Acreage and Production of Grain Crops, Seminole County, 1934
A table representing acreage and production of grain crops in Seminole County, Florida, during 1934. Statistics identify the various grain crops grown in Seminole County, the acreage each crop occupied, production numbers for each crop, and how many farms reported that grew a particular grain crop. The U.S. Census of Agriculture identified small grains, hay, corn, cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, Irish potatoes, and sweet potatoes and yams as grain crops. In the early-1900s, Seminole County was known for its agricultural development and close proximity to shipping lanes. By the 1920s, citizens in Seminole County, particularly in Sanford, soon shifted their interests in making the area a tourist destination.
Original table by Laura Cepero, July 20, 2011.
Acreage and Production of Grain Crops, Seminole County, 1929
A table representing acreage and production of grain and forage crops in Seminole County during 1929. Statistics in the table identify various products produced in the county, how many acres each crop occupied, production number of each crop, and the number of farms reporting for each crop. The U.S. Census of Agriculture identified corn, cloves, tame and wild grasses, annual legumes, Irish potatoes, and sweet potatoes and yams as grain and forage crops.
Five female students at Sanford High School's second campus, located at the corner of East Ninth Street and South Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, in 1911. The students photographed, from left to right, are: Ruth Mettinger, Gladys Gardner, Carrie Lovell, Martha Fox, and Marian Whiteman. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 7.25 x 10 inch black and white photograph: Sanford High School Collection, box 3A, Sanford High School Students folder, item SM-073-030, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford High School's Class of 1915 on the front steps of the second campus used for the school, located at the corner of East Ninth Street and South Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 8 x 10 inch black and white photograph: Sanford High School Collection, box 3A, Sanford High School Students folder, item SM-100-015, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford High School Freshman Class of 1920
Sanford High School's Freshmen Class of 1920 on the front steps of the second campus used for the school, located at the corner of East Ninth Street and South Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida. The arrow drawn on the photograph points to a student named Gale Alexander. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 6.5 x 8.5 inch black and white photograph: Sanford High School Collection, box 3A, Sanford High School Students folder, item SM-168, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford High School's Class of 1924 at the second campus used for the school, located at the corner of East Ninth Street and South Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 8 x 10 inch black and white photograph: Sanford High School Collection, box 3A, Sanford High School Students folder, item SM-073-137, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford High School's Class of 1925 with their teacher, Mrs. Glenn E. McKay, on the front steps of the second campus used for the school, located at the corner of East Ninth Street and South Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 7.5 x 10 inch black and white photograph: Sanford High School Collection, box 3A, Sanford High School Students folder, item SM-073-071, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
A classroom at Sanford High School's second campusl, located at the corner of East Ninth Street and South Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Although the image is undated, it was likely taken sometime between 1911 and 1927. The backside of the photograph includes a postal stamp with the name of R. W. Deane, most likely the printer, and his/her address: 810 East Twenty-Fifth Street. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original 8 x 10 inch black and white photograph: Sanford High School Collection, box 3A, Sanford High School Students folder, item SCPS00486, Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Oral history of Marilyn Maples, an actress in the Creative Sanford, Inc., and Celery Soup production of Remade - Not Bought. The interview was conducted by University of Central Florida Professor of History Dr. Scot French and graduate student Katie Kelley on October 19, 2013. Maples moved to Sanford, Florida, in 1993. As an actress, she played the roles of Marlene Baggs and Arthurene in Remade - Not Bought. Maples is also a member of the theatre committee, the volunteer coordinator, and a member of the marketing team for Creative Sanford and Celery Soup. The interview focuses mainly on Maples involvement with Creative Sanford and Celery Soup. Other topics include how Maples came to Sanford, how she became involved with Creative Sanford, the importance of preserving history through community theater, her acting roles in Remade - Not Bought, the Celery Soup production of Touch and Go, presenting difficult or dark history, segregation in Sanford, and Dr. George H. Starke.
Maples, Marilyn. Interviewed by Katie Kelley and Scot French. October 19, 2013. Audio/video record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
RICHES of Central Florida
Creative Sanford, lnc., Sanford, Florida
Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, Sanford, Florida
Oral History of Luticia "Tish" Lee, Linda Maliczowski, and Catherine "Cathy" Dingle
Oral history of Luticia "Tish" Lee and her two daughters, Linda Maliczowski and Cathy Dingle. The interview was conducted by University of Central Florida Professor of History Dr. Scot French on October 20, 2013. Lee was born in Sanford, Florida in 1923 and lived in her family house, which was constructed in 1926, while growing up. Her father was a member of the American Legion and worked as a superintendent for the Crown Paper Company, and also as a carpenter. Following her high school graduation, Lee worked as a secretary for the local ice plant, which no longer stands. Other topics in the oral history include Sanford during World War II, the cannon at the American Legion Hall, the Lee family rolling pin and other family heirlooms, baking various foods, Lee's father, the grocery store run by Lee's mother and aunt, Lee's involvement with Creative Sanford, Inc. productions, a family fireless cooker, and the French house.
Lee, Luticia, Linda Maliczowski, and Cathy Dingle. Interviewed by Scot French. October 30, 2013. Audio/video record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
American Legion Campbell-Lossing Post 53, Sanford, Florida
Naval Air Station (NAS), Sanford, Florida
Oral history told by Trish Thompson, Vice President of Creative Sanford, Inc. The interview was conducted by Autumn Reisz and Mark Miller on October 11, 2013 and focuses on Thompson's experiences with Creative Sanford and Celery Soup. Other topics include adapting the Swamp Gravy model to Celery Soup, how Creative Sanford and Celery Soup have evolved over time, the oral history interviewing process, partnering with the African-American community, the effects of the George Zimmerman trial on Sanford, adapting oral histories into community plays, goals of Creative Sanford and Celery Soup, community involvement and feedback, fundraising and the Celery Ball, production costs, preserving the legacy of Creative Sanford and Celery Soup, and maintaining community involvement. Creative Sanford, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup community theater productions. The original idea for the Celery Soup project came from Jeanine Taylor, the owner of a folk-art gallery on First Street in Sanford, Florida. Their first production was Touch and Go, which took several years of planning. The play focused on how the people of Sanford overcame obstacles throughout their history. Some of these stories include the fall of Sanford's celery industry, the Freeze of 1894-1895, and the closing of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford in the 1960s. Richard Geer and Jules Corriere, partners from Community Performance International, were in charge of assessing oral histories, converting them into scenes for the play, and writing original songs. Director Geer also used an all-volunteer cast from the local community, many of which were not experienced actors. During the process of producing the show, Creative Sanford decided to rehabilitate an historic building, the Princess Theater, which was located on 115 West First Street and owned by Stephen Tibstra. The Creative Sanford offices are housed in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, located at 203 East First Street. As of December 2013, the Executive Board for Creative Sanford included President Brian Casey, Vice President Trish Thompson, Treasurer Linda Hollerbach, Secretary Dr. Annye Refoe, and Founder Jeanine Taylor. The Board of Directors consisted of Cheryl Deming, Juanita Roland, Wendy Wheaton, and Dr. Connie Lester, a professor of history at the University of Central Florida. Honorary Board Members included: Glenda Hood, former Florida Secretary of State and Mayor of Orlando; Valada Flewellyn, a local poet, author, and historian; and Jackie Jones, a local entertainer and arts advocate.
Thompson, Trish. Interviewed by Autumn Reisz and Mark Miller. Creative Sanford, Inc. Offices, Sanford Welcome Center. October 11, 2013. Audio/video record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Creative Sanford, Inc., Sanford, Florida
An oral history told by Nancy Harris Ford, an actress in the Creative Sanford, Inc. and Celery Soup: Florida's Folk Life Play production of Remade - Not Bought. Ford was raised in Sanford, Florida, and lived there until she graduated from Seminole High School in 1973. She returned to Sanford around 2009 and became involved with Celery Soup, a community theater project operated by Creative Sanford. This interview was conducted by Drew Fedorka on November 16, 2013, and focuses on the historical figure and character of Dr. George H. Starke, an African-American physician in Georgetown in Sanford. Other topics include Ford's biographical information, her decision to return back to Sanford after 36 years elsewhere, how she became involved with Creative Sanford and Celery Soup, her involvement in Touch and Go and Remade - Not Bought, and segregation.
Ford, Nancy Harris. Interviewed by Drew Fedorka. UCF Public History Center. November 16, 2013. Audio/video record available. RICHES of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Dr. George H. Starke's Office, Sanford, Florida
Dr. Edward D. Strickland's Office, Sanford, Florida
The Gormley Family around 1917. Photographed from left to right in the top row are W. Glenn Gormley, Charles Ernest Gormley Jr., Vera Gormley, George Gormley, and Willison Whitney. The bottom row pictures, from left to right, Nellie Gormley, Ray Gormley, Velma Gormley, and Charles Ernest Gormley, Sr. The Gormleys were originally from Kansas, but moved to Sanford, Florida, shortly before World War I. Charles Ernest Gormley, Sr. was the family patriarch and Nellie Gormley was his wife and the stepmother of his children: Charles, George, and Vera. The brothers, Charles and George, served alongside each other in France from August 13, 1917, to April 14, 1919. Charles, Jr.'s daughter, Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee, was the contributor of this photograph.
Reprinted 7 x 5 inch black and white photograph by Ralph R. Roszell, February 6, 2007: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee.
A handwritten note listed the graduates of the Sanford High School Class of 1913 that attended the 50 Year Class Reunion held in June 1963. The graduates included: Albert Pattishall, lawyer and judge; Lenney Dean, minister; Wallace Crosby, engineer; Konner, doctor; Eleanor Gormley Roberts; Margaret Davis; and Selma Baker. The note was likely written by Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee. Sanford High School was originally established at 301 West Seventh Street in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on Sanford Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. In 1984, the building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. The building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012. In 1927, a high school campus was designed by Elton J. Moughton in the Mediterranean revival style and constructed at 1700 French Avenue. The school reopened on January 10 and was renamed Seminole High School. In 1960, the high school moved to a new campus at 2701 Ridgewood Avenue and the former building on French Avenue was converted to Sanford Junior High School, which was later renamed Sanford Middle School. The old building was demolished in the summer of 1991 and replaced by a $5.77 million school complex. As of 2013, Seminole High School offers various Advanced Placement courses, the Academy for Health Careers, and the International Baccalaureate Programme for students.
Original note, June 1963: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee.
A Daughters of the Confederacy Chapter C. C. B. 348 ribbon owned by Jesse Street Roberts, the great aunt of the contributor of this item, Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee. Roberts migrated to Sanford, Florida, from Wilmington, North Carolina, sometime around 1910. Following the American Civil War, numerous associations were founded by women to organize the burials, funerals, commemorations, and monuments honoring the Confederacy. The majority of these individual associations were merged into the National Association of the Daughters of the Confederacy, led by Caroline Meriwether Goodlett and Anna Davenport Raines, on September 10, 1894 in Nashville, Tennessee, for daughters, granddaughters, and other female descendants of Confederate servicemen. In 1895, a meeting was held in Atlanta, Georgia, to change the name of the organization to the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). The UDC was officially incorporated in Washington, D.C., on July 18, 1919. Roberts was presumably a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy, though it is not clear if this particular chapter was integrated into the UDC.
Original ribbon: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee.
Daughters of the Confederacy
Lee, Luticia "Tish" Gormley
A fireless cooker and Lee Family heirloom in 2003. As of November 2013, the cooker was in the possession of Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee, who planned to will it to her daughter, Linda Lee Mallaskaski. The fireless cooker was originally owned by Lee's aunt, Mardy Lee, who arrived in Sanford, Florida, in 1910. Mardy would cook stones with a wood stove and then put the stones in the fireless cooker. She would then heat food in the pans and leave it in the fireless cooker overnight so that it would be ready to serve after church on Sundays. Fireless cookers are also known as hay boxes, straw boxes, insulation cookers, wonder ovens, and retained-heat cookers.
