the Civil War.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1882: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item No. 1, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
When General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891) first established the City of Sanford, Florida, he laid out the streets on a grid plan. Streets running toward Lake Monroe were given names of native Florida trees, while streets running parallel to the lake were numbered. The businesses and docks located at Palmetto Avenue were important locations for commerce and business. Also pictured in the photograph is the Sanford General Store, founded by Henry Sanford (1823-1891) in March 1871. The store was created with hopes of bolstering the success of the Sanford Sawmill, opened the year prior. The creation of the store was the result of advising offered to Sanford by Edwin Eastman. Eastman advised that a general store would be the surest way to improve profitability of the ailing sawmill, as mill employees would be paid goods from the store. The general store’s initial years of operation were plagued by problems. The store suffered from periodic shortages of crucial supplies and local farmers, faced with poor agricultural production, had a difficult time turning their produce into the cash needed to purchase goods. The only way Sanford proved able to ensure consistent sales was through the extension of credit to local settlers. This approach proved untenable, however, as impoverished customers proved unable to pay their debts to the store. In January 1873, the store was owed $4,000 by delinquent customers, a number that ballooned to $25,000 by early 1879. As Sanford’s personal financial state suffered, maintaining the stock of groceries became increasingly difficult. By March 1879, Sanford, unable to continue the operation of the general store, disposed of the remaining supplies and leased the building, alongside the wharf and its attached warehouse, for three years terms at $550 per year.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1878: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item no. 6, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Postcard of the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida around 1915. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880, and is most likely the building photographed in this postcard. The church was destroyed by a fire in 1923. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white postcard: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 105, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Live oak trees along Mellonville Avenue in the early 1900s. In 1836, the United States Army built a road (present-day Mellonville Avenue) to a location called Camp Monroe during the Second Seminole War. One year later, a group of Seminoles attacked the camp and killed a Captain Charles Mellon. A fort was built on the former campsite and named after the fallen captain, Fort Mellon. After the Seminole Wars and Florida becoming a state in 1845, the new town of Mellonville was established where it became the gateway for people wanting to settle in the Florida wilderness.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 106, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Steamboats--Florida--Saint Johns River--History
Backside of Steamship Osceola, which was built in 1913 at Jacksonville's Merill Stevens Shipyard for the Clyde Line Steamboat Company. The ship was captained by T.W. Lund and ran between Jacksonville and Sanford (a 140 mile trip) and could carry 60 passengers plus cargo. The ship was unusual in its design, with a recessed stern wheel that was enclosed within the hull of the ship. It was tied to an abandoned wharf and left to rot on the Northbank of Jacksonville in 1928.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 104, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Steamship Osceola along the St. Johns River near Sanford, Florida in the early 1900s. Osceola was built in 1913 at Jacksonville's Merill Stevens Shipyard for the Clyde Line Steamboat Company. The ship was captained by T.W. Lund and ran between Jacksonville and Sanford (a 140 mile trip) and could carry 60 passengers plus cargo. The ship was unusual in its design, with a recessed stern wheel that was enclosed within the hull of the ship. It was tied to an abandoned wharf and left to rot on the Northbank of Jacksonville in 1928.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 102, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Water hyacinths on the St. Johns River near Sanford, Florida in the early 1900s. By the mid-1880s, Sanford, Florida had become a major distribution center due to the city's strategic location along Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River. Even before Florida obtained statehood, steamboats frequented the St. Johns River carrying U.S. Army soldiers to Fort Mellon, located on the shores of Lake Monroe, to defend the area against Native Americans during the Seminole Wars. Steamboats were used at the fort and during the Battle of Camp Monroe to relocate Seminoles, explore the St. Johns River, and to distribute military forces. During the second half of the 1830s, steamboats were used to tow barges from the river to Lake Monroe in order to stimulate trade. The first commercial steamboat was developed as the Brock Line in the early 1850s. As trade grew, various wharves and docks were built in locations such as Mellonville Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Oak Street, and Sanford Avenue. The Debary-Baya Merchant Line began transporting passengers in 1883, which further developed the steamboat industry. The line was purchased by the Clyde Line in 1886 and remained open until 1933. The growth of railroads was the primary cause of the decline of the steamboat industry.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 101, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Boat dock near Sanford, Florida. By the mid-1880s, Sanford had become a major distribution center due to the city's strategic location along Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River. Even before Florida obtained statehood, steamboats frequented the St. Johns River carrying U.S. Army soldiers to Fort Mellon, located on the shores of Lake Monroe, to defend the area against Native Americans during the Seminole Wars. Steamboats were used at the fort and during the Battle of Camp Monroe to relocate Seminoles, explore the St. Johns River, and to distribute military forces. During the second half of the 1830s, steamboats were used to tow barges from the river to Lake Monroe in order to stimulate trade. The first commercial steamboat was developed as the Brock Line in the early 1850s. As trade grew, various wharves and docks were built in locations such as Mellonville Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Oak Street, and Sanford Avenue. The Debary-Baya Merchant Line began transporting passengers in 1883, which further developed the steamboat industry. The line was purchased by the Clyde Line in 1886 and remained open until 1933. The growth of railroads was the primary cause of the decline of the steamboat industry.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photograph: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 98, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The swimming pool at New Tribes Mission, located at 1000 East First Street in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. The pool was installed by William E. Kirchhoff, Jr.'s agricultural crew and became Sanford's first swimming pool. The pool overlooked Lake Monroe. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation in 1963. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original color digital image by Laura Cepero, June 10, 2011.
