The cover of LIFE for its issue published on November 19, 1965. The cover photograph shows Times Square and the Union Carbide Building in Midtown Manhattan of New York City, New York, during the Great Northeast Blackout. The blackout occurred on November 9, 1965, and affected Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, as well as part of Ontario, Canada. Some of the repercussions of the blackout included a large wave of utility purchases of power generating gas turbines to increase the peak load capacity and reserve margin of the many power systems, which were vulnerable to overload and failure. The event is considered to be the catalyst that jump started the modern gas turbine industry.
Original color magazine cover: LIFE, November 19, 1965.
LIFE
Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York
Union Carbide Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York
Salt Grass 4xW501 Combined Cycle Power Systems Engineering Gas Turbine
The 300MW Salt Grass plant, designed and built by Power Systems Engineering, later known as Destec Engineering, comprised four separate single-shaft combined cycle units. The gas turbines, steam turbines (4x25MW units) and generators were on the same shaft. The plant included a start-up boiler to enable the steam turbines to be used to start the gas turbines. The plant was built as a dedicated power supply for Dow Chemical Company’s chemical plant operations in Freeport, Texas. The plant was designed, built, and owned by Power Systems Engineering (PSE), later Destec Engineering, from 1970 to 1972. The gas turbines were manufactured as Westinghouse Electric's turbine factory in Lester, Pennsylvania. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Original black and white photograph: Private Collection of Harry L. Jaeger.
The 300MW Salt Grass combined-cycle plant using 4xW501 gas turbines (1xW501A, 3xW501AA). The plant was built as a dedicated power supply for Dow Chemical Company’s chemical plant operations in Freeport, Texas. The plant was designed, built, and owned by Power Systems Engineering (PSE), later Destec Engineering, from 1970 to 1972. The gas turbines were manufactured as Westinghouse Electric's turbine factory in Lester, Pennsylvania. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Photocopy of original black and white photograph: Smith, Al and L. Crabtree. "Salt Grass 300MW Combined Cycle." Paper presented at the International Gas Turbine Conference for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, March-April 1971.
West Texas Utilities Company Combined-Cycle Power Plant
The first pre-engineered combined-cycle power plant installed by the West Texas Utilities Company at its power station in San Angelo, Texas. The Westinghouse Electric gas turbine used for that application was a supercharged model W301, nominally rated at 25MW. The rating on the steam turbine was 85MW, for an overall combined-cycle plant power rating of 110MW, and Thermal efficiency achieved was more than 39 percent, the record for gas-fired power plants in the U.S. for quite some time. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Original color photograph, 1965: Private Collection of Harry L. Jaeger.
West Texas Utilities Company Power Plant, San Angelo, Texas
W201 U.S. Steel Blast Furnace Gas Turbine
A diagram of the W201 U.S. Steel blast furnace gas turbine. The unique application of a modified version of Westinghouse Electric Corporation's W201 (rated at 20,000) was installed at South Works, a U.S. Steel manufacturing plant in Chicago, Illinois. The W201 was the first direct drive gas turbine developed by Westinghouse and was used to drive a 12,500-standard cubic feet per minute fan to blow air into a blast furnace. The design requirement was to use blast furnace exhaust gas as its fuel and the installation included an external burner. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Original black and white diagram: Private Collection of Harry L. Jaeger.
A gas turbine-driven locomotive. By 1948, the Westinghouse Electric Corporation also built an experimental 4000 hp gas turbine-driven locomotive with the Baldwin Company of Chester, Pennsylvania, that used two of W21 gas turbine units. Initial operation was on the Union Railroad of Pittsburgh, burning distillate fuel oil. Later, operation was on the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad using residual oil fuel. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Original sepia photograph: Private Collection of Harry L. Jaeger.
Evolution of the Central Station Steam Turbine in the United States
An academic paper by Ronald L. Bannister and George J. Silvestri, Jr., presented at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' (ASME) Winter Annual Meeting in 1988. Westinghouse Electric Corporation pioneered in the development of steam turbines for power generation when George Westinghouse (1846-1914) acquired the license to build and market the steam turbine developed by the Parsons Marine Steam Turbine Company. The first U.S.-built Westinghouse steam turbine (120kW) was built and installed in 1897. In 1902, the first Westinghouse electric utility steam turbine (1500kW) was installed at Hartford Electric Light Company. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Original 15-page academic paper: Bannister, Ronald L. and George J. Silvestri, Jr., "Evolution of the Central Station Steam Turbine in the United States." Paper presented at the winter annual meeting for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York City, New York, November-December 1988.
Westinghouse Power Generation Business Unit, Orlando, Florida
The Westinghouse J34 was a turbojet engine developed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation's Aviation Gas Turbine Division in the late 1940s. Essentially an enlarged version of the earlier Westinghouse J30, the J34 produced 3,000 pounds of thrust, twice as much as the J30. Later models produced as much as 4,900 pounds with the addition of an afterburner. The engine was first used for flight in 1947. This photograph was likely taken at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in the early 2000s. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Original color photograph: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio
Westinghouse Electric's J30 jet engine, originally known as the J19B, was a simple and robust unit with six-stage compressor, annular combustor, and single-stage turbine. The J30 initially gave 1,200 pounds of thrust, but improved to 1,600 in production versions. The engine's first flight was under a FG Corsair in January of 1944. It was developed into the smaller J32 and the Westinghouse J34, an enlarged version which produced 3,000 pounds of thrust. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Original black and white newspaper photograph: Naval Aviation News, August 1947: Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, D.C.
Naval Aviation News
First Flight Test of the WE19B Engine Under Chance Vought Corsair FG-1
The first flight test WE19B under a Goodyear FG-1 Corsair airplane. The WE19B was a improved version of the first engine, the WE19B (later known as the J30) was flight tested in January of 1944 as a booster unit on a Chance Vought Corsair FG-1 fighter jet. The engine delivered 1365 pounds thrust and weighed 731 pounds. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Digital reproduction of original black and white photograph: U.S. Navy Aircraft History.
Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Patuxent River, Maryland
Westinghouse Electric W19XB-2B Jet Engine
In March of 1943, the first U.S.-designed and -manufactured jet engine went on test for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, 15 months after the signing of a contract with the U.S. Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAer). This first engine, with a 19-inch intake diameter, was designated the WE19A, had a thrust of 1130 pounds, and weighed 827 pounds. This photograph shows the improved version of the first engine, the W19XB, circa 1944. Originally called the Westinghouse Electric Company, George Westinghouse (1846-1914) founded his manufacturing company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 8, 1886. In 1889, he renamed his business The Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company. Westinghouse's primary products include turbines, generators, motors and switchgear related to the generation, transmission, and use of electricity. The company changed its name to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1945. In 1981, the company began to relocate its division headquarters for the Steam-Turbine Generator Divisions from Pennsylvania (turbines from Lester and generators from Pittsburgh) to Orlando, Florida. The Power Generation Business Unit (PGBU) building was located in The Quadrangle, at 4400 Alafaya Trail. Originally, Westinghouse had purchased a large plot of land for future development that extended westward from Alafaya Trail to Rouse Road. The original headquarters was located on several acres of that land parcel close to Alafaya Trail. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation, additional buildings were added to the complex. In 1994, after a major corporate management shuffling and commitment to change from an industrial manufacturing company to primarily a broadcasting/communications company, Westinghouse bought the CBS Network and changed its name to the CBS Corporation. As the PGBU grew in size, other buildings were rented and then, after PGBU was sold to Siemens Corporation in 1998, additional buildings were added to the Quadrangle.
