Letter from Chris Dorworth to Trish Thompson (June 16, 2011)
A letter from Florida House Representative Chris Dorworth recognizing and congratulating Creative Sanford, Inc. and its then-President Trish Thompson for their work preserving and presenting community history through folk-life plays, specifically Touch and Go. Creative Sanford, Inc. is a non-profit organization created to manage Celery Soup community theater productions. The original idea for the Celery Soup: Florida’s Folk Life Play project came from Jeanine Taylor, the owner of a folk-art gallery on First Street in Sanford, Florida. Their first production was Touch and Go, a play focusing on the people of Sanford and their determination to overcome various obstacles, including the Freeze of 1894-1895, the fall of Sanford's celery industry, and the closing of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sanford in the 1960s. Richard Geer and Jules Corriere, partners from Community Performance International, were in charge of assessing oral histories, converting them into scenes for the play, and writing original songs. Director Geer also used an all-volunteer cast from the local community, many of whom were not experienced actors. In the process of producing the show, Creative Sanford decided to rehabilitate an historic building, the Princess Theater, which is located on 115 West First Street and owned by Stephen Tibstra. The Creative Sanford offices are housed in the Historic Sanford Welcome Center, located at 203 East First Street.
Original letter from Chris Dorworth to Trish Thompson, June 16, 2011: Creative Sanford, Inc., Historic Sanford Welcome Center, Sanford, Florida.
Creative Sanford, Inc., Sanford, Florida
Office of State Representative Chris Dorworth, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida
Letter from Colonel William E. Todd to Dr. Cal Fowler (December 4, 1961)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
A letter of correspondence from Colonel William E. Todd to Dr. Cal Fowler (1929-2013) dated December 4, 1961. In the letter, col. Todd invites Dr. Fowler, the former chief activation engineer, to attend ceremonies marking the completion of the U.S. Air Force's first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Wing at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne, Wyoming. The ceremony was held at the 566th Strategic Missile Squadron Complex 11 in Nunn, Colorado.
Original 1-page letter and map from Colonel William E. Todd to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, December 4, 1961: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
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Chronopoints
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming
566th Strategic Missile Squadron Complex 11, Nunn, Colorado
Letter from Daisy P. White to the Apopka Chief of Police (March 16, 1928)
Letter from Daisy P. White to the Apopka Chief of Police written and mailed on March 16, 1928. Topics discussed in the letter include White's previous attempts to write to the Chief of Police, her plans to return to her home in Florence, South Carolina once her daughter finishes school for the school year, and uncertainty in regards to what papers her sister-in-law, Ella Wall, will need following the death of White's Husband. Ella Wall (1874-1938) was an entrepreneur and businesswoman of Apopka who served as the inspiration for a character in Zora Neale Hurston's novel Mules and Men. Wall was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1874 and moved to Apopka as a widow. Throughout her lifetime, Wall purchased four parcels, of land. She operated an orange grove and also constructed small wooden buildings that she rented out to migrant workers. Wall was also a friend of Michael Gladden, Jr., the executor of the George W. Oden estates, until her death in 1938.
Original letter from Daisy P. White to the Apopka Chief of Police, March 16, 1928: series I, box 1, folder 129, African American Legacy: The Carol Mundy Collection, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Central Florida Libraries, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Letter from David Moniac to His Sister (November 14, 1822)
A letter of correspondence from David Moniac to his sister on November 14, 1822. In the letter, Moniac explains to his sister that he is resigning from his appointment as Brevet Second Lieutenant in the Sixth United States Infantry of the United States Army. David Moniac was born in 1802, near Pinchona Creek, in present-day Montgomery County, Alabama. In 1817, at the age of 15, David Moniac, became the first Native American cadet accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. Moniac was of Creek ancestry. He graduated from West Point in 1822. He died in 1836 at the Battle of Wahoo Swamp in Florida during the Second Seminole War. Moniac is memorialized at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The inscription on his tombstone, written by Major General T.S. Jessup, reads: "He was as brave and gallant a man as ever drew a sword or faced an enemy." In 2017, the University of Central Florida was one of three universities selected to launch the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program Project. The program engaged a team of scholars to make the life stories of veterans buried in the Florida National Cemetery available to the public. The project engages UCF students in research and writing and fosters collaboration between students, faculty and local Central Florida schools to produce interactive curriculum for k-12 students. The corresponding website exhibit uses RICHES Mosaic Interface to create a digital archive of related data. The public can use the project-developed augmented-reality app at more than 100 gravesites at the Florida National Cemetery, where they can access the UCF student-authored biographies of veterans.