The lobby of the New Tribes Mission, located at 1000 East First Street in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation in 1963. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
New Tribes Mission International Headquarters, Sanford, Florida
History of the building for the New Tribes Mission International Headquarters, located at 1000 East First Street in Sanford, Florida. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation in 1963. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original document: "New Tribes Mission International Headquarters, Sanford, Florida": Archives, New Tribes Mission, Sanford, Florida.
New Tribes Mission
Guest facilities at the New Tribes Mission. This particular building was formerly a classroom building for the Sanford Naval Academy. The New Tribes Mission, located at 1000 East First Street in Sanford, Florida. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation in 1963. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Newspaper article on the development of the New Tribes Mission, located at 1000 East First Street in Sanford, Florida. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation in 1963. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original newspaper article by Geoffrey Pounds. "New Tribes Mission Grows." The Sanford Herald. October 21, 1979.
The Sanford Naval Academy, located at 1000 East First Street in Sanford, Florida, in the 1970s. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original black and white photograph by Bob Frey.
Communications Facility at New Tribes Mission
The communications facility at the New Tribes Mission, located at 1000 East First Street in Sanford, Florida. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation in 1963 and the new owner significantly altered the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1967, the Bernard McFadden Gymnasium was constructed on the property. The New Tribes Mission purchased the building and property in 1977 and converted the gymnasium into a communications facility. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
The chapel at the New Tribes Mission, located at 1000 East First Street in Sanford, Florida. This room was formerly a hotel ballroom for the Mayfair Inn. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original hanger from Naval Air Station Sanford. Became the Naval Air Station Sanford Restoration Facility. This building was the location for the restoration of the RA-5C Vigilante that became part of the Naval Air Station Sanford Memorial Park. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original color digital image by Adam Rock, June 6, 2011.
Student housing at Orlando-Sanford International Airport. This building was originally barracks constructed during the Vietnam War for Navy personnel at Naval Air Station Sanford. The former barracks are now used as student housing for Aerosim Flight Academy students. The Orlando-Sanford International Airport originally began as the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford. The air station was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. Om February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original color digital images by Adam Rock, June 6, 2011.
Naval Air Station Sanford Historic Marker
Seminole County Historic Marker at Naval Air Station Sanford Memorial, located at Veterans Memorial Park in Sanford, Florida. On May 30, 2003, the monument was commemorated to the Navy servicemen who served at the Naval Air Station Sanford, and features a fully restored RA-5C Vigilante. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
The New Tribes Mission, located at 1000 East First Street in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original color digital images by Laura Cepero, June 10, 2011.
The Naval Air Station Sanford Memorial, located at Veterans Memorial Park in Sanford, Florida. On May 30, 2003, the monument was commemorated to the Navy servicemen who served at the Naval Air Station Sanford, and features a fully restored RA-5C Vigilante. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original color digital image by David Burel, February 17, 2011.
The New Tribes Mission, located at 1000 East First Street, in 1982 after renovations. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original black and white photograph by Clyde Stancil, 1982.