Original black and white diagram: Air Force Historical Research Agency, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama.
An undated statement from William Beardall. The statement offered brief information on "clean high pine land as good as any on the grant" set to be put up for auction. It is not clear what land Beardall described or where it was located. William Beardall was an Englishman who worked for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He had worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original statement from William Beardall: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.40, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Florida Land and Colonization Company Office, Sanford, Florida
Letter from William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (November 26, 1886)
A letter from William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated November 26, 1886. Contents of the letter included the purchasing of 320 acres near Winter Haven for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC). He noted that the land was valued at $30 an acre and estimated that the presence of an unspecified Presbyterian College in the area would enhance the land value. Beardall also provided an update on affairs in Sanford, Florida. In particular, he wrote that he was "working now to secure the erection" of a "Palmetto Fibre Manufactory" in Sanford, an enterprise that he figured would produce five tons of fiber per day and employ upwards of 200 workers. The factory in question was proposed by the Diamond Match Company. However, he explained that there was competition with Alexander St. Clair Abrams who was trying to persuade the company to locate the Fiber Plant in Tavares. St. Clair Abrams was a lawyer who had previously worked with the FLCC to negotiate a bid for a million-acre plot of land from the Internal Improvement Fund Board. When the FLCC failed to finalize the bid, however, St. Clair Abrams sued the company and later Henry Sanford for compensation for his services rendered during the period. At the time of Beardall's 1886 letter, St. Clair Abrams' affiliation with the company had long since ended and he was in the process of a protracted lawsuit against Sanford, a suit that remained unsettled at the time of Sanford's death in 1891. Beardall warned that the FLCC would probably need "to give them land for the factory and a wharf lot near the Saw Mill in order to secure them at Sanford." This deal, he added, might also lead to an eventual paper mill as well, built by the same company. He ended his letter with some discussion of building a potential railroad depot in Sanford. William Beardall was an Englishman who worked for the FLCC at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He had worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC, a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, November 26, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.39, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (November 21, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated November 21, 1884. Topics in the letter included discussion of lands for sale and the need to set prices for the company's "lake region lands" in Polk County. Trafford also indicated that he was "a little alarmed at the burning down of our wooden towns - Palatka, Brunswick, Ga. - DeLand saw mill," adding that he was "taking every precaution here." Lastly he noted that "people are swarming into Jacksonville and all coming up the river - every prospect of a good winter business." Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, November 21, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.37, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (June 22, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated June 22, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for three enclosed deeds, two of which were in the City of Sanford, Florida, the third was near Henry Sanford's St. Gertrude's Grove. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, June 22, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.36, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (June 20, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated June 20, 1884. In the letter, Trafford provided defense of his decision to have two different account books for the Sanford Telegraph Company and the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC). Based on the tone of the letter, it appears that Henry Sanford had questioned Trafford's managerial and bookkeeping decisions. The question concerned Trafford's division and distribution of company profits between the various enterprises in Florida, the stockholders in London, and Henry Sanford. Trafford reminded Sanford in the letter that he "will carry out the Resolution of the Stockholders which gives the [Sanford, Florida] offices the authority to settle these claims but gives no preference to either." Trafford was a company agent for the FLCC from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. As this letter demonstrates, his tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, June 20, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.35, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (June 16, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated June 16, 1884. In the letter, Trafford indicated that he enclosed deeds for H. B. Anthony, Eliza W. Travis, and Washington Pullis and he requested that Sanford sign and return them. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, June 16, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.34, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (May 9, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated May 9, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for nine deeds, all for five acre lots of land within the Sanford grant. These lots were designated for Swedish immigrants who worked for Sanford. As Trafford wrote, "the above Swede Emigrants are men who worked out their year for the company as per contract." The original emigration of laborers from Sweden came in 1871. Growing frustrated by race-related violence between the local whites and blacks laborers, Sanford sought to hire foreigners to replace the workforce for his two groves in Sanford, Florida. In May 1871, Sanford brought 33 migrants from Sweden to work on his two Sanford groves, first St. Gertrude's and later Belair. The Swedish workers, 26 men and 7 women, cost Sanford $75 each. According to the work contracts, Sanford was to provide housing and rations for each worker as well as a parcel of land for those satisfactorily completing their one-year contracts, Sanford hired an additional 20 Swedes the following year, in November 1871. E. R. Trafford, meanwhile, was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, May 9, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.33, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (May 5, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated May 5, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for two deeds, both in the City of Sanford. One deed was for Ida Gumpert, the other for George Blakemore. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, May 5, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.32, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 26, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 26, 1884. The letter asked Sanford to sign and return a deed made out to Homer G. Monson. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 26, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.31, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 24, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 24, 1884. The letter provided confirmation that Trafford received fived deeds that he had previously sent to Sanford for signing. He also updated Sanford on the status of several land grant requests to the federal government, adding that "some of our patents [land grants] are at Gainesville[sic]." Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 24, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.30, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 24, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 24, 1884. The letter appeared to be a response to an earlier inquiry by Sanford regarding deeds. Trafford indicated that "the deeds to the Alachua lands are not in this office - I think they must be in London." Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 24, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.29, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 18, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 18, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Henry Sanford's signature for four deeds. All four of the deeds were for lots in the City of Sanford, Florida. The deeds were for J. E. Pace, Emmett H. Herndon, W. A. Statton, and Frederick W. Ellis respectively. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. William Beardall, meanwhile, was an Englishman who worked for the FLCC at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 18, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.28, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 17, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 17, 1884. In the letter, Trafford informed Sanford that he had acquired a "suitable form of deed for the transfer of the MacKinnon lands to the trustees." He added that the lands had not yet been deeded but that some sales were anticipated soon. Though the exact location of the MacKinnon lands is unknown, it is known that they were in Polk County and accessible by the South Florida Railroad. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 17, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.27, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 13, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 13, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for six land deeds. Five of the six deeds were in the town of Sanford, Florida or within close proximity to the town. The sixth deed, purchased by the Florida Commercial Company, was for land in Alachua County. The purchasers for the other five deeds were John Davis, Stephen J. Drawdy, Henry L. DeForest and E. B. Vandeman, and Anna M. DeForest. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 13, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.26, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 9, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 9, 1884. In the letter, Trafford provided a number of updates regarding the City of Sanford, Florida. First, he included several land grant certificates that awaited approval from the federal government. He expressed hope that Henry Sanford's "influence would push up" the issue on the government's priority list. Trafford also informed Sanford that "all the hotels close this week so I suppose things will quiet down." He also informed Sanford that the company had made "as much these last three months as the whole past fiscal year," noting that sales had reached $16,000 over a three month period. Among other topics, Trafford also informed Sanford that logs were arriving in Sanford, Florida via shipping on the St. Johns River. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 9, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.25, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (March 26, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated March 26, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for two deeds. The two buyers were Isaac A. Hopper, who bought a lot for $350.00, and William Duryea, who purchased a lot for $700.00. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. William Beardall, meanwhile, was an Englishman who worked for the FLCC at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, March 26, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.24, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (March 15, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated March 15, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for five deeds. He also indicated that from March 1, 1884 to March 15, 1884, sales for the town of Sanford amounted to $5,960 and sold for St. Gertrude's Grove reached $5,200 for a total of $11,160. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, March 15, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.23, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (March 5, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated March 5, 1884. In it he requested signatures for a number of enclosed deeds. He also noted that the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) made $12,684.20 for the month of February 1884, adding that it was an increase of $10,964.20 over the same period from the previous year. Trafford was a company agent for the FLCC from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. William Beardall, meanwhile, was an Englishman who worked for the FLCC at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, March 5, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.22, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (February 29, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated February 29, 1884. In the brief letter, Trafford acknowledges receipt of four signed deeds, as previously requested. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. William Beardall, meanwhile, was an Englishman who worked for the FLCC at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, February 29, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.21, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Map of Florida Showing the Land Grant of the Florida South Railway
A map of Florida showing the Florida South Railway's land grant, published in 1888. The map includes information about towns along the railway, facts about Florida, and hints for potential immigrants. The Florida Southern Railway was established in 1891 when it took over the Gainesville, Ocala and Charlotte Harbor Railroad. Facing foreclosure, the line was acquired by Henry B. Plant (1819-1899) as part of his Plant System in 1892 and reorganized as the Florida Southern Railroad, which stretched from Gainesville to Ocala and then to Punta Gorda. In 1903, the Florida Southern was acquired by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad (ACL). The ACL merged with the Seaboard Air Line Railroad (SAL) in 1967 to form the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (SCL). Much of the original ACL lines are now part of the CSX Transportation line, which operates the SCL.
Original 24-page map, 1888: Matthews, Northrup and Company. Map of Florida Showing the Land Grant of the Florida South Railway. Map. Buffalo, NY: Art-Printing Works, 1888: Maitland Public Library, Maitland, Florida.
A letter Carrier badge worn by postal workers. In 1922, the letter Carrier’s badge was redesigned. The new badge was solid, of nickel-plated metal, elliptical in shape, and topped with a 1/2 inch tall eagle with wings spread two inches wide. The numbers, raised in the center of the badge, were 9/16ths of an inch long. The words "U. S. Post Office" were raised along the top, and the name of the Post Office and state were along the bottom. Raised five-pointed stars adorned the right and left sides, visually separating the text. The badge was curved at 10% to conform to the shape of the headgear.
Original badge: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida
U.S. Post Office Special Delivery Messenger Badge
A badge worn by postal workers who were charged with delivering Special Delivery mail and packages. Special Delivery began as a mail category in 1885 and ended in 1997, when it was replaced by the Express Mail category. Special Delivery was one of the few exceptions that allowed Sunday deliveries. For an extra postage fee, individuals could ensure a faster delivery of their parcels. Instead of waiting for the next day’s standard delivery route, Special Delivery mail was dispatched as soon as it arrived at the delivering post office. Carriers charged with a Special Delivery package would wear a badge such as this one.
A newspaper article about Spencer Locke (b. 1904), a long-time employee of the Downtown Orlando Post Office in Downtown Orlando, Florida. Locke was born in Florida in 1904 and, at the time of this biography, had worked for the post office for 14 years. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original newspaper article: "Our Post Office Executives and Staff": Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Inspection Report for the Ferndale Post Office (February 26, 1946)
An inspection report for the Ferndale Post Office conducted on February 26, 1946. The inspection was conducted by A. F. White, Post Office Inspector for the Bureau of the Chief Inspector. The Ferndale Post Office was roughly 400 square feet and contained 180 mailboxes. The size of the post office reflects the small town nature of Ferndale. In 2009, the post office was closed by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The residents of Ferndale gathered together and successfully petitioned its reopening and the post office is now staffed by local volunteers. This was a compromise between the residents and USPS that helped to mitigate the annual cost of running the small office.
Original inspection report by A. F. White, February 26, 1946: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Incoming Mail for the Month of December, 1946-1954
An incoming mail logbook, presumably from the Downtown Orlando Post Office for the month of December, spanning the years of 1946 to 1954. The book logs first-, second-, and third-class mail, and also contains a mail receipt from January 2, 1953. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original logbook: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
An elevated view of Orlando, Florida, in 1884. The lithograph focused on Sinclair's Real Estate Agency, located on the corner of Pine Street and South Orange Avenue. Other sites highlighted in the lithograph include the home of J. G. Sinclair, the home of N. L. Mills, the new Orange County Jail, and Orange County Courthouse, the opera house, the Orlando Masonic Hall, the South Florida Seminary, the Charleston House, and the Summerlin House. The lithograph also marks various manufactories, mills, churches, and the South Florida Railroad Depot. The Orlando area was originally occupied by the Creek and Seminole tribes. In 1838, Fort Gatlin was erected on the shores of Lake Gatlin, just a few miles south of present-day Downtown Orlando. Centered around Church Street, Orlando became a city in 1884, the year that this lithograph was created Originally a cattle town, Orlando grew into a major citrus growing center by the 1920s. The city continued to grow during the Great Depression with aid from the Work Progress Administration (WPA). During World War II, Orlando became a major military center as well, with the development of the McCoy Air Force Base and Pinecastle Air Force Base, and with the addition of the Naval Training Center (NTC) Orlando in 1968. Downtown Orlando declined in the 1960s and 1970s. Redevelopment began in the 1970s and continued into the 1980s, with projects such as the Church Street Station entertainment complex. In 1998, a building boom began and continued through the 2000s.
Original black and white lithograph by Adam Beck and Clemens J. Pauli, 1884: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Sinclair's Real Estate Agency, Orlando, Florida
History Florida Chapter: National Association of Postmasters of the United States
A history of the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS), authored by Juanita S. Thompson, the association’s historian. This booklet contains different aspects of postal history with specific focus on Florida and its postmasters. The book begins with a brief summary of postal history dating back to 1775 and then transitions to the history of the Florida chapter, which was founded in 1935 as Chapter No. 10. There were 20 original charter members, led by O. B. Carr as President and Ernest L. Abel as Secretary-Treasurer. The history also includes highlights from each chapter President's tenure up through 1963.
