Dr. Cal Fowler and Lieutenant Colonel Swazey
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
Lieutenant Colonel Swazey, Site Commander 566th of Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, presenting Dr. Cal Fowler (1929-2013) a Missile Expert card. Dr. Fowler, who later launched Mercury astronauts Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), and Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) into orbit, was working at Warren AFB testing and installing Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM).
Original black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Chronopoints
Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming
A chart showing the four original configurations of the Atlas family of missiles: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), Mercury-Atlas, Atlas-Agena, Atlas-Centaur. The Atlas booster was originally developed as an ICBM in the mid-1950s. First flown in 1957, the Atlas was eventually deployed to multiple sites for the U.S. Air Force. Early in the manned space program, the Atlas was selected to place the first American astronauts into orbit. Atlas was retired as an ICBM in the early 1960s and became a civilian launch system. Atlas continued to operate as a civilian launch system until 2004, when the last of the Atlas rockets, based upon the original design, was launched.
Original chart: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida
General Dynamics/Aeronautics, San Diego, California
Project Mercury Test and Launch Engineers in Front of Mercury-Atlas 1
The engineering management team in front of Mercury-Atlas 1, an unmanned test rocket Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCFAS) in Cape Canaveral, Florida, in July of 1960. This was the first test of an Atlas D booster along with a Mercury capsule. The test was a failure, as the rocket exploded shortly after launch. Photographed standing, from left to right, are Curt Johnson, Test Conductor for Launchpad 14; T. J. O'Malley (1915-2009), Test Conductor for Launchpad 11; Trav Maloy, Chief Test Conductor for CCAFS; Bill Taylor, Test Conductor for Launchpad 12; Walt Hicks, Data Analyst; and Jack Moline, Test Conductor for Launchpad 13. Kneeling, from the left to right, are Orion Reed, Complex Engineer for Launchpad 12; John Hughes, Complex Engineer for Launchpad 13; Bobby Danner, Missile Engineer for Launchpad 12; Dr. Cal Fowler (1929-2013), Missile Engineer for Launchpad 14; Ernie Baldini, Missile Engineer for Launchpad 11; Ken Wilcox, Design and Hanger Checkout; John Fox, Missile Engineer for Launchpad 13; and Bill Williams, Complex Engineer for Launchpad 14. O'Malley later launched John Glenn's (1921-) Friendship 7 rocket. Dr. Fowler later launched astronauts Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), and Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) into orbit.
Original color photographic print, July 1960: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
The Historic Flight of Apollo 8: A Journey to the Moon
A history of Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit and the first to orbit another celestial body, the Moon. Apollo 8 launched from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on December 21, 1968.. The spacecraft would was manned by Mission Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-). Apollo 8 returned to Earth on December 27.
Original color photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Launch Complex 39A, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
An envelope for a photoset of Apollo 8 missions. The envelope includes a reproduction of the Earthrise photograph showing a view of Earth from the Moon. This iconic photograph was taken by the crew of Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit and the first to orbit another celestial body, the Moon. Apollo 8 launched from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on December 21, 1968.. The spacecraft would was manned by Mission Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-). Apollo 8 returned to Earth on December 27.
Original envelope: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Earth as Seen by Apollo 8 Crew in Moon Orbit
A view of Earth from the Moon. This iconic photograph was taken by the crew of Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit and the first to orbit another celestial body, the Moon. Apollo 8 launched from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on December 21, 1968.. The spacecraft would was manned by Mission Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-). Apollo 8 returned to Earth on December 27.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Original color photographic print, December 24, 1968: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
A view of the Moon from Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit and the first to orbit another celestial body. Apollo 8 launched from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on December 21, 1968.. The spacecraft would was manned by Mission Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-). Apollo 8 returned to Earth on December 27.
Original color photographic print, December 1968: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
A view of Earth from Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit and the first to orbit another celestial body, the Moon. Apollo 8 launched from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on December 21, 1968.. The spacecraft would was manned by Mission Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-). Apollo 8 returned to Earth on December 27.
Apollo 8's Saturn V launch vehicle lifting off from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on December 21, 1968. Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit and the first to orbit another celestial body, the Moon. The spacecraft would was manned by Mission Commander Frank Borman (1928-), Lunar Module Pilot William Anders (1933-), and Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell (1928-). Apollo 8 returned to Earth on December 27.
Original color photographic print, December 21, 1968: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
A commemorative card featuring the crew of Apollo 17, the mission logo, a drawing of the Saturn V, and the slogan "The Beginning…Not The End." Apollo 17 was the 11th manned Apollo mission, the sixth to put astronauts on the Moon, and the final mission of Project Apollo. Apollo 17 launched from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on December 7, 1972, and returned on December 19. Photographed, from left to right, is Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990), and Mission Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-).
John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
Apollo 17 Crew with Lunar Rover Trainer and Saturn V
A pre-launch publicity photograph of the crew of Apollo 17 on September 30, 1971. This mission was the 11th manned Apollo mission, the sixth to put astronauts on the Moon, and the final mission of Project Apollo. Apollo 17 launched from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on December 7, 1972, and returned on December 19. Photographed, from left to right, is Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans (1933-1990), Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt (1935-), and Mission Commander Eugene Cernan (1934-).
Original color photographic print, September 30, 1971: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Prime Crew of the Tenth Manned Apollo Mission
A pre-launch publicity photograph of the crew of Apollo 16. This mission was the 10th manned Apollo mission and it was the fifth to put astronauts on the Moon. Apollo 16 launched from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on April 16, 1972 and returned on April 27. Photographed from left to right are Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly (1936-), Mission Commander John Young (1930-), and Lunar Module Pilot Charles Duke (1935-).
The surface of the Moon in 1975. Manned by astronauts David Scott (1932-), Alfred Worden (1932-), and James Irwin (1930-1991), Apollo 15 was launched from Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 26, 1971. This was the first lunar mission equipped with a LRV, or Lunar Rover. This allowed astronauts with unprecedented capabilities to move around the Moon's surface, as they traveled 17.5 miles during their time on the surface. Apollo 15 returned to Earth on August 7.
Original black and white photographic print, 1975: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
A Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) from Apollo 15 on the Moon. Manned by astronauts David Scott (1932-), Alfred Worden (1932-), and James Irwin (1930-1991), Apollo 15 was launched from the Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, on July 26, 1971. This was the first lunar mission equipped with a LRV, or Lunar Rover. This allowed astronauts with unprecedented capabilities to move around the Moon's surface, as they traveled 17.5 miles during their time on the surface. Apollo 15 returned to Earth on August 7.
Original black and white photographic prints, 1971: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Saturn V Rocket at John F. Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
A Saturn V rocket rolled out to the Launch Complex 39A at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. This particular rocket is suspected to be the full-scale mockup (SA-500F) used in 1966 to test vehicle assembly, fueling, and the crawler system of transporting it to the launchpad. The crawlers transported both the vehicle and the Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) to the launchpad. In this photo, Launch Complex 41 is visible to the south.
The American crew of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) was composed of, from left to right, Astronaut Deke Slayton (1924-1993), first-time Astronaut Vance DeVoe Brand as Command Module Pilot, and veteran Astronaut Thomas "Tom" Patten Stafford as Commander. Brand was the only member of the original Mercury 7 never to fly previously. Slayton had been grounded because of an irregular heart beat since Project Mercury and was National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Director of Flight Crew Operations, but was given clearance for this flight. These three astronauts became the first crew to dock with another nation's spacecraft, the the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics' (USSR) Soyuz 19, thus establishing a precedent for international cooperation in space. This image was autographed for Dr. Cal Fowler (1929-2013), who had pressed the button to ignite the engines of three Mercury-Atlas missions.