Digital reproduction of original 1-page handwritten letter from David Moniac to his sister, November 14, 1822.
United States Military Academy Preparatory School, West Point, New York
Letter from David Pearlman to Helen L. Stairs (June 13, 1994)
Letter to Helen L. Stairs from David Pearlman confirming the sale of the Ritz Theatre to RCT Projects, Inc. Originally the Milane Theatre was built at 203 South Magnolia Avenue in Sanford, the former location of the Star Theatre, an abandoned movie house. Scroggs and Ewing, architects from Georgia, prepared the plans for the Milane. The name of the new theater was derived from the combination of the presidents of the Milane Amusement Company president and vice president: Frank L. Miller and Edward F. Lane. The Milane opened in July of 1923 and seated 823 patrons. In 1933, the Milane was sold to Frank and Stella Evans, investors from Lake Mary, Florida. The new owners renamed their business the Ritz Theatre and held the property until the 1990s. However, the Ritz struggled financially in the 1960s and closed in 1978 due to failure to compete with the new multiplex theaters. The building remained vacant until 1984, when it reopened as the Showtime Cantina. The Showtime Cantina closed in 1988 and remained vacant and in decay. In the mid-1990s, Ritz Community Theater Projects, Inc. acquired the property and began rehabilitation in 1998. On May 6, 2000, the theater reopened as the Helen Stairs Theatre in honor of the citizen who led the restoration project, Helen Stairs. The following year, the location was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, additional renovations were completed at the theater was renamed the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in honor of the Wayne Densch Charitable Trust Fund for contributing to the renovations fund.
Original letter from David Pearlman to Helen L. Stairs, June 13, 1994: Ritz Theatre Collection, Museum of Seminole County History, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from David Stark to W. R. Vincent (December 30, 1975)
National Archives and Records Administration (U.S.)
An official project of the Orange County Bicentennial Committee. "More than a Memory" is an insightful scrapbook of Central Florida's history. This letter is a correspondence between one of the book's three editors, David Stark, and W. R. Vincent. In the letter, Stark thanks Vincent for his participation in the project and attached reproductions of Ensminger's original glass plates.
Original letter from David Stark to W. R. Vincent, December 30, 1975: Photographic Collection, box 3, folder Ensminger, General Collection, Student Museum, Sanford Florida.
Letter from Dick J. Batchelor to Gary Sharp (December 13, 1974)
In this letter, Florida Representative Dick J. Batchelor (b. 1947) writes to Gary Sharp that he does not have the authority over purchasing the Gourd Neck Springs area, and that the decision rests with the Environmental Endangered Lands Committee. Gourd Neck Springs is a small spring located in the southwest portion of Lake Apopka, in a small cove called “Gourd Neck” due to its distinctive shape. This area of the lake was considered in the 1960s as a potential nursery for fish. The Lake Apopka Technical Committee explored damming the Gourd Neck, separating it from the lake and preventing polluted lake water from entering, but these plans did not materialize. Efforts were also made in the 1960s to have the Gourd Neck area purchased by the State of Florida for use as a public park. The Gourd Neck Springs Park Association was formed in 1961 to study the site’s potential for a park and lobby for support from legislators. The land bordering the area was privately-owned by various individuals. One of these, Gary Sharp, continued seeking support for a park into the 1970s. While the project received support from Florida legislators and environmentalists, the land was never purchased by the state.