Original booklet by Juanita S. Tucker: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
U.S. Postal Service Florida ZIP Code Directory, 1984
A ZIP code directory for the Central Florida area. This directory was created in June of 1984 and published in November of that same year by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The directory explains how to use the dictionary, how to use ZIP codes in addresses, and what ZIP codes are. The directory also contains the locations of the various post offices within the Central Florida Area and the various ZIP codes within. Before the implementation of ZIP codes, the U.S. Post Office Department (USPOD) used two-digit postal zones for large cities, beginning in 1943. Postal employee Robert Moon (1917-2011) first suggested a system of ZIP codes in 1944, but the concept was not implemented until 1963, USPOD introduced five-digit ZIP codes, as well as two-letter state abbreviations, nationwide. In 1983, a year before this directory was published, USPS introduced ZIP+4, an expanded ZIP code system with four additional digits to identify a geographic segment within the five-digit ZIP code area.
Original directory, November 1, 1984: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Construction of the Downtown Orlando Post Office, 1917
Construction of the Federal Building, located at 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1917. From 1917 to 1941, the Federal Building was used for multiple purposes, which included housing the Downtown Orlando Post Office. In 1935, when James Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen and Sons. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The Confederate Soldiers, Sailors, and Statesmen Memorial can also be seen in the first photograph. The memorial was erected in 1911 by the Annie Coleman Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC). The construction of the monument was spearheaded by Mrs. Abernethy, the President of the Annie Coleman Chapter. The monument was erected at the intersection of East Central Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida In 1917, the Confederate Memorial was deemed a traffic hazard and was moved to its permanent location on the east side of Lake Eola.
Original black and white photographs, 1917: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Telegram from Charles O. Andrews to James Milligan (April 9, 1941)
A telegram is from Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946) to James Milligan. It is regarding the dedication ceremony of the new building for the Downtown Orlando Post Office in Downtown Orlando, Florida. In the letter, Sen. Andrews informs Milligan of the arrival time of Walter Myers, the Fourth Assistant Postmaster General. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original telegram from Charles O. Andrews to James Milligan, April 9, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
U.S. Postal Service Routing Slip (July 27, 1979)
A routing slip that describing the photographs of the two women on the decorated motor scooters. One of the women is Gertrude Broomell. The women have been identified as Gertrude Broomell and Beulah (last name unknown), who is the author of this note. Theses photographs are from the 1979 celebration of Independence Day in Sebastian, Florida. The slip describes the various events that took place at the celebration, such as a water skiing demonstration, hang gliders, and a drill team from the Naval Training Center Orlando (NTC Orlando).
Original routing slip, July 27, 1979: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Orlando Postal Worker at Lake Highland Preparatory School
Fred, presumably a postal worker for the Downtown Orlando Post Office, who gave a tour to a kindergarten class at Lake Highland Preparatory School (LHPS). The class wrote him a thank you letter on a poster board. Lake Highland Preparatory School is a private school located at 901 North Highland Avenue in Orlando, Florida. The school was founded in 1970 when the Orlando Junior College was converted into a preparatory school and is presently the largest private school in Orlando.
Original color photograph: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Lake Highland Preparatory School. Orlando, Florida
Women Riding Decorated Post Office Scooters
Two women on decorated motor scooters. The women have been identified as Gertrude Broomell and Beulah (last name unknown). Theses photographs are from the 1979 celebration of Independence Day in Sebastian, Florida. Sebastian, Florida, was established as a fishing village as early as the 1870s. In the early 1880s, David Peter Gibson and Thomas New became the first non-indigenous settlers in Sebastian. New founded a post office called New Haven and he held the position of postmaster, until his removal for misuse of office. In 1882, Sebastian was officially established as St. Sebastian. In 1923, Sebastian was incorporated as a city.
Original color photographs, July 1979: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
A newspaper article discussing the history of the succession of postmasters in Orlando, Florida. The article begins with the administration of E. W. Spier and ends with David R. Laycock. The article also describes the political nature of postmaster appointments through successive presidential administrations. As the political party in the White House changed, so did the postmaster of Orlando, as well. When the incumbent party was re-elected, typically, the postmaster would remain the same. This is what allowed W. R. O'Neal to become Orlando’s longest serving postmaster, to that point. O'Neal served as Orlando’s postmaster during the administration of William McKinley (1843-1901), Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), and William Howard Taft (1857-1930).
Photocopy of original newspaper article: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
A series of photographs of the National Postal Forum, South. It is unclear as to where or when these photographs were taken. The National Postal Forum (NPF) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1968. The goal of the forum is to provide education to business mailers, as well as to communicate between the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and its business customers for a more responsive and efficient mail communications system. Although there is little identification information, this forum was likely attended by Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012).
Original black and white photographs: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
U.S. Post Office Advisory Board Meeting, 1968
The U.S. Post Office Department's advisory board meeting in 1968. Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012) can be seen on the left, sitting closest to the camera. The man sitting three seats to Bryant's left has also been identified as Charles Hawkins, Sr., founder of the Washington Shores Savings and Loan Association After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original black and white photograph, 1968: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from A. C. Hahn to Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (December 17, 1968)
A letter of correspondence from A. C. Hahn to Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012), dated December 17, 1968. At the time that the letter was written, Hahn was the Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Post Office Department. In the letter, Hahn discusses an advisory board meeting that the two attended in New York. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original letter from A. C. Hahn to Lucius A. Bryant, Jr., December 17, 1968: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. to Germain Gerin (December 12, 1966)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012) to Germain Gerin. In the letter, Bryant invites gerin to visit the Downtown Orlando Post Office in Downtown Orlando, Florida. Gerin, an employee of a post office in Paris, was visiting her son, John Gerin, for Christmas. John was a French exchange student studying at Bishop Moore High School and living with Richard Rupp's family. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original letter from Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. to Germain Gerin, December 12, 1966: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Routing Slip to Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (December 14, 1966)
A routing slip addressed to Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012) regarding a visit by Germain Gerin to the Downtown Orlando Post Office in Downtown Orlando, Florida. Gerin, an employee of a post office in Paris, was visiting her son, John Gerin, for Christmas. John was a French exchange student studying at Bishop Moore High School and living with Richard Rupp's family. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original routing slip to Lucius A. Bryant, Jr., December 14, 1966: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Mobile Post Offices at Dozen Sites to Aid Christmas Mailing
A newspaper featuring an announcement made by Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant. According to the article, post office trucks would be available at 12 shopping centers in Orlando the following day. The mobile post officers sold Christmas stamps and mail delivery service. Bryant also announced that the Downtown Orlando Post Office would be open for the afternoon. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original newspaper article: "Mobile Post Offices at Dozen Sites to Aid Christmas Mailing." December 13, 1969: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from George A. Chatelain to Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (October 5, 1954)
A letter from George A. Chatelain of Mansura, Louisiana, to Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr.. This letter was written in response to Chatelain’s inquiry regarding the purchase of sweet potatoes. Bryant suggests Otto Cooper, presumably a local farmer. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1954) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served of for 22 years.