Launch Complex 39B, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
An artist's rendering of the docking of spacecraft in the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP). The project was an experiment in cooperation and mating of different technologies from both the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The Apollo spacecraft was launched from Launch Complex 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida using a Saturn IB booster and docked to a Soyuz 19 spacecraft from July 15-17, 1975. Soyuz 19 was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, near present-day Tyuratam, Kazakhstan. The Soviet spacecraft was in orbit for five days. This successful mission led to cooperation on other projects including the International Space Station (ISS).
Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Water Deluge System at the John F. Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39
The Water Deluge System at Launch Complex 39's Launchpad A and Launchpad B, located at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. The Water Deluge System was used for two reasons: noise suppression and flame suppression. The system reduced both issues by releasing a torrent of water after the rocket was ignited, which reduced the sound of the rocket and damage to the launchpad from the intense heat. Launchpads A and B were built specifically for the powerful Saturn V rocket, thus there was a special need to address those issues.
Launch Complex 39, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida
A newspaper obituary published in The Oviedo Voice for Mary Alice Powell Aulin (1904-1993). Aulin was born in Sanford, Florida, to parents Charles Powell and Mary Maude Rabun Powell. Aulin arrived in Oviedo in 1921 to work as a switchboard operator and a seamstress. She married Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964), the son of Oviedo's first postmaster, Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918). Together, the couple had five children: Mary Lenora Aulin (b. 1924), Alice Kathryn Aulin (b. 1926), Charles Warren Aulin (1927-1964), Bettye Jean Aulin (b. 1934), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (b. 1936).
Original newspaper article: "Mary Alice Aulin Dies at Age 88." The Oviedo Voice, January 1993: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A newspaper article about the origin of the names of various Florida towns. According to the article, Oviedo and Seville after respective cities in Spain. Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming Oviedo, was appointed the town's first postmaster in 1879. Ormund Powers, the author of the article, also explains that McIntosh was named in honor of Colonel John C. McIntosh, who was scalped by Native Americans. According to the article, St. Cloud was named for a suburb of Paris, France, and served as a "semi official residence" for veterans of the Union Army.
Original newspaper article: Powers, Ormund. "Spanish Influence Town Names.": Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A newspaper article about R. H. Noegel's Rexall Drug Store in Oviedo, Florida. The article also briefly describes the story behind the naming of the town of Oviedo. Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swede credited with naming Oviedo, immigrated to the area in 1870 and, in 1879, he was appointed the postmaster of the area formerly called the Lake Jesup Settlement. Aulin also founded the local Ionic Lodge, which was the predecessor to the Masonic Lodge. Aulin was married to Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and had five children: Theodore Aulin (1874-1907), Willie Aulin, Martha Lenora Aulin (b. 1844), Mary HAnnah Aulin (1887-1974), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
Original newspaper article: "Oviedo Best in World.": Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Letter from Steen Nelson to Annie Tes Rae (July 20, 1938)
A letter of correspondence from Steen Nelson, co-founder of Nelson and Company, to Annie Tes Rae, a representative of the Southern Women's Study Club, dated July 20, 1938. In the letter, Nelson explains how the town of Oviedo was named. Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918) was the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Aulin immigrated to Oviedo in 1870 and, in 1879, he was appointed the postmaster of the area formerly called the Lake Jesup Settlement. Aulin also founded the local Ionic Lodge, which was the predecessor to the Masonic Lodge. Aulin was married to Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and had five children: Theodore Aulin (1874-1907), Willie Aulin, Martha Lenora Aulin (b. 1844), Mary Hannah Aulin (1887-1974), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
Original letter from Steen Nelson to Annie Tes Rae, July 20, 1938: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Diary of Narcissa Melissa Lawton: Summer Oaks Plantation, Georgia, 1862
A transcription of the diary of Narcissa Melissa Lawton (1817-1883), who lived much of her adult life on the Summer Oaks Plantation in Thomas County, Georgia, with her husband, Alexander Benjamin Lawton (1809-1861). Together, the couple had seven children: Alexander Cater Lawton (1841-1921), Winborn Theodore Lawton (1843-1892), Clara J. Lawton (b. 1845), Robert W. Lawton (b. 1847), Benjamin F. Lawton (ca. 1848-ca. 1853), Thomas J. Lawton (b. 1851), and Emma Lenora Lawton (1853-1907). Lawton also had three stepchildren from her husband's previous marriage to Elizabeth Brisbane Lawton (1808-1839): Mary Jane Lawton (b. 1832), Martha S. Lawton (b. 1834), and Eusebia Lawton (ca. 1836-ca. 1850). Much of the diary is about Lawton's thoughts of her sons, Alex and Winny, joining the Confederate Army to fight in the American Civil War.
Original 75-page typed transcription of original diary by Narcissa Melissa Lawton, 1962: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Summer Oaks Plantation, Thomas County, Georgia
Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), the Swedish immigrant credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Aulin immigrated to Oviedo in 1870 and, in 1879, he was appointed the postmaster of the area formerly called the Lake Jesup Settlement. Aulin also founded the local Ionic Lodge, which was the predecessor to the Masonic Lodge. Aulin was married to Emma Leonora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) and had five children: Theodore Aulin (1874-1907), Willie Aulin, Martha Lenora Aulin (b. 1844), Mary HAnnah Aulin (1887-1974), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
Original black and white photograph: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Emma Lenora Lawton Aulin (1853-1907), nicknamed Lona, was the daughter of Alexander Benjamin Lawton (1809-1861) and Narcissa Melissa Lawton (1817-1883). She was born on November 5, 1853 in Hampton County, South Carolina. Aulin later married a Swedish immigrant named Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), who is credited with naming the town of Oviedo, Florida. Her husband immigrated to Oviedo in 1870 and, in 1879, he was appointed the postmaster of the area formerly called the Lake Jesup Settlement. Together, the couple had five children: Theodore Aulin (1874-1907), Willie Aulin, Martha Lenora Aulin (b. 1844), Mary Hannah Aulin (1887-1974), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
A photograph of men, possibly students, playing baseball in front of the Oviedo School, located at 601 King Street in Oviedo, Florida, around 1950 or 1951. The school was first established in 1932 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations; its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education; and its successful athletics programs.
Oviedo School
George W. B. Dakin with his daughter, Florence Dakin, and wife, Anna Marie Olcott Dakin, at the Racimo Plantation, an orange grove along the St. Johns River, in 1887. The caption incorrectly cites the name of Dakin's wife as Anne Maria Dakin purchased property near Georgetown, Florida, in the early 1880s and settled his family there. Within the next decade, his son, Leonard Dakin, who took this photograph, developed the Racimo Plantation with 5,000 orange trees, 40 laborers, and a packinghouse. The grove was destroyed by a freeze in 1895.