1000 East First Street, New Tribes Mission
Excerpt from tour brochure of historical buildings in Sanford, Florida. This excerpt features the New Tribes Mission Headquarters, located at 1000 East First Street. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original brochure published by the Sanford Historic Trust, 2008: "Holiday Tour of Homes 2008."
Sanford Historic Trust
Admin Inspecting Party Enjoys Luncheon at Lake Golden
Members of a base inspection committee at Lake Golden in Sanford, Florida. Both members of the Sanford community and air base personnel wanted Naval Air Station Sanford to remain active. In 1968, Navy officials moved the bomber squadrons stationed at Naval Air Station Sanford to another facility in Albany, Georgia. The City of Sanford acquired the property where it became known as Orlando-Sanford International Airport. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by PHZ Goodwill, May 5, 1965: NAS Collection, Book 13, "NAS Sanford, 1957-60, VAH 3, VAH 5," Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
U.S. Navy
Sanford Museum
Aerial View of Naval Air Station Sanford
Aerial view of Naval Air Station Sanford prior to its closing in 1967. Before the Navy closed the air station, modern housing and maintenance facilities for aircraft were installed. By 1968, the City of Sanford had acquired the property and established its own airport. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original color photograph by United States Navy Photo Lab Sanford, 1965: NAS Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Base map produced by Naval Air Station Sanford during the Vietnam War. The map shows the layout of the main buildings and runway, as they would have appeared prior to 1968 when the City of Sanford acquired the property and established its own airport. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by United States Navy Photo Lab Sanford, May 5, 1965: NAS Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
The main tower at Naval Air Station Sanford during the Vietnam War. The flight tower at Naval Air Station Sanford was the primary tower used by flight controllers. An original structure from the original base, the main tower was refitted several times during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The tower serviced both military and civilian air traffic and was finally replaced in 1994 by the current flight tower. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original color photograph by United States Navy Photo Lab Sanford: NAS Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
TA3B and RA5C in Front of NAS Sanford Operations Tower
The operations tower at Naval Air Station Sanford was the primary tower used by flight controllers. An original structure from the original base, the main tower was refitted several times during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The tower serviced both military and civilian air traffic and was finally replaced in 1994 by the current flight tower. This photograph also includes a period aircraft from the 1960's including the RA-5C Vigilante. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original black and white photograph by United States Navy Photo Lab Sanford, 1960: NAS Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Welcome Home RAVH-7 Banner in Downtown Sanford
A welcome home banner hung in Downtown Sanford celebrating the return of RAVH-7 to Naval Air Station Sanford in 1968. Many locals in Sanford had a personal connection with Naval Air Station Sanford and its personnel. Some sailors had friends and family in the city and lived among the civilian families off base throughout the air station's operations in Sanford from 1942-1968. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original black and white photograph by United States Navy Photo Lab Sanford, 1968: NAS Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Aerial photograph of Naval Air Station Sanford in 1958. The Naval Administration Building is located at the center of the photograph surrounded by the barracks, Mess Hall, hangers, and the original tarmac poured during World War II. The RA-5C Vigilantes became synonymous with Naval Air Station Sanford during the Vietnam War. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original black and white photograph by United States Navy Photo Lab Sanford, 1958: NAS Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Main Gate at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Sanford
Original main gate at Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford. Two guard posts were constructed at the main gate. The last post was removed when the City of Sanford acquired the air station from the Navy in 1968. The main gate was located at what is now Airport Boulevard. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original black and white photograph by United States Navy Photo Lab Sanford, May 1942: NAS Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Sailor walking by the historic clock in Downtown Sanford, Florida. At the time that the photograph was taken, the clock was located at the intersection of West First Street and South Park Avenue. the clock was originally purchased for the First National Bank No. 1, which was located in the Lyman Bank Building at 101 West First Street, in 1883. When the First National Bank moved to the corner of West First Street and South Park Avenue, the clock was stored in the basement. In 1931, A. H. Moses, a produce dealer, donated the clock to the City of Sanford. The City then placed the clock on top of a pole and traffic signal at the intersection in front of the bank. The clock broke shortly thereafter and the City received a repair estimate of $200 in January 1936. The City Commission decided to cover the clock faces with cardboard instead of repair it. In 1941, the clock was removed, as it had become a traffic hazard with the advent of bigger and faster automobiles. The clock was moved to the Elks Club Lodge, located at the northeast corner of East Second Street and San Juan Avenue. In the 1980s, the downtown renovation project had the clock refurbished by Stella Oritt, who was the granddaughter of Moses, and her husband. Oritt refurbished the clock on the condition that it would remained on Magnolia Avenue, which is where she grew up. The clock was dedicated at Magnolia Square, located at the north end of South Magnolia Avenue near East First Street, on July 9, 1985. from Naval Air Station Sanford often visited downtown and interacted with locals during the Second World War. This photograph shows an unknown sailor walking by the famous clock in Downtown Sanford.