Original letter from George A. Chatelain to Lucius A. Bryant, Jr., October 5, 1954: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. to George A. Chatelain (October 9, 1954)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012) to George A. Chatelain of Mansura, Louisiana. This letter was written in response to Chatelain’s inquiry regarding the purchase of sweet potatoes. Bryant suggests Otto Cooper, presumably a local farmer. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1954) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served of for 22 years.
Original letter, October 9, 1954 from Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. to George A. Chatelain: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Routing Slip from R. Van Camp (November 14, 1983)
A routing slip from R. Van Camp, manager of the Downtown Orlando Post Office. In the rout slip, Van Camp discusses office assistance of city routes. The content of the routing slip provides the guidelines for office assistance to the city routes. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original routing slip by R. Van Camp, November 14, 1983: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Southern Regional Postmaster General Frank Marcum Sommerkamp III
Frank Marcum Sommerkamp III (ca. 1924-2008), the Regional Postmaster General of the Southern District during the Gerald Ford Administration. Born in Washington, Sommerkamp served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. At the time that this photograph was taken in the 1970s, Sommerkamp was serving as a Regional Postmaster General in the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). He was eventually promoted to Senior Assistant Postmaster General in Research and Technology, a position that he held until his retirement in 1980.
Original black and white photograph: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from A. B. Cleveland to All Sectional Center Managers of Tampa Districts (November 25, 1975)
A letter from A. B. Cleveland, District Manager for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). to all Sectional Center Managers of the Tampa District. Cleveland enclosed a photograph of Regional Postmaster General Frank Marcum Sommerkamp III (ca. 1924-2008) for the office of the Sectional Center Managers in Tampa, Florida. It is customary for a post office to display photographs of the USPS chain of command. When Sommerkamp was appointed as the Regional Postmaster General of the Southern Region by President Gerald Ford (1913-2006), his photograph was distributed to the post offices under his charge. In the letter, Cleveland also advises the post office managers how to obtain photographs of President Ford for the same purpose.
Original letter from A. B. Cleveland, November 25, 1975: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Jim Macbeth to A. B. Cleveland (October 6, 1975)
A letter from Jim Macbeth, the Chief of the Florida Bureau of Historical Museums, to A. B. Cleveland, Tampa District Manager for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). In the letter, Macbeth requests any obsolete artifacts relating to USPS. In particular, he is interested in post office boxes and rubber stamps. The bureau was established in 1967 when the Florida Legislature established the Florida Board of Archives and History to replace the Florida Board of Antiquities. The board included three additional bureaus: the Bureau of Archives and Records Management, the Bureau of Historic Sites and Properties, and the Bureau of Publications. In 1969, the Florida Division of Archives, History and Records Management was created to replace the board. The division was later renamed the Florida Division of Historical Resources in 1986.
Original letter from Jim Macbeth to A. B. Cleveland, October 6, 1975: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Memorandum from A. B. Cleveland to Tampa District Sectional Center Managers (November 3, 1975)
A letter from Tampa District Manager A. B. Cleveland to all Sectional Center Managers of the Tampa District. In the letter requests any obsolete artifacts from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), to be donated to the Florida Bureau of Historical Museums. The bureau was established in 1967 when the Florida Legislature established the Florida Board of Archives and History to replace the Florida Board of Antiquities. The board included three additional bureaus: the Bureau of Archives and Records Management, the Bureau of Historic Sites and Properties, and the Bureau of Publications. In 1969, the Florida Division of Archives, History and Records Management was created to replace the board. The division was later renamed the Florida Division of Historical Resources in 1986.
Original memorandum from A. B. Cleveland, November 3, 1975: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. to H. V. Campbell (November 11, 1975)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012) to H. V. Campbell, the manager of the Tampa district. The letter is regarding a memorandum from November 3, 1973, that requests any obsolete artifacts from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), to be donated to the Florida Bureau of Historical Museums. The bureau was established in 1967 when the Florida Legislature established the Florida Board of Archives and History to replace the Florida Board of Antiquities. The board included three additional bureaus: the Bureau of Archives and Records Management, the Bureau of Historic Sites and Properties, and the Bureau of Publications. In 1969, the Florida Division of Archives, History and Records Management was created to replace the board. The division was later renamed the Florida Division of Historical Resources in 1986.
Original letter from Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. to H. V. Campbell, November 11, 1975: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Charles O. Andrews (April 8, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946). In reference to two prior letters, Beggs had prepared statistics for Sen. Andrews’ speech to be delivered at the dedication ceremony for the new Downtown Orlando Post Office . The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Charles O. Andrews, April 8, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs to Charles O. Andrews (April 8, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946). In the letter, Beggs informs Sen. Andrews that he has received a telegram from Smith W. Purdum, the Second Assistant Postmaster General. Beggs also inquires as to whether Sen. Andrews can determine if Kildroy P. Aldrich, Chief Post Office Inspector, will be present for the dedication of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office of April 15, 1941. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Telegram from Smith W. Purdum to James D. Beggs, Jr. (April 8, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Walter Meyer, the Fourth Assistant Postmaster General. In the letter, Beggs acknowledges the receipt of a telegram from Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946) regarding Meyer’s participation in the dedication of the Downtown Orlando Post Office. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original telegram from Smith W. Purdum to James D. Beggs, Jr., April 8, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Walter D. Myers (April 9. 1941)
A telegram from Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946) to the Orlando Postmaster, James D. Beggs, Jr. Sen. Andrews informed Beggs that Walter D. Myers, the Fourth Assistant Postmaster General, will be participating in the dedication ceremony of the Downtown Orlando Post Office of April 15, 1941. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. D. Beggs to Walter D. Myers, April 9, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Telegram from Charles O. Andrews to James. D. Beggs (April 9, 1941)
Original telegram from Charles O. Andrews to James. D. Beggs, April 9, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Charles O. Andrews (April 9, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946), regarding the Senator’s request to be informed about the history of the Downtown Orlando Post Office. Beggs states he has enclosed the requested history, which was prepared by the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. D. Beggs to Charles O. Andrews, April 9, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Charles O. Andrews to James D. Beggs, Jr. (April 4, 1941)
A letter from Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946) to the Orlando Postmaster, James D. Beggs, Jr. Sen. In the letter, Sen. Andrews requests a brief history of the Downtown Orlando Post Office. He planned to use said information to present that the dedication ceremony for the new building. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Charles O. Andrews to J. D. Beggs, April 4, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from James D. Beggs, Jr. to Charles O. Andrews (April 7, 1941)
A letter from Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. to Senator Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946). The letter was written in response to Sen. Andrews' request to be informed about the history of the Downtown Orlando Post Office. Beggs states he will enclose the requested history, as well as the history of the Orlando division of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. D. Beggs to Charles O. Andrews, April 7, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Suggested Program for Dedication of the New U. S. Post Office and Court House