Original 8 x 10 inch black and white photoprint by Leonard Dakin, 1887: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
A photograph of the Lawton Brothers Store in Oviedo, Florida, in 1910. The man behind the cash register in the photograph is likely Thomas Willington Lawton (1882-1963) or his brother, Winborn Joseph Lawton, Sr. (1881-1971). T. W. Lawton graduated from Rollins College in 1903. He later received his master's degree from Andover Newton College in Boston, Massachusetts. Following college, Lawton returned to Oviedo, where he married Charlotte "Lottie" Lee (1887-1984) and served as the principal of the Oviedo School from 1905 to 1907. In 1916, he became the first elected Superintendent of Schools of Seminole County. He held that post until 1952 and passed away 11 years later in 1963. Lawton Elementary School is named in his honor. W. J. Lawton, Sr. served as a trustee of the First Baptist Church of Oviedo, as well as a secretary and treasurer for the church's Sunday school. He graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, in 1900. Lawton married Lillian Della Lee (ca. 1883-1977) and had four children: Elizabeth Lawton Laney, Kathryn Lawton, John. K. Lawton, and Winborn Joseph Lawton, Jr. Lawton was in the mercantile business, worked as an insurance agent, and grew citrus.
Downtown Oviedo, Florida sometime between 1880 and 1919. The Timucuan Native Americans Originally inhabited the area of present-day Oviedo, although the remains of their settlements have disappeared. Homesteaders arrived along the shores of Lake Jesup in 1865 just after the Civil War ended and began growing celery and citrus. The area was called the Lake Jesup Community until March 13, 1879, when postmaster Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), a Swedish immigrant, chose the name Oviedo.
Original black and white newspaper photograph: The Seminole Outlook: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Michael Dinda, Sr., Michael Dinda, Jr., and John Dinda
Michael Dinda, Sr. (1863-1935) and his twin sons, Michael Jacob Dinda, Jr. (1895-1978) and John Paul Dinda (1895-1968) hauling logs in Slavia, Florida, around 1915. Dinda was one of the founders of both Slavia and of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Dinda moved his family to the area in 1913. During this time, John Dinda was visiting from college. He also began teaching at the Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1915.
Joe Lee, an African-American laborer, with Blue Goose celery at Charles Simeon Lee, Sr.'s farm in Oviedo, Florida, in 1928. The two Lees were of no relation. C. S. Lee (1892-1991) was born on October 27, 1892, and married Goldie Eva Beckley Lee (1892-1976) on April 21, 1915. During the Great Depression, Lee grew celery and bought 20,000 acres to start a cattle ranch. He passed away on November 9, 1991.
A Sunday school picnic at Clifton Springs located near Lake Jesup in Oviedo, Florida. Although the caption states that the photograph was likely take around 1912, the precise date has been determined to be November 12, 1910. Some of the individuals appearing in the photograph are J. C. Brainan, J. H. Lee, Olauc Howard-Huret, Frank Anderson, Sid Brown and his wife, H. B. McCall, and Hugh White. Clifton Springs was named in honor of the hometown of Dr. Henry Foster, a wealthy grower from Lake Charm in Oviedo. Originally called White's Wharf, the site marks the approximate location where John Bartram and William Bartram camped during their excursion along the St. Johns River in 1765-1766. William G. White migrated to the area in the late 1870s and built a store here in 1879. White moved his store to Orlando in the 1880s. Many Oviedo residents used the site as the location for their annual May picnics, which began in 1880. The picnics were hosted by a joint committee of the local Baptist and Methodist churches. The wharf is now known as Hiley's Fish Camp.
A newspaper advertisement for Nelson and Company and Wheeler Fertilizer Company. The business was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The Wheeler Fertilizer Plant was a holding of Nelson and Company. The original plant was destroyed in a fire in 1947, but eventually rebuilt six months later. Nelson and Company is located in what is now the Nelson and Company Historic District, and was incorporated in September of 2001. The 80-acre district encompasses four of Nelson and Company's historic buildings. This photograph shows the Nelson and Co. packing plant in 1913.
Original newspaper advertisement: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Nelson and Company Packing Plant, Oviedo, Florida
The family history the Lawtons of the Summer Oaks plantation in Thomas County, Georgia. This family history centers around Alexander Benjamin Lawton (1809-1861) and his wife, Narcissa Melissa Lawton (1817-1883). Together, the couple had seven children: Alexander Cater Lawton (1841-1921), Winborn Theodore Lawton (1843-1892), Clara J. Lawton (b. 1845), Robert W. Lawton (b. 1847), Benjamin F. Lawton (ca. 1848-ca. 1853), Thomas J. Lawton (b. 1851), and Emma Lenora Lawton (1853-1907). Lawton also had three children from his previous marriage to Elizabeth Brisbane Lawton (1808-1839): Mary Jane Lawton (b. 1832), Martha S. Lawton (b. 1834), and Eusebia Lawton (ca. 1836-ca. 1850). Part I on the book focuses on the Lawton family background, highlighting William Lawton, Joseph Lawton, Benjamin Themistocles Dion Lawton, and Winborn Asa Lawton. Part II details the immediate family of Alexander Benjamin Lawton and his family while living in South Carolina, while Part III discusses the family's migration to the Summer Oaks plantation in Georgia. Part IV describes the location of Summer Oaks and Part V discusses theories about the location of Alexander Benjamin Lawton's resting place. Part VI details the descendants of the Lawtons of Summer Oaks. This family history was compiled by the great-great-great granddaughter of Alexander Benjamin Lawton and Narcissa Melissa Lawton, Stacey Allene Church and her father, Gerald Marshall Church. Many of the descendants of the Lawtons migrated to Oviedo, Florida.
Original book by Stacey Allene Church and Gerald Marshall Church: Private Collection of Bettye Reagan.
Mulberry Grove Plantation, Walterboro, South Carolina
Black Swamp, Robertville, South Carolina
To Attract, Retain and Grow: The History of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council
High technology industries--United States
"To Attract, Retain and Grow: The History of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council" is a paper by Dr. Connie L. Lester and Dr. James C. Clark of the University of Central Florida (UCF). Dr. Lester is an Associate Professor of History concentrating in the Modern South, as well as agricultural, environmental, and economic history. She is also the Program Director of RICHES of Central Florida and Editor of Florida Historical Quarterly. A Lecturer of History, Dr. Clark's concentration is on Florida history, the American South, and presidential history. "To Attract, Retain and Grow" focuses on the history of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC), which an economic development initiative whose mission is to foster the high technology industry in Florida's High Tech Corridor, spanning 23 counties with rich industries in aerospace engineering, modeling and simulation, optics and photonics, digital media, and medical technologies. The council consists of the UCF in Orlando, the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, and the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville. In 1966, the Florida Legislature passed an act founding the FHTCC to support the 21-county service areas of UCF and USF. Its original mission was to expand research and educational partnerships in order to retain the Cirent Semiconductor water fabrication facility located in Orlando, Florida. In 1997, the development of all technology industries across Central Florida was added to the FHTCC's mission. UF joined the partnership in 2005.
Original 44-page paper: Lester, Connie L. and James C. Clark. "To Attract, Retain and Grow: The History of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council."
Florida High Tech Corridor Council
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The article discusses an Oviedo City Council meeting and a number of resolutions to be considered at the meeting. The resolutions dealt with a surplus of 1989 Duplex American Eagle fire Engines, Commercial Solid Waste Franchise Agreements with three contractors, and the Twin Rivers-Alafaya Woods Neighborhood Improvement District. The article continues onto page 6 of the newspaper, which is currently unavailable.
