The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in The Gate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in The Gate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in The Gate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in The Gate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpools were one of the original families in Maitland, Florida, with Isaac Vanderpool, the patriarch of the family, buying 160 acres of land in the year 1870. In 1876, after facing a large financial loss and disaster in New York, Isaac and his wife, Harriet Vanderpool, permanently moved to the Maitland area. At the time of their arrival, the area only had about four or five family homesteads and orange groves. Vanderpool was part of the first committee to help incorporate the town of Lake Maitland. The committee included Vanderpool, Henry S. Kedney, George Packwood, and Richard Packwood.

The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The Vanderpools were one of the original families in Maitland, Florida, with Isaac Vanderpool, the patriarch of the family, buying 160 acres of land in the year 1870. In 1876, after facing a large financial loss and disaster in New York, Isaac and his wife, Harriet Vanderpool, permanently moved to the Maitland area. At the time of their arrival, the area only had about four or five family homesteads and orange groves. Vanderpool was part of the first committee to help incorporate the town of Lake Maitland. The committee included Vanderpool, Henry S. Kedney, George Packwood, and Richard Packwood.

The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Eatonville Speaker edition for June 22, 1889. Eatonville, Florida, was incorporated as one of the first all-black towns in the country on August 15, 1887. The town was named after Josiah C. Eaton, one of the few white landowners who was willing to sell land to African Americans in order to incorporate the town. Eatonville is also known as the hometown of Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960), noted African-American author of Their Eyes Were Watching God.]]> Eatonville Speaker, June 22, 1889: Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.]]> Eatonville Speaker, June 22, 1889.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Maitland, Florida.]]> Maitland Historical Museum Collection, Maitland Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Eatonville Speaker.]]> Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Henry L. DeForest Collection, Sanford Collection,, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Henry L. DeForest Collection, Sanford Collection,, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Henry L. DeForest Collection, Sanford Collection,, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Henry L. DeForest Collection, Sanford Collection,, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Henry L. DeForest Collection, Sanford Collection,, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Henry L. DeForest Collection, Sanford Collection,, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Henry L. DeForest Collection, Sanford Collection,, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Henry L. DeForest Collection, Sanford Collection,, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Henry L. DeForest (1857-1902), along with four African-Americans at the DeForest home in 1905. Called "The Palms," the DeForest home was located at 105 Aldean Drive in Sanford, Florida. DeForest was born in Derby, Connecticut, and knew Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) since childhood. In 1870, DeForest came to Florida seeking better health in the warmer climate. He became Sanford's agent and helped carry out the work of establishing Sanford. He managed the contracted workers for Sanford's groves, especially the contracted Swedes that Sanford brought over in 1871. By the 1880s, he had married Anna M. Sperry, also from Derby, and had become an established businessman and grove owner in Sanford. He built his general store in 1887, which was the second oldest brick building in Downtown Sanford. His general store was the building where the historic September 1887 fire stopped. DeForest built other commercial buildings in downtown.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Henry L. DeForest Collection, Sanford Collection,, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing, 2003, page 38.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The first commercial steamboat was developed as the Brock Line in the early 1850s. As trade grew, various wharves and docks were built in locations such as Mellonville Avenue, Palmetto Avenue, Oak Street, and Sanford Avenue. The Debary-Baya Merchant Line began transporting passengers in 1883, which further developed the steamboat industry. The line was purchased by the Clyde Line in 1886 and remained open until 1933. The growth of railroads was the primary cause of the decline of the steamboat industry.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) purchased 12,547.15 square acres of land known as the Sanford Grant. Sanford established an experiment station on a portion of the land, located three miles southwest of the city of Sanford. This is an image of Donald Houston, who acted as Sanford's superintendent and grove manager for Belair. Belair Grove extended across 145 acres; 95 of the acres produced orange growth representing a wide range of orange species known to Florida and 50 acres were lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants and worked to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze.

Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. After Sanford's death in 1891, Houston continued to correspond with Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, Sanford's widow, about the state of the groves. The 1894-1895 freezes destroyed most of the citrus crop, leaving frozen oranges covering the grounds because the weakened branches could not support the heavy frozen fruit. Following the great freeze of 1894-1895, Gertrude sold Belair to John Sanford, who in turn sold it to Sydney Octavius Chase (1860-1941) in 1902. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904, when Chase's brother and business partner, Joshua Coffin Chase (1858-1948), came back from an extended stay in California.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing, 2003, page 59.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing, 2003, page 25.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Aside from his diplomatic career, Sanford was also a businessman and investor. He made several real estate investments in Florida in the late 1860s and early 1870s, the most notable being the purchase of the "Sanford Grant" in May 1870. The grant encompassed over 20 square miles and provided the basis for the town that eventually bore Sanford's name. Sanford was convinced that Florida would prove a profitable place to invest. Anticipating significant traffic and commerce by waterway, Sanford bought a land grant positioned on Lake Monroe along the St. Johns River. The city of Sanford thus became deemed the "Gate City of South Florida" - the southernmost stop along the river. During the 1870s, Sanford invested significant amounts of money to the development of his city - he built a wharf, several hotels, a general store, and a sawmill - all of which he hoped would spur investment and growth in the city. Sanford also developed several experimental citrus groves in his Florida city. The first was St. Gertrude's Grove. The second and more successful grove was Belair, developed in the early 1870s. Though Sanford never lived in Florida, he did visit occasionally from the late 1860s until his death in 1891. His diplomatic and business duties kept him preoccupied abroad, and most of his development in Florida was undertaken by representatives and confidants. Following the "Great Freeze" of 1888, Sanford's Belair grove was destroyed. Sanford was committed to rebuilding the grove and, in the late stages of his life, he committed his energies to his Florida investments. He died several years later though, and his wife Gertrude, in an effort to settle debts owed in Europe and elsewhere following his death, sold many of Sanford's properties in Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Upon Plant's death in 1902, his widow sold his railroad system to the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). The arrival of the ACL in Sanford brought many new railroad workers as the city grew into a hub for shipping produce to surrounding areas. Rand Yard, ACL’s freight yard, housed a car shop, engine servicing facility, small locomotive shop, and the state's largest railroad ice plant.

In the early 1900s, Lake Jesup farmers demanded that the ACL build a line for them to ship their produce into town, but the railroad company refused. In response, the largest growers chartered the Sanford and Everglades Railroad with Sydney Octavius Chase (1860-1941) as the president. The new line was completed as an ACL branch at Lake Charm. The ACL purchased the new line in 1913 when the Seaboard Air Line Railroad (SAL) showed interest in buying it. The branch became the most profitable in the ACL system.

By the mid-1900s, the amount of good farmland was shrinking in Sanford due to development, driving farmers further south to farms with more acreage. This, coupled with the establishment of a U.S. Naval Air Station in the town, turned the city's focus from agriculture to the military. In 1967, the ACL merged with the Seaboard Coast Line (SCL) Railroad and later was acquired by CSX. Today, the railroad station originally built by the ACL is no longer in use.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing, 2003, page 32.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing, 2003, page 39.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> Sanford Museum and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Orlando Remembered, Orlando Public Library, Orlando, Florida.]]> Orlando Remembered]]> Albertson Public Library Entrance Lamp." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Albertson Public Library." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Albertson Public Library Stamp." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Albertson Public Library Silver Anniversary Flyer." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Copy of Public Libraries in the United States of America: Their History, Condition, and Management from the Albertson Public Library." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orange Book Festival Flyer." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orlando Chamber of Commerce Building." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orlando Chamber of Commerce Building Interior." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orlando Chamber of Commerce Building Tile." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Home of Fire Chief Maxie G. Bennett." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> City of Orlando Fire Station No. 1." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> City of Orlando Fire Station No. 1 Fire Hose Nozzle." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orlando Junior Chamber of Commerce Gavel." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orlando Salvation Army Band." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orlando Salvation Army Building Doorknob." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orlando Public Library." Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orlando Remembered Exhibit, Orlando Public Library, Orlando, Florida.]]> Orlando Public Library Collection, Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> ]]> Orlando Remembered.]]> Orange County Regional History Center and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Orlando Remembered.]]> Orlando Remembered]]> Orlando Remembered.]]> Orlando Remembered Collection, Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection. RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Orlando Remembered.]]> Orange County Regional History Center and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The present-day Sanford area was originally inhabited by the Mayaca/Joroco natives by the time that Europeans arrived. The tribe was decimated by war and disease by 1760 and was replaced by the Seminole tribe. In 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain and Americans began to settle in the state. Camp Monroe was established in the mid-1830s to defend the area against Seminoles during the Seminole Wars. In 1836, the U.S. Army built a road (present-day Mellonville Avenue) to Camp Monroe during the Second Seminole War. Following an attack on February 8, 1837, the camp was renamed Fort Mellon in honor of the battle's only American casualty, Captain Charles Mellon (1794-1837). The town of Mellonville was founded nearby in 1842 by Daniel Stewart. When Florida became a state three years later, Mellonville became the county seat of Orange County, which was originally a portion of Mosquito County. Citrus was the first cash crop in the area and the first fruit packing plant was constructed in 1869.