The suggested program for the dedication ceremony for the new Downtown Orlando Post Office. This document includes a list of the members of the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce and a schedule of events. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original program: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
History of Orlando Post Office Promotion
A history of how the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce petitioned the federal government to construct the new Downtown Orlando Post Office and federal court building in Downtown Orlando, Florida, in 1935. After a request was filed by U.S. Representative, J. Mark Wilcox (1890-1956) Orlando was placed of an eligibility list by Congress in 1936. By mid-1936, it was determined that Orlando was in need of the new federal buildings. Efforts to that end were supported by Rep. Joe Hendricks (1903-1974) and U.S. Senators Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946) and Claude Pepper (1900-1989). A House bill for the Downtown Orlando Post Office was supported and taken up by the Chairman of the Committee of the Post Office, Senator James M. Mead (1885-1964), in 1937. The bill passed and a construction site was chosen in 1938. and construction itself began in 1940. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce
Original document by Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son (May 3, 1941)
A letter from Construction Engineer Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son acknowledging receipt of their letter from April 30, 1941. J. P. Cullen & Son was the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. J. P. Cullen & Son was the general contractor for the construction of the new building. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land of Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen &amp
Son, May 3, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Senior Materials Engineer to J. P. Cullen & Son (April 23, 1941)
A letter from Senior Materials Engineer of J. P. Cullen & Son to coworkers regarding the use of Magnolia non-staining cement for the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, in Downtown Orlando, Florida. J. P. Cullen & Son was the general contractor for the construction of the new building. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Senior Materials Engineer to J. P. Cullen & Son, April 23, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son (April 28, 1941)
A letter from Construction Engineer Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son regarding final photographs of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office. J. P. Cullen & Son was the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Paul H. Heimer to J. P. Cullen & Son, April 28, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from J. P. Cullen to Charles C. Converse (May 5, 1941)
A letter from J. P. Cullen to District 4 Engineer Charles C. Converse regarding photos of the construction of the Downtown Post Office. Cullen was the head of J. P. Cullen & Son, the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. The letter included four sets of photographs to apprise them of the current progress of construction. The letter included four one set of photographs to apprise him of the current progress of construction. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. P. Cullen to Charles C. Converse, May 5, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from J. P. Cullen to Federal Works Agency Public Buildings Administration (April 30, 1941)
A letter from J. P. Cullen to the Federal Works Agency's (FWA) Public Buildings Administration regarding photos of the construction of the Downtown Post Office. Cullen was the head of J. P. Cullen & Son, the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. The letter included four sets of photographs to apprise them of the current progress of construction. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. P. Cullen to Federal Works Agency Public Buildings Administration, April 30, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from J. P. Cullen & Son to Paul H. Heimer (April 30, 1941)
A letter from J. P. Cullen to construction engineer Paul H. Heimer inquiring about the name and address of the District Engineer. Cullen was the head of J. P. Cullen & Son, the general contractor for the construction of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street. Heimer was the construction engineer. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from J. P. Cullen & Son to Paul H. Heimer, April 30, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Orlando's Postmasters and Terms of Office, 1898 to 1951
A memorandum from the U.S. Post Office Department listing the names and terms of service of postmasters for Orlando, Florida, from 1898 1951. The postmasters included W. R. O'Neal, 1898 to 1914; W. C. McLean, 1914 to 1923; Claudia DeLaney, 1923 to 1930; D. R. Laycock, 1930 to 1935; James D. Beggs, Jr., 1935 to 1949; D. H. Howell, 1949 to 1951; and Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012), 1951 to 1983. Bryant was the postmaster at the time that this list was compiled. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original memorandum: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Frederick C. Belen to Jimmy Bryant (November 15, 1966)
A letter from Deputy Postmaster General Frederick C. Belen (ca. 1904-1999) to Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant. In the letter, Belen thanks Bryant for a weekend fishing trip in Orlando. Originally an attorney, Belen also served as counsel, chief counsel and staff director of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee from 1946 to 1961. In 1961, he was appointed Assistant Postmaster General for Operations. From 1964 to 1969, Belen served as Deputy Postmaster General and is credited with the automation of mail processing and delivery. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original letter from Frederick C. Belen to Jimmy Bryant, November 15, 1966: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Downtown Orlando Post Office Action Plan (November 17, 1983)
An Action Plan for the Downtown Orlando Post Office, dated November 17, 1983. The plan sets forth the goals of the post office and the plan to accomplish the goals. Some of the goals include adjusting carrier routes to eight hours, reducing overtime hours, and increasing productivity. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original action plan, November 17, 1983: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from John Masek to H. Leeds Anwyll, Red McGee, A. Wright, and James D. Beggs, Jr. (October 23, 1940)
A letter from John Masek of the Orlando Philatelic Society to H. Leeds Anwyll, citrus executive and newspaper reporter/editor Red McGee, A. Wright, and Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. It is regarding the dedication ceremony of the new Downtown Post Office on April 15, 1941 and the society's involvement. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from John Masek to H. Leeds Anwyll, Red McGee, A. Wright, and James D. Beggs, Jr., October 23, 1940: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from Mahim A. Leitzel to James D. Beggs, Jr. (April 10, 1941)
In this letter, Mahim A. Leitzel informs James D. Beggs, Jr. that he plans to attend the dedication ceremony of the Downtown Orlando Post Office in Downtown Orlando, Florida, on April 15, 1941. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street, was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from Mahim A. Leitzel to James D. Beggs, Jr., April 10, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Memorandum from Assistant Postmaster General to Postmasters with Gross Receipts of $1 million to $20 Million (December 7, 1954)
A memorandum is from the Assistant Postmaster General Joseph A. Clarke to postmasters who are in charge of offices that gross between $1 million to $20 million. In the memo, Clarke discusses the reorganization of the Division of Finance within the U.S. Post Office Department. The reorganization entailed the reduction of work requirements for the Division of Finance had been reduced due to the creation of regional distributing offices and the regional distributing offices became responsible for supplying stamps and other accountable items. Clarke was the first African American to be appointed Special Assistant to the Assistant Postmaster General of the Bureau of Operations.
Original memorandum from Joseph A. Clarke to postmasters, December 7, 1954: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Memorandum by Judge Akerman for James D. Beggs, Jr.
A memorandum by Judge Alexander Akerman (1869-1948) for Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr. regarding the establishment of a federal court in Orlando for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. In the memo Judge Akerman discusses his meetings with various members of Congress representing Florida, including Representative William J. Sears (1874-1944), Rep. Ruth Bryan Owen (1885-1954), Rep. J. Mark Wilcox (1890-1956), Senator Duncan U. Fletcher (1859-1936), and Sen. Charles O. Andrews (1877-1946). The court for Orlando was later established in 1933 and remained until the establishment of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 1962.