Photocopy of original 6 x 4 inch color photographs, September 29, 2003: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee
American Soldiers with Woman During World War I
Two American soldiers, presumably the Gormley brothers, with a woman during World War I. It is also likely that the woman photographed is a relative of the Gormleys. Charles Ernest Gormley and George Gormley were originally from Kansas, but moved to Sanford, Florida, with their family shortly before WWI. The brothers served alongside each other in France from August 13, 1917, to April 14, 1919. Charles' daughter, Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee, was the contributor of this photograph. Before entering World War I, the United States maintained a policy of neutrality, although the U.S. continued to supply the Allies: Great Britan, France, and Russia. The U.S. officially entered the war on April 6, 1917, in response to Germany's return to all-out submarine warfare on all commercial ships sailing for Great Britain and Germany's offer for military alliance to Mexico via the Zimmerman Telegram. The U.S. mobilized over four million military personnel through the course of American involvement in the war and lost 110,000 casualties. The U.S. vastly expanded its government and dramatically increase the size of its military during World War I.I.
Original 2.25 x 3.25 inch black and white photograph: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee.
Reprinted 4 x 6 inch black and white photograph, February 6, 2007: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee.
A U.S. Army squad of American soldiers, including brothers Charles Ernest Gormley and George Gormley, during World War I. The squad originally consisted of eight men per tent, but was later cut down to five men per tent. The Gormleys were originally from Kansas, but moved to Sanford, Florida, with their family shortly before WWI. The brothers served alongside each other in France from August 13, 1917 to April 14, 1919. Charles' daughter, Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee, was the contributor of this photograph. Before entering World War I, the United States maintained a policy of neutrality, although the U.S. continued to supply the Allies: Great Britan, France, and Russia. The U.S. officially entered the war on April 6, 1917, in response to Germany's return to all-out submarine warfare on all commercial ships sailing for Great Britain and Germany's offer for military alliance to Mexico via the Zimmerman Telegram. The U.S. mobilized over four million military personnel through the course of American involvement in the war and lost 110,000 casualties. The U.S. vastly expanded its government and dramatically increase the size of its military during World War I.
A postcard showing United States Ship (USS) Nansemond (ID-1395), most likely around March 1919. Originally called Steamship (SS) Pennsylvania, this steamship was built by Hartland & Wolff in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1896 for the Hamburg-American Line. In 1917, the ship was seized by the United States Shipping Board (USSB). During World War I, Nansemond served in the Army Cargo and Transport Service until it was transferred to the U.S. Navy. On January 20, 1919, the steamship was commissioned in Hoboken, New Jersey, under Commander W. MacLeod of the U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR). USS Nansemond was assigned to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service (NOTS) and departed from New York on February 4, 1919. Carrying supplies for the U.S. Army, the ship arrived at Saint-Nazaire, France, on February 16 and then departed for Virginia on February 26. Carrying returning soldiers of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), Nansemond arrived at Newport News on March 11, 1919. In August, the steamship returned to New York to be decommissioned on August 25. USS Nansemond was returned to the USSB and then scrapped in 1924.
Original 5.5 x 3.5 inch sepia postcard, 1919: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee.
George Gormley Playing the Clarinet During World War I
George Gormley, an American soldier, playing the clarinet during World War I. Gormley was originally from Kansas, but he moved to Sanford, Florida, with his family shortly before WWI. Gormley served alongside his brother, Charles Ernest Gormley, in France from August 13, 1917 to April 14, 1919. His niece, Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee, was the contributor of this photograph. Before entering World War I, the United States maintained a policy of neutrality, although the U.S. continued to supply the Allies: Great Britan, France, and Russia. The U.S. officially entered the war on April 6, 1917, in response to Germany's return to all-out submarine warfare on all commercial ships sailing for Great Britain and Germany's offer for military alliance to Mexico via the Zimmerman Telegram. The U.S. mobilized over four million military personnel through the course of American involvement in the war and lost 110,000 casualties. The U.S. vastly expanded its government and dramatically increase the size of its military during World War I.
Charles Ernest Gormley Playing the Clarinet During World War I
Charles Ernest Gormley, an American soldier, playing the clarinet during World War I. Gormley was originally from Kansas, but he moved to Sanford, Florida, with his family shortly before WWI. Gormley served alongside his brother, George Gormley, in France from August 13, 1917, to April 14, 1919. His daughter, Luticia "Tish" Gormley Lee, was the contributor of this photograph. Before entering World War I, the United States maintained a policy of neutrality, although the U.S. continued to supply the Allies: Great Britan, France, and Russia. The U.S. officially entered the war on April 6, 1917, in response to Germany's return to all-out submarine warfare on all commercial ships sailing for Great Britain and Germany's offer for military alliance to Mexico via the Zimmerman Telegram. The U.S. mobilized over four million military personnel through the course of American involvement in the war and lost 110,000 casualties. The U.S. vastly expanded its government and dramatically increase the size of its military during World War I.
The American Legion Hall, located at the 300 Seminole Boulevard in Sanford, Florida. The log cabin was originally used as the American Legion Campbell-Lossing Post 53, which received the property from the City of Sanford during the Armistice Day celebrations on November 11, 1924. Mayor Forrest Lake dedicated the structure to the "future generations who would be better off because of the work of the American Legion." The cabin was constructed through private donations from local citizens and businesses, such as the Hill Lumber Company. A cannon from World War I was placed in front of the building on January 17, 1936, but the cannon was dismantled for scrap metal during World War II. The Sanford Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States acquired the building in 1973 and the American Legion moved to 3506 South Orlando Drive and later to 2874 South Sanford Avenue. Due to deterioration and poor conditions, inspector Gary Winn recommended demolition, which City Manager Bill Simmons approved. The American Legion is a social veterans' organization for former and current members of the United States Armed Forces. The organization was chartered by the United States Congress on September 16, 1919, following World War I. The American Legion has been active in influencing political and social change, such as the founding of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which was the forerunner of the Veterans Administration and later the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); efforts to pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting the physical desecration of the American flag; the creation of the American Legion Baseball program; the passing of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights; contributing to the launch of the National Association for Mental Health; sponsorship of an independent study on the effects of the exposure of Agent Orange, a herbicidal weapon, on veterans of the Vietnam War; as well as many other activities and achievements.
Photocopy of original 6 x 4 inch color photograph: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Lee.
Post 53's Original Post Home Located on Lake Monroe
The American Legion Hall Cannon, located at the 300 Seminole Boulevard in Sanford, Florida around 1939. The log cabin was originally used as the American Legion Campbell-Lossing Post 53, which received the property from the City of Sanford during the Armistice Day celebrations on November 11, 1924. Mayor Forrest Lake dedicated the structure to the "future generations who would be better off because of the work of the American Legion." The cabin was constructed through private donations from local citizens and businesses, such as the Hill Lumber Company. A cannon from World War I was placed in front of the building on January 17, 1936, but the cannon was dismantled for scrap metal during World War II. The Sanford Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States acquired the building in 1973 and the American Legion moved to 3506 South Orlando Drive and later to 2874 South Sanford Avenue. Due to deterioration and poor conditions, inspector Gary Winn recommended demolition, which City Manager Bill Simmons approved. The American Legion is a social veterans' organization for former and current members of the United States Armed Forces. The organization was chartered by the United States Congress on September 16, 1919, following World War I. The American Legion has been active in influencing political and social change, such as the founding of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which was the forerunner of the Veterans Administration and later the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); efforts to pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting the physical desecration of the American flag; the creation of the American Legion Baseball program; the passing of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights; contributing to the launch of the National Association for Mental Health; sponsorship of an independent study on the effects of the exposure of Agent Orange, a herbicidal weapon, on veterans of the Vietnam War; as well as many other activities and achievements.
Photocopy of original 6.5 x 3.75 inch black and white photograph by R. E. Sodeblom: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Lee.
View of the American Legion Hut on Lake Monroe
The American Legion Hall, located at the 300 Seminole Boulevard in Sanford, Florida during the 1920s. The log cabin was originally used as the American Legion Campbell-Lossing Post 53, which received the property from the City of Sanford during the Armistice Day celebrations on November 11, 1924. Mayor Forrest Lake dedicated the structure to the "future generations who would be better off because of the work of the American Legion." The cabin was constructed through private donations from local citizens and businesses, such as the Hill Lumber Company. A cannon from World War I was placed in front of the building on January 17, 1936, but the cannon was dismantled for scrap metal during World War II. The Sanford Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States acquired the building in 1973 and the American Legion moved to 3506 South Orlando Drive and later to 2874 South Sanford Avenue. Due to deterioration and poor conditions, inspector Gary Winn recommended demolition, which City Manager Bill Simmons approved. The American Legion is a social veterans' organization for former and current members of the United States Armed Forces. The organization was chartered by the United States Congress on September 16, 1919, following World War I. The American Legion has been active in influencing political and social change, such as the founding of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which was the forerunner of the Veterans Administration and later the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); efforts to pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting the physical desecration of the American flag; the creation of the American Legion Baseball program; the passing of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights; contributing to the launch of the National Association for Mental Health; sponsorship of an independent study on the effects of the exposure of Agent Orange, a herbicidal weapon, on veterans of the Vietnam War; as well as many other activities and achievements.
Photocopy of original 6.5 x 3.75 inch black and white photograph: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Lee.
Historic Lakefront Building to Be Demolished: Deteriorated Log Cabin is Too Dangerous to Save
This is a newspaper article describing the planned demolition of the an historic log cabin-style building located at 300 Seminole Boulevard in Sanford, Florida. The log cabin was originally used as the American Legion Campbell-Lossing Post 53, which received the property from the City of Sanford during the Armistice Day celebrations on November 11, 1924. Mayor Forrest Lake dedicated the structure to the "future generations who would be better off because of the work of the American Legion." The cabin was constructed through private donations from local citizens and businesses, such as the Hill Lumber Company. A cannon from World War I was placed in front of the building on January 17, 1936, but the cannon was dismantled for scrap metal during World War II. The Sanford Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States acquired the building in 1973 and the American Legion moved to 3506 South Orlando Drive and later to 2874 South Sanford Avenue. Due to deterioration and poor conditions, inspector Gary Winn recommended demolition, which was approved by City Manager Bill Simmons. The American Legion is a social veterans' organization for former and current members of the United States Armed Forces. The organization was chartered by the United States Congress on September 16, 1919, following World War I. The American Legion has been active in influencing political and social change, such as the founding of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which was the forerunner of the Veterans Administration and later the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); efforts to pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting the physical desecration of the American flag; the creation of the American Legion Baseball program; the passing of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights; contributing to the launch of the National Association for Mental Health; sponsorship of an independent study on the effects of the exposure of Agent Orange, a herbicidal weapon, on veterans of the Vietnam War; as well as many other activities and achievements.
Photocopy of original newspaper article: Pfeifauf, Nick. "Historic Lakefront Building to Be Demolished: Deteriorated Log Cabin is Too Dangerous to Save." The Sanford Herald, January 24, 1996: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Lee.
The Sanford Herald
This is an undated narrative, written by Luticia "Tish" Lee, that describes the origins of a rolling pin that has become an heirloom of the Lee Family of Sanford, Florida. Lee wrote about this keepsake for which she had placed in her Love Cedar Chest, also known as a Hope Chest. While attending high school in 1940, Lee's parents gave her a hope chest, along with a bedspread crocheted by her mother. Also included inside was a rolling pin that her father, a member of the American Legion, had made from one of the wooden spokes from the wheel of a World War I-era cannon. The cannon was placed in front of American Legion Campbell-Lossing Post 53, located at 300 Seminole Boulevard, on January 17, 1936, but was dismantled for scrap metal during World War II. Lee married her husband James after the war on September 11, 1946. After her wedding, she began using the rolling pin.