In 1870, a lawyer from Connecticut by the name of Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) purchased 12,548 acres of open land west of Mellonville. His vision was to make this new land a major port city, both railway and by water. Sitting on Lake Monroe, at the head of the St. Johns River, the city of Sanford earned the nickname of the Gate City of South Florida. Sanford became not only a transportation hub, but a leading citrus industry in Florida, and eventually across the globe. The Great Fire of 1887 devastated the city, which also suffered from a statewide epidemic of yellow fever the following year. The citrus industry flourished until the Great Freezes of 1894 and 1895, causing planters to begin growing celery in 1896 as an alternative. Celery replaced citrus as the city's cash crop and Sanford was nicknamed Celery City. In 1913, Sanford became the county seat of Seminole County, once part of Orange County. Agriculture dominated the region until Walt Disney World opened in October of 1971, effectively shifting the Central Florida economy towards tourism and residential development.]]> The Sanford Herald, April 26, 1968, Semi-Centennial Edition, page 4: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The Sanford Herald]]> The Sanford Herald, April 26, 1968, Semi-Centennial Edition, page 4.: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The Sanford Herald, April 26, 1968, Semi-Centennial Edition, page 4.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The Sanford Herald.]]> The Sanford Herald and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus issue for January 3, 1886. This issue includes advertisements for various Sanford-based businesses, including the Home Fertilizer Company, Chase and Company, and the Wigwam.

The South Florida Argus was Republican paper published by Adolphus Edwards and printed in the Old Fort Reed Building on First Street in Sanford, Florida. The Sanford Journal, a Democratic newspaper, had its offices next door in the very same building. There was, of course, some rivalry between the two papers. After some time, Edwards gave up printing The South Florida Argus to become the local postmaster.]]> South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, University of Florida Library Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> South Florida Argus]]> South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886.]]> South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, University of Florida Library Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, University of Florida Library Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> The South Florida Argus and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus issue for January 3, 1886. This issue includes an advertisement for F. E. Lane, a wholesale and retail dealer in hardware, stoves, and other items. Lane's store was located at the corner of East First Street and North Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida.
]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> The South Florida Argus and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus issue for January 3, 1886. This issue includes an advertisement for the Lyman Bank, located at 101 West First Street in Sanford, Florida. The building was originally constructed in 1883 by Lyman Bank and had a brick facade. In 1887, the bank changed owenership and became the First National Bank No. 1. Building renovations took place the same year, which included adding a marble facade, moving the front entrance to the corner of the building, and placing a clock at the front of the building which would become the town clock located in Magnolia Square. First National Bank. 1 is the oldest brick building in Sanford's downtown commercial district. The organizational meetings to create Rollins College were also held in the same building in 1885.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> The South Florida Argus and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus issue for January 3, 1886. This issue includes an advertisement for M. S. Brown, a clothing retailer whose business was located at Gumpert's Block in Sanford, Florida.
]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> The South Florida Argus and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus issue for January 3, 1886. This issue includes an advertisement for a new grocery store located in Magruder's Block, diagonally opposite of the San Leon Hotel in Sanford, Florida. The store was run by William H. Adams, Sr.
]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> The South Florida Argus and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus issue for January 3, 1886. This issue includes an advertisement for Trafford and Company, wholesale and retail dealers located at the corner of North Park Avenue and West Commercial Street in Sanford, Florida.

