Intersection at Second Street and Oak Street
The intersection of Second Street and Oak Street in Sanford, Florida in 1884. When General Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) first established the City of Sanford, he laid out the streets on a grid plan. Streets running toward Lake Monroe were given names of native Florida trees, while streets running parallel to the lake were numbered.
Original 8.5 x 5.5 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1884: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 114, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida in 1880. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880, but was destroyed by a fire in 1923. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 110, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880. The church pictured is most likely the second incarnation of the Holy Cross Episcopal Church. It was destroyed in 1923 by a fire. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Church of the Holy Cross Destroyed in Hurricane of 1880
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida after the Hurricane of 1880. On August 29, 1880, a Category 2 hurricane made landfall near Saint Augustine, affecting areas from the Jupiter Inlet to the mouth of the St. Johns River to the Gulf of Mexico. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880, but was destroyed by a fire in 1923. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photoprint by Chase & Company, 1880: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 117, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church, located at 410 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, Florida during Easter of 1901. Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of General Henry S. Sanford (1823-1891), established the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in 1873. The church was consecrated on April 20, 1873, and became the first Episcopal mission in Central Florida. The original Holy Cross was designed by famed architect Richard Upjohn in the Carpenter Gothic architectural style. During the summer of 1880, the original Holy Cross was destroyed by a hurricane. Following the destruction of the original Holy Cross, Henry and Gertrude Sanford raised money for the construction of a second church. The second Holy Cross Church was completed in 1880, but was destroyed by a fire in 1923. The third church built on the site following the destruction of the second was designed by Elton Moughton, a local architect, and completed in 1924. The third Holy Cross church was built in the “pre-depression” Spanish Mediterranean style.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, April 4, 1901: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 118, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Sanford House Hotel Park, adjoining the Sanford House Hotel, overlooked the waterfront of Lake Monroe at Commercial Street and Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida in 1934. The hotel was built by Henry Sanford (1823-1891) with the intent of attracting tourists and providing housing for would-be wealthy settlers to the city of Sanford. The Sanford House Hotel was joined by the Lake Monroe House, a lower-cost alternative geared towards laborers, both of which were completed in 1876. Facing the waterfront, the hotel was located at the intersection of Commercial Street and Palmetto Avenue. The Sanford House Hotel featured three stories – two of which included porches – and enough rooms to serve 150 guests. The hotel’s landscaping included flower beds and citrus trees. A boardwalk led visitors straight from the hotel to the shores of Lake Monroe. Rates for a room in 1884 ranged from $15 to $20 per week. The 1887 fire came very close to the Sanford House, and it was feared that sparks would add it to the destruction. What saved it were wet blankets which were draped from the roof and windows. The Sanford House Hotel was torn down in May of 1920. At the turn of the century, the Sanford House Hotel was the center of all major city events and celebrations. While guide books from the period often included positive reference to the hotel, it failed to attract many visitors. The hotel did not make any profit during its first years of operation. By its third year, the 1879-1880 season, the hotel netted only $800 in profits. The hotel continued to make meager profits for the remainder of the nineteenth century. Nonetheless, it served as a central point of focus during city celebrations during the period.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, May 31, 1934: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 116, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1880: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30A, item CC 112, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Citrus fruit industry--Florida--Orange County
Aerial views of Isleworth Grove in Windermere, Florida in 1936. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove. Isleworth Grove covered a total of 1,300 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Between 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. Between 1894 and 1900, different types of pesticide equipment was created, including equipment driven by steam, machines, and horses.Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965. The Isleworth property stayed in the Chase family until 1984 when Franklin Chase, the son of Sydney Chase, sold the property to famed golfer Arnold Palmer.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photographs by Chase & Company, March 3, 1936: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 212, folder 8.18, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
One year old citrus buds at Isleworth Grove in Windermere, Florida in 1904. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove. Isleworth Grove covered a total of 1,300 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Between 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. Between 1894 and 1900, different types of pesticide equipment was created, including equipment driven by steam, machines, and horses.Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965. The Isleworth property stayed in the Chase family until 1984 when Franklin Chase, the son of Sydney Chase, sold the property to famed golfer Arnold Palmer.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 212, folder 8.18, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Three citrus workers at Isleworth Grove in Windermere, Florida in 1904. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove. Isleworth Grove covered a total of 1,300 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Between 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. Between 1894 and 1900, different types of pesticide equipment was created, including equipment driven by steam, machines, and horses.Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965. The Isleworth property stayed in the Chase family until 1984 when Franklin Chase, the son of Sydney Chase, sold the property to famed golfer Arnold Palmer.
Agricultural laborers fumigating citrus trees at Isleworth Grove in Windermere, Florida in 1904. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove. Isleworth Grove covered a total of 1,300 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Between 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. Between 1894 and 1900, different types of pesticide equipment was created, including equipment driven by steam, machines, and horses.Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965. The Isleworth property stayed in the Chase family until 1984 when Franklin Chase, the son of Sydney Chase, sold the property to famed golfer Arnold Palmer.
Former Crystal Ice Company and Sanford Public Service Building
The former Crystal Ice Company building, which was located at 110 South Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida. The Crystal Ice Company was located here in 1915, and the Sanford Public Service ice house moved in by 1917. By 1922, the building became an ice storage shop. At the time that this photograph was taken in July 2011, the building was vacant. By the beginning of the twentieth century, most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Original color digital image by Laura Cepero, July 28, 2011.
RICHES of Central Florida
Vegetable Shipments in Refrigerated Boxcars
Refrigeration and refrigerating machinery--United States
Vegetables being crated for shipment by rail during the first quarter of the twentieth century. Each boxcar was refrigerated by blocks of ice provided by local ice houses in Sanford. With the introduction of ice houses and refrigeration, farmers were able to harvest their crops more efficiently and to take in more profits from the better preserved fruits and vegetables. Farmers in relied on local ice houses to better preserve their crops before and during transport to markets. Box cars were also refrigerated to ensure that produce crops remained fresh until they were sold. Many farmers in Sanford, Florida grew celery during the early-1900s and utilized the local ice houses to store their produce. It was recommended that celery kept in ice refrigeration be stored at 32-34 degrees Fahrenheit.
Original black and white photograph: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Arcadia Publishing
Journal article about developments of the ice industry in the Florida cities of Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Miami, and Sanford in 1904. In Fort Piece, Joseph Jefferson, C. C. Chillingworth, and A. R. Beaujean organized a company that planned on erecting an electric light plant and ice factory in the city. The Diamond Ice Company planned to enlarges its 20-ton ice and cold storage plant in Gainesville. In Miami, the Florida East Coast Ice Company began building a 30-ton ice plant with ice storage rooms and machinery furnished by the Frick Company of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. The Sanford Ice Company also made plans to enlarge its ice factory in Sanford and to install new machinery. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Original journal article: "Florida." Ice and Refrigeration 1, vol. 27 (1904): 197.
Newspaper article about and portrait of businessman and politician, Forrest Lake around 1910. Forrest Lake first arrived in Sanford, Florida in the 1880s. Lake was known as a local politician and later a member of state government. One of his most well known successes in politics was the passing of the bill that created Seminole County in 1913. Throughout the early- to mid-1920s, Lake owned an icehouse, founded Seminole County Bank, and established the Hotel Forrest Lake. By the end of the Florida real estate boom, Lake suffered many financial loses when the hotel went bankrupt and he was accused of bank fraud. In 1928, Lake went through a series of trials related to the bank fraud scandal and was later sent to state prison for fourteen years. Lake only served six years and lived the rest of his life in Sanford. He died in 1939.
Original newspaper article by Edward Talcot Woodruff: Sanford Chronicle Industrial Edition (Winter 1910): 16.
The Sanford Herald
Former Hunter Ice & Fuel Company building, located at 700 West Thirteenth Street in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. Prior to starting an ice manufacturing business in Sanford, owner Duval W. Hunter, Sr., operated an ice house in North Carolina which supplied ice for in-home use. In 1952, the Hunter moved his ice manufacturing business to Sanford because of the higher demand to cool and preserve agricultural goods. At the time that this photograph was taken in June 2011, the building was vacant. Prior to ice manufacturing, states along the east coast of the United States relied on harvested ice from frozen lakes and ponds shipped from New England. Many southern states during the 1860s began relying on ice manufacturing once the shipment of harvested ice from the northern states ceased. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can manufacturing states along the east coast of the United States relied on harvested ice from frozen lakes and ponds shipped from New England. Many southern states during the 1860s began relying on ice manufacturing once the shipment of harvested ice from the northern states ceased. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can.
Original color digital image by Laura Cepero, July 9, 2011.