Original newspaper article: "Meeting Squeezed In Between Storms." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
City Appoints New Fire Chief, Finance Director
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The article discusses the appointment of Lars White as acting fire chief of the Oviedo Fire and Emergency Services Department until the city finds a permanent replacement for its retiring chief, Wayne Martin. According to the article, White was considering applying for the permanent position of fire chief. White was hired as one of the department's first paid employees in 1983, after serving for several years as a volunteer. His experience included service as a firefighter, a captain, a lieutenant, a battalion chief, the public information officer, a training coordinator, the public education director. The article also discusses the appointment of Cindy Lindsay as Finance Director. A certified public account, Lindsay's experience also included service as the assistant for the Oviedo Finance Department, service for the City of Casselberry, and experience running her own business.
Original newspaper article: "City Appoints New Fire Chief, Finance Director." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Colette Cadwell
A document created by Colette Cadwell as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe her favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Cadwell, who was over 65 at the time, stated that her neighbors, especially Mildred Adicks, were her favorite memory.
Original document by Colette Cadwell, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Elizabeth T.
A document created by Elizabeth T. as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe her favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Elizabeth, who was 22 at the time, stated that driving around Downtown Oviedo was her favorite memory.
Original document by Elizabeth T., April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Sarah Thorncroft
A document created by Sarah Thorncroft as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe her favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Thorncroft, who was 24 at the time, stated that attending Oviedo High School and attending the funeral of a teacher, Gary Barnett, were her favorite memories.
Original document by Sarah Thorncroft, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Dane Kolb
A document created by Dane Kolb as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe his favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Kolb, who was 25 at the time, stated that skating and rollerblading around Lawton Elementary School was his favorite memory.
Original document by Dane Kolb, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
Lawton Elementary School, Oviedo, Florida
"My Favorite Memory of Oviedo Is..." by Shelby
A document created by Shelby as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. In the document, the author is asked to describe her favorite memory of Oviedo, Florida. Shelby, who was 21 at the time, stated that the charm and community feel was her favorite memory.
Original document by Shelby, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
A map of Oviedo drawn by Elizabeth T. as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015 The map shows various locations in Oviedo, including Oviedo High School, the First Baptist Church of Oviedo
Lawton Elementary School, Oviedo Bowling Center, and the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. Elizabeth was 22 at the time that the map was drawn.
Original hand-drawn map by Elizabeth T., April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
First Baptist Church of Oviedo, Oviedo, Florida
Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, Oviedo, Florida
A map of Oviedo drawn by Dane Kolb as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. The map shows various locations in Oviedo, including Red Bug Lake Road, the Oviedo Mall, a cemetery, a school, and Kolb's home. Kolb was 25 at the time that the map was drawn.
Original hand-drawn map by Dane Kolb, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
A map of Oviedo drawn by Sarah Thorncroft as part of the Oviedo History Harvest in 2015. The map shows various locations along Aloma Avenue, which is part of Florida State Road 426, and Central Avenue, which is part of SR 419. These sites include Oviedo High School, the dentist's office of Dr. Gregory J. Jann, the First Baptist Church, the Lawton House, Lawton Elementary School, the post office, and Black Hammock. Thorncroft was 24 at the time that the map was drawn.
Original hand-drawn map by Sarah Thorncroft, April 18, 2015: Oviedo Historical Society, Oviedo, Florida.
Office of Dr. Gregory J. Jann, Oviedo, Florida
A newspaper cartoon published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The cartoon shows a cat reading a newspaper with the headline "Ivan's Coming!" Florida was hit by four major hurricanes in the 2004 season: Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances, Hurricane Ivan, and Hurricane Jeanne.
Original newspaper cartoon: The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
Seminole County Offers Supplies for Income Eligible Households
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. According to the article, Seminole County Community Development offered disaster relief for low-income households following Hurricane Frances, which hit Central Florida in early September of 2004. Qualifying residents could get supplies from Harvest Time International, located at 131 Maritime Drive in Sanford, Florida. Frances caused damages exceeding that of Hurricane Charley, another hurricane that hit Florida the previous month. The article continues onto page 7 of the newspaper, which is currently unavailable.
Original newspaper article: "Seminole County Offers Supplies for Income Eligible Households." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
Harvest Time International, Sanford, Florida
City Supports Application: Hospital Headway?
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. According to the article, the Oviedo City Council sent a letter the State of Florida supporting the application of certification for the Central Florida Regional Hospital, located at 1401 West Seminole Boulevard in Sanford, Florida. The hospital was seeking certification in order to open a 60-bed satellite facility in Oviedo that would include emergency, outpatient, obstetric, and diagnostic services. The hospital later received its certificate and established the Oviedo ER, located at 8300 Red Bug Lake Road. The article continues onto page 6 of the newspaper, which is currently unavailable.
Original newspaper article: "City Supports Application: Hospital Headway?." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
Central Florida Regional Hospital, Sanford, Florida
A newspaper announcement published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The announcement postpones the Harvest Jamboree that was scheduled to be held by a local church on October 1-2. The event was postponed due to damage from Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Frances. Charley hit Florida in August and Frances hit the state in September. Together, the two hurricanes cost the state billions of dollars in damage.
Original newspaper article: "Hurricane Postponement." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
A newspaper announcement published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The article states that the City of Oviedo had issued a High Water Warning in the aftermath of Hurricane Frances, which hit Central Florida in early September of 2004. Frances caused damages exceeding that of Hurricane Charley, another hurricane that hit Florida the previous month.
Original newspaper article: "High Water Brings Warnings." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
Little Econlockhatchee River, Oviedo, Florida
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on September 16, 2004. The article discusses 31 ways that an individual can volunteer in the aftermath of a hurricane. Florida was hit by four major hurricanes in the 2004 season: Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances, Hurricane Ivan, and Hurricane Jeanne. The article continues onto page 6 of the newspaper, which is currently unavailable.
Original newspaper article: "31 Ways to be a Hurricane Helper." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIV, No. 38, September 16, 2004, page 1: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
T. W. Lawton Elementary School Yearbook, 1970
A yearbook for the 1969-1970 school year at T. W. Lawton Elementary School, located at 151 Graham Avenue in Oviedo, Florida. Originally called the Orlando School, the one-room schoolhouse was first constructed in 1876 in order to serve the three families that lived on Old Orlando Road, near Bear Bully. Julia Golden was the first teacher and most of the students were African Americans. When one of the families moved to Clonts Quarters during the first year, the school moved with them. In 1899, the school was moved to the middle of town. In 1922, Seminole County built a four-room brick schoolhouse with an auditorium seating 500. White students attended the new schoolhouse, while black students remained at the original school, then called Oviedo Elementary School and later renamed Jackson Heights. In 1923, the new school had its first graduating class.