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from Dick J. Batchelor to Gary Sharp, December 13, 1974: binder 1974, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Dodie Livingston to the Oviedo Woman's Club (March 11, 1981)
A letter from Dodie Livingston to the Oviedo Woman's Club (OWC) dated March 11, 1981. On behalf of President Ronald Reagan, Livingston congratulates club members on the 75th anniversary celebration of the Oviedo Woman's Club, which was founded in 1906 as the Oviedo Magazine Club by seven charter members: H. B. McCall, Edith Meade, Georgia Lee Wheeler, Lillian Lee Lawton, Mattie Aulin Wheeler, Milcah Yonge, and Mary King. The first clubhouse was constructed in 1914 and also served as Oviedo's first library. In 1916, the club joined the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs (FFWC) and officially changed its name to the Oviedo Woman's Club. In 1923, the woman's club was federated under the umbrella of the General Federation of Woman's Clubs (GFWC). A new clubhouse was built in 1961 on property donated by R. L. Croom, a former member, which is located at 414 King Street. The Oviedo Woman's Club is involved in many civic projects, including the annual Great Day in the Country Arts and Crafts Festival, the Spring Fundraiser, Tasting Luncheons, and Celebrate Spring Teas.
Original letter from Dodie Livingston to the Oviedo Woman's Club, March 11, 1981: Private Collection of Beatrice Gestrich.
Oviedo Woman's Club
Letter from Dorothy Barbour to Carolyn S. Cope (September 12, 1979)
A letter from Dorothy Barbour to Carolyn S. Cope, whose first name is misspelled in the letter. In the letter, Barbour requests land information connected to the planned site for the Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida. Cope was a real estate broker for Two XI, Inc., located in Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida. The mall was designed and constructed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, founded by Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1909-1994) in 1944. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. (b. 1946) joined his father's business and together they became known as the "kings of the shopping mall." By the late 1980s, the DeBartolo Corporation had constructed 51 shopping malls, including 21 in Florida. The Florida Mall, located on the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Blossom Trail, was designed to appeal to Central Florida's large tourist economy and opened in March of 1986. Originally, the mall sat on 250 acres, contained over 1.3 million square feet of shopping space, and featured over 160 stores.
Original 1-page typed letter from Dorothy Barbour to Carolyn S. Cope, September 12, 1979: Pine Castle Historical Society, Pine Castle, Florida.
Letter from Dorothy Gray, Ltd. Publicity Director Mayreen Logan to Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rebecca Stahlhut Thanking Her for Modeling Their Products
Mermaids--Florida--Weeki Wachee--History
Letter written by Dorothy Gray, Ltd. Publicity Director Maureen Logan to Weeki Wachee Mermaid Rebecca Stahlhut (later Rebecca Young). The letter was written on April 24, 1975. In the letter Maureen thanks Rebecca for modeling Dorothy Gray products, and lets Rebecca know that Dorothy sent the mermaids a bunch of their products as a thank you. Dorothy Gray was a company that sold skin care products and makeup. In the years after ABC purchased Weeki Wachee Springs and grew the attraction, many makeup, swimsuit, and swimwear products partnered with Weeki Wachee Springs to advertise their brands. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947. At the time, roadside attractions were becoming popular stops along Florida roadways. The attraction consisted of an amalgamation of vendors, an orchid garden, a river boat tour, as well as the star attraction: a mermaid show that took place in an underwater theater. Eventually, the May Museum of the Tropics, an "abandoned Seminole village", a show called “Birds of Prey”, and a petting zoo were added. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original letter of thanks from Dorothy Gray, Ltd. to Rebecca Stahlhut, April 24, 1975: Private Collection of Rebecca Young.
RICHES
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill, Florida
Letter from Doyle C. Golden to A. D. Aldrich (August 26, 1963)
A letter of correspondence from Doyle C. Golden, the Administrative Assistant for the Division of Chemistry of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to A. D. Aldrich, the Director of the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission. The report gives data from the analysis of fish samples collected from Lake Apopka, Florida, by Chester Burke and L. E. Cromwell on June 24-25, 1963. DDT and DDT metabolites were found to be present in all samples examined.