The Hunter Ice & Fuel Company, formerly located at 700 West Thirteenth Street in Sanford, Florida, sometime between 1952 and 1959. Prior to starting an ice manufacturing business in Sanford, owner Duval W. Hunter, Sr., operated an ice house in North Carolina which supplied ice for in-home use. In 1952, the Hunter moved his ice manufacturing business to Sanford because of the higher demand to cool and preserve agricultural goods. Prior to ice manufacturing, states along the east coast of the United States relied on harvested ice from frozen lakes and ponds shipped from New England. Many southern states during the 1860s began relying on ice manufacturing once the shipment of harvested ice from the northern states ceased. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can.
Original black and white photograph: Ice Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Ice House Controversy Melts Into Compliance
Newspaper article on City of Sanford's failed efforts to condemn the dilapidated Hunter Ice and Fuel Company building located at 700 West Thirteenth Street in 2007. According the the article, the building's owner, John McFarland, could avoid having the factory condemned if he complies with city building codes. Prior to starting an ice manufacturing business in Sanford, owner Duval W. Hunter, Sr., operated an ice house in North Carolina which supplied ice for in-home use. In 1952, the Hunter moved his ice manufacturing business to Sanford because of the higher demand to cool and preserve agricultural goods. Prior to ice manufacturing, states along the east coast of the United States relied on harvested ice from frozen lakes and ponds shipped from New England. Many southern states during the 1860s began relying on ice manufacturing once the shipment of harvested ice from the northern states ceased. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can.
Original newspaper article by Joe Hendricks: "Icehouse controversy melts into compliance." The Sanford Herald, October 24, 2007.
Chart representing the various ice plants and houses located in Sanford, Florida. These ice houses include: Crystal Ice Company, 110 South Park Avenue; Hunter Ice & Fuel Company, 700 West Thirteenth Street; New Ice Company; Rand Yard Ice House, Rand Yard Road; Sanford Ice and Cold Storage, 403 South Sanford Avenue; Sanford Ice and Water Company, 702 South French Avenue; Sanford Ice Company, 320 South Park Avenue; Sanford Ice, Light, and Power, 218 East First Street; Sanford Public Service, 110 South Park Avenue and 1501 West First Street; Southern Utilities, 112 South Park Avenue; and Thomas Ice Company, 702 South French Avenue. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Original chart created by Laura Cepero, July 22, 2011.
Hunter Ice and Fuel Company, Sanford, Florida
Sanford Ice and Cold Storage, Sanford, Florida
Sanford Ice and Water Company, Sanford, Florida
Sanford Ice, Light, and Power, Sanford, Florida
Sanford Public Service, Sanford, Florida
Rand Yard Ice House, located on Rand Yard Road in Sanford, Florida in 2003. The ice plant was built in 1926 by the Mountain Ice Company of Chicago, had a 700 ton storage capacity, operated 24 hours a day, ranked second in the U.S. for ice production, and was once Seminole County's largest building for somet time. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can. Although working at an ice plant was known as dangerous and hard work, employees enjoyed a steady well paid job. By 1928, the Rand Yard Ice House employed 73 African-American workers.
Original black and white photograph published by EYESEEIMAGES: Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Excerpt from When Celery Was King by Charlie C. Carlson. The excerpt includes an image of the Rand Yard Ice House with accompanying text. The Rand Yard Ice House was located on Rand Yard Road in Sanford, Florida. The ice plant was built in 1926 by the Mountain Ice Company of Chicago, had a 700 ton storage capacity, operated 24 hours a day, ranked second in the U.S. for ice production, and was once Seminole County's largest building for somet time. During the late-1800s, individual ice factories were comprised of a machine room, boiler room, ice store, loading platforms, and other office space. Large cans were used to mold the ice. When ice was needed, workers would operate a crane system to carry the ice block into a warm water bath where the ice could be removed from the reusable can. Although working at an ice plant was known as dangerous and hard work, employees enjoyed a steady well paid job. By 1928, the Rand Yard Ice House employed 73 African-American workers.
Carlson, Charlie. When Celery Was King. Sanford, Fla: Sanford Historical Society, 2000.
Sanford Historical Society, Inc.
Former Sanford Ice and Cold Storage Building
Sanford Ice and Cold Storage, founded in 1887, was located at 401 South Sanford Avenue in Sanford, Florida. This four-unit building, located on the corner of South Sanford Avenue and East First Street in the historic African-American neighborhood called Georgetown, was later occupied by the House of Bread Bakery in the 1920s. On March 7, 2012, Jason Turner's application for a Façade Improvement Grant was approved by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency for $20,000. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Original color digital images by Laura Cepero, July 9, 2011.
The former building of Sanford Ice Company, which was located at 320 South Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida in 1887. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes prior to the invention and widespread use of modern refrigeration. At the time that this photograph was taken in 2011, the building was home of the First Presbyterian Church of Sanford.
Former Sanford Ice, Light, and Power Building
The former building of Sanford Ice, Light, and Power built in 1924. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles. It is now the location of Antiques and Dustibles.
Sanford Light and Fuel Company, Sanford Ice and Water Company, Crystal Ice Company
Newspaper article on the Sanford's three major utility companies: Sanford Light and Fuel Company, Sanford Ice and Water Company, and Crystal Ice Company. The latter two were ice plants, which manufactured ice that was used for shipping produce in refrigerated box cars. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Sanford Parents Complain Ice House is Hazard to Children
Newspaper article highlighting complaints from Sanford parents about the potential safety hazards of an old ice house operated and leased by Thomas Ice Company. Ice manufacturing became a prominent industry in the United States by the beginning of the twentieth century. Most ice houses consisted of two stories with the first floor used as food storage and the second floor used to store the ice. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated vehicles.
Photocopy of original newspaper article by Bob Frey: "Sanford parents complain ice house hazard to children." The Little Sentinel, August 16, 1978, page 8: Ice Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Former Sanford Public Service Company Building
The former building of the Sanford Public Service Company, located at 1501 West First Street in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. When the building first opened in 1922, it operated as an ice house. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated boxcars. Ice houses also provided cold storage for produce, meat, and other food goods for better food preservation.
Former Southern Utilities Company Building
The former building of the Southern Utilities Company, located at 112 South Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida, in 2011. When the building first opened in 1924, it operated as an ice house. Ice houses provided blocks of ice for home ice boxes and allowed agricultural businesses to transport their fruits and vegetables in refrigerated boxcars. Ice houses also provided cold storage for produce, meat, and other food goods for better food preservation. The most recent business that took over the building is a bar known as the Wet Spot.
Original color digital image by Laura Cepero, July 3, 2011.
Lake Monroe (Seminole County and Volusia County, Fla.)
Steamboats--Florida--St. Johns River--History
A dock in Sanford, Florida in 1934. Sanford's location on the shore of Lake Monroe played a significant role in the growth of the city as a commercial hub. Lake Monroe is a part of the St. Johns River which served as a commercial highway through central Florida before the railroads were built. Steamships carrying essential goods would travel up and down the St. Johns River and dock at piers in small towns along the way. Henry Sanford purchased the land for the city in 1870 and from the start he saw the potential for the site to become an important transportation location, saying that the new city would be the Gate City of South Florida. Throughout the 1870's and early 1880's commercial steamboats played a significant role in the development of Sanford. Henry Sanford encouraged investment in the growing town and formed a land company based in London to bring in new investors. Also during 1880 construction started on the South Florida Railroad. The line was to have a stop in Sanford and would help to continue to develop the city as a commercial center. The town grew prosperous from this business which led to the establishment of several wharves, a railroad station and a hotel. With the introduction of the railroad steamships became less important to the commercial business in Sanford, but the city was already established as a center for distribution. In 1913 Sanford was named the county seat to the newly formed Seminole County.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, May 31, 1934: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30B, item 117, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The giant bald cypress tree known as The Senator during the first quarter of the 20th century. As early as the late 1800s, this centuries-old tree was considered a tourist destination, but it wasn't until 1927 that a park was established around the tree. Senator Moses O. Overstreet donated six acres of land , which included the tree, to Seminole County to establish a park with the stipulation that a road would be built to take visitors into the park. The generosity of Senator Overstreet inspired residents to name the giant cypress tree "The Senator." Located at 761 General Hutchinson Parkway in present-day Longwood, Florida, the new park was named the Big Tree Park in honor of the main attraction. In 1929, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated a bronze plaque at the site of the tree. The plaque was stolen in 1945. Based on a core sample taken by the American Forestry Association, The Senator was estimated to be 3500 years old in 1946. The Big Tree Park also features another giant cypress estimated to be 2000 years old. In 2005, local elementary students names the tree Lady Liberty. It was considered to be the companion tree to The Senator, as they were only 40 feet apart. The Senator continued to be a tourist attraction and local landmark until January 16, 2012, when it was lost in a fire.