Original 11 x 7 inch black and white photgraph by Galen W. Zern: NAS Collection, Book 1, "The Beginning-NAS Sanford 1942," Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Bill Martin at a Downtown Sanford Filling Station
Bill Martin, a navy sailor, at a filling station in Downtown Sanford towards the End of World War II. Many of the men who were stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford during the Second World War came from other parts of the United States. Navy sailors, pilots, and other personnel were known to visit the local businesses in Sanford, and as a result stimulated the local economy.
Original 11 x 17 inch black and white photograph by Galen W. Zern: NAS Collection, Book 1, "The Beginning-NAS Sanford 1942," Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Henry Fazinni Next to Naval Air Station Sanford Sign
Henry Fazinni, a sailor from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, who was stationed at Naval Air Station Sanford during the Second World War. By the end of the war, the Naval Air Station became home to 385 officers, 1,385 enlisted men, and trained over half of the naval aviators piloting carrier-based fighters involved in the Pacific Theater. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original 6 x 8 inch black and white photograph by Galen W. Zern, 1945: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Naval Air Station Sanford Runway Construction
Runways (Aeronautics)--United States--Design and construction
The Naval Air Station Sanford constructed four runways starting in 1942. These 6,000 foot runways were built by local contractors and used to support the nearly 300 aircraft housed at Naval Air Station Sanford by the end of the Second World War. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford was commissioned on November 3, 1942 as a naval aviation training facility during World War II. The Navy continued to train pilots at NAS Sanford throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. NAS Sanford was temporarily decommissioned after World War II in 1946 and then recommissioned as the Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Sanford in 1950 due to the outbreak of the Korean War and the ongoing Cold War. Soon afterward, the station was renamed NAS Sanford and redesignated as a full naval air station. On February 6, 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey. In 1968, due to lack of funding caused by the Vietnam War, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford. The City of Sanford assumed authority over the former NAS Sanford facility the year after it closed and renamed it the Sanford Airport, which was managed by Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland. The airport underwent various name changes over the next several decades: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, Orlando-Sanford Regional Airport, and its current name, Orlando-Sanford International Airport. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, several Naval buildings were demolished and new buildings were constructed.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photograph by George T. Swiggum, May 1942: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
The Forrest Lake Hotel during the latter half of the 1920's. Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original black and white photonegative: Print Collections, call number PR09741, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.
State Library and Archives of Florida
New York Giants (Baseball team)--History--20th century
Excerpt from a Mayfair Inn brochure detailing the attractions and luxuries of the resort in the 1950s. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Brochure detailing the attractions and luxuries of the Mayfair Inn in the 1950s. During the New York Giants ownership of the hotel, many visitors enjoyed the numerous amenities the Mayfair Inn had to offer, such as a golf course, all inclusive room rates, and elaborate social events. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original Dinnerware from the Mayfair Inn
Original dinnerware from the Mayfair Inn. When the New York Giants acquired the building in 1948, visitors enjoyed comfortable rooms with cheaper rates than the resorts in Miami. Room rates at the Mayfair Inn also included meals and a game of golf per day. During the 1950s, the Mayfair Inn hosted many social events. Locals and visitors alike visited the hotel and attended cocktail parties, dinners, and dances. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original black and white photograph, 1976.