Original handwritten narrative by Luticia "Tish" Lee: Private Collection of Luticia "Tish" Lee.
This newspaper article, from The Evening Herald, commemorating Dr. George H. Starke (1898-1978) for his services to the community. In 1971, the Sanford Mayor Lee P. Moore dedicated George Starke Park to Dr. Starke, located at 1501 West Third Street. He has also received honors from Dr. Luis Perez, Dr. Jorge Gomez, and Dr. Thomas Largen and was honored at the ""Appreciation Day Sunday" event held by the Sanford Chamber of Commerce and the Concerned Citizens Committee. Dr. Starke was a practicing medical doctor who opened his practice in Sanford, Florida, on September 15, 1927. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Starke became one of only four African-American physicians to be accepted by Harvard University for residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He practiced for several years in Boston and then returned to Sanford in 1933 and continued to practice medicine until his death at age 80. For many years, Dr. Starke was the only African-American doctor in Sanford. Dr. Starke was also the first African-American doctor to acquire membership in the Florida Medical Association and the Seminole County Medical Association, as well as the second to join the American Medical Association. In 1971, the City of Sanford named George Starke Park, located at 1501 West Third Street, in his honor.
Original newspaper article: "A Big Thanks for Dr. Starke," The Evening Herald, September 13, 1977, page 4A: Dr. George H. Starke Folder, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford Florida.
This undated newspaper clipping advertises an "Appreciation Day Sunday" held by the Sanford Chamber of Commerce and the Concerned Citizens Committee for Dr. George H. Starke (1898-1978). The Chamber of Commerce hung a banner over First Street in Downtown Sanford, Florida, in Dr. Starke's honor. The event was held at the Sanford Civic Center, located at 401 East Seminole Boulevard. Dr. Starke was a practicing medical doctor who opened his practice in Sanford, Florida, on September 15, 1927. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Starke became one of only four African-American physicians to be accepted by Harvard University for residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He practiced for several years in Boston and then returned to Sanford in 1933 and continued to practice medicine until his death at age 80. For many years, Dr. Starke was the only African-American doctor in Sanford. Dr. Starke was also the first African-American doctor to acquire membership in the Florida Medical Association and the Seminole County Medical Association, as well as the second to join the American Medical Association. In 1971, the City of Sanford named George Starke Park, located at 1501 West Third Street, in his honor.
Original newspaper article: "Dr. Starke Honored": Dr. George H. Starke Folder, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford Florida.
50th Anniversary for Starke; Hundredth for City
This newspaper article commemorates Dr. George H. Starke's (1898-1978) 50 years of service to the Sanford community. Dr. Starke was a practicing medical doctor who opened his practice in Sanford, Florida, on September 15, 1927. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Starke became one of only four African-American physicians to be accepted by Harvard University for residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He practiced for several years in Boston and then returned to Sanford in 1933 and continued to practice medicine until his death at age 80. For many years, Dr. Starke was the only African-American doctor in Sanford. Dr. Starke was also the first African-American doctor to acquire membership in the Florida Medical Association and the Seminole County Medical Association, as well as the second to join the American Medical Association. In 1971, the City of Sanford named George Starke Park, located at 1501 West Third Street, in his honor.
Original newspaper article: "50th Anniversary for Starke; Hundredth for City," The Sanford Herald, August 7, 1977: Dr. George H. Starke Folder, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford Florida.
Florida Agricultural and Technical University, Tallahassee, Florida
Sanford Salutes Dr. G. H. Starke Sunday Sept 1
This newspaper clipping, presumably from The Sanford Herald, reproduces a photograph of Sanford's First Street with a banner commemorating Dr. George H. Starke (1898-1978) strung between several buildings. Dr. Starke was a practicing medical doctor who opened his practice in Sanford, Florida, on September 15, 1927. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Starke became one of only four African-American physicians to be accepted by Harvard University for residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He practiced for several years in Boston and then returned to Sanford in 1933 and continued to practice medicine until his death at age 80. For many years, Dr. Starke was the only African-American doctor in Sanford. Dr. Starke was also the first African-American doctor to acquire membership in the Florida Medical Association and the Seminole County Medical Association, as well as the second to join the American Medical Association. In 1971, the City of Sanford named George Starke Park, located at 1501 West Third Street, in his honor.
Print newspaper reproduction of original photograph: The Sanford Herald, September 7, 1977: Dr. George H. Starke Folder, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford to Honor Dr. Starke for Half Century of Medical Service
This newspaper clipping, from the September 11, 1977 edition of the The Sentinel Star, offers a descriptive profile of Dr. George H. Starke's (1898-1978) history and accomplishments. Dr. Starke was a practicing medical doctor who opened his practice in Sanford, Florida, on September 15, 1927. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Starke became one of only four African-American physicians to be accepted by Harvard University for residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He practiced for several years in Boston and then returned to Sanford in 1933 and continued to practice medicine until his death at age 80. For many years, Dr. Starke was the only African-American doctor in Sanford. Dr. Starke was also the first African-American doctor to acquire membership in the Florida Medical Association and the Seminole County Medical Association, as well as the second to join the American Medical Association. In 1971, the City of Sanford named George Starke Park, located at 1501 West Third Street, in his honor.
Original newspaper article by Keay Davidson: "Sanford to Honor Dr. Starke for Half Century of Medical Service," The Sentinel Star, September 11, 1977: Dr. George H. Starke Folder, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Dr. Starke Wins Chase Senior Citizen Award
This newspaper clipping concerns the awarding of the Chase Senior Citizen Award to Dr. George H. Starke (1898-1978). The precise newspaper is unknown, but it is presumed to be The Sanford Herald. The year the award was given is believed to be 1974. Dr. Starke was a practicing medical doctor who opened his practice in Sanford, Florida, on September 15, 1927. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Starke became one of only four African-American physicians to be accepted by Harvard University for residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He practiced for several years in Boston and then returned to Sanford in 1933 and continued to practice medicine until his death at age 80. For many years, Dr. Starke was the only African-American doctor in Sanford. Dr. Starke was also the first African-American doctor to acquire membership in the Florida Medical Association and the Seminole County Medical Association, as well as the second to join the American Medical Association. In 1971, the City of Sanford named George Starke Park, located at 1501 West Third Street, in his honor.
Original newspaper article by Jane Casselberry: "Dr. Starke Wins Chase Senior Citizen Award," The Sanford Herald: Dr. George H. Starke Folder, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford Florida.
Baggs' Produce Cart from "Remade - Not Bought"
the Baggs' Produce cart prop used in several scenes for Remade - Not Bought to symbolize the Baggs' grocery store. This store was part of the community for decades and has served as a de facto meeting place for residents of Sanford, Florida. Remade - Not Bought was a Celery Soup: Florida's Folk Life Play and Creative Sanford, Inc. play performed from October 18 through November 3, 2013. The play was written by Peter Newman, Brian Casey, Trish Thompson, Annye Refoe, and Laura Donaldson. Remade - Not Bought was directed by Nicholas Murphy, the artistic director of Cornerstone Theatre in Orlando, and includes original music by Ruth King. The play features stories real-life stories based on oral histories of Sanford residents.
Original color digital image by Autumn Reisz, October 11, 2013.
Woven Tales and Signature Boards at the Princess Theater
A display wall in the Princess Theater, located at 115 West First Street in Sanford, Florida. This wall displays two important artifacts related to Creative Sanford, Inc.: "Woven Tales", materials woven during an earlier play; and the signature boards of all of the actors and volunteers who participated in previous performances. Creative Sanford is a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup community theater productions. The original idea for the Celery Soup: Florida’s Folk Life Play project came from Jeanine Taylor, the owner of a folk-art gallery on First Street in Sanford, Florida. Their first production was Touch and Go, a play focusing on the people of Sanford and their determination to overcome various obstacles, including the Freeze of 1894-1895, the fall of Sanford's celery industry, and the closing of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford in the 1960s. Richard Geer and Jules Corriere, partners from Community Performance International, were in charge of assessing oral histories, converting them into scenes for the play, and writing original songs. Director Geer also used an all-volunteer cast from the local community, many of whom were not experienced actors. In the process of producing the show, Creative Sanford decided to rehabilitate an historic building, the Princess Theater, which is located on 115 West First Street and owned by Stephen Tibstra. The Creative Sanford offices are housed in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, located at 203 East First Street.
Trish Thompson, Vice President and former President of Creative Sanford, Inc., in October 2013. Creative Sanford is a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup community theater productions. The original idea for the Celery Soup: Florida’s Folk Life Play project came from Jeanine Taylor, the owner of a folk-art gallery on First Street in Sanford, Florida. Their first production was Touch and Go, a play focusing on the people of Sanford and their determination to overcome various obstacles, including the Freeze of 1894-1895, the fall of Sanford's celery industry, and the closing of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford in the 1960s. Richard Geer and Jules Corriere, partners from Community Performance International, were in charge of assessing oral histories, converting them into scenes for the play, and writing original songs. Director Geer also used an all-volunteer cast from the local community, many of whom were not experienced actors. In the process of producing the show, Creative Sanford decided to rehabilitate an historic building, the Princess Theater, which is located on 115 West First Street and owned by Stephen Tibstra. The Creative Sanford offices are housed in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, located at 203 East First Street.
The stage set, during construction, at the Princess Theater, located at 115 West First Street, for Remade - Not Bought. Remade - Not Bought was a Celery Soup: Florida's Folk Life Play and Creative Sanford, Inc. play performed from October 18 through November 3, 2013. The play was written by Peter Newman, Brian Casey, Trish Thompson, Annye Refoe, and Laura Donaldson. Remade - Not Bought was directed by Nicholas Murphy, the artistic director of Cornerstone Theatre in Orlando, and includes original music by Ruth King. The play features stories real-life stories based on oral histories of Sanford residents.
Original color digital images by Autumn Reisz, October 11, 2013.
The riser seating at the Princess Theater, located at 115 West First Street in Sanford, Florida. There are three bays of riser seating in the theater. High siding was added to back and sides to provide cast members with more privacy. Remade - Not Bought was a Celery Soup: Florida's Folk Life Play and Creative Sanford, Inc. play performed from October 18 through November 3, 2013. The play was written by Peter Newman, Brian Casey, Trish Thompson, Annye Refoe, and Laura Donaldson. Remade - Not Bought was directed by Nicholas Murphy, the artistic director of Cornerstone Theatre in Orlando, and includes original music by Ruth King. The play features stories real-life stories based on oral histories of Sanford residents.
Dressing rooms (Performing arts)--United States
The cast dressing rooms backstage at the Princess Theater, located at 115 West First Street in Sanford, Florida. The dressing rooms were expanded and improved for the Creative Sanford, Inc. and Celery Soup: Florida's Folk Life Play production of Remade - Not Bought performed October 18 through November 3, 2013. The play was written by Peter Newman, Brian Casey, Trish Thompson, Annye Refoe, and Laura Donaldson. Remade - Not Bought was directed by Nicholas Murphy, the artistic director of Cornerstone Theatre in Orlando, and includes original music by Ruth King. The play features stories real-life stories based on oral histories of Sanford residents.