The South Florida Argus was Republican paper published by Adolphus Edwards and printed in the Old Fort Reed Building on First Street in Sanford. The Sanford Journal, a Democratic newspaper, had its offices next door in the very same building. There was, of course, some rivalry between the two papers. After some time, Edwards gave up printing The South Florida Argus to become the local postmaster.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus issue for January 3, 1886. This issue includes an advertisement for W. H. Fletcher, a roofer based in Sanford, Florida.

The South Florida Argus was Republican paper published by Adolphus Edwards and printed in the Old Fort Reed Building on First Street in Sanford. The Sanford Journal, a Democratic newspaper, had its offices next door in the very same building. There was, of course, some rivalry between the two papers. After some time, Edwards gave up printing The South Florida Argus to become the local postmaster.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 3, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus issue for January 3, 1886. This issue includes advertisements for the Kissimmee Land Agency, as well as several Sanford-based businesses, including Steele & Bassinger, Scott & Thrasher, L. M. Moore, S. Montgomery, John L. Ferguson, and the New York Jewelry Store.

The South Florida Argus was Republican paper published by Adolphus Edwards and printed in the Old Fort Reed Building on First Street in Sanford, Florida. The Sanford Journal, a Democratic newspaper, had its offices next door in the very same building. There was, of course, some rivalry between the two papers. After some time, Edwards gave up printing The South Florida Argus to become the local postmaster.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 6, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, January 6, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 6, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus Vol. 2, No. 15 issue for January 6, 1886. This issue included advertisements for several Sanford-based businesses, including Wilson's Collection Agency, Charles & Vandeman's drug store, the Lyman Bank, and Trafford and Company.

The South Florida Argus was Republican paper published by Adolphus Edwards and printed in the Old Fort Reed Building on First Street in Sanford, Florida. The Sanford Journal, a Democratic newspaper, had its offices next door in the very same building. There was, of course, some rivalry between the two papers. After some time, Edwards gave up printing The South Florida Argus to become the local postmaster.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 6, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> South Florida Argus, January 6, 1886: The South Florida Argus, January 6, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 6, 1886.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus issue for January 8, 1886. This issue includes advertisements for various Central Florida-based businesses, including the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC), the Apopka House, the Music House of Florida, and Ensminger Brothers.