Tourists at the Mayfair Inn Swimming Pool
Tourists at the Mayfair Inn swimming pool. The swimming pool was installed by William E. Kirchhoff, Jr.'s agricultural crew and became Sanford's first swimming pool. The pool overlooked Lake Monroe. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
The Mayfair Inn Swimming Pool in 1958. The swimming pool was constructed by William E. Kirchhoff, Jr.'s agricultural crew and became Sanford's first swimming pool. The pool overlooked Lake Monroe. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Swimming Pool Construction at the Mayfair Inn
Swimming pool construction at the Mayfair Inn in 1951. The Mayfair Inn swimming pool was installed by William E. Kirchhoff, Jr.'s agricultural crew and became Sanford's first swimming pool. The pool overlooked Lake Monroe. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Lobby at the Mayfair Inn. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
The Mayfair Inn lobby in 1946. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original photograph taken by Linda Carpenter, 1946: The Sentinel Star.
The Mayfair Inn in the 1960s. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original black and white photograph: Cities and Towns Collection, Sanford Collection, Mayfair Hotel Collection, Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
Newspaper article announcing the resignation of Lewis O. Doty as manager of the New York Giants Mayfair Inn in order to pursue management of his own hotel in Angola, Indiana. Doty first became manager in 1948 after Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants, purchased the hotel. Stoneham renamed the hotel the Mayfair Inn. During the 1940s, the New York Giants traveled to Sanford for spring training. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation. After the Naval Air Station Sanford acquired $1.3 million to fund the construction of a naval academy in 1963, the Foundation made significant alterations to the building to house students from the Sanford Naval Academy. The Foundation later sold the building to the New Tribes Mission in 1977. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original newspaper article: "Lewis Doty Resigns as Mayfair Manager."
Postcard showing the Mayfair Hotel in 1944. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original 9 x 14 centinmeter color postcard by Arthur A. Kirchoff: Postcard Collection, call number PC3069, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.
Newspaper article on the history of the Mayfair Inn. Originally named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, construction of the Forrest Lake Hotel began in 1916. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original newspaper article by Grace Marie Stinecipher: "Historical society tours Mayfair Inn," The Seminole Herald.
West Side View of the Forrest Lake Hotel
The Forrest Lake Hotel from the west side in 1926. Named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Postcard advertising Hotel Forrest Lake in 1926, including rates of American and European plans. Named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original 14 x 9 centimeter postcard: "Hotel Forrest Lake, Sanford, Florida," Hampton Dunn Postcards Collection, Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
Hotel Forrest Lake in 1931. Named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Hotel Cornerstone Laying Ceremonies Will Be Held Later
Newspaper article on the postponement of the cornerstone laying ceremony at the Forrest Lake Hotel after the death of John S. Wilson, one of the stockholders of the company responsible for the funding of the hotel. Named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original newspaper article: "Hotel Cornerstone Laying Ceremonies Will Be Held Later."
Portrait of businessman and politician, Forrest Lake. He first arrived in Sanford in the 1880s. Lake was known as a local politician and later a member of state government. One of his most well known successes in politics was the passing of the bill that created Seminole County in 1913. Throughout the early- to mid-1920s, Lake owned an icehouse, founded Seminole County Bank, and established the Hotel Forrest Lake. By the end of the Florida real estate boom, Lake suffered many financial loses when the hotel went bankrupt and he was accused of bank fraud. In 1928, Lake went through a series of trials related to the bank fraud scandal and was later sent to state prison for fourteen years. Lake only served six years and lived the rest of his life in Sanford. He died in 1939.
Original black and white photograph: Sanford Historical Society, Inc., Sanford, Florida.
Hotel Forrest Lake and East First Street
View of Hotel Forrest Lake and East 1st Street. Named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
View of Hotel Forrest Lake from San Juan Avenue. Named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original black and white photograph, 1928: Sanford Historical Society, Inc., Sanford, Florida.