Original memorandum from Alexander Akerman to James D. Beggs, Jr.: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
An excerpt written by Theodore Pratt and published in Florida Magazine. The article discusses how barefoot mailmen delivered letters sent from Palm Beach to Miami, Florida, in the late 19th century. This excerpt was originally published in Pratt's book, That Was Palm Beach, published in 1968.
Photocopy of original magazine article by Theodore Pratt: Florida Magazine.
Florida Magazine
Letter from M. C. Muddleson to James D. Beggs, Jr. (January 16, 1941)
A letter from M. C. Muddleson to Orlando Postmaster James D. Beggs, Jr., dated January 16, 1941. In the letter, Muddleson discusses plans for the dedication ceremony of the new Downtown Orlando Post Office building, located at 51 East Jefferson Street in Downtown Orlando, Florida. The original post office was housed in the Federal Building, located 44 East Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando, Florida, from 1917 to 1941. In 1935, when James D. Beggs, Jr. became the postmaster, he began petitioning to move the post office from its Central Boulevard and Court Avenue location to a more spacious building. In 1939, St. James Catholic Church sold a plot of land on Jefferson Street for the new building. The building was designed by Louis A. Simon in the Northern Italian Palazzo Revival-style, and was constructed by J. P. Cullen & Son. The new building opened in 1941 and housed the post office, the courthouse, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices. The building was named an Orlando Historic Landmark in 1989. However, it was eventually sold back to the St. James Church. In 2003, the building was renovated and came under joint ownership by both the church and the federal government. Today, the building retains its post office services but also includes offices for the Catholic Diocese.
Original letter from M. C. Muddleson to James D. Beggs, Jr., January 16, 1941: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Methods Handbook: City Delivery Service Mechanization
This is a Methods Handbook published and prepared by the Bureau of Operations of the U.S. Post Office Department on August 1, 1958. The mechanization of post offices began in 1956 when the U.S. Post Office Department began researching the coding systems of other countries and developing a system for the United States. The first semiautomatic parcel sorting machine was introduced that same year. The late 1950s also saw the use of the first American-built letter sorter, setting the stage for increased mechanization and automation in the 1960s and 1970s. This handbook centers mostly on postal vehicles and other pieces of equipment utilized to increase efficiency in mail delivery.
Original 44-page handbook, August 1, 1958: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Dixie Village Post Office Dedication Ceremony
The dedication ceremony of the Dixie Village Post Office, located at 2860 Delaney Avenue in Orlando, Florida, on August 2, 1958. Many local dignitaries were present and spoke at the ceremony. Speakers included First Baptist Church of Orlando pastor J. Powell Tucker, City Commissioner Waldron Sanderlin (1925-2014), and Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012). These photographs feature an unidentified speaker, the audience at the ceremony, and police officers raising the American flag.
Original black and white photographs, August 2, 1958: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Dixie Village Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. at the Dixie Village Post Office Dedication Ceremony
The dedication ceremony of the Dixie Village Post Office, located at 2860 Delaney Avenue in Orlando, Florida, on August 2, 1958. Many local dignitaries were present and spoke at the ceremony. This photograph shows Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012) speaking at the ceremony. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original black and white photograph, August 2, 1958: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
J. Powell Tucker and Waldron Sanderlin at the Dixie Village Post Office Dedication Ceremony
The dedication ceremony of the Dixie Village Post Office, located at 2860 Delaney Avenue in Orlando, Florida, on August 2, 1958. Many local dignitaries were present and spoke at the ceremony. The first photograph shows J. Powell Tucker, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Orlando, on the left. On the right is Commissioner Waldron Sanderlin (1925-2014), Orlando's longest-serving Commissioner. Commissioner Sanderlin also briefly served as pro tem mayor. Sanderlin is also pictured in the second and third photographs.
Dixie Village Post Office, located at 2860 Delaney Avenue in Orlando, Florida. This photograph was taken during the post office's dedication ceremony on August 2, 1958. Speakers included First Baptist Church of Orlando pastor J. Powell Tucker, City Commissioner Waldron Sanderlin (1925-2014), and Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (ca. 1919-2012). After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Postal Willys Wagon at the Dixie Village Post Office, 1958
The Postal Willys Wagon, which first debuted in August of 1953. Willys Motors gained credibility for developing rugged and reliable vehicles during World War II. The Postal Willys Wagon was the first right-hand drive vehicle to be produced in the United Sates in 30 years. Prior to this change, mail carriers either had to park and walk to a mailbox or reach across the passenger's side to deliver the mail. This Willys Wagon is pictured outside the Dixie Village Post Office during its dedication ceremony on August 2, 1958.
The Orange County Citizen, Vol. 14, No. 30, July 25, 1911
The Orange County Citizen issue published on July 25, 1911. This edition features articles on Maitland, Florida. Such topics include the various groves in Maitland, the various churches, the Maitland Library, a proposed traction line to be built by the Florida Citrus Railway Company,the residences of several residents, Chadbourne Hall, convict leasing, the cotton industry, the Winter Park Fruit Company, the Orlando Irrigated Farms Company, and the town of Oakland. The Orange County Citizen was originally published as a weekly newspaper by Dr. Geiger (first name unknown) of Apopka, Florida. The paper was known for having a morally sound tone due to its publisher's profession as a Baptist preacher. However, after taking the position of a missionary, Dr. Geiger gave the paper up to A. B. Newton, who represented Winter Garden in the Florida Legislature. Newton kept up the moral tone of The Orange County Citizen, but soon found that he was unable to continue publishing the paper due to his other obligations. Newton then sold the paper to C. E. Howard, who was also the editor of The Orlando Reporter-Star. Under Howard, The Orange County Citizen continued it's moral tendencies and greatly supported Prohibition. Howard continued to run the newspaper weekly for seven years, until he eventually sold it to Arthur Ivey, a reporter for The Reporter-Sentinel. Ivey discontinued publication shortly thereafter.
Original 8-page newspaper issue: The Orange County Citizen, Vol. 14, No. 30, July 25, 1911: Maitland Public Library, Maitland, Florida.
Church of the Good Shepherd, Maitland, Florida
A newspaper issue which is likely The Lake Maitland Advertiser, judging from the partial front page and one article in which the paper is referred to as "The Advertiser.". However, there is no existing evidence of a newspaper called The Lake Maitland Advertiser ever being published. In fact, there is no evidence of a local newspaper existing in Maitland other than The Maitland Courier in the 1800s. However, from the partial front page, it is evident that the name of the paper does begin with "Lake Maitland," and from the articles and advertisements it is clearly a Maitland newspaper. Some topics discussed in this issue include baby smokers, street searches, winter-blooming roses, speaking dolls, Jennings' Business College, news and notes for women, fruit culture in South Florida, Japanese dining sets, Roman togas, and the spoiling of watches.
Original 4-page newspaper issue: The Lake Maitland Advertiser, Vol. 1, No. 1, January 1890: Maitland Public Library, Maitland, Florida.