Original 5 x 7 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30B, item 129, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Seminole Big Tree Park, Longwood, Florida
Construction of the golf course at the Sanford Country Club and Golf Course in Sanford, Florida sometime between 1919 and 1924. The land was originally purchased as a portion of a 20,000-acre tract by General Joseph Finegan for $40. In 1870, Henry Sanford purchased the tract and sold some of it in 1878 to Charles Amory. In 1922, the city of Sanford bought 152-acres to design and construct a municipal 18-hole golf course. The course opened in October of 1922 with only four holes available for playing. The remainder of the golf course was opened in September of 1924. From the year 1927-1939, the golf course and country club experienced once of its most successful periods, seen some of golf's greatest athletes such as Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen. The club, for a time, saw a state of disrepair and depression. For a short time, the club became the Seminole County Club after renovation in 1945. Then, in the late 1940s, the New York Giants received the Mayfair Inn for Spring training which allowed them to take control of the golf course. This led to the most prosperous period of the golf course and country club becoming a part of the PGA tour between 1955 to 1957, seeing players like Arnold Palmer tee-off on the course. Now called the Mayfair Country Club, the club and golf course is located at 3536 Country Club Road in Sanford, Florida.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder Sanford Country Club and Golf Course, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Burning $1,572,650 Worth of Cancelled Bonds
The burning of canceled bonds from Mayor Forrest Lake's (1869-1939) on January 5, 1932. Before this scandal surfaced, Lake was considered an accomplished politician, who was elected eleven times, and helped create Seminole County. However, the pace of Mayor Forrest’s run turned sour when an article in the The Sanford Herald wrote an article with false facts about Lake’s use of city funds. According to the article, Lake sold "previously unsellable city bonds at a price of more than 95 percent of their face value; in reality, it was less than 90 percent. Lake was indicted following the investigation. It was proven that Lake sold the bonds for less, which caused the city to lose money, and he used illegal loans for personal use. This caused the city of Sanford to fall into $1,000,000 in debt, an increase in property tax, salary cuts, and cuts to public city services, such as the police department. After being sentenced for sixteen years, the City of Sanford protested Lake’s actions by burning over $1.5 million worth of cancelled bonds. Ex-Mayor Forrest Lake’s reputation has been tarnished, and today in Sanford, is considered to be “Sanford’s forgotten mayor.”
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photographs by Chase & Company, January 5, 1932: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30B, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
First Street Looking West from Sanford Avenue on the 4th of July
In 1870, a lawyer from Connecticut by the name of Henry Sanford purchased 12,548 acres of open land west of Mellonville. His vision was to make this new land a major port city, both railway and by water. Sitting on Lake Monroe, and the head of the St. Johns River, the city of Sanford earned the nickname of “The Gate City of South Florida.” Sanford became not only a transportation hub, but a leading citrus industry in Florida, and eventually globally. This image of First Street looking west from Sanford Avenue was taken on July 4, 1886, when businesses were developing and families were settling. However, in the following year, disaster and devastation hit the city of Sanford in the form of fires, freezes, and disease. In September of 1887, a bakery on on First Street caught fire, which lead to the rapid spread through other wooden buildings, eventually causing the east side of Sanford to disappear in devastation. Luckily, rebuilding began immediately with brick structures, rather than the flammable wood. This photo can provide an idea of what life was like during the 1880s in Sanford, and how quickly it can be destroyed.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, July 4, 1886: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30B, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Looking Southwest from First Street and Palmetto Avenue
Looking southwest from the intersection of East First Street and North Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida in 1882. When Henry Shelton Sanford purchased land in central Florida, he developed citrus groves known as the Belair Groves and Experimental Gardens. The citrus industry of the 1870s was gaining interest nationally because of the success, and potential international success as well. Sydney Chase, Sr. of Pennsylvania found magazines and newspapers articles that there were great fortunes to be made in Florida in the citrus industry. Chase moved to Sanford, Florida in 1878, where he began working for Henry S. Sanford at the Belair Groves and Experimental Gardens. After learning the trade with his experience with Sanford, Chase and his brother Joshua created the Chase & Company in 1884. They began selling fertilizer and fire insurance to other citrus and produce growers. After making enough money, the Chase brothers bought their own citrus groves two years later. The Chase family and their business helped boost the citrus industry in Florida, especially in Sanford. They were so successful, other citrus growers from the state were asking for their help to sell their products. In high demand for help, the brothers began to build packinghouses. Not only was the citrus industry growing in Florida and throughout the United States, Sydney Chase took the industry global by traveling abroad to market their company and what Sanford had to offer.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1882: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30B, item CC 122, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Flagpole and Green at Sanford Country Club
Flagpole and green at the Sanford Country Club and Golf Course during construction in 1922. The land for the club and course was originally purchased as a portion of a 20,000-acre tract by General Joseph Finegan for $40. In 1870, Henry Sanford purchased the tract and sold some of it in 1878 to Charles Amory. In 1922, the city of Sanford bought 152-acres to design and construct a municipal 18-hole golf course. The course opened in October of 1922 with only four holes available for playing. The remainder of the golf course was opened in September of 1924. From the year 1927-1939, the golf course and country club experienced once of its most successful periods, seen some of golf's greatest athletes such as Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen. The club, for a time, saw a state of disrepair and depression. For a short time, the club became the Seminole County Club after renovation in 1945. Then, in the late 1940s, the New York Giants received the Mayfair Inn for Spring training which allowed them to take control of the golf course. This led to the most prosperous period of the golf course and country club becoming a part of the PGA tour between 1955 to 1957, seeing players like Arnold Palmer tee-off on the course. Now called the Mayfair Country Club, the club and golf course is located at 3536 Country Club Road in Sanford, Florida.
Original 3 x 5 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company, 1922: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder Sanford Country Club and Golf Course, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Workmen clearing Hole #4 green at the Sanford Country Club using teams of horses and shovels. Sanford Country Club and Golf Course was originally purchased as a portion of a 20,000-acre tract by General Joseph Finegan for $40. In 1870, Henry Sanford purchased the tract and sold some of it in 1878 to Charles Amory. In 1922, the city of Sanford bought 152-acres to design and construct a municipal 18-hole golf course. The course opened in October of 1922 with only four holes available for playing. The remainder of the golf course was opened in September of 1924. From the year 1927-1939, the golf course and country club experienced once of its most successful periods, seen some of golf's greatest athletes such as Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen. The club, for a time, saw a state of disrepair and depression. For a short time, the club became the Seminole County Club after renovation in 1945. Then, in the late 1940s, the New York Giants received the Mayfair Inn for Spring training which allowed them to take control of the golf course. This led to the most prosperous period of the golf course and country club becoming a part of the PGA tour between 1955 to 1957, seeing players like Arnold Palmer tee-off on the course. Now called the Mayfair Country Club, the club and golf course is located at 3536 Country Club Road in Sanford, Florida.
The Hole #5 Fairway at the Sanford Country Club
Construction of Hole #5 at the Sanford Country Club and Golf Course sometime during 1922 and 1924. The land for the course was originally purchased as a portion of a 20,000-acre tract by General Joseph Finegan for $40. In 1870, Henry Sanford purchased the tract and sold some of it in 1878 to Charles Amory. In 1922, the city of Sanford bought 152-acres to design and construct a municipal 18-hole golf course. The course opened in October of 1922 with only four holes available for playing. The remainder of the golf course was opened in September of 1924. From the year 1927-1939, the golf course and country club experienced once of its most successful periods, seen some of golf's greatest athletes such as Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen. The club, for a time, saw a state of disrepair and depression. For a short time, the club became the Seminole County Club after renovation in 1945. Then, in the late 1940s, the New York Giants received the Mayfair Inn for Spring training which allowed them to take control of the golf course. This led to the most prosperous period of the golf course and country club becoming a part of the PGA tour between 1955 to 1957, seeing players like Arnold Palmer tee-off on the course. Now called the Mayfair Country Club, the club and golf course is located at 3536 Country Club Road in Sanford, Florida.
Steamship Osceola at a dock in Sanford sometime between 1913 and 1928. The steamer was built in 1913 at Jacksonville's Merill Stevens Shipyard for the Clyde Line Steamboat Company. The ship was captained by T.W. Lund and ran between Jacksonville and Sanford (a 140 mile trip) and could carry 60 passengers plus cargo. The ship was unusual in its design, with a recessed stern wheel that was enclosed within the hull of the ship. It was tied to an abandoned wharf and left to rot on the Northbank of Jacksonville in 1928.