Photocopy of original 3-page typewritten letter from Doyle C. Golden to A. D. Aldrich, August 26, 1963: binder 1963, drawer 1938-1987, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Florida Game and Fresh Water Commission, Tallahassee, Florida
Letter from Dr. John Milton Hawks to Charles Henry Coe (April 3, 1909)
A letter of correspondence from Dr. John Milton Hawks (1826-1910), the founder of Hawks Park (present-day Edgewater), to Captain Charles Henry Coe (1856-1954), author of Red Patriots: The Story of the Seminoles. In the letter, Dr. Hawks discusses the Cruger and DePeyster Sugar Mill, which was located two miles west of New Smyrna, Florida. For many years, the old sugar mill was mistaken for the ruins of a Spanish mission with origins dating back to the time of Christopher Columbus. This misconception led Captain Coe to publish Debunking the So-Called Spanish Mission Near New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County, Florida in 1941. The steam sugar and saw mill was destroyed by Native Americans in 1845, just five years after it was erected. Also known as the New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins, the ruins are located at 600 Old Mission Road in New Smyrna Beach and were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Original letter from Dr. John Milton Hawks to Charles Henry Coe, April 3, 1909: Private Collection of Andrew M. Foster.
New Smyrna Sugar Mill Ruins, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Letter from Duncan Macneill Tea Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (July 3, 1879)
A letter from the Duncan Macneill Tea Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) dated July 3, 1879. The letter informed Sanford that Sir William MacKinnon had sent him a chest of Indian tea. The letter noted that MacKinnon had already paid the full costs of the tea, the shipping, and the duty in Belgium. The gesture was presumably meant as a show of gratitude for some service or hospitality previously rendered by Sanford. The Duncan Macneill Tea Company was based in British India. Sir William MacKinnon was a Scottish ship-owner and businessman who established significant trade networks and commercial interests in British India and later in East Africa. Among other business ventures, he founded the British India Steam Navigation Company and the short-lived Imperial British East Africa Company. During his lifetime, he was one of the leading ship-owners in the British Empire. By the 1880s, he controlled more shipping tonnage than any other individual in Britain. MacKinnon met Henry Shelton Sanford sometime in the late 1870s and the two began corresponding regularly in 1879. MacKinnon's interest in Sanford stemmed from the former American ambassador's close proximity to King Leopold II (1835-1909) of Belgium and the Brussels inner-circle of businessmen, politicians, and diplomats. Sanford, living in a château in Brussels, provided a valuable lifeline for MacKinnon, who sought Belgian business connections to support his expanding commercial ventures, particularly in East Africa. He was a vital factor in the formation of the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC), going so far as to lend Sanford £8,000 in early January 1880. He also played an essential role in helping Sanford court early participants in the investment plan. Many of the board members of the FLCC, like Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903), were close associates of MacKinnon. With his business ventures strongly tied to British and Belgian development schemes in Africa, MacKinnon had no ostensible interest in Florida land investment. His participation in Sanford's Florida ambitions was thus directly linked to his interest in maintaining strong relations with Sanford and his valuable connections in Belgium.