A poster for a breast cancer awareness fundraiser called "Music for Melons." The event was held at the Princess Theater, located at 115 West First Street in Sanford, Florida, on September 28, 2013. "Music for Melons" featured performances by Angelyn Rhode, Paul 50, Lisa Stern, the Melon Sisters, Galaxy Mindz Dance Crew, Wekiva River Players Junior Theater, Winter Springs Performing Arts, and many more. The fundraiser collected $10 donations and all proceeds went to the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K. "Music for Melons" was produced by a breast cancer awareness walking team of the same name. The team was founded by Rhode, a breast cancer survivor, in 2011.
Letter from John L. Mica to Trish Thompson (July 12, 2011)
A letter from U.S. House Representative John L. Mica congratulating Creative Sanford, Inc. and its then-President Trish Thompson for receiving the 2011 Cultural Preservation Award from the Sanford Historic Trust for the play Touch and Go. Creative Sanford, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup community theater productions. The original idea for the Celery Soup: Florida’s Folk Life Play project came from Jeanine Taylor, the owner of a folk-art gallery on First Street in Sanford, Florida. Their first production was Touch and Go, a play focusing on the people of Sanford and their determination to overcome various obstacles, including the Freeze of 1894-1895, the fall of Sanford's celery industry, and the closing of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford in the 1960s. Richard Geer and Jules Corriere, partners from Community Performance International, were in charge of assessing oral histories, converting them into scenes for the play, and writing original songs. Director Geer also used an all-volunteer cast from the local community, many of whom were not experienced actors. In the process of producing the show, Creative Sanford decided to rehabilitate an historic building, the Princess Theater, which is located on 115 West First Street and owned by Stephen Tibstra. The Creative Sanford offices are housed in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, located at 203 East First Street.
Original letter from John L. Mica to Trish Thompson, July 12, 2011: Creative Sanford, Inc., Historic Sanford Welcome Center, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Chris Dorworth to Trish Thompson (June 16, 2011)
A letter from Florida House Representative Chris Dorworth recognizing and congratulating Creative Sanford, Inc. and its then-President Trish Thompson for their work preserving and presenting community history through folk-life plays, specifically Touch and Go. Creative Sanford, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup community theater productions. The original idea for the Celery Soup: Florida’s Folk Life Play project came from Jeanine Taylor, the owner of a folk-art gallery on First Street in Sanford, Florida. Their first production was Touch and Go, a play focusing on the people of Sanford and their determination to overcome various obstacles, including the Freeze of 1894-1895, the fall of Sanford's celery industry, and the closing of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford in the 1960s. Richard Geer and Jules Corriere, partners from Community Performance International, were in charge of assessing oral histories, converting them into scenes for the play, and writing original songs. Director Geer also used an all-volunteer cast from the local community, many of whom were not experienced actors. In the process of producing the show, Creative Sanford decided to rehabilitate an historic building, the Princess Theater, which is located on 115 West First Street and owned by Stephen Tibstra. The Creative Sanford offices are housed in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, located at 203 East First Street.
Original letter from Chris Dorworth to Trish Thompson, June 16, 2011: Creative Sanford, Inc., Historic Sanford Welcome Center, Sanford, Florida.
Office of State Representative Chris Dorworth, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida
The front display window at the Princess Theater, located at 115 West First Street, for the Creative Sanford, Inc. and Celery Soup: Florida's Folk Life Play production of Remade - Not Bought. The window display is filled with baking related props like pies, an old stand mixer, a cookbook, mixing bowls, an apron, a measuring cup, and various ingredients for making pies The faux props were made by school children in Seminole County. Remade - Not Bought was a Celery Soup play produced by Creative Sanford performed October 18 through November 3, 2013. The play was written by Peter Newman, Brian Casey, Trish Thompson, Annye Refoe, and Laura Donaldson. Remade - Not Bought was directed by Nicholas Murphy, the artistic director of Cornerstone Theatre in Orlando, and includes original music by Ruth King. The play features stories real-life stories based on oral histories of Sanford residents.
A wooden cut-out of a man and woman dressed for the Celery Ball. The Celery Ball is a fund raising event held by Creative Sanford, a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup: Florida's Folk Life Play community theater productions, each year. For the Celery Ball, several "kings" and "queens" compete to raise money to support Creative Sanford's mission, the highest male and female fundraisers being crowned the top king and queen. The Celery Ball in 2014 was The Great Gatsby-themed and featured silent auctions. The original idea for the Celery Soup project came from Jeanine Taylor, the owner of a folk-art gallery on First Street in Sanford, Florida. Their first production was Touch and Go, a play focusing on the people of Sanford and their determination to overcome various obstacles, including the Freeze of 1894-1895, the fall of Sanford's celery industry, and the closing of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford in the 1960s. Richard Geer and Jules Corriere, partners from Community Performance International, were in charge of assessing oral histories, converting them into scenes for the play, and writing original songs. Director Geer also used an all-volunteer cast from the local community, many of whom were not experienced actors. In the process of producing the show, Creative Sanford decided to rehabilitate an historic building, the Princess Theater, which is located on 115 West First Street and owned by Stephen Tibstra. The Creative Sanford offices are housed in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, located at 203 East First Street.
A poster advertising an exhibition of the photographic series of Reg Garner, a Sanford resident. The event was held on August 23, 2006. While not a Creative Sanford, Inc. event, this poster illustrates the co-op arrangement at the Princess Theater, located at 115 West First Street in Sanford, Florida. Creative Sanford, Inc. is the lease holder, but co-ops the space with other groups to share the costs involved in leasing the theater space. The Princess Theater was first opened in 1915 as a live theater and film theater until the mid-1960s, when it was converted into an automobile parts dealership for over 20 years. The theater was revitalized by Creative Sanford.
A Tribute Recognizing Creative Sanford, Inc.
A certificate awarded by the Florida House of Representatives to Creative Sanford, Inc. on June 23, 2011. This award recognizes the accomplishments, work, and awards received by Creative Sanford. Some of the achievements cited include the Celery Soup production Touch and Go, the 2011 Cultural Preservation Award, and the completion and transcription of over 100 oral histories. The document is signed by Chris Dorworth, the Florida State Representative for District 34. Creative Sanford, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup community theater productions. The original idea for the Celery Soup project came from Jeanine Taylor, the owner of a folk-art gallery on First Street in Sanford, Florida. Their first production was Touch and Go, a play focusing on the people of Sanford and their determination to overcome various obstacles, including the Freeze of 1894-1895, the fall of Sanford's celery industry, and the closing of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford in the 1960s. Richard Geer and Jules Corriere, partners from Community Performance International, were in charge of assessing oral histories, converting them into scenes for the play, and writing original songs. Director Geer also used an all-volunteer cast from the local community, many of whom were not experienced actors. In the process of producing the show, Creative Sanford decided to rehabilitate an historic building, the Princess Theater, which is located on 115 West First Street and owned by Stephen Tibstra. The Creative Sanford offices are housed in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, located at 203 East First Street.
Florida House of Representatives
Chris Dorworth
Original 8.5 x 14 inch certificate, June 23, 2011: Florida House of Representatives, Tallahassee, Florida: Creative Sanford, Inc., Historic Sanford Welcome Center, Sanford, Florida.
Cultural Preservation Award for Creative Sanford, Inc. and Celery Soup
TheCultural Preservation Award presented by the Sanford Historic Trust to Creative Sanford, Inc. in 2011 for the play Touch and Go. The award contains images from the play and the address of the Princess Theater, where the play was performed. Creative Sanford, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup community theater productions. The original idea for the Celery Soup project came from Jeanine Taylor, the owner of a folk-art gallery on First Street in Sanford, Florida. Their first production was Touch and Go, a play focusing on the people of Sanford and their determination to overcome various obstacles, including the Freeze of 1894-1895, the fall of Sanford's celery industry, and the closing of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford in the 1960s. Richard Geer and Jules Corriere, partners from Community Performance International, were in charge of assessing oral histories, converting them into scenes for the play, and writing original songs. Director Geer also used an all-volunteer cast from the local community, many of whom were not experienced actors. In the process of producing the show, Creative Sanford decided to rehabilitate an historic building, the Princess Theater, which is located on 115 West First Street and owned by Stephen Tibstra. The Creative Sanford offices are housed in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, located at 203 East First Street.
Sanford Historic Trust
Original 8.5 x 11 inch certificate, May 9, 2011: Sanford Historic Trust, Sanford, Florida: Creative Sanford, Inc., Historic Sanford Welcome Center, Sanford, Florida.
An oral history with Thomas D. Wright, a surfer and lawyer with Wright, Casey & Stowers, P.L. in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Wright was born in Florida on April 8, 1951. Other topics discussed in the oral history include growing up in New Smyrna Beach, how others perceive surfers, the evolution of surfing, how surfing affects society, surfboards preference, surfing contests, how New Smyrna Beach was affected by surfing, and plans to establish the East Coast Surfing Museum.
Wright, Thomas D. Interview by Dakota Hull. Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus. August 1, 2013. Audio/video record available. Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Daytona State College
An oral history with Kem McNair, a surfer, artist, musician, photographer, and owner of McNair Computer Arts LLC in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Born on December 27, 1952, McNair moved from southern Georgia to Central Florida around 1962. He learned to surf and became a member of the Surfari Club for many years. McNair has competed in various surfing contests and has won various championships, including the Florida Surfing Championship, and was a member of the Hobie Surf Team. Other topics discussed in the oral history include memories of Central Florida, the Surfari Club, learning how to surf, how surfing has changed over time, injuries McNair suffered from surfing, and traveling to surfing competitions.
McNair, Kem. Interview by Irene Pump and Lindsay Hemings. Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus. July 18, 2013. Audio/video record available. Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Witch's Rock, Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Ollie's Point, Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
An oral history with Matt Clancy, a surfer and the owner of Clancy's Mexican Cantina. Clancy moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in 1962 when his father, a member of the United States Air Force, relocated to Central Florida. Clancy began teaching himself how to surf at age six. His six older brothers, as well as friends Mike Martin and Tommy Wright, also helped Clancy learn. As a child, Clancy joined the Smyrna Surfari Club, a social organization founded in 1979 in New Smyrna Beach. He was also a member of the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) and the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) and participated in numerous competitions in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and California. Other topics discussed in the oral history include memories of Central Florida, surfboards, surfing in difficult weather conditions, sharks and shark attacks, surfing injuries, and Clancy's restaurant.
Clancy, Matt. Interview by Erin Wells and Brandon Clark. Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus. July 25, 2013. Audio/video record available. Daytona State College, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Clancy's Mexican Cantina, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
A magazine article about the Western Union Telegraph Company office located at 201 East First Street in Sanford, Florida, in 1926. According to the article, the telegraph business in Sanford was developing rapidly. The office's manager, L. Tharp, explained that in 1924, the local office only employed two day clerks, one day operator, one night operator, four messenger boys, and a manager. In 1926, when the article was published, the office employed three day operators, one night operator, four day clerks, one cashier, two night clerks, twelve messenger boys, one manager, and one linesman. The article also states that 36 lines lead out of Sanford, with half going to Tampa and half going to Jacksonville. The Western Union Company was originally organized in 1851 under the name the New York and Mississippi Valley Printing Telegraph Company. In 1855, the company merged with the New York & Western Union Telegraph Company. Western Union grew rapidly, opening its first transcontinental telegraph in 1861. The first stock ticker was introduced in 1866 and standardized time service became available in 1870. In 1871, the company began its money transfer service. Although Western Union initially tried to participate in telephone services, it ultimately abandoned telephone communications when it lost a patent lawsuit with the Bell Telephone Company in 1879. Nonetheless, Western Union continued to develop new services for their customers, including the first charge card for consumers in 1914, teletypewriters in 1923, singing telegrams in 1933, intercity faxes in 1935, commercial intercity microwave communications in 1943, Telex services for customers in New York City in 1958, and Candygrams in the 1960s.