Original 8.5 x 11 inch black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.30B, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Fourth of July Celebration Along Commercial Street in Sanford
Fourth of July celebrations along Commercial Street in 1886. The large building on the right is the Sanford House Hotel, which was built by Henry Sanford (1823-1891) with the intent of attracting tourists and providing housing for would-be wealthy settlers to the city of Sanford. The Sanford House Hotel was joined by the Lake Monroe House, a lower-cost alternative geared towards laborers, both of which were completed in 1876. Facing the waterfront, the hotel was located at the intersection of Commercial Street and Palmetto Avenue. The Sanford House Hotel featured three stories - two of which included porches- and enough rooms to serve 150 guests. The hotel's landscaping included flower beds and citrus trees. A boardwalk led visitors straight from $15 to $20 per week. The 1887 fire came very close to the Sanford House, and it was feared that sparks would add it to the destruction. What saved it were wet blankets which were draped from the roof and windows. The Sanford House Hotel was torn down in May of 1920. At the turn of the century, the Sanford House Hotel was the center of all major city events and celebrations. While guide books from the period often included positive reference to the hotel, it failed to attract many visitors. The hotel did not make any profit during its first years of operation. By its third year, the 1879-1880 season, the hotel netted only $800 in profits. The hotel continued to make meager profits for the remainder of the nineteenth century. Nonetheless, it served as a central point of focus during city celebrations during the period.
Oral history of Paul H. Friedman's military service in Vietnam during the Vietnam War (1961-1975). Friedman was born on August 28, 1946 in Rockway Beach, New York. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the U.S.S. Forrestal G Division, which engaged in combat operations in the Gulf of Tonkin. Friedman achieved the rank of Petty Officer, 3rd Class. He was injured in the 1967 fire that devastated the Forrestal and killed 134 of his shipmates. Friedman ended his service on November 19, 1967. During his service, he received the National Defense Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. This oral history interview was conducted by Ettore M. Lanza in Coral Springs, Florida on March 21, 2011. The Vietnam War was a Cold War Era "military conflict". The war was originally waged between Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. The United States became involved as a preventive measure to combat communism. The official date of the military conflict is November 1, 1955 and ending in April 1975. The date of the war has been disputed, but a study in 1998 by the Department of Defense definitively put the start of the Vietnam War as November 1, 1955. The first combat military troops 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade didn't arrive until 1965. With the arrival of the combat troops came the first traditional battles of combat fighting in the war. During the Vietnam War, not only did American military go into battle with and for South Vietnam, the military also trained members of South Vietnam to fight alongside during the war. Peace talks were attempted, with France moderating, beginning on May 10, 1968. These talks were unsuccessful and lasted over three years. The longest battle of the Vietnam War began on January 21, 1968 and didn't end until the U.S. reclaimed Route 9 on April 8, 1968, seventy-seven days later. While the military conflict ended in 1975, it was a long process towards reunification and redevelopment as a country. The conflict left Vietnam in both political and economical ruins. While the U.S. military was fighting overseas, Many American citizens protested the war at home. Demonstrations took place across the country with the most famous one being at Kent State University in Ohio. While this is the most well known demonstration it was not the first. Americans questioned the U.S. involvement in the war throughout.
Friedman, Paul H. Interviewed by Ettore M. Lanza. UCF Community Veterans History Project, DP0011885. March 21, 2011. Audio/video record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries
Oral History of Charles Lewis Hite's military service during the Vietnam War (1961-1975) and the Persian Gulf War (1991). Hite was born on March 23, 1947 in Centralia, Illinois. In 1972, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and trained at Blyheville Air Force Base in Blyheville, Arkansas. He served in Thailand during the Vietnam War and then returned back to Blyheville to work as First 2nd LT Radar Navigator. After being promoted to Standardization/Evaluation Radar Navigator, Hite was stationed in various locations: Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City, Louisiana; Offutt Air Force Base near Bellevue, Nebraska; Ramstein Air Force Base near Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany; and MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Florida. He also was assigned duties during Operation Desert Storm (1991). Throughout his service, Hite served in various units, including 97th Bomb Wine, 340th Bomb Squadron, 1st Combat Evaluation Group, HQ Strategic Air Command, 7th Air Division, and DET 1 8th Air Force (SAC) Central Command. He achieved the rank of Major and received both the Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Hite left the military on May 31, 1992 and began working at the University of Central Florida. This oral history interview was conducted by Edmund Kallina at the UCF Research Parkway in Orlando, Florida on October 12, 2012. The Vietnam War was a Cold War Era "military conflict". The war was originally waged between Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. The United States became involved as a preventive measure to combat communism. The official date of the military conflict is November 1, 1955 and ending in April 1975. The date of the war has been disputed, but a study in 1998 by the Department of Defense definitively put the start of the Vietnam War as November 1, 1955. The first combat military troops 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade didn't arrive until 1965. With the arrival of the combat troops came the first traditional battles of combat fighting in the war. During the Vietnam War, not only did American military go into battle with and for South Vietnam, the military also trained members of South Vietnam to fight alongside during the war. Peace talks were attempted, with France moderating, beginning on May 10, 1968. These talks were unsuccessful and lasted over three years. The longest battle of the Vietnam War began on January 21, 1968 and didn't end until the U.S. reclaimed Route 9 on April 8, 1968, seventy-seven days later. While the military conflict ended in 1975, it was a long process towards reunification and redevelopment as a country. The conflict left Vietnam in both political and economical ruins. While the U.S. military was fighting overseas, Many American citizens protested the war at home. Demonstrations took place across the country with the most famous one being at Kent State University in Ohio. While this is the most well known demonstration it was not the first. Americans questioned the U.S. involvement in the war throughout.
Hite, Charles Lewis. Interviewed by Edmund Kallina. UCF Community Veterans History Project, D0010465. October 12, 2010. Audio/video record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Oral history of Henry A. Martin's military service during the Vietnam War (1961-1975). Martin was born on July 8, 1941 in Sayre, Pennsylvania. In 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as an Ordinary Engineer. Throughout his military career, Martin served in Italy, Germany, Vietnam, and Korea and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the Instructor of the Month award. Martin completed his service on July 1, 1981. This oral history interview was conducted by Carmen Carroquino on November 18, 2010 The Vietnam War was a Cold War Era "military conflict". The war was originally waged between Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. The United States became involved as a preventive measure to combat communism. The official date of the military conflict is November 1, 1955 and ending in April 1975. The date of the war has been disputed, but a study in 1998 by the Department of Defense definitively put the start of the Vietnam War as November 1, 1955. The first combat military troops 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade didn't arrive until 1965. With the arrival of the combat troops came the first traditional battles of combat fighting in the war. During the Vietnam War, not only did American military go into battle with and for South Vietnam, the military also trained members of South Vietnam to fight alongside during the war. Peace talks were attempted, with France moderating, beginning on May 10, 1968. These talks were unsuccessful and lasted over three years. The longest battle of the Vietnam War began on January 21, 1968 and didn't end until the U.S. reclaimed Route 9 on April 8, 1968, seventy-seven days later. While the military conflict ended in 1975, it was a long process towards reunification and redevelopment as a country. The conflict left Vietnam in both political and economical ruins. While the U.S. military was fighting overseas, Many American citizens protested the war at home. Demonstrations took place across the country with the most famous one being at Kent State University in Ohio. While this is the most well known demonstration it was not the first. Americans questioned the U.S. involvement in the war throughout.
Martin, Henry A.. Interviewed by Carmen Carroquino. UCF Community Veterans History Project, DP0010472 November 18, 2010. Audio record available. UCF Community Veterans History Project, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando, Florida.
Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
The bend facing the direction of the tee at the Sanford Country Club and Golf Course in 1922. The land for the club and course was originally purchased as a portion of a 20,000-acre tract by General Joseph Finegan for $40. In 1870, Henry Sanford purchased the tract and sold some of it in 1878 to Charles Amory. In 1922, the city of Sanford bought 152-acres to design and construct a municipal 18-hole golf course. The course opened in October of 1922 with only four holes available for playing. The remainder of the golf course was opened in September of 1924. From the year 1927-1939, the golf course and country club experienced once of its most successful periods, seen some of golf's greatest athletes such as Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen. The club, for a time, saw a state of disrepair and depression. For a short time, the club became the Seminole County Club after renovation in 1945. Then, in the late 1940s, the New York Giants received the Mayfair Inn for Spring training which allowed them to take control of the golf course. This led to the most prosperous period of the golf course and country club becoming a part of the PGA tour between 1955 to 1957, seeing players like Arnold Palmer tee-off on the course. Now called the Mayfair Country Club, the club and golf course is located at 3536 Country Club Road in Sanford, Florida.
Hole 9 Looking Towards Green From Center of Fairway
Center of the fairway facing the direction of the green at the Sanford Country Club and Golf Course in 1922. The land for the club and course was originally purchased as a portion of a 20,000-acre tract by General Joseph Finegan for $40. In 1870, Henry Sanford purchased the tract and sold some of it in 1878 to Charles Amory. In 1922, the city of Sanford bought 152-acres to design and construct a municipal 18-hole golf course. The course opened in October of 1922 with only four holes available for playing. The remainder of the golf course was opened in September of 1924. From the year 1927-1939, the golf course and country club experienced once of its most successful periods, seen some of golf's greatest athletes such as Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen. The club, for a time, saw a state of disrepair and depression. For a short time, the club became the Seminole County Club after renovation in 1945. Then, in the late 1940s, the New York Giants received the Mayfair Inn for Spring training which allowed them to take control of the golf course. This led to the most prosperous period of the golf course and country club becoming a part of the PGA tour between 1955 to 1957, seeing players like Arnold Palmer tee-off on the course. Now called the Mayfair Country Club, the club and golf course is located at 3536 Country Club Road in Sanford, Florida.