Photograph with caption of three original toilets from the Forrest Lake Hotel. Named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Cornerstone of New $500,000 Hotel Will Be Laid on Tuesday
Newspaper article on the Sanford Chamber of Commerce's plans to begin construction of the new Forrest Lake Hotel, which was expected to cost $500,000 to build. The construction of a lakefront hotel in Sanford was first proposed by mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, Forrest Lake. In 1925, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. On January 4, 1926, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. Named after the Sanford Mayor and president of Seminole County Bank, the Forrest Lake Hotel has also been known as the Mayfair Inn and was briefly occupied by the Sanford Naval Academy. In 1916, construction of the building began. Local architect Elton J. Moughton designed the hotel. In 1925, Hotel Forrest Lake opened and became a popular destination for tourists visiting Sanford. By 1929, the hotel closed after the stock market crash and the downfall of Florida's tourism and real estate boom. William E. Kirchhoff leased the building in 1934 and the hotel reopened in 1935 with the new name Mayfair Hotel. Under Kirchhoff's ownership, the Mayfair Hotel became known as one of the finest hotels in the South. Kirchhoff sold the hotel in 1948 to Horace Stoneham, owner of the New York Giants. Stoneham then sold the building to the Bernard McFadden Foundation who later sold it to the New Tribes Mission. The New Tribes Mission's goal is to reach tribes who have no access to the Gospel through translated publications and missionary work.
Original newspaper article: "Cornerstone of New $500,000 Hotel Will Be Laid on Tuesday," The Sanford Herald, April 11, 1925.
Aerial view of the Sanford State Farmers' Market in 1936. The Farmers' Market was founded in 1934 in order to provide a central location in which farmers would sell their produce directly to consumers. The idea for the Sanford State Farmers' Market was devised by Fred Dorner and Gus Schmach, both members of the Seminole Agricultural Club. Sanford Chamber of Commerce president Harry Papworth also contributed to the development of the market. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) authorized construction plans on June 11, 1934. On June 20, 1934, the City of Sanford donated a portion of the Alex V. French properties to the State Marketing Board, which selected the northwest corner of French Avenue and Thirteenth Street. The board approved the installation of telegraph and telephone equipment, as well as a three-pump filling station. The Sanford State Farmer's Market opened on December 18, 1934. By 1939, the Farmers' Market was bringing a total volume of business of $627,065.81. In 1941, business volume reached over $700,000. On April 4, 1957, a fire destroyed the building and caused damages estimated at $2.5 million. Reconstruction began almost immediately and the Farmers' Market was expected to re-open by the fall of 1957. In 1991, plans were created to restore, preserve, and convert the citrus packing house into a museum.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photonegative, 1936: Print Collection, call number PR09766, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.
The Sanford State Farmers' Market after being destroyed by fire in 1957. The Sanford State Farmers' Market was founded in 1934 in order to provide a central location in which farmers would sell their produce directly to consumers. The idea for the Sanford State Farmers' Market was devised by Fred Dorner and Gus Schmach, both members of the Seminole Agricultural Club. Sanford Chamber of Commerce president Harry Papworth also contributed to the development of the market. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) authorized construction plans on June 11, 1934. On June 20, 1934, the City of Sanford donated a portion of the Alex V. French properties to the State Marketing Board, which selected the northwest corner of French Avenue and Thirteenth Street. The board approved the installation of telegraph and telephone equipment, as well as a three-pump filling station. The Sanford State Farmer's Market opened on December 18, 1934. By 1939, the Farmers' Market was bringing a total volume of business of $627,065.81. In 1941, business volume reached over $700,000. On April 4, 1957, a fire destroyed the building and caused damages estimated at $2.5 million. Reconstruction began almost immediately and the Farmers' Market was expected to re-open by the fall of 1957. In 1991, plans were created to restore, preserve, and convert the citrus packing house into a museum.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photonegative, April 4, 1957: Prints Collection, call number PR09755, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.
Celery Growing, City of Jacksonville Steamboat in the Background
Postcard of a celery farm along the riverfront with the City of Jacksonville steamboat in the background. The origins of Sanford's connection to celery farming began on December 26, 1894, when a freeze damaged the area's citrus groves. They began to recover during a warm and wet January which promoted new shoots, but a second freeze hit on February 7, 1895, practically wiping them out. The 24 degree temperature was the coldest known in Florida to that point. The freeze was so intense that the sap froze inside the trunks, many of which split open, sounding like gunshots, and crashed to the ground. The population quickly dropped from 5000 to 2000 as the groves were abandoned. I.H. Terwilliger stayed after the freezes and is believed to have planted the first celery grown in Sanford in 1896. J.N. Whitner and B.F. Whitner Sr. planted 3/4 acre in 1897 with celery imported from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Chase & Company also converted to celery cultivation and by 1898, celery became the crop synonymous to Sanford. By the mid-1880s, Sanford, Florida had become a major distribution center due to the city's strategic location along Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River. Even before Florida obtained statehood, steamboats frequented the St. Johns River carrying U.S. Army soldiers to Fort Mellon, located on the shores of Lake Monroe, to defend the area against Native Americans during the Seminole Wars. Steamboats were used at the fort and during the Battle of Camp Monroe to relocate Seminoles, explore the St. Johns River, and to distribute military forces. During the second half of the 1830s, steamboats were used to tow barges from the river to Lake Monroe in order to stimulate trade. The first commercial steamboat was developed as the Brock Line in the early 1850s. As trade grew, various wharves and docks were built in locations such as Mellonville Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Oak Street, and Sanford Avenue. The Debary-Baya Merchant Line began transporting passengers in 1883, which further developed the steamboat industry. The line was purchased by the Clyde Line in 1886 and remained open until 1933. The growth of railroads was the primary cause of the decline of the steamboat industry.