Original newspaper article: "Western Union: A Hive of Service." This Week in Sanford, Vol. 02, No. 04, August 9, 1926. Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Western Union Telegraph Company, Sanford, Florida
A newspaper article about W. A. Patrick, president of the Seminole Tire Shop in Sanford, Florida. Patrick migrated to Sanford on March 10, 192,7 and established a tire repair business that also distributed Firestone and Crosley products. By 1932, his business was recognized as the "leading and most progressive of its kind" in Sanford, according to the article. At the time that the article was written, Patrick resided at 1513 Palmetto Avenue with his wife, Agnes Bartlett Patrick. W. A. Patrick was also a member of the Masons, the Elks Lodges, and the Christian Church. His store, the Seminole Tire Shop, erected one of the largest one-stop service stations in the city, which was located at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market that opened in 1934. The Seminole Tire Shop was incorporated in 1932 but is no longer active.
Original newspaper article: "Seminole Tire Shop ." The Sanford Herald: Who's Who of 1933, Vol. 24, No. 157, April 29, 1933. Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Vendors at the First Sanford State Farmers' Market
A table representing the vendors to rent stalls at the First Sanford State Farmers' State Market, where they were located, the number of stalls rented, and miscellaneous information. Vendors included B. E. Akin of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; the Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers, Inc., a cooperative growing and shipping organization; the Brown Brothers; E. J. Cameron; B. R. Carroll; Chase and Company, a packer and shipper of citrus, celery, and other vegetables, as well as a manufacturer of crates, fertilizers, and insecticides; C. I. & M. Dingfelder, Abe Godsey; E. C. Harnage, a former officer of the Atlantic Coast Line Railway Company; W. E. Hathaway; Langford and Son; M. Moses, a grower and shipper of celery; A. B. Stevens, a producer of milk; Peter Thurston, a vegetable grower; William N. William, a dealer of tomatoes, avocados, limes, cucumbers, and peppers; Fred Zerrener; W. H. Britt; B. A. Howard, an executive committee member of the Florida Vegetable Growers' Association board; Stokes Seed Company, a packer and shipper of celery; H. C. Whelchel; W. B. Williams; and Ed Bullion, grower of limes, avocadoes, and vegetables. Bullion's broker, Edward Williams, was credited with the first official sale at the new farmers' market. H. J. Clause, broker for both the Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers and for Peter Thurston, was credited with the second official sale. The idea for the Sanford State Farmers' Market was devised by Fred Dorner and Gus Schmach, both members of the Seminole Agricultural Club. The 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 Florida 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 dataset by Laura Cepero, August 3, 2011.
Sanford State Farmers' Market, Sanford, Florida
Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers, Inc., Sanford, Florida
Former Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company Office
Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company
The former office of the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company on 101 East First Street in Sanford, Florida as early as 1915. As of 2011, the building was being occupied by Betty Anne's Hair Styling. Southern Bell was originally part of the Bell Telephone Company, founded on July 9, 1877 in Boston, Massachusetts. Southern Bell, formerly called the Atlanta Telephonic Exchange, became a separate entity on December 20, 1879, in Atlanta, Georgia. The company was established to serve Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, parts of West Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In 1917, operations for West Virginia were taken over by the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of West Virginia. On December 20, 1967, Southern Bell formed South Central Bell Telephone to operate in Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Although originally incorporated in New York, Southern Bell was reincorporated in Georgia as SBT & T Company in 1983. As of 2013, the company operates as BellSouth Telecommunications and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Original color digital image by Laura Cepero, July 24, 2011.
Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company, Sanford, Florida
Betty Anne's Hair Styling, Sanford, Florida
Two men loading crates of celery either onto rail car. The celery was shipped by M. Moses, who also leased two stalls at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market, on February 16, 1926, from Sanford, Florida. A. H. Moses & Son sold the celery upon the shipment arrival in New York City on February 24. The man pictured in the dark suit is likely one of the Moses brothers.
Original framed black and white photograph: "Celery Shipment Loaded on Railcar." 1926. Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
A newspaper advertisement for the Seminole Tire Shop in Sanford, Florida. The store erected one of the largest one-stop service stations in the city, which was located at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market that opened in 1934. According to this ad, the shop was located at the corner of West First Street and South Elm Avenue, though earlier sources from the 1920s suggest that the store was once located at 201 North Park Avenue. The Seminole Tire Shop was incorporated in 1932 but is no longer active. .
Original newspaper article: "Seminole Tire Shop." The Sanford Herald: Who's Who of 1933, Vol. 24, No. 157, April 29, 1933. Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers, Inc. Advertisement
An advertisement for the Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers, Inc., which was amongst the first to lease stalls at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market when it opened in 1934. Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers was founded in 1913 as a cooperative growing and shipping organization originally consisting of 14 growers in Sanford and Oviedo, Florida. At the time that the ad was published, T. F. Adams served as president, J. C. Hutchinson served as general sales manager, and Robert A. Cobb served as secretary-treasurer. The offices were located in the building of the First National Bank No. 2, located at 101 East First Street in Sanford. The office of Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers occupied offices 510-514 on the fifth floor in from as early as 1926 to as late as 1930.
Original newspaper article: "Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers, Inc." Sanford Today, Vol. 01, No. 12, October 2, 1926: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers Formed in 1913
A newspaper article on the history of the Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers, Inc. Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers was founded in 1913 as a cooperative growing and shipping organization originally consisting of fourteen growers in Sanford and Oviedo, Florida. The company was also one of the first vendors to lease stalls at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market when it first opened in 1934. At the time that the article was written, the Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers was packing and shipping vegetables from more than 400 acres of land in the St. Johns River Valley under the management of William E. Vihlen. The company distributed mostly celery, with 80 percent being Pascal, but other vegetables shipped included cabbage, escarole, and peppers. The company's washhouse and packing plant located near the west side of Rand's Siding was managed by C. F. Reese and received additional wash chain equipment costing $4,000 in 1954. According to the article, Joe B. Shaw was the field manager and Lewis James was his assistant. The article also includes two snippets about a 4-H club livestock show in Jacksonville and the watermelon harvest for Levy County in 1952.
Original black and white newspaper article: "Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers Formed in 1913." February 25, 1952: Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
A newspaper article about Robert A. Cobb in 1933. Cobb was born in Live Oak, Florida, but migrated to Sanford with his parents in January of 1910. He attended Sanford High School (present-day Seminole High School), and studied business at Southern College in Lakeland. Cobb also served as a United States Marine in the Fifth Regiment in the Second Division for a year during World War I. After returning from service, Cobb became the secretary-treasurer of the Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers, Inc., which was founded in 1913 as a cooperative growing and shipping organization originally consisting of 14 growers in Sanford and Oviedo. His company was also one of the first vendors to lease stalls at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market when it first opened in 1934. He and his wife, Izetta Stone, resided at 313 West Fifteenth Street in Sanford with their children, Thomas A. Cobb and Frances Mae Cobb. Cobb was also a member of the Presbyterian Church, the American Legion, the Lions Club the Masons, and the Odd Fellows.
Original newspaper article: "R. A. Cobb." The Sanford Herald: Who's Who of 1933, Vol. 24, No. 157, April 29, 1933. Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
The Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company's new dialing exchange in Sanford, Florida, in the late 1950s. Southern Bell was originally part of the Bell Telephone Company, founded on July 9, 1877, in Boston, Massachusetts. Southern Bell, formerly called the Atlanta Telephonic Exchange, became a separate entity on December 20, 1879 in Atlanta, Georgia. The company was established to serve Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, parts of West Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In 1917, operations for West Virginia were taken over by the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of West Virginia. On December 20, 1967, Southern Bell formed South Central Bell Telephone to operate in Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Although originally incorporated in New York, Southern Bell was reincorporated in Georgia as SBT&T Company in 1983. As of 2013, the company was absorbed into BellSouth Telecommunications and is headquartered in Atlanta.
Original black and white photograph: Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sanford, Florida.
Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce
A newspaper article about J. C. Hutchinson, sales manager of Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers Association, Inc., which was founded in 1913 as a cooperative growing and shipping organization originally consisting of fourteen growers in Sanford and Oviedo, Florida. His company was also one of the first vendors to lease stalls at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market when it first opened in 1934. A school teacher in Sanford from 1915 to 1917, Hutchinson also served as major of the headquarters company in the 124th Infantry of the Florida National Guard and as captain of Company "D." At the time the article was published, he resided in Indian mound Village with his wife Annie Whitner and their two daughters, Elise and Helen.
Original newspaper article: "J. C. Hutchinson." The Sanford Herald: Who's Who of 1933, Vol. 24, No. 157, April 29, 1933. Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company--Employees
A newspaper article about Howard Overlin, the manager of the Sanford, Oviedo, and Geneva division of the Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company in 1933. Overlin was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana. In 1911, he began his telecommunications career by working for the Indiana Bell Telephone Company, until he was transferred to the Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1914. In 1918, Overlin migrated to Jacksonville, Florida, to manage the Southern Bell Telephone Company's lines in Camp Johnson during World War I. Once the war ended, he transferred to Sanford and resided at 113 West 19th Street with his wife, Maude Growe Overlin. In addition to his business career, Overlin was also president of the Sanford Kiwanis Club, secretary of the Sanford Elks Club, president of the Seminole County Safety Council, a member of the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, and a congregant of the First Christian Church.
Original newspaper article: "Howard Overlin." The Sanford Herald: Who's Who of 1933, Vol. 24, No. 157, April 29, 1933. Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
A newspaper advertisement about the estimated amount of 400 carloads of celery that will be shipped out of Sanford in 1917 by Stokes Seed Company, which was also one of the first vendors to lease a stall at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market when it first opened in 1934. The celery consisted mostly of Golden Self-Blanching Celery, but also included New Easy Blanching Celery. The origins of Sanford's connection to celery farming began on December 26, 1894, when a freeze damaged the area's citrus groves. The city 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 three-fourts of an acre in 1897 with celery imported from Kalamazoo, Michigan. By 1898, celery became the crop synonymous to Sanford, also known as "Celery City."
Original newspaper advertisement: Market Growers Journal: The Market Gardener's Trade Paper, Volume 20.
A newspaper advertisement for the Seminole Tire Shop in Sanford, Florida. The store erected one of the largest one-stop service stations in the city, which was located at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market. This ad, likely published in the 1920s, lists 201 North Park Avenue as the tire shop's address, although advertisements published in 1933 suggest that the company moved to the corner of West First Street and South Elm Avenue. The company was incorporated in 1932 but is no longer active.
Original newspaper advertisement: Agricultural Collection, Celery Collection, Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
Corporate Farming: How Chase & Company Has Grown Into a Dominant Force in Florida Agri-Business
A pamphlet about the history and structure of Chase & Company. One of the first vendors to lease a stall at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market, Chase & Company was established by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase 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 in Windermere, Florida. 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 pamphlet: "Corporate Farming: How Chase & Company Has Grown Into a Dominant Force in Florida Agri-Business": Agricultural Collection, Celery Collection, Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
The former location of the Chase & Company office, located at 110 West First Street in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. The building served as Chase & Co.'s office since 1887 and its office for fire insurance beginning in 1917. The building is currently occupied by the University of Central Florida's Business Incubator office. Chase & Company was also one of the first vendors to lease a stall at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market when it opened in 1934. Chase & Company was established in 1884 by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. 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. 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.
Chase & Company Office, Sanford, Florida
UCF Business Incubator, Sanford, Florida
Chase & Company: Packers and Distributors of Florida Fruits and Vegetables Exclusively
A newspaper advertisement for Chase & Company, the largest and oldest distribution agency in Florida and one of the first vendors to lease a stall at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market when it opened in 1934. The article states that the company conducts business in most shipping districts in Florida and ships to markets across the United States and Canada. Chase & Co.'s main office was located in Jacksonville at the time that the article was published in 1910. There were also offices in Cincinnati, Chicago, New York, St. Louis, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C. In addition to citrus packing and processing, Chase & Company also did business in insurance. Chase & Company was established in 1884 by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. 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. 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.