Workers are seen clearing land from the position of the tee at the Sanford Country Club and Golf Course in 1922. The land for the club and course was originally purchased as a portion of a 20,000-acre tract by General Joseph Finegan for $40. In 1870, Henry Sanford purchased the tract and sold some of it in 1878 to Charles Amory. In 1922, the city of Sanford bought 152-acres to design and construct a municipal 18-hole golf course. The course opened in October of 1922 with only four holes available for playing. The remainder of the golf course was opened in September of 1924. From the year 1927-1939, the golf course and country club experienced once of its most successful periods, seen some of golf's greatest athletes such as Gene Sarazen and Walter Hagen. The club, for a time, saw a state of disrepair and depression. For a short time, the club became the Seminole County Club after renovation in 1945. Then, in the late 1940s, the New York Giants received the Mayfair Inn for Spring training which allowed them to take control of the golf course. This led to the most prosperous period of the golf course and country club becoming a part of the PGA tour between 1955 to 1957, seeing players like Arnold Palmer tee-off on the course. Now called the Mayfair Country Club, the club and golf course is located at 3536 Country Club Road in Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (October 18, 1928)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. Topics discussed in the letter include information on the family's annual move back to Sanford, Florida, from Asheville, North Carolina; the Southern Railway; and discounts on oranges. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, October 18, 1928: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (October 19, 1928)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. The letter discusses a variety of topics, including Sydney's response to an article in The Tampa Tribune about the relationship between the citrus industry and the Florida Citrus Exchange. Chase & Company was established by the brothers in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. The Florida Citrus Exchange was founded by a group of growers on June 21, 1909 to help improve production of citrus in the state. Members shared facilities and helped establish operation and shipping standards. Both Sydney and Joshua Chase were hesitant to join the Exchange because they did not want to jeopardize the business they had successfully managed. Chase & Company eventually became a part of the Exchange, but backed out three years later.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, October 19, 1928: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (March 31, 1928)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. Topics discussed in the letter include Sydney's reaction to a Florida Times-Union article about agricultural businesses in Florida and how he disagrees with a "Mr. Penny" in establishing similarities between non-perishable and perishable items. The Mr. Penny mentioned in the letter is likely James C. Penney, the founder of the JCPenney department store. Penney also founded Penney Farms in 1924, an experimental farm located in Clay County, Florida. Chase &Company was established by the brothers in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, March 31, 1928: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (March 27, 1928)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. Topics discussed in the letter include Eli Walker (the "Granddaddy of the citrus business" in the Vero and Wabasso area of Florida); Chase & Company's acquisition of more land in Orlando and the McNiff Grove in Wabasso, Florida; Sydney's suggestion on obtaining citrus land near Quincy, Florida; and his observations on guava plants. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, March 27, 1928: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (March 17, 1928)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. The letter contains information about W. J. Lee, an agent in the Florida Citrus Clearinghouse, and his motive for other Florida agents to use content in a recently printed newspaper article to interest potential customers. Sydney's disapproval on the matter and the need for the Exchange's chairman, Archie M. Pratt, to be the sole person making decisions for all Florida agents is also discussed in the letter. Carbon copies of Sydney's letter to Lee and Lee's letter to all Florida agents were also enclosed. Chase & Company was established by the brothers in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was established by the brothers in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. The Florida Citrus Exchange was founded by a group of growers on June 21, 1909 to help improve production of citrus in the state. Members shared facilities and helped establish operation and shipping standards. Both Sydney and Joshua Chase were hesitant to join the Exchange because they did not want to jeopardize the business they had successfully managed. Chase & Company eventually became a part of the Exchange, but backed out three years later. In 1928, Pratt operated and managed the Florida Citrus Clearinghouse.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, March 17, 1928: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (February 18, 1928)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. Topics discussed in the letter include information about an annual banquet held at Penney Farms, and other information about members of the Florida Citrus Exchange including L. W. Tilden and Earl Work. Chase & Company was established by the brothers in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales.Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. The Florida Citrus Exchange was founded by a group of growers on June 21, 1909 to help improve production of citrus in the state. Members shared facilities and helped establish operation and shipping standards. Both Sydney and Joshua Chase were hesitant to join the Exchange because they did not want to jeopardize the business they had successfully managed. Chase & Company eventually became a part of the Exchange, but backed out three years later.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, February 18, 1928: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (September 2, 1927)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. Topics discussed in the letter include information about Chase & Company operations, the company's status on growing celery, and the controversy surrounding the Seminole County Bank and its founder, politician Forrest Lake. By the 1890s, Lake became known as a local politician in Sanford, Florida, and later became a member of state government. He was charged with bank fraud in 1928 and was forced to close the Seminole County Bank. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, September 2, 1927: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (August 29, 1927)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. The letter contains information about an interview Sydney and other members of the Florida Citrus Exchange had with a Mr. Edward Fisher, an examiner from the Federal Trade Commission. The topic of discussion between the group of men related to the Florida Citrus Exchange's methods in marketing in comparison to independent marketing campaigns. Sydney also recounts a trip through Gainesville, Florida, to inspect tung oil groves. Chase & Company was established by the brothers in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. The Florida Citrus Exchange was founded by a group of growers on June 21, 1909 to help improve production of citrus in the state. Members shared facilities and helped establish operation and shipping standards. Both Sydney and Joshua Chase were hesitant to join the Exchange because they did not want to jeopardize the business they had successfully managed. Chase & Company eventually became a part of the Exchange, but backed out three years later.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, August 29, 1927: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (August 26, 1927)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. Topics discussed in the letter include the proposed creation of a Clearing House organization led by Chase & Company, and the brothers' reaction to Archie Pratt's, chairman of the Florida Citrus Exchange, comments on the matter. Sydney also enclosed a copy a letter from Joshua address to Pratt on August 21, 1927. Chase & Company was established by the brothers in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. The Florida Citrus Exchange was founded by a group of growers on June 21, 1909 to help improve production of citrus in the state. Members shared facilities and helped establish operation and shipping standards. Both Sydney and Joshua Chase were hesitant to join the Exchange because they did not want to jeopardize the business they had successfully managed. Chase & Company eventually became a part of the Exchange, but backed out three years later.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, August 26, 1927: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase (March 2, 1927)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. Topics discussed in the letter include accounts of a wreck involving a train pulling refrigerator cars carrying Seald-Sweet oranges, information about various packinghouses in Florida, and information about the Railroad Commission. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, March 2, 1927: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase to Joshua Chase (January 11, 1927)
An original letter of correspondence between brothers and business partners Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. The letter contains information about the Federated Fruit & Vegetable Association of America and how growers from the West Coast were urged to join the organizations. Sydney also includes information about cold weather conditions and what needs to be done to certain Chase & Company groves. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century.
Original letter from Sydney Octavius Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, January 11, 1927: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.46, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Randall Chase to Sydney Chase, Joshua Chase, and Sydney Chase, Jr. (December 28, 1936)
An original letter of correspondence written by Randall Chase to his father and Chase & Company business partner Sydney Chase. The letter discusses the troubles the Florida citrus industry faced in 1936 in selling grapefruit to its fullest potential. Randall Chase participated in a meeting where citrus growers identified the production and merchandising issues they faced when selling grapefruit. In that same year, a W .C. Daniells of Eustis wrote an article entitled, "The Plight of Grapefruit." In the article, Daniells stressed citrus growers and producers in Florida to start advertising the importance of grapefruit to a healthy life. Chase & Company was established by the brothers in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965.
Original letter from Randall Chase to Sydney Chase, Joshua Chase, and Sydney Chase, Jr., December 28, 1936: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.48, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Randall Chase to Sydney Chase (October 29, 1936)
An original letter of correspondence written by Randall Chase to his father and Chase & Company business partner Sydney Chase. A portion of the letter includes information about Chase & Company's involvement at Wabasso Grove, Vero Beach, and Fort Pierce. Other topics mentioned include color added treatments, and tangerine and orange production. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965.