Original yearbook, 1970: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
T. W. Lawton Elementary School, Oviedo, Florida
St. Luke's Christian Day School Yearbook, 1966-1967
A yearbook for the 1966-1967 school year at St. Luke's Lutheran Church and School, located at 2021 West State Road 426 in Oviedo, Florida. In 1911, members of the Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in Cleveland, Ohio, formed the Slavia Colony Company. Later that year, the group purchased 1,200 acres in Oviedo. On March 17, 1912, St. Luke the Evangelizer Church was founded. Pastor Stephen M. Tuhy was installed as the congregation's first full-time pastor on July 31, 1934. A new red brick building was constructed as St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church on June 4, 1939. In 1941, the congregation began issuing a weekly bulletin called "The Light." The church nursery school was established in 1944 and the St. Luke’s Christian Day School opened on September 4, 1947. Lutheran Haven, a home for orphaned children and the elderly, was dedicated on May 30, 1948. On May 5, 1957, an enlarged and renovated church building was dedicated. More renovations were completed and a new sanctuary was dedicated on November 14, 1993. A new building for the school was completed in June of 2001 and the Lutheran Haven Early Childhood Center opened on August 22. The Shepherd's Hope Health Care opened in the old school building on December 10, 2002.
Original yearbook, 1967: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
School Annual Publishing Company
St. Luke's Christian Day School, Oviedo, Florida
Lars White Tries Out Job as Oviedo Fire Chief
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice around 2004. The article discusses the appointment of Lars White as acting fire chief of the Oviedo Fire and Emergency Services Department until the city finds a permanent replacement for its retiring chief, Wayne Martin. According to the article, White was considering applying for the permanent position of fire chief. White was hired as one of the department's first paid employees in 1983, after serving for several years as a volunteer. His experience includes his service as a firefighter, a captain, a lieutenant, a battalion chief, the public information officer, a training coordinator, the public education director.
Original newspaper article: "Lars White Tries Out Job as Oviedo Fire Chief." The Oviedo Voice, page 1 and 7: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
All English Horse Show Set for Tally-Ho Farms
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Outlook on September 29, 1971. The article details an English Hunter Jumper horse show scheduled for October 9. The show was hosted by Lars White and held at Tally-Ho Farms, located at 550 East Chapman Road in Oviedo, Florida. Between 50 and 60 horseback riders from Sanford, Winter Springs, and Cocoa, were expected to participate in the event.
Original newspaper article: "All English Horse Show Set for Tally-Ho Farms." The Oviedo Outlook, September 29, 1971, page 5: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White .
A nightgown worn by Edwin White when he was a baby growing up in Oviedo, Florida, during the 1930s.
Original color digital images: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
A pair of shoes worn by Edwin White when he was a baby growing up in Oviedo, Florida, during the 1930s.
A silver water pitcher from the late 1800s. The shakers were owned by Edwin White and Carolyn White, residents of Oviedo, Florida.
Original color digital image: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
Silver salt and pepper shakers from the late 1800s. The shakers were owned by Edwin White and Carolyn White, residents of Oviedo, Florida.
The packaging for a Vapo-Cresolene Company curative lamp from the Victorian era.Curative lamps were used to treat a number of medical conditions, including whooping cough, croup, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and more. The Vapo-Cresolene curative lamp was patented in the United States on May 1, 1884, and cost $1.50. This particular lamp was owned by Edwin White and Carolyn White, residents of Oviedo, Florida.
A hand-painted Chatsworth china tea kettle made in England. This type of kettle was named after the Duke of Devonshire, who was a member of the Chatsworth House. This particular kettle was owned by a member of the Janson family, either Carolina Österholm or Matilde Österholm Janson, who likely would have acquired the antique in the 1890s. The tea kettle was donated by Edwin White and Carolyn White to the Oviedo History Harvest held in April of 2015.
The cover the March 1973 issue of Florida Horse & Rider. The magazine advertised itself as the largest free circulated publication for horses and riders in Florida. The cover photographs pictures Lars White with Satan's Whisper, Carolyn White with Riverview Prince, Don White with Dapper Dandy, and Karen DeFilipps with Ace's Top Man.
Original magazine: Florida Horse &amp
Rider, March 1973: Private Collection of Edwin White and Carolyn White.
If Not for Andrew Aulin in 1883, Oviedo Might Be Known Today as 'Alexandria'
A newspaper article about how Oviedo, Florida, got its name. According to the article, the town was named by Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), a Swedish immigrant and Oviedo's first postmaster. W. E. Alexander had suggested Alexandria as an alternative. The article also includes information provided by Novella Driggers Aulin, the widow of Theodore Aulin, Jr., the grandson of Aulin. According to Novella, Aulin graduated from Upsala College in Sweden before emigrating to Florida in 1870. Aulin married Lona Lawton Aulin (1853-1907) in 1874 and together the couple settled in the Lake Jesup community (present-day Oviedo). Aulin was a storekeeper, citrus grower, and real estate salesman. He also taught algebra and Latin following the freeze of 1895. With his wife, Aulin had five children: Theodore Aulin (1874-1907), Willie Aulin, Martha Lenora Aulin (b. 1844), Mary Hannah Aulin (1887-1974), and Andrew Aulin, Jr. (1893-1964).
Original newspaper article: Foronda, Kathleen. "If Not for Andrew Aulin in 1883, Oviedo Might Be Known Today as 'Alexandria'." The Oviedo Outlook, 1982: Private Collection of Kathryn Aulin Bunch.
The Oviedo Outlook
The varsity letters originally owned by the basketball team captain at Oviedo High School in 1944. Oviedo High School is a Seminole County Public School located in Oviedo, Florida. Originally called the Oviedo School, the institution was first established in 1922 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations; its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education; and its successful athletics programs.
Original color digital images: Private Collection of Kathryn Aulin Bunch.
The Oviedian, a yearbook for the 1942-1943 school year at Oviedo High School. Oviedo High School is a Seminole County Public School located in Oviedo, Florida. Originally called the Oviedo School, the institution was first established in 1932 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations; its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education; and its successful athletics programs.
Original yearbook: The Oviedian, Vol. VI (Oviedo, FL: Oviedo High School, 1943): Private Collection of Kathryn Aulin Bunch.
Oviedo High School
The Oviedian, a yearbook for the 1943-1944 school year at Oviedo High School. Oviedo High School is a Seminole County Public School located in Oviedo, Florida. Originally called the Oviedo School, the institution was first established in 1932 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations; its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education; and its successful athletics programs.
Original yearbook: The Oviedian, Vol. VII (Oviedo, FL: Oviedo High School, 1944): Private Collection of Kathryn Aulin Bunch.
U.S. Army Air Force Aircraft Warning Service Armband from Oviedo
United States Army Air Force Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) armband used in Oviedo, Florida, during World War II. This armband was given to Kathryn Aulin (now Kathryn Aulin Bunch) in 1943 for observing aircraft during the war. Bunch was stationed at a tower across the street from the First Baptist Church of Oviedo, located at 45 West Broadway Street. The AWS was a civilian service of the Army's Ground Observer Corps used to watch for enemy aircraft entering American airspace. Volunteers were organized in May 1941 and the service remained active until May 29, 1944.
Original felt armband: Private Collection of Kathryn Aulin Bunch.
The home of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. (1878-1954) and George Lee Wheeler, located at 340 South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo, Florida, in the 1930s. Frank Wheeler was born in Dade City on January 2, 1878. After his father passed away in 1889, his family relocated to his mother's hometown in Oviedo. At age 16, Wheeler began working as a telegraph operator for the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railroad. In 1898, he purchased a seedling citrus grove that had been abandoned during the Freeze of 1894-1985. Wheeler soon became a successful citrus grower and celery cultivator. Wheeler married George Lee in 1908 and the couple later had three children: Clara Lee Wheeler Evans (1917-2010); Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Jr. (1920-2006); and Miriam Louise Wheeler (b. 1922). In 1908, Wheeler partnered with C .F. Brannon and Steen Nelson to operate the Nelson Brothers packinghouse. In 1923, Wheeler purchased the company and renamed it Nelson & Company, Inc. Wheeler also served on the Seminole County Commission and the Oviedo City Council. He was also seminal in organizing the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Citrus Mutual, and the Citizens Bank of Oviedo.