Original 9 x 14 centimeter color postcard by A.C. Bosselman & Company: Postcard Collection, call number PC3266, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.
Dedication of the First State Farmers' Wholesale Market
The dedication of the Sanford State Farmers' Market on December 18, 1934. H. M. Papworth and Commissioner of Agriculture Nathan Mayo are standing at the podum and L. M. Rhodes is seated third from the right side of the flag. The Sanford State Farmers' Market was founded in 1934 in order to provide a central location in which farmers would sell their produce directly to consumers. The idea for the Sanford State Farmers' Market was devised by Fred Dorner and Gus Schmach, both members of the Seminole Agricultural Club. Sanford Chamber of Commerce president Harry Papworth also contributed to the development of the market. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) authorized construction plans on June 11, 1934. On June 20, 1934, the City of Sanford donated a portion of the Alex V. French properties to the State Marketing Board, which selected the northwest corner of French Avenue and Thirteenth Street. The board approved the installation of telegraph and telephone equipment, as well as a three-pump filling station. The Sanford State Farmer's Market opened on December 18, 1934. By 1939, the Farmers' Market was bringing a total volume of business of $627,065.81. In 1941, business volume reached over $700,000. On April 4, 1957, a fire destroyed the building and caused damages estimated at $2.5 million. Reconstruction began almost immediately and the Farmers' Market was expected to re-open by the fall of 1957. In 1991, plans were created to restore, preserve, and convert the citrus packing house into a museum.
Original 4 x 5 inch black and white photonegative, December 18, 1934: General Collection, call number N027333, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.
Produce for Sale at the First State Farmer's Market
Produce for sale at the grand opening of the Sanford State Farmers' Market on December 18, 1934. The Sanford State Farmers' Market was founded in 1934 in order to provide a central location in which farmers would sell their produce directly to consumers. The idea for the Sanford State Farmers' Market was devised by Fred Dorner and Gus Schmach, both members of the Seminole Agricultural Club. Sanford Chamber of Commerce president Harry Papworth also contributed to the development of the market. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) authorized construction plans on June 11, 1934. On June 20, 1934, the City of Sanford donated a portion of the Alex V. French properties to the State Marketing Board, which selected the northwest corner of French Avenue and Thirteenth Street. The board approved the installation of telegraph and telephone equipment, as well as a three-pump filling station. The Sanford State Farmer's Market opened on December 18, 1934. By 1939, the Farmers' Market was bringing a total volume of business of $627,065.81. In 1941, business volume reached over $700,000. On April 4, 1957, a fire destroyed the building and caused damages estimated at $2.5 million. Reconstruction began almost immediately and the Farmers' Market was expected to re-open by the fall of 1957. In 1991, plans were created to restore, preserve, and convert the citrus packing house into a museum.
Original 4 x 5 inch black and white photonegative, December 18, 1934: Prints Collection, call number N027331, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.
The wharf in Lake Monroe in the 1890s. Lake Monroe is a lake that is part of the St. Johns River system in Florida and is also the eigth largest lake in the Orlando metropolitan area. Sanford is located on its northern shore and DeBary and Deltona are located along its northern shore. Two major roadways, State Road 415 and Interstate 4, run near the lake. Lake Monroe also formes the border of Seminole County and Volusia County.
Original 6 x 10 inch black and white photoprint by Ensminger Brothers Photography: Reference Collection, call number RC12561, Florida Photographic Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.