The South Florida Argus was Republican paper published by Adolphus Edwards and printed in the Old Fort Reed Building on First Street in Sanford, Florida. The Sanford Journal, a Democratic newspaper, had its offices next door in the very same building. There was, of course, some rivalry between the two papers. After some time, Edwards gave up printing The South Florida Argus to become the local postmaster.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 8, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, January 8, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, January 8, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Adobe Acrobat Reader]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> The South Florida Argus and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The South Florida Argus, August 19, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus]]> The South Florida Argus, August 19, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus, August 19, 1886: Microfilm Cabinet, Reel BN06021, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> The South Florida Argus.]]> The South Florida Argus and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Collection, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Collection, Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida., Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Collection, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Collection, Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida., Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Collection, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Collection, Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida., Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Collection, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Collection, Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida., Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Dillard migrated to Central Florida from Virginia with his wife, Mattie Showalter, in 1887. He established himself primarily as a citrus and vegetable grower, but he also operated the M. V. Dillard and Company Garage, which was managed by his son, Marvin Dillard. In addition, he founded the Bank of Winter Garden, served as Wnter garden City Commissioner and a Florida State Legislator, and helped rebuild Downtown Winter Garden after two destructive fires in 1909 and 1912. Some of the buildings that Dillard helped construct include the Dillard and Boyd General Merchandise Store, the Shelby Hotel, and the Mann and Mills Dry Goods Store. He also donated land to the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Collection, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Collection, Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida., Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Dillard migrated to Central Florida from Virginia with his wife, Mattie Showalter, in 1887. He established himself primarily as a citrus and vegetable grower, but he also operated the M. V. Dillard and Company Garage, which was managed by his son, Marvin Dillard. In addition, he founded the Bank of Winter Garden, served as Wnter garden City Commissioner and a Florida State Legislator, and helped rebuild Downtown Winter Garden after two destructive fires in 1909 and 1912. Some of the buildings that Dillard helped construct include the Dillard and Boyd General Merchandise Store, the Shelby Hotel, and the Mann and Mills Dry Goods Store. He also donated land to the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Collection, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Collection, Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida., Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Collection, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Collection, Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida., Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Exhibit, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Winter Garden, Florida.]]> Up From the Ashes Collection, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Collection, Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida., Winter Garden Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
During that period, Henry Sanford, the owner of Belair Grove, actively courted President Arthur and high-ranking Republicans in the U.S Congress as part of his bid to win recognition in the country, and with it, international legitimacy, for King Leopold II (1835-1909) of Belgium's colonial enterprise in the Congo, what would become known as the Congo Free State. In 1883, acting on behalf of the King Leopold, Sanford mounted a lobbying campaign in Washington, D.C. Preceding these efforts, Sanford regularly corresponded with the President and influential legislators about the Belgian Congo. As part of his lobbying efforts, Sanford regularly sent boxes of Florida oranges to high-ranking officials. This list of recipients reflects the efforts of Sanford to sway public figures in positions of power.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.]]> Belair Grove Collection, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> Connecticut Historical Society after 1901.]]> Tennessee State Library and Archives for processing until June 1, 1960.]]> Sanford Museum in 1960.]]> Sanford Museum in Sanford, Florida. Rights to this item belong to the said institution, and therefore inquiries about the item should be directed there. RICHES of Central Florida has obtained permission from the Sanford Museum to display this item for educational purposes only.]]>
The Florida Department of Transportation constructed State Road 140 (present-day State Road A1A) in 1935, allowing for increased development. In 1944, a Florida Legislature bill that would have dissolved the city government was defeated. The town was incorporated as a city on June 29, 1957. With the construction of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s John F. Kennedy Space Center (KCS), the city of Cocoa Beach experienced major growth in population and economic development. However, the city experienced layoffs and economic decline during the period between the conclusion of the Apollo Program and the introduction of the Space Shuttle Program.]]> Cocoa Beach Collection, Brevard County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Daytona Beach Collection, Volusia County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