Original 2 x 5 inch black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
Home of Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr., Oviedo, Florida
The daughters of James Hiram Lee, Sr. (1844-1920) and Laura Agusta Barnett Lee (1851-1940) at the Wheeler family home, located at 340 South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo, Florida, in 1964. Photographed from left to right are Charlotte "Lottie" Lee Lawton (1887-1989), Lillian Della Lee Lawton (ca. 1883-1977), Annie Ethel Lee Carter, and George Lee Wheeler. Lottie married Thomas Willington Lawton (1882-1963), the first elected Superintendent of Schools of Seminole County. Lillian married Winborn Joseph Lawton, Sr. (b. 1881), who served as a trustee of the First Baptist Church of Oviedo, a secretary and treasurer for the church's Sunday school, an insurance agent, and a citrus grower. She was also a charter member and the former present of the Oviedo Woman's Club (OWC), the former president of the Women's Missionary Society, and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo. Annie married Walter Pascal Carter (1879-1939) and George married Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, a prominent citrus grower, celery cultivator, and politician.
Original black and white photographic print, 1964: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
The daughters of James Hiram Lee, Sr. (1844-1920) and Laura Agusta Barnett Lee (1851-1940) at the Wheeler family home, located at 340 South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo, Florida, on February 15, 1942. Photographed from left to right are Charlotte "Lottie" Lee Lawton (1887-1989), Lillian Della Lee Lawton (ca. 1883-1977), Annie Ethel Lee Carter, and George Lee Wheeler. Lottie was married Thomas Willington Lawton (1882-1963), the first elected Superintendent of Schools of Seminole County. Lillian married Winborn Joseph Lawton, Sr. (b. 1881), who served as a trustee of the First Baptist Church of Oviedo, a secretary and treasurer for the church's Sunday school, an insurance agent, and a citrus grower. She was also a charter member and the former present of the Oviedo Woman's Club (OWC), the former president of the Women's Missionary Society, and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo. Annie married Walter Pascal Carter (1879-1939) and George married Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, a prominent citrus grower, celery cultivator, and politician.
Original 4 x 7 inch black and white photographic print, February 15, 1942: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
The home of Annie Ethel Lee Carter, located on Lake Charm Circle in Oviedo, Florida, in the 1950s. Carter was the daughter of Orange County Commissioner James Hiram Lee, Sr. (1844-1920) and Laura Agusta Barnett Lee (1851-1940). She was also the wife of Walter Pascal Carter (1879-1939).
Original 5 x 4 inch black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
Jean Maran Wheeler and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Jr.
Wife and husband, Jean Maran Wheeler (1921-2001) and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Jr. (1920-2006) around 1943. Wheeler was the son of prominent citrus grower, celery cultivator, and politician Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. (1878-1954) and George Lee Wheeler. This photographer was taken at the home of Wheeler's father located at 340 South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo, Florida. Wheeler graduated from Oviedo High School in 1938 and went on to attend Stetson University in DeLand until he was commissioned as an officer in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to Stetson and earned his business degree in 1945 and later his honorary law degree. Wheeler took over the family businesses, Wheeler Fertilizer Company and Nelson and Company, in 1954, when his father passed away. Nelson & Co. grew citrus and cultivated celery in Oviedo, Florida. Wheeler's wife, Jean, died in September of 2001 and Wheeler himself died on November 30, 2006.
Original 2 x 3 inch black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
The Oviedo Train Depot, located at 520 South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo, Florida. The depot was built in 1886 as part of the Henry Plant railroad system, which later became the Seaboard Coast Line (SCL) Railroad. The Plant system of railroads and steamships ran from Jacksonville to Key West. During World War II, the depot's roof was used to guide patrolling planes departing from the Sanford Airport. In the early 1970s, the depot was moved to 636 South Lake Jessup Road in order to make room for the expanding Nelson and Company business. In the 1970s, the defunct depot was sold to the Connolly Family, who restored and preserved the depot to its current state.
Original 7 x 10 inch black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
A diving board at east side of Lake Charm in Oviedo, Florida. Walter Gwynn (1802-1882), comptroller for the State of Florida, bought the land south of Lake Jesup in 1859 and built his home on Lake Charm in 1868. His daughter, Martha Gwynn, is credited with naming the lake. In 1870, Dr. Henry Foster migrated to Lake Charm from New York and began growing oranges. He later developed the area as a resort in the 1880s.
Original 7 x 7 inch black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
The Nelson Brothers packinghouse in Downtown Oviedo, Florida, in the early 20th century. The company was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. Nelson and Company is located in what is now the Nelson and Company Historic District, and was incorporated in September of 2001. The 80-acre district encompasses four of Nelson and Company's historic buildings. This particular building was destroyed by Hurricane Charley in 2004.
Original 10 x 5 inch black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
Nelson Brothers Packinghouse, Downtown Oviedo, Florida
James Hiram Lee, Sr. and Laura Agusta Barnett Lee
Husband and wife, James Hiram Lee, Sr. (1844-1920) and Laura Agusta Barnett Lee (1851-1940) sometime in the late 19th century. A veteran of the Confederate military, Lee served as an Orange County Commissioner, before Seminole County was established. The county courthouse was constructed in 1892, while Lee was chairman of the commission. Barnett migrated from Columbia County to Oviedo and married Lee in 1867. The couple settled near Lake Charm in the Lake Jesup community (present-day Oviedo) in 1874 and had nine children, including William "Wiley" Lee (1869-1905); John Theodore Lee (1871-1959); Mary Louise Lee (1876-1877); Annie Ethel Lee Carter; James Hiram Lee, Jr. (1890-1959); Charles Simeon Lee (1892-1991), George Lee Wheeler, and Lillian Della Lee Lawton (ca. 1883-1977).
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photographic print by Howard: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
The children of prominent citrus grower, celery cultivator, and politician Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. (1878-1954) and George Lee Wheeler in the mid-1920s.. Photographed from left to right are Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Jr. (1920-2006); Clara Lee Wheeler Evans (1917-2010), and Miriam Louise Wheeler (b. 1922). Frank Wheeler, Jr. graduated from Oviedo High School in 1938 and went on to attend Stetson University in DeLand until he was commissioned as an officer in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to Stetson and earned his business degree in 1945 and later his honorary law degree. Wheeler took over the family businesses, Wheeler Fertilizer Company and Nelson and Company, in 1954, when his father passed away. Nelson & Co. grew citrus and cultivated celery in Oviedo, Florida. Wheeler died on November 30, 2006.
Original 5 x 10 inch black and white photographic print by Kirwan: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
An aerial view of Downtown Oviedo, Florida, in 1950. The Timucuan Native Americans originally inhabited the area of present-day Oviedo, although the remains of their settlements have disappeared. Homesteaders arrived along the shores of Lake Jesup in 1865 just after the Civil War ended and began growing celery and citrus. The area was called the Lake Jesup Community until March 13, 1879, when postmaster Andrew Aulin, Sr. (1843-1918), a Swedish immigrant, chose the name Oviedo.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photographic print by Thomas S. Wilson, 1950: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
Charlotte "Lottie" Lee (1887-1989) sometime in the early 19th century. Lee married Thomas Willington Lawton (1882-1963), who is best known as principal of the Oviedo School from 1905 to 1907 and as the first elected Superintendent of Schools of Seminole County from 1916 to 1952.