Original letter from Randall Chase to Sydney Chase, October 29, 1936: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.48, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Randall Chase to Sydney Chase, Joshua Chase, Sydney Chase, Jr., and William A. Leffler (November 9, 1935)
Holland, Spessard L. (Spessard Lindsey), 1892-1971
An original letter of correspondence between Randall Chase and a group of business partners from Chase & Company. A portion of the letter discusses the issue surrounding Florida citrus growers and coloring adding. The color-added process involved spraying oranges with edible food coloring to make the citrus products more appealing to consumers. Similar coloring was used in butter, ice cream, and candy. In 1936, L.P. Kirkland, mentioned in the letter, wrote an article for the Florida State Horticultural Society entitled, "The 'Color Added' Situation." According to the letter and the report Kirkland wrote, he and other Florida citrus growers supported coloring their oranges since consumers usually associated oranges with the color added stamp with a higher quality product. Other topics discussed in the letter include information collected during a citrus meeting in Lakeland regarding the Federal Marketing Agreement, and the disagreement between Florida citrus growers and Chase & Company Sales Manager, W.H. Mouser, on increasing the unit of sale of citrus products in New York City. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965.
Original letter from Randall Chase to Sydney Chase, Joshua Chase, Sydney Chase, Jr., and William A. Leffler, November 9, 1935: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.48, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Randall Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, Sydney Octavius Chase, Sr., William A. Leffler, and Sydney Octavius Chase, Jr. (January 9, 1934)
An original letter of correspondence from Randall Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, Sydney Octavius Chase, Sr., William A. Leffler, and Sydney Octavius Chase, Jr. A portion of the letter discusses Harold Mowry and Arthur Forrest Camp's experiments using zinc sulphate on soil to help absorb fertilizers. In 1934, Mowry and Camp wrote a detailed report on their findings called, A Preliminary Report of Zinc Sulphate as a Corrective for Bronzing of Tung Trees. Other topics discussed in the letter include issues surrounding packaging and shipments in the Florida citrus industry and innovative cooling systems used to ship fruits and vegetables out of Jacksonville. Chase & Company was established in 1884 by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965.
Original letter from Randall Chase to Joshua Coffin Chase, Sydney Octavius Chase, Sr., William A. Leffler, and Sydney Octavius Chase, Jr., January 9, 1934: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.48, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Randall Chase to Sydney Chase (May 12, 1925)
An original letter of correspondence written by Randall Chase to his father and Chase & Company business partner Sydney Chase. Topics discussed in the letter include the marketing of the Sunniland brand, selling celery, and company shipments. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965.
Original letter from Randall Chase to Sydney Chase, May 12, 1925: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.48, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Sanford, Henry S. (Henry Shelton), 1823-1891
The Belair home of Henry Sanford and family sometime before 1925. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 23 square acres of land known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, Sanford handed over the operations of Belair to Sydney and Joshua Chase. By 1912, the brothers established the Chase Investment Company. The lodge located at Belair was built in 1888 and was destroyed in a fire in 1925.
Original black and white photograph by Chase & Company: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3A, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Henry Sanford's Daughter at Belair Grove
Gertrude Sanford, the daughter of Henry Shelton Sanford, at Belair Grove in 1891. Henry Sanford made his last trip to Belair Grove during the winter of 1890-1891. Most of Sanford's visit was spent in Charles Armory's vacation home because of his poor health. This photograph and several others were taken of Sanford and his family to commemorate his last visit to Belair Grove. Sanford along with his wife and daughter left Florida in mid-May. Just days later Sanford died on May 21, 1891, in Healing Springs, Virginia. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 12,547.15 square acres of land, known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair Grove, located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, following Sanford's death in 1891, his wife, Gertrude Sanford, handed over the operations of Belair to Sydney and Joshua Chase.
Original black and white photograph by Ensminger Bros., 1891: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3A, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, the wife of Henry Shelton Sanford, at Belair Grove in 1891. The royal palm in the photograph survived the Freeze of 1886, but died in the Freeze of 1894-1895. Henry Sanford made his last trip to Belair Grove during the winter of 1890-1891. Most of Sanford's visit was spent in Charles Armory's vacation home because of his poor health. This photograph and several others were taken of Sanford and his family to commemorate his last visit to Belair Grove. Sanford along with his wife and daughter left Florida in mid-May. Just days later Sanford died on May 21, 1891, in Healing Springs, Virginia. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 12,547.15 square acres of land, known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair Grove, located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, following Sanford's death in 1891, his wife, Gertrude Sanford, handed over the operations of Belair to Sydney and Joshua Chase.
Original black and white photograph by Ensminger Bros., 1891: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3A, item CC90, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Belair Grove after the Freeze of 1894-1895.In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 12,547.15 square acres of land known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair Grove, located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, following Sanford's death in 1891, his wife, Gertrude Sanford, sold Belair to Sydney and Joshua Chase. In 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. In many cases, frozen oranges fell off the trees because the weakened branches could not support the heavier fruit. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California.
Original black and white photograph by Chase & Company, January 10, 1895: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3A, item CC92, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Belair Grove after the Great Freeze of 1885-1886. Henry Sanford made his last trip to Belair Grove during the winter of 1890-1891. Most of Sanford's visit was spent in Charles Armory's vacation home because of his poor health. This photograph and several others were taken of Sanford and his family to commemorate his last visit to Belair Grove. Sanford along with his wife and daughter left Florida in mid-May. Just days later Sanford died on May 21, 1891, in Healing Springs, Virginia. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 12,547.15 square acres of land, known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair Grove, located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, following Sanford's death in 1891, his wife, Gertrude Sanford, handed over the operations of Belair to Sydney and Joshua Chase.
Original black and white photograph by Ensminger Bros., January 10, 1886: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3A, item CC84, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Randall Chase, son of Sydney Chase, examining a camellia bush at Belair Grove. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 23 square acres of land known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze, including the camellia bushes. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, Sanford handed over the operations of Belair to Sydney and Joshua Chase. In 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. When Sydney Chase died in 1941, the family-operated company was handed down to his sons, Sydney Chase, Jr., Randall Chase, and Franklin Chase.
Original black and white photograph by Chase & Company, January 1953: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3C, item CC82, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Original Orange Seedling at Belair Grove
Original orange seedling planted by Henry Sanford at Belair Grove. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 23 square acres of land known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze, including the camellia bushes. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, Sanford handed over the operations of Belair to Sydney and Joshua Chase. In 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. When Sydney Chase died in 1941, the family-operated company was handed down to his sons, Sydney Chase, Jr., Randall Chase, and Franklin Chase.
Original black and white photograph by Chase & Company, January 1953: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3C, item CC83, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Southeast Corner of Belair Grove Looking Northwest
Belair Grove in 1897. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 12,547.15 square acres of land known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair Grove, located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, following Sanford's death in 1891, his wife, Gertrude Sanford, sold Belair to Sydney and Joshua Chase. In 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. In many cases, frozen oranges fell off the trees because the weakened branches could not support the heavier fruit. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California.
Original black and white photograph by Ensminger Bros., October 28, 1897: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3CB, item CC87, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Southeast Corner of Belair Grove Looking North
Young trees at Belair Grove in 1897. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 12,547.15 square acres of land known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair Grove, located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. Eventually, following Sanford's death in 1891, his wife, Gertrude Sanford, sold Belair to Sydney and Joshua Chase. In 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. In many cases, frozen oranges fell off the trees because the weakened branches could not support the heavier fruit. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California.
Original black and white photograph by Ensminger Bros., October 28, 1897: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3B, item CC88, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Henry S. Sanford with and his wife, Gertrude Dupuy Sanford, and daughter, Gertrude Sanford, at Belfair Grove in 1891. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 23 square acres of land known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. He made his last trip to Belair Grove during the winter of 1890-1891. Most of Sanford's visit was spent in Charles Armory's vacation home because of his poor health. This photograph and several others were taken of Sanford and his family to commemorate his last visit to Belair Grove. Sanford, along with his wife and daughter, left Florida in mid-May. Just days later, Sanford died on May 21, 1891, in Healing Springs, Virginia. Gertrude sold the property to the Chase Brothers shortly after her husband's death.
Original black and white photograph by Ensminger Bros., 1891: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3B, item CC91, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Gertrude Sanford Picking Oranges at Belair Grove
Henry Shelton Sanford's daughter, Gertrude Sanford, at Belair Grove in 1891. In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased 23 square acres of land known as the Sanford Grant. The acreage included an experiment station called Belair located just three miles southwest of the city named after Sanford. By 1889, Sanford extended his land purchase to 145 acres and contained mainly orange and lemon trees. In Belair alone, Sanford introduced over 140 varieties of citrus plants. All were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the growing citrus market. Sanford also grew exotic plants acquired from Central and South America, many of which survived the 1886 freeze. Sanford mainly used Belair as his own experiment station, but ultimately the findings and reports would be used by other citrus growers throughout Florida. He made his last trip to Belair Grove during the winter of 1890-1891. Most of Sanford's visit was spent in Charles Armory's vacation home because of his poor health. This photograph and several others were taken of Sanford and his family to commemorate his last visit to Belair Grove. Sanford, along with his wife and daughter, left Florida in mid-May. Just days later, Sanford died on May 21, 1891, in Healing Springs, Virginia. Gertrude sold the property to the Chase Brothers shortly after her husband's death.