Original newspaper article: "Chase & Company: Packers and Distributors of Florida Fruits and Vegetables Exclusively." The Sanford Chronicle, Industrial Edition, Winter 1910. Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Chase & Company Office, Jacksonville, Florida
An advertisement for Chase & Company from Sanford High School's Salmagundi yearbook for the 1920-1921. One of the first vendors to lease a stall at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market, Chase & Company was established in 1884 by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. 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. 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.
Original yearbook advertisement: Salmagundi, 1921: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford High School
A Chase & Company packing house in Sanford, Florida, 1891. One of the first vendors to lease a stall at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market, Chase & Company was established in 1884 by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. 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. 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
Original black and white photograph, 1891: Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce, Sanford, Florida.
A newspaper article about the building permits awarded in Sanford, Florida, in 1926. By November of that year, the annual building total was about $80,000 short of the figure for 1925, which was a record year for construction in Sanford. The first 10 months of 1926 showed a sum of $1,602,689, whereas as the sum for the first 10 months of 1925 was $1,393,607. Fifty building permits were issued for the month of November in 1926, with over four-fifths designated for improvements, costing an estimated $2,000 or less. There were several large permits issued for the construction of: the Colonial Company's warehouse, which would cost $15,000; the Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers' warehouse, costing $6,500; and 38 small swellings in Lockhart's First and Second Subdivisions, expected to cost $22,800. The Sanford-Oviedo Truck Growers was also one of the first vendors to lease a stall at the first Sanford State Farmers' Market when it first opened in 1934.
Original newspaper article: "Building Comparisons." Sanford Today, Vol. 01, No. 20, November 27, 1926. Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
A newspaper article about A. J. Peterson, a local agent for the Seaboard Oil Company and a partner in the Seminole Tire Shop in Sanford, Florida. The store was originally located at 201 North Park Avenue until it moved to the corner of West First Street and South Elm Avenue by 1933 at the latest, although the exact date of relocation is unknown. A former manufacturer from Chicago, Illinois, Peterson arrived in Sanford in 1927. He also assisted in building one of the largest one-stop service stations in Sanford, which was located at the Sanford State Farmers' Market. When the article was published in 1933, Peterson resided at Monroe Corner with his wife, Sara Deason. He also enjoyed baseball, congregated with the First Baptist Church of Sanford, and was a member of the Masonic Order.
Original newspaper article: "A. J. Peterson." The Sanford Herald: Who's Who of 1933, Vol. 24, No. 157, April 29, 1933: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
A deed for the property owned by Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and his wife, Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007). The property is one of the homes built and owned by Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934) in the 1800s. Maggie and her husband Harry Black (d. 1911) were the parents of parents of Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Original property deed, June 21, 1946: Florida Internal Improvement Fund: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
FACTS: Seminole Florida: The Celery County
A pamphlet produced by the Seminole Agricultural Club and the Oviedo Agricultural Club about the Better Farming Show, which was planned to "promote greater agricultural efficiency in Seminole County." The pamphlet outlines the challenges facing farmers during the Great Depression under four headings: financial, production, transportation, and marketing. Following Stock Market Crash of 1929, the amount of money that farmers could borrow from banks was limited and the majority of growers were forced to give crop liens to banks, co-operatives, and marketing organizations in order to supplement their finances. The pamphlet also states that, despite advances in technique, the cost of producing celery is almost equal to the profit. According to the pamphlet, the increase in freight rates for transportation for celery, despite the decrease in rates for the citrus industry, has also contributed to the problems faced by growers in Seminole County during this time period. Finally, the pamphlet cites the unstable consumer demands for celery size that makes it difficult for farmers to market according to consumer expectations. The pamphlet closes by describing the objectives of the Seminole Agricultural Club and the Oviedo Agricultural Club: to "further the best interests of the [celery] industry and expend every effort to solve the problems of finance, production, transportation and marketing" for the benefit of all citizens of Seminole County, Florida.
Photocopy of original pamphlet: FACTS: Seminole Florida: The Celery County. (Seminole County, FL: Seminole Agricultural Club and Oviedo Agricultural Club): Celery Collection, Agricultural Collection, Museum of Seminole County History.
A newspaper article on the celery industry in Sanford and Seminole County, Florida, as well as the county's its major representative, the Seminole Agriculture Club. At the time that the article was written, Seminole County was the second smallest county in the state with approximately 260 square miles of land. According to the article, celery production had been growing in the county and had resulted in the necessity for improvements in labor and infrastructure. Railroad facilities were furnished by the Atlantic Coast Line Company. The article also credits various other civic organizations with Sanford's growth: the Woman's Club, the Rotary, the Kiwanis and Lion Club, and the Campbell-Lossing Post of the American Legion.
Original newspaper article: The Sanford Herald, Who's Who of 1933, Vol. 24, No. 157, April 29, 1933: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Farmers' Club Lauded for its Recent Success: Trade Body Directors Unanimous in Vote of Congratulation
A newspaper article about the congratulations afforded to the Seminole Agricultural Club from the Board of Directors of the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce for successfully lobbying to bring the Florida State Farmers' Wholesale Distributing Market to Sanford, Florida. The Chamber of Commerce predicted that the new farmers' market would turn Sanford into a hub for vegetable, fruit, and poultry production, and would also create steady, year-round jobs for many. The Chamber of Commerce also discussed approved plans for a $6,000 aquarium and zoo enlargement program submitted by the Special Zoo Committee. According to the article, the aquarium was to be designed by F. J. Moughton and erected in the rustic design using cypress. The idea for the Sanford State Farmers' Market was devised by Fred Dorner and Gus Schmach, both members of the Seminole Agricultural Club. The 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 Florida 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 newspaper article: "Farmers' Club Lauded for its Recent Success: Trade Body Directors Unanimous in Vote of Congratulation." The Sanford Herald, June 13, 1934: Sanford State Farmers' Market Collection, Sanford Collection, Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford State Farmers Market Collection, Sanford, Florida
Memoirs of Life in a WC Migrant Farm Camp
A newspaper article about Patricia Ann Black's (1956-) experience as the child of migrant workers Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. as the daughter of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974-). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952-), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982-), Brandon Oliver Black (1990-), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992-). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Original newspaper article: Rogers, Pam. "Memoirs of Life in a WC Migrant Farm Camp." The Sun and Record, February 23, 2006: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Life's Lessons Become Wayne Woman's Message: Being Inclusive Benefits Everyone
A newspaper article about Patricia Ann Black's (1956- ) experience as the child of migrant workers Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), who got married in 1937. Patricia was born August 31, 1956, and grew up at the end of East Tenth Street in Sanford, Florida. She attended Hopper Elementary through sixth grade, Lakeview Middle School for seventh grade, Sanford Junior High School for eighth grade, Crooms High School for ninth grade, and Seminole High School through twelfth grade. She also attended school in the North Rose-Wolcott district each year while in Upsstate New York. During fourth grade, integration began and parents were given the choice to have their children to attend other schools, but Patricia chose to continue attending an all-black school until she entered seventh grade in 1968 and began attending integrated schools. In June 1973, Patricia married her first husband, Clint Holt (1955-); however, the couple quickly separated due to domestic violence and divorced around 1977. Patricia gave birth to her first child, Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974- ). She also had three other children with William Bigham Jr. (1952- ), who she was married to for 33 years: William Arthur Bigham III (1982- ), Brandon Oliver Black (1990- ), and Tempestt Teonte' Black (1992- ). Patricia currently lives in the family home built by her grandmother, Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934) on East Tenth Street in Sanford. Patricia endured weekly molestation for 11 years from age six to age seventeen and was raped at age seventeen while pregnant with Charmion. At age 29, Patricia became severely addicted to smoking cocaine. After seven years, Patricia was able to overcome her addiction and has maintained her sobriety for 21 years. She has suffered severe mental and physical damage and is still recovering today. Despite her traumatic experiences and sibling rejections, Patricia has developed a devout relationship with God. While in recovery, Patricia refocused her attention on spreading her ministry of love by becoming a foster parent, serving as the Parent Representative of the Committee for Special Education (CSE), and serving on her local school board in the North Rose-Wolcott school district. Patricia also has owned her own business making incense and importing shea butter from Africa. She also became a licensed nail technician specializing in stress-relieving pedicures. As of 2009, Patricia is retired but still maintains some involvement in her business/ministry named GIFTED.
Original newspaper article: Miller, Jim. "Life's Lessons Become Wayne Woman's Message: Being Inclusive Benefits Everyone." The Finger Lake Times, February 15, 2006: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
The Finger Lake Times
Tempestt Teonte Black (1992-) at her graduation from U.S. Army training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, on August 15, 2013. The first photograph shows Black with her brother, Brandon Oliver Black (1990-), and the second photograph shows her with her mother, Patricia Ann Black (1956-). Both siblings graduated from North Rose Wolcott High School in Wolcott, New York. Black is in her junior year of college at Elmira College in Elmira, New York, where she is studying nursing. She also joined the United States Army and is presently serving as of 2013.
Original color digital images By William Bigham, Jr., August 15, 2013: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Letter from Robert D. Moran to Pilgrim Black
A letter of correspondence from Robert D. Moran, administrator of the Workplace Standards Administration in the United States Department of Labor, to Pilgrim Black. In the letter, Moran informs Black that the minimum wage for nonfarm employees was to be raised from $1.45/ per hour to $1.60 per hour effective February 1, 1971 and that the minimum wage for farm workers would remain unchanged at $1.30 per hour. Black was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Original letter from Robert D. Moran to Pilgrim Black: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Migrant Worker "Big House" in Wayne County, New York
The "big house" of the migrant worker camp, located in Wayne County, New York, that Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and his wife, Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), lived in. The house originally had a front porch and was painted a different color. Lula operated her restaurant out of the kitchen in the big house, despite the lack of running water. Pilgrim was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and Lula Mae Haynes (1917-2007) Black were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Original color photograph by Patricia Ann Black: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
The children of Patricia Ann Black (1956-): Charmion Le'Antwinetta Holt (1974-), William Arthur Bigham III (1982-), Brandon Oliver Black (1990-), and Tempestt Teonte Black (1992-). Charmion, who is also the daughter of Clint Holt (1955-), is employed at the Millers Orlando Ale House, located at 50 Towne Center Circle in Sanford, Florida, as of 2013. She also founded a catering business called Charm's Catering. The latter three children are from Patricia's marriage to William Bigham, Jr. (1952-). William III was born in Rochester, New York, and raised in Wayne County. He began teaching microbiology and anatomy at State University of New York in Brockport in 2013. Both Brandon and Tempestt graduated from North Rose Wolcott High School in Wolcott, New York. At age 19, Brandon attended Shear Ego, a barber school in Rochester. He also founded a barber shop called B. Black's Barber Shop, located on Route 414 in North Rose. As of 2013, Tempestt was attending Elmira College in Elmira, where she was studying nursing. She also joined the U.S. Army and is currently serving, as of 2013.
Original color photograph by Carolyn Bigham, November 2011: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Tax Facts: Local Property Tax Expenditures, 1974-1975
A pamphlet showing the local property tax expenditures for Seminole County, Florida, during the 1974-1975 fiscal year. Based on Seminole County budgets from that year, the county spent 63.8% of its local property tax on the District School Board, 18.6% on the General Fund, 14.4% on the Fine & Forfeiture Fund, 1.3% on the Road & Bridge Fun, 1.1% on the Interest & Sinking Fund, 0.3% on the hospital, and 0.5% on the Port Authority.