Original 6 x 5 inch black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
George Lee and Charlotte "Lottie" Lee (1887-1989), sisters from Oviedo, sometime in the late 19th century. George married Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, a prominent citrus grower, celery cultivator, and politician, in 1908. Lottie married Thomas Willington Lawton (1882-1963), who is best known as principal of the Oviedo School from 1905 to 1907 and as the first elected Superintendent of Schools of Seminole County from 1916 to 1952.
The Wheeler Family at their home, located at 340 South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo, Florida, on February 15, 1942. Photographed from left to right are Louise Wheeler; Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. (1878-1954); Jean Maran; and George Lee Wheeler. Frank Wheeler was born in Dade City on January 2, 1878. After his father passed away in 1889, his family relocated to his mother's hometown in Oviedo. At age 16, Wheeler began working as a telegraph operator for the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railroad. In 1898, he purchased a seedling citrus grove that had been abandoned during the Freeze of 1894-1985. Wheeler soon became a successful citrus grower and celery cultivator. Wheeler married George Lee in 1908 and the couple later had three children: Clara Lee Wheeler Evans (1917-2010); Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Jr. (1920-2006); and Miriam Louise Wheeler (b. 1922). In 1908, Wheeler partnered with C .F. Brannon and Steen Nelson to operate the Nelson Brothers packinghouse. In 1923, Wheeler purchased the company and renamed it Nelson & Company, Inc. Wheeler also served on the Seminole County Commission and the Oviedo City Council. He was also seminal in organizing the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Citrus Mutual, and the Citizens Bank of Oviedo.
Original 5 x 3 inch black and white photographic print, February 15, 1942: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. and George Lee Wheeler
Husband and wife, Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Sr. (1878-1954) and George Lee Wheeler (1884-1980), at their home, located at 340 South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo, Florida, on February 15, 1942. Frank Wheeler was born in Dade City on January 2, 1878. After his father passed away in 1889, his family relocated to his mother's hometown in Oviedo. At age 16, Wheeler began working as a telegraph operator for the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Railroad. In 1898, he purchased a seedling citrus grove that had been abandoned during the Freeze of 1894-1985. Wheeler soon became a successful citrus grower and celery cultivator. Wheeler married George Lee in 1908 and the couple later had three children: Clara Lee Wheeler Evans (1917-2010); Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, Jr. (1920-2006); and Miriam Louise Wheeler (b. 1922). In 1908, Wheeler partnered with C .F. Brannon and Steen Nelson to operate the Nelson Brothers packinghouse. In 1923, Wheeler purchased the company and renamed it Nelson & Company, Inc. Wheeler also served on the Seminole County Commission and the Oviedo City Council. He was also seminal in organizing the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Citrus Mutual, and the Citizens Bank of Oviedo.
The Wheeler Family at their home, located at 340 South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo, Florida, in the 1930s. Photographed from left to right are matriarch Laura Agusta Barnett Lee (1851-1940), George Lee Wheeler, Robert James Lawton, and Lillian Della Lee Lawton (ca. 1883-1977). Laura Barnett migrated from Columbia County to Oviedo and married James Hiram Lee, Sr. (1844-1920) in 1867. The couple settled near Lake Charm in the Lake Jesup community (present-day Oviedo) in 1874. George married Benjamin Franklin Wheeler, a prominent citrus grower, celery cultivator, and politician. Lillian married Winborn Joseph Lawton, Sr. (b. 1881), who served as a trustee of the First Baptist Church of Oviedo, a secretary and treasurer for the church's Sunday school, an insurance agent, and a citrus grower. She was also a charter member and the former present of the Oviedo Woman's Club (OWC), the former president of the Women's Missionary Society, and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo. Annie married Walter Pascal Carter (1879-1939).
Original 5 x 3 inch black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
Wedding of Charles Simeon Lee and Goldie Eva Beckley
Charles Simeon Lee (1892-1991) and Goldie Eva Beckley (1892-1976), residents of Oviedo, on their wedding day, April 21, 1915. A farmer and the youngest son of Orange County Commissioner James Hiram Lee, Sr. (1844-1920) and Laura Agusta Barnett Lee (1851-1940), Lee was born on October 27, 1892. During the Great Depression, Lee grew celery and bought 20,000 acres to start a cattle ranch. He passed away on November 9, 1991. His wife was born in Wichita, Kansas, July 28, 1892 and died on March 24, 1976.
Original black and white photographic print, April 21, 1915: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
The members of the Oviedo City Council at the Memorial Building, located at 38 South Central Avenue in Downtown Oviedo, Florida, in 1964. Standing, from left to right, are T. L. Lingo, Ben James, R. L. Ward, and Bill Martin. Seated, from left to right, are Rex Clonts, city clerk Dot Courier; and Mayor Lee Gary. Clonts served on the city council from 1956 to 1968. Gary served as Mayor of Oviedo from 1950 to 1968. During his tenure, Mayor Gary named the Memorial Building to honor Oviedo's veterans. The building has served a number of functions, including the Oviedo City Hall and the Oviedo Police Department. City hall and the police department are now located at 400 Alexandria Boulevard.
Original 7.5 x 3 inch black and white photographic print: Private Collection of Vicki Clonts.
Memorial Building, Downtown Oviedo, Florida
Oviedo High School Homecoming Ticket, 2006
A ticket for the Oviedo High School homecoming dance held on November 4, 2006. Oviedo High School is a Seminole County Public School located in Oviedo, Florida. Originally called the Oviedo School, the institution was first established in 1922 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations of its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education of and its successful athletics tickets.
Original ticket, 2006: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
The Paper Dolls Ink
Athletic Hall of Fame: Oviedo High School Induction Class of 2003
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on January 2, 2003. The article features a number of students who are in Oviedo High School's Athletic Hall of Fame. Students include sisters Jenny Wise and Jill Wise, Brooke Asby; Alison Parker, Andy Gill; Steve Key, Jon Godwin, Steve Bratton, Hubert Priest, Ray Fore, and Walter Duda. Oviedo High School is a Seminole County Public School located in Oviedo, Florida. Originally called the Oviedo School, the institution was first established in 1922 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations of its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education of and its successful athletics tickets.
Original newspaper article: "Athletic Hall of Fame: Oviedo High School Induction Class of 2003." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIII, No. 1, January 2, 2003: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
Though Few Took Advantage of It, Oviedo Wants to Keep Lower Tolls
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on January 2, 2003. According to the article, city officials from Oviedo and Winter Springs were lobbying the Central Florida Expressway Authority to continue offering discounted tolls to drivers using the Central Florida GreeneWay (Florida State Road 417). The Florida Turnpike Enterprise conducted a study to determine how many residents were using SR 417 to travel between Oviedo and Winter Springs. The study found that fewer than 200 riders used the bypass daily. However, the number may be inaccurate, as only drivers using the Sun-Pass (formerly called the E-Pass) were counted.