Original black and white photograph by Ensminger Bros., 1891: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 211, folder 3.3B, item CC93, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Letter from Sydney Chase, Jr., to Sydney Chase, Sr. and Joshua Chase (June 13, 1933)
An original letter of correspondence written by Sydney Chase, Jr. to other Chase & Company business partners and family members. The letter summarizes a meeting Sydney, Jr. attended relating to the marketing and selling of citrus products throughout the United States. The marketing strategies described throughout the meeting pertained not only to the state of Florida, but to other farmers and growers throughout the nation. Techniques included the overseeing of shipments to different markets by a government inspector and the use of an innovative teletype machine. Between the years of 1932 and 1933, growers in the Florida citrus industry faced controversy in attempting to regulate the shipment and selling of its products. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century.
Original letter from Sydney Chase, Jr., to Sydney Chase, Sr. and Joshua Chase, June 13, 1933: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.49, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Memorandum by Chase & Company (April 8, 1924)
An original memorandum written by representatives from Chase & Company. The memo highlights issues that the Florida Citrus Exchange experienced during the 1923-1924 season, including competition between the citrus industries in California and Florida, issues with color-added products, and establishing market regulations for the citrus industry. Chase & Company was established by Joshua Chase and his brother Sydney in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century.
Original memorandum by Chase & Company, April 8, 1924: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.54, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
According to its website, "The Sanford Museum houses exhibits illustrating the history of the City of Sanford and the life and times of City founder Henry S. Sanford. Built as a memorial to Henry Shelton Sanford, the museum houses his library and manuscript collection as well as a collection of 19th century decorative arts which belonged to the Sanford family. Henry S. Sanford, 1823-1891, was a lawyer, diplomat, and innovator in the production of citrus. His papers reflect his entire career and contain information on diplomatic matters and business during the Victorian age. His library contains books and magazines in seven languages which cover law, politics, religion, science, and popular fiction. Expanded in 1973 and in 1993, the museum serves as a repository for the city's history. Research collections are available to the public."
City of Sanford, Florida
Sanford Museum 520 East First Street Sanford, Florida 32771
University of Central Florida. Department of History
According to its website, "The Student Museum has been a popular field trip destination for local [Seminole County] students for nearly 30 years. Built in 1902, this Romanesque revival style brick building has a rich history, and serves as a focal point of cultural heritage in Sanford [and is on the National Register of Historic Places]. Each year, approximately 4,000 Seminole County Public School students visit the museum as a field trip integrated into the 4th grade curriculum on Florida history. Beginning in July 2012, the University of Central Florida (UCF) Department of History will transform this facility into the UCF Public History Center. UCF will enhance the current programming offered with the addition of new media such as virtual exhibits, artifact databases, and podcasts. UCF students will preserve and interpret the past at this site, using emerging audio, video, and digital technologies to create engaging, interactive exhibits and programming. The UCF Public History Center will foster a closer connection between the community and the university's innovative research projects, encouraging greater public engagement with this region's history."
Seminole County Public Schools
UCF Public History Center 301 West Seventh Street Sanford, Florida 32771
According to its website, "The Historical Museum first opened in 1942 in the 1892 red brick Orange County Courthouse at the corner of Central and Magnolia, as a pioneer kitchen exhibit for the Central Florida Centennial Celebration. The popular exhibit remained open; and through public donations of historical objects, large and small, books, papers, and photographs, it grew to fill rooms in the old Courthouse. The collections went into storage from 1957 until 1963, while the county demolished the 1892 Courthouse and built an addition to the 1927 Courthouse on the site of the old building. The museum reopened in the Courthouse Annex in 1963, under the auspices of Orange County Historical Commission, a new county department established by the County Commissioners in 1957 to ensure fiscal and legal stability. By 1970 , the county government needed the space in the annex, so the museum collection was moved again, to the second floor of the Christ Building, a few doors away on Central Boulevard . . .The Orange County Historical Society, Inc., organized in 1971 to raise money for a permanent museum building, which opened in Loch Haven Park in 1976. In 2000, the Historical Museum moved again, back to where it had started at Central Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue. The vacated 1927 Courthouse was restored to become the Orange County Regional History Center, and the Orange County Historical Society became the Historical Society of Central Florida, Inc., operating the History Center in partnership with the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. The current Orange County Regional History Center showcases the vast collections of the Historical Society of Central Florida, Inc. The museum features three floors of permanent exhibitions and also presents nationally important limited-run exhibitions. In 2006, the museum was accepted as an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and was accredited by the American Association of Museums, the highest honor a museum can receive."
Historical Society of Central Florida, Inc.
Orange County Regional History Center 65 East Central Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32801
The Museum of Seminole County History is located at 300 Bush Boulevard in Sanford and features the local history of the country, which is the historical gateway to the interior of Central Florida. Artifacts and exhibits demonstrate the local history of Native Americans, early forts and settlements, steamships and railroads, Seminole County agriculture and industry, nineteenth and twentieth century art, and the Old Folks Home. Also known as the Seminole County Home, the Old Folks Home was constructed in 1926 to house people who were homeless or needed living assistance. In 1965, the building was converted into offices for the County Agricultural and the Home Demonstration Agent and was called the Agricultural Center. In November of 1980, a new agricultural building was completed and the offices were vacated. In 1982, the County Commission approved the conversion of the Old Folks Home into a historical museum, which opened in November of 1983. The building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on June 10, 1999.
Seminole County, Florida
Museum of Seminole County History 300 Bush Boulevard Sanford, Florida 32773
According to its website, "The Hannibal Square Heritage Center represents a first-of-a-kind experience in Central Florida where the history of a community is told by members of the community itself through The Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park, The Hannibal Square Timeline, which chronicles significant local and national events in civil rights and African-American history, and public art installations and educational programs that explore the African-American experience, southern folklore and cultural preservation. The center also features a Visiting Exhibition Series. The exhibitions and programs held at the center weave the stories of this unique and proud neighborhood together with African-American history and experience in general. Visitors to the Heritage Center are moved by the immediate, personal stories of the people of west Winter Park and the Hannibal Square community by the beautiful and accessible presentation of the historical information and artwork. Adults as well as children can experience the first-person accounts and pictures collected from memories and shoe boxes stored for generations under the beds of the people who share their stories. The Hannibal Square Heritage Center inspires all visitors to become more aware of, respect, explore, and participate in their own community's history and heritage."
Crealdé School of Art
Hannibal Sqaure Heritage Center 642 West New England Avenue Winter Park, Florida 32789
City of Winter Park
Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex
According to its website, the organization's vision statement is "To develop a national civil rights resource and tourist center incorporating the latest technology and information management systems. To form cooperative working relationships with academic, corporate and cultural institutions throughout the nation and the world to link the historical trail of the early civil rights pioneers and their effect on communities both large and small."
Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex, Inc.
Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex 2180 Freedom Avenue Mims, Florida 32754
GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Inc.
According to its website, "The mission of the GLBT History Museum of Central Florida, Inc. is to collect, preserve and exhibit the history of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community in Central Florida. We are dedicated to collecting and preserving memorabilia, providing a documentary record for research, and displaying with pride that community's social and historical contributions, so our legacy will always be remembered."
GLBT History Museum P.O. Box 533376 Orlando, Florida 32853-3376
Letter from Joshua Chase to Sydney Chase (October 19, 1934)
An original letter of correspondence written by Joshua Chase to his father and Chase & Company business partner Sydney Chase. The letter discusses a meeting Joshua attended in Lakeland about the specifics on the proposed Federal Marketing Agreement on citrus and nationally standardized shipping rates. Issues discussed in the meeting included freight rates of citrus products, New Deal policies, and accurate reporting. Chase & Company was established by the brothers in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. The Florida Citrus Exchange was founded by a group of growers on June 21, 1909 to help improve production of citrus in the state. Members shared facilities and helped establish operation and shipping standards. Both Sydney and Joshua Chase were hesitant to join the Exchange because they did not want to jeopardize the business they had successfully managed. Chase & Company eventually became a part of the Exchange, but backed out three years later.
Original letter from Joshua Chase to Sydney Octavius Chase, Sr., October 19, 1934: Chase Collection (MS 14), box 3, folder 13.49, Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Rollins College (Winter Park, Fla.)--History
List of latitude and longitude coordinates for the Dinky Line. The track started in Orlando-Winter Park area and entered Seminole County near Oviedo. The Orlando-Winter Park Railroad officially opened on January 2, 1889. Shortly after the inaugural opening of the railroad, Francis B. Knowles became president of the Orlando-Winter Park Railroad Company. The original track spanned six miles from Orlando to Winter Park. The Dinky Line made eight round-trips per day and charged fifteen cents a ride. Students from Rollins College nicknamed the railroad the Dinky Line. By 1891, the Dinky Line extended to Oviedo. All of the tracks were removed by 1969 due to the popularity of the automobile.