On March 8, 1936, the first stock car race was held on the Daytona Beach Road Course, which is located in present-day Ponce Inlet. Bill France, Sr. (1909-1992), the founder of NASCAR, began planning the track's construction in 1953 to replace the beach course. The track was engineered by Charles Moneypenney and construction was completed in 1958. The track has been renovated in 1978, 2004, and 2010. New renovations for Project Daytona Rising is scheduled for completion in January of 2016. The track also hosts events for the Auto Racing Club of America (ARCA), the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), Tudor United Sport scar Championship (USCC), the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), and Motocross.]]> Daytona Beach Collection, Volusia County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Hudson Collection, Pasco County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Heathrow Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Kissimmee Collection, Osceola County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Lake County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009), the sister of President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), in 1968. The project began as a day camp for children with intellectual disabilities in June of 1962. The first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held in 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.]]> Lake Mary Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Following the American Civil War, the area became a popular tourist destination for wealthy travelers. In 1875, settlers from New Britain, Connecticut, founded the city as New Britain, but the city was incorporated in 1880 as Ormond. The city was named after James Ormond I, an Anglo-Irish-Scottish sea captain responsible for transporting Franciscan settlers to Florida on behalf of King Ferdinand VII of Spain (1784-1833). The St. Johns & Halifax Railroad arrived in 1886 and the Ormond Hotel was constructed in 1888. The first automobile races were held on a track of beach from Ormond south to Daytona Beach in 1902. As a result, Ormond Beach is nicknamed "The Birthplace of Speed."]]> Ormond Beach Collection, Volusia County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1973, a Dixieland-theme entertainment complex was established between the railroad tracks and Garland Avenue in seven vacant buildings for $22 million. The depot itself houses retail shops. The depot was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1978. In 1988, the complex was expanded to include the Church Street Exchange and the Church Street Market. The development was led by Bob Snow and Steve Fuller and sold in 1989 for $61 million. The complex peaked in the 1980s, drawing approximately 1.7 million visitors a year. Due to failure to compete with major theme parks, visitor attendance dwindled and the complex was sold in 2001, only to close shortly after.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1973, a Dixieland-theme entertainment complex was established between the railroad tracks and Garland Avenue in seven vacant buildings for $22 million. The depot itself houses retail shops. The depot was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1978. In 1988, the complex was expanded to include the Church Street Exchange and the Church Street Market. The development was led by Bob Snow and Steve Fuller and sold in 1989 for $61 million. The complex peaked in the 1980s, drawing approximately 1.7 million visitors a year. Due to failure to compete with major theme parks, visitor attendance dwindled and the complex was sold in 2001, only to close shortly after.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
In 1973, a Dixieland-theme entertainment complex was established between the railroad tracks and Garland Avenue in seven vacant buildings for $22 million. The depot itself houses retail shops. The depot was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1978. In 1988, the complex was expanded to include the Church Street Exchange and the Church Street Market. The development was led by Bob Snow and Steve Fuller and sold in 1989 for $61 million. The complex peaked in the 1980s, drawing approximately 1.7 million visitors a year. Due to failure to compete with major theme parks, visitor attendance dwindled and the complex was sold in 2001, only to close shortly after.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Set on the shore of Bay Lake, Disney's first water park opened on June 20, 1976. The wilderness-theme water park utilized a water-filtering system that used water dammed from Bay Lake. Despite competition from Disney's more successful water parks—Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach—River Country continued to operate until September 1, 2001. Originally, the park had planned to re-open when the warm-weather season came around in the spring of 2002. However, business for all Disney attractions suffered as a result of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001. River Country did not re-open due to lack of guest demand.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Disney finally bought the island in 1965, prior to the construction of the Walt Disney World Resort. On April 8, 1974, the property opened to guests as Treasure Island. Some years later, it was designated as a zoological park and renamed Discovery Island. On April 8, 1999, the park was closed to the public and all animals were relocated to Disney's Animal Kingdom or other zoos. Despite talks of developing Myst Island in cooperation of the developers of the video game Myst, the park remains closed to the public.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009), the sister of President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), in 1968. The project began as a day camp for children with intellectual disabilities in June of 1962. The first International Special Olympics Summer Games were held in 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> The Twilight Zone. Construction began in the beginning of 1992 and the attraction opened on July 22, 1994. Disney-MGM Studios was renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios on January 7, 2008.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Part of Universal Studios Florida, the theme park opened on May 28, 1999. The idea for Islands of Adventure were first conceived in 1991. By 1993, plans were being announced. Construction began in 1997.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
Planning for the Orlando Arena, colloquially nicknamed "The O-Rena", began in 1983, but the project was delayed for several years due to financial issues. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in January of 1987. Shortly thereafter, the National Basketball Association (NBA) approved the creation of a franchise in Orlando. Construction was completed in 1989 and cost $110 million. The Orlando Magic was founded that same year, becoming the first major-league professional sports franchise in the Orlando area. On September 19, 1991, the DeVos family, with Richard DeVos (b. 1926) as the head, bought the franchise for $85 million. Although the arena originally seated nearly 15,300 spectators, renovations between 1994 and 1995 increased the arena's capacity to approximately 17,500 guests.