Original pamphlet: "Tax Facts: Local Property Tax Expenditures 1974 - 75." Seminole County Florida Government, Seminole County, FL: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Seminole County Florida Government
Four Orlando Sentinel baseball players in the 1950s. Photographed from left to right is Jesus Jenks, Allen Perisio, Charley "Big Dike" Wilson, and David Harry Black. The two men on the left are from Cuba, while the two men on the left are from Sanford, Florida. Black (1929-2012) was the son of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and his first wife Mae Henry Gilmore, who also had a second child named Bessie Mae Black that passed away around 6 months old. Black played baseball throughout high school and was drafted into the military during the Korean War on January 9, 1951, when he was 22. After two years of military service and receiving a discharge on February 2, 1953, he went on to play baseball in the Negro Baseball League at age 24. He also played for the Orlando Sentinels, a white baseball team, in 1954. While playing baseball, Black was known by several nicknames that he acquired as a youth, including "Allstar" and "Kid Blister." At age 29, Black became a long-distance truck driver, a profession he continued for58 years. He retired several times, but returned to the job due to his love of the work. Black finally retired permanently at age 77, when his employer would no longer insure him. He was later diagnosed with cancer and was cared for by his half-sister, Patricia Ann Black (1956-). Black passed away in December of 2012.
Photocopy of original black and white photograph: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
David Harry Black (1929-2012) in military uniform during the Korean War (1950-1953). Black was the son of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and his first wife Mae Henry Gilmore, who also had a second child named Bessie Mae Black that passed away around 6 months old. The photograph was given to Black's maternal grandparents. Black played baseball throughout high school and was drafted into the military during the Korean War on January 9, 1951, when he was 22. After two years of military service and receiving a discharge on February 2, 1953, he went on to play baseball in the Negro Baseball League at age 24. He also played for the Orlando Sentinels, a white baseball team, in 1954. While playing baseball, Black was known by several nicknames that he acquired as a youth, including "Allstar" and "Kid Blister." At age 29, Black became a long-distance truck driver, a profession he continued for58 years. He retired several times, but returned to the job due to his love of the work. Black finally retired permanently at age 77, when his employer would no longer insure him. He was later diagnosed with cancer and was cared for by his half-sister, Patricia Ann Black (1956-). Black passed away in December of 2012.
Annual Worker Plan Schedule for Pilgrim Black
A sheath for Annual Worker Plan Schedule issued by the Farm Placement Service of the U.S. Employment Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. This sheath was owned by Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), who was born in 1905, although some records list 1907 as his birth year. Pilgrim and his wife, Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Wayne County in Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year. Pilgrim was the son of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca.1870-ca.1934), who migrated to Sanford from South Carolina in the 1800s. Harry and Maggie had several children: Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black, Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter. Pilgrim was nine years old when his father passed away. Maggie was the daughter of former slaves, Isaac and Roseanna Benjamin, and the sister of Nathan Benjamin, Pledge Benjamin, Sam Benjamin, Loui Benjamin, Chainey Benjamin, Lara Benjamin, Melvina Benjamin, and Katie Benjamin. Pilgrim had to quit school at age 11 in order to provide for his mother, originally working in a mill house until he was 18 years old. After declining a management position, he traveled to Wayne County to pick cherries, apples, pears, and other crops. He broke a bone after falling from an apple tree his first year and decided to try farm labor on a potato farm in Red Creek, New York, instead. Don Holdridge, the farmer who owned the land, noted Pilgrim's high rate of productivity and offered him a management position supervising up to thirty workers at once, which he accepted. While in Sanford, Pilgrim also worked as a foreman in Sanford for Chase & Company for over 30 years. He married Lula in 1937 and they had several children together, including Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945-); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-), and Patricia Ann Black (1956-).
Farm Placement Service, United States Employment Service, United States Department of Labor
Original red sheath: Farm Placement Service, United States Employment Service, United States Department of Labor: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Dr. George H. Starke (ca. 1899-ca. 1979), a friend of the Black Family, displaying the fish he caught and brought back to his home on Locust Avenue in Sanford (now part of Winter Springs) 1960. For many years, Dr. Starke was the only African-American doctor in Sanford, Florida, and delivered many of the African-American children born in Sanford before the 1960s. He delivered all of the Black children except for Patricia Ann Black (1956-): David Harry Black (1929-2012), Vivian Louise Black (1940-), Lula Yvonne Black (1942-), Charles Samuel Black (1945-), and Pilgrim Black Jr. (ca. 1947- ). Dr. Starke opened his practice in 1927. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Starke became one of only four African-American physicians to be accepted by Harvard University for residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He practiced for several years in Boston and then returned to Sanford in 1933 and continued to practice medicine until his death at age 80. Dr. Starke was also the first African-American doctor to acquire membership in the Florida Medical Association and the Seminole County Medical Association, as well as the second to join the American Medical Association. In 1971, the City of Sanford named George Starke Park, located at 1501 West Third Street, in his honor.
Original black and white photograph, April 1960: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Migrant Experience Paper by William Arthur Bigham III
An academic paper written by William Arthur Bigham III (1982-) for a course at the State University of New York at Brockport on food and culture on December 19, 2011. Topics discussed in the paper include Bigham's interview with his mother, Patricia Ann Black (1956- ), about her experiences as the child of migrant workers; how migrant workers lived; the difference between education and race relations in the North and in the South; the logistics of working in the fields; and how the Federal government changed migrant work. William Bigham III was born in Rochester and raised in Wayne County, New York. He began teaching microbiology and anatomy at the SUNY Brockport in 2013. He is the son of Patricia Black, the grandson of Pilgrim Black (1905-2002) and Lula Mae Haynes Black (1917-2007), and the great grandson of Harry Black (d. 1911) and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934), who migrated to Sanford, Florida, from South Carolina in the 1800s. Bigham's grandparents, Pilgrim and Lula, were migrant crew leaders, and thus migrated to Upstate New York in the summers and back to their home in Sanford for the rest of the year.
Former Location of Harry Black's Grocery Store, 2012
The former lot of a grocery store, located at 206 South Sanford Avenue owned by Harry Black (d. 1911), the grandfather of Patricia Ann Black, in 2012. Harry and Maggie Benjamin Black (ca. 1870-ca. 1934) were the parents of Leckward Black, Mustar Black, Malachi Black, Leatha Black Walker (1889-1976), Pilgrim Black (1905-2002), Margaret Black Jones (1889-1976), and Harriett Black Lawson. They were also the grandparents of David Harry Black (1929-2012), Vivian Louise Black (1940-); Lula Yvonne Black (1942-); Charles Samuel Black (1945- ); Pilgrim Black, Jr. (ca. 1947-); and Patricia Ann Black (1956-). The Black family migrated from South Carolina during the 19th century. In 1911, Harry owned a grocery store at 206 South Sanford Avenue. One day, he came home from work with pneumonia and passed away shortly thereafter.
Original color photograph by Patricia Ann Black, 2012: Private Collection of Patricia Ann Black.
Harry Black's Grocery Store, Sanford, Florida
The Seminole County World War I Memorial is a "broken shaft" of marble erected to honor the 13 young men of Seminole County, Florida, who died serving during World War I. Another three passed away from war-related injuries at later dates. Eleven of these men had their names collected via a newspaper advertisement that ran in The Sanford Herald in December 1918. The following names are engraved on the pillar: George W. Calhoun and M. W. Lowell, Jr. from the Navy; Frank A. Campbell, Handy Jenkins, Joseph S. Laing, Archie B. Liles, Arthur D. Lossing, Carl Marm, Harry Phillips, Edwin J. Robinson, and James Oscar White from the Army. There are also engravings on all four sides of the base. On February 23, 1919, the monument was dedicated in present-day Centennial Park, formerly named Central Park. The memorial was presented by Frank L. Miller and received by Judge E. F. Housholder. It is known as the first monument to soldiers of World War I. A feature that is unique for the time period in which it was erected is the inclusion of the names of two African-American men. This inclusion assured the resulting crowd of over 1,500 people in attendance for the ceremony was made up of people from all races. The memorial has since been moved to various locations including: American Legion Post 53, known locally as the "Legion Hut" until its destruction, at 3506 Orlando Drive on February 24, 1985; the new American Legion Post 53 at 2874 South Sanford Avenue in June 1988; and Veterans Memorial Park on November 11, 2006. The monument was rededicated to the people of Seminole County on May 28, 2007.
Original digital color images by Kristal Schell, August 26, 2013.
Seminole County World War I Memorial, Veterans Memorial Park, Sanford, Florida
The Hawkins residence near West Thirteenth Street in Goldsboro, an historic African-Amercan neighborhood in Sanford, Florida. The Hawkins owned the grocery store next door to their home called Hawkins' Meat Market, which provided meat and other goods for both Goldsboro and Sanford residents from other neighborhoods. At the time that the photograph was taken in 2011, the house was being occupied by Marva Y. Hawkins. Hawkins lived in Goldsboro her entire life and attended Goldsboro Red School and Crooms High School, where she graduated in 1954. She has worked in various positions, such as for Family Services, as an insurance agent, and as a columnist for The Sanford Herald.
Original color digital image by Julio R. Firpo, April 26, 2011.
Home of Marva Y. Hawkins, Goldsboro, Sanford, Florida
Map of Goldsboro, Orange County, Florida
A plat of a handdrawn lot given to Orange County, Florida when Goldsboro was established. The map shows plots along Goldsboro Avenue (present-day West Thirteenth Street and Historic Goldsboro Avenue), Lincoln Street (present-day West Thirteenth Place), Blaine Street (present-day West Fourteenth Street), and Harrison Street (present-day West Sixteenth Street). The majority of the plots were owned by Florida Land and Colonization Company or Thorpe & Chappell. Goldsboro is one of the historic African-American communities in Sanford, Florida. On December 1, 1891, William Clark, a storeowner and businessman, organized 19 other black registered voters to incorporate the town of Goldsboro, which was the second African-American city to be incorporated in Florida. Goldsboro's early economy was driven by rail yards, fields, groves, ice houses, and produce houses. A year after its incorporation, Goldsboro opened a school led by Katie Stubbins. Goldsboro's proximity to Sanford prevented it from expanding further west. Instead, the City of Sanford passed a resolution to absorb Goldsboro, despite opposition from the latter town's officials. Nonetheless, the Florida Legislature revoked Goldsboro's incorporation, in order to allow its absorption into Sanford on April 6, 1911. The identity of Goldsboro began to erode as the City of Sanford renamed several of its historical streets. In 2007, Goldsboro was included in plans for Sanford's revitalization efforts. In 2011, the Goldsboro Historical Museum was opened in the town at the site of its original post office.
Copy of original map, 1891: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Hazel Skjersaa to Marie Jones Francis (June 13, 1975)
Letter from Hazel Skjersaa, the Maternity Nursing Coordinator at Valencia Community College, to Marie Jones Francis, a midwife in Sanford, Florida. In the letter, Skjersaa thanks Francis for a series of lectures she gave students in her home during April and May of 1975. Francis, the "midwife of Sanford," left behind a successful hotel and restaurant she owned in Sarasota in 1942 to return to Sanford and become a midwife. World War II caused a shortage in doctors and nurses, so Florida's Children's Bureau sent Francis to Florida A & M to acquire her practical nursing license in 1945. She specialized in premature babies and returned to Sanford to aid her mother, Carrie Jones, at Fernald-Laughton Memorial Hospital before they opened the ward in their home. "When her health starting failing," she recollects in a newspaper article, "I took over." Francis converted her house at 621 East Sixth Street to also serve as a maternity ward, where she delivered over 40,000 babies over her 32 year career. She became a midwife in the same vein as her mother, Carrie Jones, and together they ran the Jones-Francis Maternity Hall in Georgetown. Francis served her community in several ways. She delivered babies for both white and black families from Seminole County, primarily patrons who either preferred natural births or could not afford deliveries at a hospital. In the 1950s, it cost $70 to stay nine days where soon-to-be mothers were taken care of. Francis was assisted by her sister, Annie Walker, who did the cooking. The house and ward also served as a school, where Marie Francis taught nurses the art of midwifery. Nurses would come from across the state to learn how to delivery infants naturally. A heavy burden on a single working mother, Marie Francis had three daughters, Cassandra Clayton, Daphne Humphrey, and Barbara Torre. Clayton and Humphrey became school teachers and Torre became a purchaser at Seminole Memorial Hospital.