Original newspaper article: "Though Few Took Advantage of It, Oviedo Wants to Keep Lower Tolls." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIII, No. 1, January 2, 2003: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
Red Bug Lake Road SR-417 Entry Ramp, Oviedo, Florida
SR- 426/Aloma Avenue SR-417 Entry Ramp, Winter Springs, Florida
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on January 2, 2003. The article announces the return of the county and municipal government to their normal schedules for trash collection, recyclable collection, the school system, and mail delivery.
Original newspaper article: "A Return to a Normal Schedule." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIII, No. 1, January 2, 2003: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
Seminole County students at the 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest in 2002. The contest has been sponsored by Florida 4-H, a youth organization focusing on four development areaS: head, heart, hands, and health. The contest includes fourth, fifth, and sixth graders who practice public speaking. The 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest has also been sponsored by Tropicana since 1969. Students photographed in the top row include, from left to right: Karina Lisenbee of Rock Lake Middle School, Anna Caroline Gutierrez of Tuskawilla Middle School, Chris Bathke of Lawton Chiles Middle School, Sarena Bahatia of Millennium Middle School, James of Mayer, Double R Private School, Kelsey Eagan of Page Private School, Hannah Roberson of Greenwood Lakes Middle School. Pictured on the bottom row, from left to right, are Sarah Thorncroft of Indian Trails Middle School, Alex Mross of Sanford Middle School, Sanna Siddiqui of Milwee Middle School, Correy Johnson of South Seminole Middle School, Laura Mancuso of Altamonte Christian School, Rachel Macher of All Souls Catholic School, and Sesheta Mwanza of Teague Middle School.
Original newspaper article: "Something to Say..." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIII, No. 1, January 2, 2003: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
Rock Lake Middle School, Longwood, Florida
Tuskawilla Middle School, Oviedo, Florida
Lawton Chiles Middle School, Oviedo, Florida
Millennium Middle School, Sanford, Florida
Double R Private School, Chuluota, Florida
Greenwood Lakes Middle School, Lake Mary, Florida
Indian Trails Middle School, Winter Springs, Florida
South Seminole Middle School, Casselberry, Florida
Altamonte Christian School, Altamonte Springs, Florida
All Souls Catholic School, Sanford, Florida
Teague Middle School, Altamonte Springs, Florida
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on January 2, 2003. The article cites the New Year's resolutions of various residents from Oviedo, Winter Springs, and Casselberry.
Original newspaper article: "You Say You Want A Resolution..." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIII, No. 1, January 2, 2003: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
Reduce the Risk of Fire...Get Rid of That Tree
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on January 2, 2003. The article suggests that residents get rid of their Christmas trees in order to reduce the risk of accidental fires. In 2001, according to the article, the Oviedo Fire Department (OFD) conducted experiments to see which types of Christmas trees were most susceptible to fire. The article also suggests ways to properly dispose of trees.
Original newspaper article: "Reduce the Risk of Fire...Get Rid of That Tree." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIII, No. 1, January 2, 2003: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on January 2, 2003. The article discusses reforming the city government of Oviedo, Florida. Some members of the Oviedo City Council had proposed reforms to allow the popular election of the Mayor of Oviedo, rather than election by council members.
Original newspaper article: DeSormier, Vicki. "Is It Better to Wait on Reform?" The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIII, No. 1, January 2, 2003: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
A newspaper article published in The Oviedo Voice on January 2, 2003. The article is about the Christmas celebration at the Village Oaks at Tuskawilla Assisted Living Facility, located at 1016 Willa Springs Drive in Winter Springs, Florida. Residents received gifts from members of the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, located at 5300 Old Howell Branch Road in Winter Park.
Original newspaper article: "A Special Christmas for All." The Oviedo Voice, Vol. XIII, No. 1, January 2, 2003: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
Village Oaks at Tuskawilla Assisted Living Facility, Winter Springs, Florida
First Place 4-H Tropicana Speech Competition Medal
First Place 4-H Tropicana Speech Competition Medal won by Sarah Thorncroft of Indian Trail Middle School, located at 415 Tuskawilla Road in Winter Springs, Florida, in 2002. The contest has been sponsored by Florida 4-H, a youth organization focusing on four development areaS: head, heart, hands, and health. The contest includes fourth, fifth, and sixth graders who practice public speaking. The 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest has also been sponsored by Tropicana since 1969.
Original medal, 2002: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
First Place 4-H Tropicana Speech Competition Classroom Award
First Place 4-H Tropicana Speech Competition Classroom Award won by Sarah Thorncroft of Indian Trail Middle School, located at 415 Tuskawilla Road in Winter Springs, Florida, in 2002. The contest has been sponsored by Florida 4-H, a youth organization focusing on four development areaS: head, heart, hands, and health. The contest includes fourth, fifth, and sixth graders who practice public speaking. The 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest has also been sponsored by Tropicana since 1969.
Original ribbon, 2002: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
Oviedo High School Commencement Ticket, 2009
A commencement ticket for the Oviedo High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2009, held at the UCF Arena in Orlando, Florida, held on June 2, 2009. Oviedo High School is a Seminole County Public School located in Oviedo, Florida. Originally called the Oviedo School, the institution was first established in 1922 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations of its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education of and its successful athletics tickets.
Original ticket, 2009: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
Dedication Ceremony of Gerald Cassanova Performing Arts Center Invitation
An invitation to the dedication ceremony of the Gerald Cassanova Performing Arts Center at Oviedo High School, held on February 21, 2008. Gerald "Cass" Cassanova (1952-2008) was a musician and an educator at OHS in Oviedo, Florida. Born in Sanford in 1952, Cassanova was mentored by his musician father, Gerald “Brownie” Cassanova, and joined the Providence Missionary Baptist Church, where the sung in the youth choir. As a teenager, the joined the chorus at Crooms High School. During the late 1960s, Cassanova performed with The Society Band, which disbanded in the late 1970s. the later performed with bands Cassanova and Cassanova’s Ol’ Skool Xperience. His first solo album, Jus’ Another Love Affair was released in 1992. A Few Good Men, released in 1996, was his first sold-out album and Two Faces, released in 1997, was his first gospel album. Cassanova earned his associate's degree from Seminole Community College, his bachelor's degree from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and his master's degree from Rollins College in Winter Park. the began his teaching career at Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs in 1977 and also taught at Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary. Cassanova became a dean at LMHS in 1984 and later the assistant principal in 1988. the transferred to OHS five years later to serve as assistant principal. Cassanova married Janice Witherspoon in 1997. the passed away on January 2, 2008.
Original invitation, 2008: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.
Gerald Cassanova Performing Arts Center, Oviedo High School, Oviedo, Florida
Oviedo High School Commencement Ticket, 2011
A commencement ticket for the Oviedo High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2011, held at the UCF Arena in Orlando, Florida, held on May 25, 2011. Oviedo High School is a Seminole County Public School located in Oviedo, Florida. Originally called the Oviedo School, the institution was first established in 1922 as a K-12 school. In 1948, the secondary grades separated from the elementary school. The upper grade levels formed Oviedo High School and moved to the campus at 601 King Street. Oviedo High School is notable for The Lion's Tale, the award-winning school newspaper recognized by various national and state scholastic press associations of its high ratings from the Governor's A+ Plan for Education of and its successful athletics tickets.
Original ticket, 2011: Private Collection of Sarah Thorncroft.