The name of the arena was changed to the TD Waterhouse Centre in 2000. In December of 2006, the venue was briefly named The Arena in Orlando and then the Amway Arena, after the City of Orlando and Orange County agreed to construct a new arena. The old Amway Arena closed on September 30, 2010, and operations moved to the new Amway Center, located at 400 West Church Street. Demolition of the old structure began on December 15, 2011. As of 2014, the City of Orlando has made plans to create a "Creative Village" on the site. This new complex would offer space for offices, residences, educational centers, hotels, retail stores, and entertainment venues.

]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Oviedo Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>
The term "powderpuff" is used describe the participation of females in traditionally male sports, such as football, and the participation of males in traditionally female sports, such as cheerleading. Powderpuff football games are a tradition for many American high schools and universities. The first powderpuff football game was held on October 20, 1945, at Eastern State Teachers College in Madison, South Dakota. The idea for a female football team arose out of the lack of male football players due to the military draft during World War II. Powderpuff became popularized in 1972 when two high schools in Connecticut, Mark T. Sheehan High School and Lyman Hall High School, held a game between their female students.]]> Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Laura Cepero Collection, RICHES.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Silver Springs Collection, Marion County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Silver Springs Collection, Marion County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Silver Springs Collection, Marion County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> This is Cinerama, the first feature filmed in the wide-screen format, as well as a string of Esther Williams films and television specials in the 1950s and 1960s.

In the 1950s, young women dressed in the crinolines reminiscent of the Antebellum South. During the American Civil War Centennial, young men dressed in Confederate uniforms would be photographed with the Southern Belles. With the addition of a custom photography boat named Miss Cover Girl in the early 1960s, the park became a popular site for the filming of television commercials. However, Cypress Gardens closed in 2009 and Legoland occupies the former lot at 1 Legoland Way in Winter Haven, Florida.]]> Winter Haven Collection, Polk County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> This is Cinerama, the first feature filmed in the wide-screen format, as well as a string of Esther Williams films and television specials in the 1950s and 1960s.

In the 1950s, young women dressed in the crinolines reminiscent of the Antebellum South. During the American Civil War Centennial, young men dressed in Confederate uniforms would be photographed with the Southern Belles. With the addition of a custom photography boat named Miss Cover Girl in the early 1960s, the park became a popular site for the filming of television commercials. However, Cypress Gardens closed in 2009 and Legoland occupies the former lot at 1 Legoland Way in Winter Haven, Florida.]]> Winter Haven Collection, Polk County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> This is Cinerama, the first feature filmed in the wide-screen format, as well as a string of Esther Williams films and television specials in the 1950s and 1960s.

In the 1950s, young women dressed in the crinolines reminiscent of the Antebellum South. During the American Civil War Centennial, young men dressed in Confederate uniforms would be photographed with the Southern Belles. With the addition of a custom photography boat named Miss Cover Girl in the early 1960s, the park became a popular site for the filming of television commercials. However, Cypress Gardens closed in 2009 and Legoland occupies the former lot at 1 Legoland Way in Winter Haven, Florida.]]> Winter Haven Collection, Polk County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Winter Springs Collection, Seminole County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Baby Shamu Celebration killer whale show at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 1990. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Sea Lions Tonight Animal Show at SeaWorld Orlando, located at 7007 Sea World Drive in Orlando, Florida, in 1990. SeaWorld Orlando was first established by Milton C. Sheed, Ken Norris, David Demott, and George Malay in San Diego, California, in 1964. SeaWorld Orlando opened its third location on December 15, 1973, shortly after the opening of Walt Disney World. In 1976, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc. (HBJ), which also owned Cypress Gardens and Boardwalk and Baseball, purchased the company. However, fearing bankruptcy in the late 1980s, HBJ eventually sold all six parks to the Anheuser-Busch Company in 1989. SeaWorld Orlando also has locations in Ohio and Illinois.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]> Orlando Collection, Orange County Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.]]> RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.]]>