Coordinates compiled as part of a RICHES student project.
List of latitude and longitude coordinates for the portion of the Florida East Coast Railway running through Central Florida. Henry Flagler, prominent entrepreneur known throughout the state of Florida, founded the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) in 1895 after purchasing the Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Halifax, and Indian River Railroads. Flagler soon purchased other railroad companies and eventually spanned the whole state from Jacksonville to Key West. The FEC line runs through Seminole County just north of Lake Harney and continues south through Geneva and Chuluota. It eventually runs South into Orange County and ends in Lake Okeechobee.
List of latitude and longitude coordinates for the Florida Midland Railroad. Tracks were constructed and completed in the 1880s and ran along the current day State Road 434 near Ocoee, Florida. The Florida Midland did not last long , but did have a significant influence in the population and commerce growth in the particular area of Central Florida. The small line was originally used for logging and was pulled up after only a couple of years. The route then became a logging road.
List of latitude and longitude coordinates for the portion of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad running through Central Florida. The Atlantic Coast Line was formally established in 1889 and became a major interstate railway system in the southeastern United States. In 1902, the Atlantic Coast Line extended its services into Florida when it purchased all of the Plant tracks. In Central Florida, these lines included the Sanford and Everglade Railroad. In 1967, the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad was formed and took over all of the tracks operated by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Seaboard Air Line.
Jacksonville, Tampa, and Key West Railroad
List of latitude and longitude coordinates for the portion of the Jacksonville, Tampa, and Key West Railroad running through Central Florida. The railroad opened in 1884 and reached Sanford by 1886. William Van Fleet was the railroad's first president. In 1883, the railroad caught the attention of Henry Plant, a prominent entrepreneur in the state, during a track construction project between Tampa and Kissimmee. He offered the Jacksonville, Tampa, and Key West Railroad all of the funds needed to construct the stretch of railroad. In return, it was agreed that Plant would own all rights to the route. The railroad began in Jacksonville and ran through Palatka and DeLand Junction. The stretch of railroad running through Central Florida ran from downtown Sanford east to the port of Sanford where it then turned north and crossed the St. Johns River.
List of latitude and longitude coordinates for the portion of the Sanford and St. Petersburg Railway running through Central Florida.Originally called the Orange Belt Railroad, the Sanford and St. Petersburg Railway started in 1885-1889. The tracks started at Port Monroe and later extended into Sanford. The Orange Belt Railroad was unsuccessful and was taken over by the Plant System in 1893. Henry Plant changed the three foot gauge rails to four foot gauge. The entire railroad started in downtown Sanford and ran along the Jacksonville, Tampa, and Key West Railroad.
List of latitude and longitude coordinates for the Sanford and Everglades Railroad.The creation of a railroad through Sanford began when a group of celery growers expressed interest in extending railroad tracks to their farmlands. When the Atlantic Coast Line ignored the requests, a group of prominent local growers provided the funds and began construction of the Sanford and Everglades Railroad. With the help of A.T. Rossiter, J.N. Whitner, A.P. Connelly, S.O. Chase, and F.P. Forester, the railroad was built and opened in 1910. The railroad broke off from the Atlantic Coast Line near 15th Street in Sanford and ran east until Beardall. It then turned south and ran until Pine Way where it turns west and reconnects to the Atlantic Coast Line railroad. By 1913, the Atlantic Coast Line purchased the property and rights to the Sanford and Everglades Railroad. The railroad was nicknamed the Celery Belt Line.
List of latitude and longitude coordinates for the Sanford and Indian River Railroad.The Sanford and Indian River Railroad was built in 1886 by the South Florida Railroad. The line covered nineteen miles between Sanford and Oviedo and was used by growers to ship goods. The railroad began in downtown Sanford and ran southeast direction toward the intersection of State Roads 434 and 426. It then turns East along the southern shore of Lake Jessup and ends in Oviedo. The railroad did have a spur line into the Black Hammock that started at Yongel's Shingle. A biking trail known as the Cross Seminole Trail now spans the length of the old railroad.
List of latitude and longitude coordinates for the Sanford and Lake Eustis Railway.The Sanford and Lake Eustis Railway. The Jacksonville, Tampa, and Key West Railroad built the road in 1886 and opened it in 1887. The track spanned 29.5 miles and started in the downtown Sanford rail station area and ran west towards the present-day 417 and I-4 interchange. The president of Sanford and Lake Eustis Railway, Dr. J. N. Bishop, sold the railroad to the Plant System in 1890.
St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church
View of St. James AME Church from the intersection of Cypress Avenue and East 9th Street. The church itself was founded in 1867 at another location off of Mellonville Avenue. In 1880, the church purchased land at the current location from the Florida Land and Colonization Company, which was operated by General Henry Shelton Sanford. After constructing several temporary structures, the church assigned African American architect Prince Spears to design the current red brick building. Spears created a building with a late gothic revival architectural style. Construction started in 1910 and ended in 1913. Reverend William H. Brown oversaw the project, but died prior to the building's completion. St. James AME Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Original color digital image by Austin Smith, December 19, 2010.
PICO Hotel, located at 209 North Oak Avenue in Sanford, Florida, was built in 1887 for Henry Bradley Plant, President of the Plant Investment Company (PICO). The onion-shaped dome located on the southwest corner of the roof resembled a Turkish minaret. The dome was destroyed by a severe thunderstorm in the 1950s and was never replaced. The PICO Hotel served as the terminal hotel for a railroad and two steamship lines owned by Henry Plant. President Calvin Coolidge spent the night at the PICO Hotel during his visit to Sanford.
Original color digital images by Austin Smith, December 19, 2010.
View of the Sanford Masonic Lodge #62, located at 212 North Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida. Sanford established its own Masonic Lodge in 1872 and is one of the oldest in Florida. The building was designed by renowned local architect Elton J. Moughton. The total cost of construction was $45,000. The Lodge opened in 1924. At the time that this photograph was taken, the building was serving as the office for two attorneys of law: A. A. McCalahan, Jr. and Charles Hart II.
View of the First National Bank No. 1, located at 101 West First Street in Sanford, Florida. The building was originally constructed in 1883 by Lyman Bank and had a brick facade. In 1887, the bank switched hands and became the First National Bank. Building renovations took place the same year, which included adding a marble facade, moving the front entrance to the corner of the building, and placing a clock at the front of the building which would become the town clock located in Magnolia Square. First National Bank No. 1 is the oldest brick building in Sanford's downtown commercial district. The organizational meetings to create Rollins College were held in this building in 1885. At the time that this photograph was taken in 2010, the building was being occupied by the Corner Cafe.
The DeForest Block, located at 101 East First Street in Sanford, Florida. The building was constructed in 1887 by Henry L. DeForest as a general store. During that same year, Downtown Sanford along First Street was devastated by a fire that started at a bakery. The DeForest Block is one of only a few sets of buildings that survived the fire. In 1917, the Seminole County Bank renovated the block. The building was
The Hotchkiss Block, located at 213 East First Street in Sanford, Florida, in 2010. The block was named after Frederick Hotchkiss and constructed in the Romanesque Revival style in 1887. The previous brick building erected at this location was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1887.
Former First National Bank No. 2 , located at 101 East First Street in Sanford, Florida. Also known as Sanford's first skyscraper, the building was designed by Mowbray & Uffinger of New York. Construction began in 1922 using steel, limestone, brick, and tile. A major reason why masonry and steel was used in the construction of the building was in response to a fire that occurred in Sanford in 1887. Originating from a bakery in downtown, many of the surrounding buildings were destroyed because they were constructed out of wood. After the fire, commercial buildings were constructed either with bricks or masonry. The First National Bank remained in the building until 1929. The building has served as a home for several banks since 1938.
The Henry B. Lord building, located at 112 South Park Avenue in Sanford, Florida. From its completion in 1895 until 1992, the building was occupied by multiple jewelers. Henry B. Lord established Sanford's oldest jewelry store when he opened H. B. Lord Jewelry and Optical in 1879. In the 1930s, Henry McLaulin purchased the business. By 1943, McLaulin sold the jewelry store to W. E. Kader, who remained there until 1992. At the time that this photograph was taken in 2010, the building was housing The Wet Spot, a local drinking establishment.
View of the former PICO Block from the intersection of North Oak Avenue and West Commercial Street in Sanford, Florida. The building was constructed and opened by the Plant Investment Company (PICO) in 1887 to house the company's local offices. PICO owner Henry Plant owned and operated an extensive railway system throughout Florida. Also known as the Plant System, Plant competed with fellow railroad tycoon Henry Flagler and later extended his lines from Jacksonville through Sanford to Tampa. In the 1920s, the brick exterior of the building was covered with stucco and renamed the Welaka Apartments.