Original letter from Hazel Skjersaa to Marie Jones Francis, June 13, 1975: Private Collection of Daphne F. Humphrey.
Valencia Community College, Orlando, Florida
Jones-Francis Maternity Hall, Georgetown, Sanford, Florida
The former location of Hawkins' Meat Market on West Thirteenth Street in Goldsboro of Sanford, Florida. The Hawkins family owned the grocery store next door to their home, and provided meat and other goods for both Goldsboro and Sanford residents from other neighborhoods. At the time that the photograph was taken in 2011, the building appeared to be vacant, but still retained the business sign for Peggie's Caribbean Take Out Kitchen.
Hawkins Meat Market, Goldsboro, Sanford, Florida
Peggie's Caribbean Take Out Kitchen, Goldsboro, Sanford, Florida
Wilson-Eichelberger Mortuary, located at 1100 Pine Avenue, in 2011. The mortuary is a long-standing business within the historic African-American district of Georgetown of Sanford, Florida. Georgetown was established by the city's founder, Henry Shelton Sanford, as a suburb for African-American residents in the 1870s. The neighborhood spans along Sanford Avenue, with its commercial district between First Street and Fifth Street and its historic district between Seventh Street and Tenth Street. Though originally much smaller, Georgetown spanned to its present boundaries from East Second Street to Celery Avenue and from Sanford Avenue to Mellonville Avenue. Georgetown thrived at its height from circa 1880 to 1940, particularly in agriculture and transportation.
Wilson-Eichelberger Mortuary, Georgetown, Sanford, Florida
The Refoe residence, located at 619 South Sanford Avenue in Georgetown, an historic African-American neighborhood in Sanford, Florida. The house was the home of the Refoes, a family of educators who served the black community of Sanford. The Refoe family moved into the house on December 15, 1950. From 1946 to 2010, the Refoes taught in Seminole County continuously for 64 years. Herman L. Refoe, Jr. and Shellye L. Refoe began teaching at Midway Elementary School in 1946. They quickly became involved with the school and the students, starting clubs and coaching teams, along with teaching African Americans in the Midway and Canaan areas. Their daughter, Annye Refoe, was born on January 29, 1951. Herman became an Assistant Principal of Goldsboro Elementary School in 1959. About two years later, he became the Principal. Herman remained the school principal for over 11 years, until his retirement in 1972. Shellye continued teaching at Midway until 1962, when she began teaching at Crooms High School, followed by South Seminole Middle School, Milwee Middle School, and finally Lyman High School. She moved around as a result of Seminole County’s School Board’s attempt to integrate black teachers. Shellye retired in January 1974. Annye graduated from Seminole High School in the class of 1969. After her treatment in the newly integrated Seminole High School, she decided to enroll in a historically black college/university. She graduated from Fisk College in Nashville, Tennessee, with a bachelors’ in English in 1973. Upon her return from college, Annye began teaching in August 1974 at Lake Howell High School. In 1982, she started teaching at Seminole Community College, where she later became the Dean of the Arts and Humanities.
Home of the Refoe Family, Georgetown, Sanford, Florida
The home of Reverend John R. Hurston, the father of Zora Neale Hurston, in 2011. Later, Marie Jones Francis, the "midwife of Sanford," converted the house to also serve as a maternity ward, where she delivered over 40,000 babies over her 32 year career. Francis became a midwife in the same vein as her mother, Carrie Jones, and together they ran the Jones-Francis Maternity Hall in Georgetown. Francis served her community in several ways. She delivered babies for both white and black families from Seminole County, primarily patrons who either preferred natural births or could not afford deliveries at a hospital. In the 1950s, it cost $70 to stay nine days where soon-to-be mothers were taken care of. Francis was assisted by her sister, Annie Walker, who did the cooking. The house and ward also served as a school, where Marie Francis taught nurses the art of midwifery. Nurses would come from across the state to learn how to delivery infants naturally. A heavy burden on a single working mother, Marie Francis had three daughters, Cassandra Clayton, Daphne Humphrey, and Barbara Torre. Clayton and Humphrey became school teachers and Torre became a purchaser at Seminole Memorial Hospital.
License to Practice Midwifery for Marie Jones Francis
A License to Practice Midwifery, issued by the Florida State Board of Health Department, certifying the completion of midwifery requirements by Marie Jones Francis. The certificate was issued in Sanford, Florida, on May 27, 1943, and signed by Dr. Lucille J. Marsh, the Director of the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. Marie Jones Francis, the "midwife of Sanford," left behind a successful hotel and restaurant she owned in Sarasota in 1942 to return to Sanford and become a midwife. World War II caused a shortage in doctors and nurses, so Florida's Children's Bureau sent Francis to Florida A & M to acquire her practical nursing license in 1945. She specialized in premature babies and returned to Sanford to aid her mother, Carrie Jones, at Fernald-Laughton Memorial Hospital before they opened the ward in their home. "When her health starting failing," she recollects in a newspaper article, "I took over." Francis converted her house at 621 East Sixth Street to also serve as a maternity ward, where she delivered over 40,000 babies over her 32 year career. She became a midwife in the same vein as her mother, Carrie Jones, and together they ran the Jones-Francis Maternity Hall in Georgetown. Francis served her community in several ways. She delivered babies for both white and black families from Seminole County, primarily patrons who either preferred natural births or could not afford deliveries at a hospital. In the 1950s, it cost $70 to stay nine days where soon-to-be mothers were taken care of. Francis was assisted by her sister, Annie Walker, who did the cooking. The house and ward also served as a school, where Marie Francis taught nurses the art of midwifery. Nurses would come from across the state to learn how to delivery infants naturally. A heavy burden on a single working mother, Marie Francis had three daughters, Cassandra Clayton, Daphne Humphrey, and Barbara Torre. Clayton and Humphrey became school teachers and Torre became a purchaser at Seminole Memorial Hospital.
Florida State Board of Health
Original license, May 27, 1943: Florida State Board of Health, Jacksonville, Florida: Private Collection of Daphne F. Humphrey.
License to Practice Midwifery for Carrie Jones
A License to Practice Midwifery, issued by the Florida State Board of Health, certifying the completion of midwifery requirements by Carrie Jones. The certificate was issued in Sanford, Florida, on July 23, 1943, and signed by Dr. Lucille J. Marsh, the Director of the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. Jones originally served as a midwife at Fernald-Laughton Memorial Hospital, located at 500 South Oak Avenue in Sanford. Along with her daughter, Marie Jones Francis, Jones co-founded the Jones-Francis Maternity Hall, located at 621 East Sixth Street in Georgetown, an historic African-American neighborhood in Sanford.
Original license, July 23, 1943: Florida State Board of Health, Jacksonville, Florida: Private Collection of Daphne F. Humphrey.
The Hopper Academy was the first African-American school in the Georgetown district of Sanford, Florida. Established in 1886, the school was originally named Colored School No. 11. A new building for the school was constructed at 1110 Pine Avenue in 1906. The school served the African-American community in the surrounding region. Although it was the first black school in Sanford, Hopper Academy only went up to grade 10. While today it has fallen into disrepair, Hopper Academy remains a symbol of Georgetown, representing the enduring legacy of Sanford’s African Americans raising themselves through education. Hopper Academy served as a black elementary school for grades 1 – 6 from 1926 to 1961. Professor Joseph Nathaniel Crooms was principal of Hopper from 1906 to 1926, thereafter becoming principal of Crooms High School in Goldsboro. Key individuals who studied at the school include Harlem Renaissance author Zora Neale Hurston and Sanford’s midwife Marie Francis. In 1968, the Hopper Academy ceased to operate as a school.
Hopper Academy, Georgetown, Sanford, Florida
Certificate of Midwifery for Marie Jones Francis
A document certifying Marie Jones Francis as a Lay-Midwife for the year of 1977. The certificate was issued by the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services Health Program Office and was signed by the Staff Director. The Governor and Secretary at the time of issuance were Reubin O'Donovan Askew and William J. Page, Jr., respectively. Marie Jones Francis, the "midwife of Sanford," left behind a successful hotel and restaurant she owned in Sarasota in 1942 to return to Sanford and become a midwife. World War II caused a shortage in doctors and nurses, so Florida's Children's Bureau sent Francis to Florida A & M to acquire her practical nursing license in 1945. She specialized in premature babies and returned to Sanford to aid her mother, Carrie Jones, at Fernald-Laughton Memorial Hospital before they opened the ward in their home. "When her health starting failing," she recollects in a newspaper article, "I took over." Francis converted her house at 621 East Sixth Street to also serve as a maternity ward, where she delivered over 40,000 babies over her 32 year career. She became a midwife in the same vein as her mother, Carrie Jones, and together they ran the Jones-Francis Maternity Hall in Georgetown. Francis served her community in several ways. She delivered babies for both white and black families from Seminole County, primarily patrons who either preferred natural births or could not afford deliveries at a hospital. In the 1950s, it cost $70 to stay nine days where soon-to-be mothers were taken care of. Francis was assisted by her sister, Annie Walker, who did the cooking. The house and ward also served as a school, where Marie Francis taught nurses the art of midwifery. Nurses would come from across the state to learn how to delivery infants naturally. A heavy burden on a single working mother, Marie Francis had three daughters, Cassandra Clayton, Daphne Humphrey, and Barbara Torre. Clayton and Humphrey became school teachers and Torre became a purchaser at Seminole Memorial Hospital.
Original certificate, 1977: Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, Tallahassee, Florida: Private Collection of Daphne F. Humphrey.
Dr. Annye Refoe and Dr. Stephen Caldwell Wright
Dr. Annye Refoe and Dr. Stephen Caldwell Wright in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. Dr. Refoe, the daughter of Herman L. Refoe, Jr. and Shellye L. Refoe, was born on January 29, 1951. Since her parents both taught at Midway Elementary School, Refoe also attended the school, as opposed to attending Hopper Academy in Georgetown, an African-American neighborhood in Sanford. Refoe graduated from Seminole High School in 1969. After her treatment in the newly integrated Seminole High School, she decided to enroll in a historically black college/university. She graduated from Fisk College in Nashville, Tennessee, with a bachelor's degree in English in 1973. Upon her return from college, Refoe began teaching in August 1974 at Lake Howell High School in Winter Park. In 1982, she started teaching at Seminole Community College, where she later became the Dean of the Arts and Humanities. Dr. Wright was born and raised in Goldsboro, an historic black community in Sanford. He lived in Sanford for most of his early life, except for one year that he attended school in Lakeland during ninth grade. He attended Goldsboro Elementary School and Crooms High School, where he graduated in 1964. For his college education, Dr. Wright attended Volusia County Community College in Daytona for one semester, Gibbs College (now merged with St. Petersburg College) in St. Petersburg for the first part of his bachelor's degree in English, Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton for the second part of his bachelor's education degree in English, Atlanta University for his master's degree in English, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania in for his doctoral degree in Linguistics and Rhetoric.
Original color digital images by Julio R. Firpo, April 15, 2011.