Maitland Section of The Winter Park Herald, Vol. 04, No. 28, June 10, 1926
The "Maitland Section" of The Winter Park Herald issue published on June 10, 1926. The Winter Park Herald was a weekly publication that was published between 1922 and 1959. This special section highlights the history and interesting features of Maitland, Florida. Some topics discussed in this issue include the opening of the Bank of Maitland, the Maitland Electric Shop, civil engineer L. L. Condert, the Maitland Plumbing Company, Brown's Store, the history of Maitland, the Inter-City Realty Company's sponsorship of a new subdivision on Lake Catherine, the history of Greenwood Gardens, the Maitland Lumber Company, the planned construction of a new arcade, the White Way Motor Company, and the Maitland Realty Company.
Original 8-page newspaper issue: Maitland Section, The Winter Park Herald, Vol. 4, No. 28, June 10, 1926: Maitland Public Library, Maitland, Florida.
The Maitland Courier, Vol. 1, No. 4, December 24, 1885
The Maitland Courier issue published on December 24, 1885. The Maitland Courier was established in 1885 by C. F. Townsend, its editor and publisher. The newspaper was published every Thursday and it's estimated circulation between 1886 and 1887 was 559 to an area of residents with an estimated population of 1,300 by 1887. This edition features articles on topics such as medical and agricultural advice, jokes, the opening of the Seminole Hotel, British Revolutionary War officer Major John André (174-1780), sectional amiability between the North and South following the end of the war, settlers in Florida, the development taking place in Altamonte, an open letter to taxpayers, local events to celebrate the holidays, the staff’s contention with a loud rooster, the comings and goings of Maitland’s residents, decisions made at the last town meeting and the members of the board, scientific experiments conducted in the interest of industrial innovation, weather, temperance, and religious readings.
Original 8-page newspaper issue: The Maitland Courier, Vol. 1, No. 4, December 24, 1885: Maitland Public Library, Maitland, Florida.
The Florida Agriculturist, Vol. 10, No. 27, November 9, 1887
The Florida Agriculturist issue published on November 9, 1887. The Florida Agriculturist began publication in 1878 with Christopher O. Codrington as its first editor. Codrington, who was from Jamaica, was an importer of exotic plants. The newspaper was published weekly through 1907, but changed to a monthly paper in 1908. The paper changed hands from Codrington to E. O. Painter by 1887. Painter had so much success with the paper that he was able to create a printing company: E. O. Painter Printing Company. The paper was directed towards the farmers and fruit and vegetable growers of Florida. The Florida Agriculturist discussed different places in Florida, especially DeLand and Jacksonville, that were the best to plant, and which fruits and plants were in season. The paper also offered railroad schedules. In the late 1800s, with a large influx of Chinese immigrants, the newspaper recommended these immigrants as farm laborers, for the purpose of replacing African-American laborers. In 1907, Painter sold the newspaper and it relocated to Jacksonville where it would last another four years eventually ending publication in 1911. Some of the topics discussed in this issue include an industrial cooperation, artificial fertilizers, the Florida Shippers Union, Roger LaRoque, the Haymarket Affair, packing for the poultry industry, the fate of anarchists for the Haymarket Affair, the role of women in the home, malaria and various other medical ailments, the use of cottonseed as fertilizer, broadcast harrowing,new city ordinanaces for DeLand, and the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.
Original 8-page newspaper issue: The Florida Agriculturist, Vol. 10, No. 27, November 9, 1887: Maitland Public Library, Maitland, Florida.
An oral history interview of Geraldean Matthew, a third-generation farmworker and advocate for environmental justice and migrant farmworkers’ rights. The interview was conducted by Jared Muha in Apopka, Florida, on October 30, 2014. Some of the topics covered include a summary of Matthew’s life, leaving home at age 13, her relationships with her mother and father, her slave heritage, her grandparents, segregation, traveling to the North, tramp trucks and maggot workers, life in labor camps, the replacement of African-American workers with Hispanic workers and the relationship between the two races, educational programs and retraining of the replaced workers, the effects of unemployment and underemployment on African-American families, working for environmental justice and farmworker’s rights, her contribution to Fed Up: The High Costs of Cheap Food, a book about sexual misconduct by crew leaders, modern farms in Florida and the treatment of Hispanic workers today. Matthew passed away in 2016.
Matthew, Geraldean. Interviewed by Jared Muha, October 30, 2014. Audio record available. RICHES, Orlando, Florida.
RICHES
A postcard depicting the Bradenton Trailer Park, which was the largest trailer park in the world at the time that this postcard was published in the 1950s. The trailer park was built on Tamiami Trail just south of Bradenton's business section, by the Bradenton Kiwanis Club in 1936. By the 1940s, the Bradenton Trailer Park had installed electric meters, paved streets, and continuous entertainment. By 1950, the trailer park had reached its maximum capacity with 1,190 lots. Lots were enlarged and the total number was decreased to 600 in 1966. In the 1990s, the Kiwanis sold the Bradenton Trailer Park, due to the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) to disallow the use of the trailer park for charitable purposes.
Original 9 x 14 centimeter hand-colored postcard: Private Collection of Bob Van Horn.
Bradenton Trailer Park, Bradenton, Florida
Azalea Fringed Lagoon in Cypress Gardens Postcard
A postcard depicting the an azalea-fringed lagoon in Cypress Gardens. Billed as Florida's first commercial tourist theme park, Cypress Gardens opened on January 2, 1936, as a botanical garden planted by Dick Pope, Sr. (1900-1988) and his wife, Julie Pope. Over the years, it became one of the biggest attractions in Florida, known for its water ski shows, lush gardens, and Southern Belles. It also became known as the "Water Ski Capital of the World," because many of the sport's landmark firsts and the over 50 world records broken there. Numerous motion pictures were filmed at the Cypress Gardens, including portions of This is Cinerama, the first feature filmed in the widescreen 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.
Original 9 x 14 centimeter color postcard by Tichnor Bros., Inc.: Private Collection of Bob Van Horn.
A postcard depicting the state of Florida, particular the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida. Tallahassee was designated the capital of Florida in 1824 and the Old Capitol building was constructed in 1826. The building was never completed and was instead torn down in 1839. The present capitol building was completed in 1845 and expanded in 1902, 1923, 1936, and 1947.
Florida State Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida
Sarasota Trailer Park Recreation Center Postcard
A postcard depicting the Sarasota Trailer Park's recreation center in Sarasota, Florida. To the right of the postcard is the Trailer City Headquarters, which housed a grocery store and a post office substation. The trailer park was founded in the 1920s on land donated to the City of Sarasota by Calvin Payne. In the 1980s, there was public controversy regarding the misuse of the land because it had been deeded specifically for public park space. In 2007, the land was reopened as a public park.
Original 9 x 14 centimeter color postcard by Curt Teich and Company: Private Collection of Bob Van Horn.
Sarasota Trailer Park Recreation Center, Sarasota, Florida