Original letter from the Duncan Macneill Tea Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated July 3, 1879: box 127, folder 2, subfolder 127.2.11, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Duncan Macneill Tea Company, London, England, United Kingdom
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 13, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 13, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for six land deeds. Five of the six deeds were in the town of Sanford, Florida or within close proximity to the town. The sixth deed, purchased by the Florida Commercial Company, was for land in Alachua County. The purchasers for the other five deeds were John Davis, Stephen J. Drawdy, Henry L. DeForest and E. B. Vandeman, and Anna M. DeForest. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 13, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.26, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Florida Land and Colonization Company Office, Sanford, Florida
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 18, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 18, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Henry Sanford's signature for four deeds. All four of the deeds were for lots in the City of Sanford, Florida. The deeds were for J. E. Pace, Emmett H. Herndon, W. A. Statton, and Frederick W. Ellis respectively. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. William Beardall, meanwhile, was an Englishman who worked for the FLCC at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 18, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.28, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (February 13, 1884)
Sanford, Henry S. (Henry Shelton), 1823-1891
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated February 13, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for two enclosed deeds. The first deed was for J. C. Thorpe and D. B. Graves, who bought a five-acre plot from the Sanford Grant land for $250. The second deed was for George E. Rogers, who bought the lot with the Sanford Grove in St. Augustine, Florida, for $350. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, February 13, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.15, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (February 21, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated February 21, 1884. In the letter, Beardall requested Sanford's signature for four enclosed deeds. The first deed was for Richard Forkert, who bought five acres from the Sanford Grant for $150. The second deed was for Nan Jackson, who bought a lot in the town of Sanford for $150. The third deed was for Heth Canfield and J. B. Cole, who bought numerous lots in St. Augustine. The fourth deed was for Lack Limpson, who bought 40 acres from the Arredondo Grant. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, February 21, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.18, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (February 28, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated February 28, 1884. In the letter, Beardall requested Sanford's signature for four enclosed deeds. Three people—A. E. Phillips, R. Muller, and W. G. Hill—all bought lots in the town of Sanford, Florida. The fourth person, J. O. Roan, bought 35 acres in Polk County. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, February 28, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.20, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (February 29, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated February 29, 1884. In the brief letter, Trafford acknowledges receipt of four signed deeds, as previously requested. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. William Beardall, meanwhile, was an Englishman who worked for the FLCC at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, February 29, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.21, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (February 6, 1884)
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated February 6, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for two enclosed deeds. The first deed was for Helen M. Randall, who bought several lots in the town of Sanford. The second deed was for Gustaf Lundquist, who bought two 5-acre lots in the "Swede settlement" of the Sanford Grant lands. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, February 6, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.13, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (June 22, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated June 22, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for three enclosed deeds, two of which were in the City of Sanford, Florida, the third was near Henry Sanford's St. Gertrude's Grove. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, June 22, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.36, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (March 26, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated March 26, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for two deeds. The two buyers were Isaac A. Hopper, who bought a lot for $350.00, and William Duryea, who purchased a lot for $700.00. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. William Beardall, meanwhile, was an Englishman who worked for the FLCC at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, March 26, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.24, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (March 5, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated March 5, 1884. In it he requested signatures for a number of enclosed deeds. He also noted that the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) made $12,684.20 for the month of February 1884, adding that it was an increase of $10,964.20 over the same period from the previous year. Trafford was a company agent for the FLCC from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. William Beardall, meanwhile, was an Englishman who worked for the FLCC at its local office in Sanford, Florida. He served as an assistant to the company agent, E. R. Trafford. He worked previously for the Scottish industrialist Sir William MacKinnon before joining the FLCC. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, March 5, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.22, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (May 5, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated May 5, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for two deeds, both in the City of Sanford. One deed was for Ida Gumpert, the other for George Blakemore. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, May 5, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.32, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford (May 9, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated May 9, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for nine deeds, all for five acre lots of land within the Sanford grant. These lots were designated for Swedish immigrants who worked for Sanford. As Trafford wrote, "the above Swede Emigrants are men who worked out their year for the company as per contract." The original emigration of laborers from Sweden came in 1871. Growing frustrated by race-related violence between the local whites and blacks laborers, Sanford sought to hire foreigners to replace the workforce for his two groves in Sanford, Florida. In May 1871, Sanford brought 33 migrants from Sweden to work on his two Sanford groves, first St. Gertrude's and later Belair. The Swedish workers, 26 men and 7 women, cost Sanford $75 each. According to the work contracts, Sanford was to provide housing and rations for each worker as well as a parcel of land for those satisfactorily completing their one-year contracts, Sanford hired an additional 20 Swedes the following year, in November 1871. E. R. Trafford, meanwhile, was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford per William Beardall to Henry Shelton Sanford, May 9, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.33, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 17, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 17, 1884. In the letter, Trafford informed Sanford that he had acquired a "suitable form of deed for the transfer of the MacKinnon lands to the trustees." He added that the lands had not yet been deeded but that some sales were anticipated soon. Though the exact location of the MacKinnon lands is unknown, it is known that they were in Polk County and accessible by the South Florida Railroad. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 17, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.27, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 24, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 24, 1884. The letter appeared to be a response to an earlier inquiry by Sanford regarding deeds. Trafford indicated that "the deeds to the Alachua lands are not in this office - I think they must be in London." Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 24, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.29, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 26, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 26, 1884. The letter asked Sanford to sign and return a deed made out to Homer G. Monson. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 26, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.31, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 9, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated April 9, 1884. In the letter, Trafford provided a number of updates regarding the City of Sanford, Florida. First, he included several land grant certificates that awaited approval from the federal government. He expressed hope that Henry Sanford's "influence would push up" the issue on the government's priority list. Trafford also informed Sanford that "all the hotels close this week so I suppose things will quiet down." He also informed Sanford that the company had made "as much these last three months as the whole past fiscal year," noting that sales had reached $16,000 over a three month period. Among other topics, Trafford also informed Sanford that logs were arriving in Sanford, Florida via shipping on the St. Johns River. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 9, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.25, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (December 24, 1883)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated December 24, 1883. Contents included discussion of a petition for a Post Office in MacKinnon, Florida; indication that "fifteen cars of logs in today from Longwood - 15 more to come Wednesday"; and that William Beardall was returning to Sanford. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, December 24, 1883: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.12, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (December 7, 1883)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated December 7, 1883. In the letter, Trafford provided a brief update about Sanford, Florida, noting that "we have quite a building boom." He also added that there was a need for a post office in the town of MacKinnon, a settlement that was along an unspecified railroad line. Finally, he expressed interest in meeting with Sanford to "go over" various land acquisitions. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, December 7, 1883: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.10, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (February 10, 1883)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated February 10, 1883. The letter concerned the fate of one of Sanford's former employees, a Swedish immigrant who was arrested, presumably for theft, but never charged because of a lack of evidence. Trafford informed Sanford that the Swede had been advised to sue Sanford for some $3,000 in damages, adding that the ex-employee had indicated that he would be willing to drop the suit for a sum of $1,000. Trafford wrote that he had responded that it was a "case of black-mail" and that he thought that "we should put both him and his lawyers in jail." The letter demonstrates the role of Sanford's Florida agents and managers in maintaining affairs in Sanford's absence, as well as the conflicts between Sanford and the Swedish laborers. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, February 10, 1883: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.3, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (February 16, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated February 16, 1884. In the letter, Trafford provided Sanford with updates about Sanford, Florida. He notes that the signed deeds for Helen M. Randall and Gustaf Lundquist had been received. He also wrote that "the mill is now in full blast," indicating that 60,000 feet of logs just received from the railroad, the first raft of 70,000 feet will arrive from down the river tonight. Trafford concluded the letter optimistically noting that "everything improving [sic]." Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, February 16, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.17, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (February 25, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated February 25, 1884. In this brief letter, Trafford informed Sanford that several deeds had been received and that the town of Sanford, Florida had a concert to raise the needed funds for the completion of the Episcopal Church. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, February 25, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.19, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (January 31, 1883)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated January 31, 1883. In the letter, Trafford assessed the value of land owned by Sanford at Fort Gardiner Island. In the letter, he concluded that he knew "of no place in the State of Florida, so desirable from its many advantages for the cultivation of the lemon[,] pineapple[,] and other fruits of that class." He also stated the Fort Gardiner Island was attractive because of its relative proximity to the city of Sanford and its position on Lake Kissimmee. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, January 31, 1883: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.2, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (June 16, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated June 16, 1884. In the letter, Trafford indicated that he enclosed deeds for H. B. Anthony, Eliza W. Travis, and Washington Pullis and he requested that Sanford sign and return them. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, June 16, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.34, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (June 20, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated June 20, 1884. In the letter, Trafford provided defense of his decision to have two different account books for the Sanford Telegraph Company and the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC). Based on the tone of the letter, it appears that Henry Sanford had questioned Trafford's managerial and bookkeeping decisions. The question concerned Trafford's division and distribution of company profits between the various enterprises in Florida, the stockholders in London, and Henry Sanford. Trafford reminded Sanford in the letter that he "will carry out the Resolution of the Stockholders which gives the [Sanford, Florida] offices the authority to settle these claims but gives no preference to either." Trafford was a company agent for the FLCC from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. As this letter demonstrates, his tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, June 20, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.35, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (March 15, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated March 15, 1884. In the letter, Trafford requested Sanford's signature for five deeds. He also indicated that from March 1, 1884 to March 15, 1884, sales for the town of Sanford amounted to $5,960 and sold for St. Gertrude's Grove reached $5,200 for a total of $11,160. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, March 15, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.23, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (March 29, 1883)
Beck, James B. (James Burnie), 1822-1890
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated March 29, 1883. Among other topics, Trafford noted the withdrawal of state lands from market near Suwannee County, Florida. He also informed Sanford that Senator Beck was in Enterprise and would be "over [at Sanford, Florida] tomorrow." He was presumably referring to Senator James B. Beck (1822-1890), a Democratic Senator from the state of Kentucky and member of Senate Committee on Transportation Routes to the Seaboard. The letter also mentioned that there were "five steamers at the Wharf." Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, March 29, 1883: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.4, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (May 12, 1883)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated May 12, 1883. In the letter, Trafford offered updates about a number of topics, including a lawsuit carried out by Alexander St. Clair-Abrams (1845-1931) against Sanford, the Plant Syndicate buying controlling interest of the South Florida Railroad, as well as improvements to Commercial Street in the City of Sanford, Florida. The letter, filled with sensitive rumors and sarcastic remarks concerning Sanford's rivals, lends insight into the relationship between Sanford and his local agents based in Florida. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, May 12, 1883: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.5, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (May 19, 1883)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated May 19, 1883. In the letter, Trafford updated Sanford on several areas of importance, including the company efforts to sell the Sanford House Hotel, the progress of the South Florida Railroad line extending to Tampa, various tracts of land for sale in Florida, improvements to 1st Street in Sanford, and also matters concerning company sales. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, May 19, 1883: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.6, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (November 21, 1884)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, dated November 21, 1884. Topics in the letter included discussion of lands for sale and the need to set prices for the company's "lake region lands" in Polk County. Trafford also indicated that he was "a little alarmed at the burning down of our wooden towns - Palatka, Brunswick, Ga. - DeLand saw mill," adding that he was "taking every precaution here." Lastly he noted that "people are swarming into Jacksonville and all coming up the river - every prospect of a good winter business." Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. He served as the company’s local representative, managing the company office in Sanford, Florida. He was selected by the board of the FLCC, despite resistance from the President and Chairman of the Board, Henry Shelton Sanford. Unlike his predecessor, James Ingraham, Trafford provided Henry Sanford with little confidential, first-hand information about events in Florida. As a result, Sanford regularly advocated for Trafford’s replacement. However, the company’s other board members, distrustful of Henry Sanford’s business acumen, retained Trafford precisely because his first loyalties remained with the company in London and not Henry Sanford. His tenure as FLCC agent is reflective of the often tense relationship between Henry Sanford and his fellow board members as well as the increasingly limited influence Sanford had in company affairs. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a ₤10,000 cash payment and another ₤50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board. In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua and Marion counties. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. As a result of consistently meager profits from its inception, following Henry Sanford's death in 1891 many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, November 21, 1884: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.37, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (September 11, 1883)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated September 11, 1883. In the letter, Trafford informs Sanford about the struggles of the Sanford Sawmill, asking tersely "where is that hundred dollars a day that Crolly promised? Where is any profit at all?" Later in the letter, Trafford points to "gross mismanagement" as a primary culprit for the mill's struggles. It is unclear who the man referred to as "Crolly" is, as he does not appear elsewhere in the correspondence, but based on the context of the letter, it appears plausible that Crolly was someone closely linked to the Sanford Sawmill. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to Henry Shelton Sanford, September 11, 1883: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.9, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from E. R. Trafford to James E. Ingraham (August 23, 1882)
A letter from E. R. Trafford to James Edmundson Ingraham (1850-1924), dated August 23, 1882. In the letter, Trafford informed Ingraham about the company efforts to buy lands from the U.S. Department of the Interior, an endeavor that was met with some difficulty because the governmental department "would not permit any one person to purchase more than 640 acres in one day" and "also refused to receive applications from persons outside the United States." Trafford also included a report of the lands in question. The report indicated the quality of the land, including its capacity for crop cultivation, its proximity to bodies of water, and its connection to lines of transportation and communication. The report highlights the questions and concerns regarding land investment during the period and also indirectly demonstrates the hardships faced by potential settlers in sparsely-settled regions. Trafford was a company agent for the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) from 1882 to 1886. The FLCC was a joint-stock venture that invested in Florida land development and sales in the 1880s and early 1890s. The company was formed by Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) with help from a group of British investors. The original impetus for the company's formation was Sanford's inability to continue his land acquisition and development efforts in Florida independently. Located at 13 Austin Friars, the company was officially registered in London on June 10, 1880. With the formation of the FLCC, all of Henry Sanford's Florida properties were transferred to the company in exchange for a £10,000 cash payment and another £50,000 in company stock. Sanford was named President and Chairman of the Board.In 1880, the company owned 26,000 acres scattered across Florida, including in the cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Sanford, as well as in Alachua County and Marion County. Almost from the outset, there was serious friction between the British board members and Henry Sanford. Disagreements erupted over business strategy, as Sanford frequently proposed initiatives deemed too bold for the cautious British investors. From 1882 to 1892, the company saw steady, if meager, profits. Most of its income came from the sale of lots in the city of Sanford. From 1885 until 1890, the company, while remaining solvent, continued to see declining profits. From 1886 to 1890, the profits were so modest that the company declined to pay dividends on its yearly profits. Needed improvements and developments in the city of Sanford during the late 1880s sapped much of the company's income. Following Henry Sanford's death in 1891, many of the investors lost the motivation to continue. On September 15, 1892, the various directors acted to dissolve the company. Its assets, including roughly 65,000 acres of Florida land, were divided among shareholders.
Original letter from E. R. Trafford to James E. Ingraham, August 23, 1882: box 54, folder 18, subfolder 54.18.8, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Eben Cobb Brink to Edna P. Hancock (May 23, 1945)
A letter from Captain Eben Cobb Brink to Edna P. Hancock dated May 23, 1945. In the letter, Capt. Cobb Brink, a chaplain for the U.S. Army, informs Hancock that her husband, Sergeant John B. Hancock (1913-1944), was Killed in Action (KIA) while serving during World War II. Sgt. Hancock (1913-1944) was born in Thomasville, Georgia, in 1913, but later migrated to Auburndale, Florida. Hancock managed a Great Atlantic &amp
P) store in Haines City until he enlisted in the 45th Infantry Division's 179th Infantry Regiment. Sgt. Hancock served initially in Africa in 1943, until the 45th Infantry Division's participation in Operation Husky for the Allied invasion of Sicily, codenamed Operation Husky. The division then went on to participate in the Allied invasion of Italy, where Sgt. Hancock was injured. He was returned to duty in February of 1944 to tour southern France. On November 1, 1944, Sgt. Hancock went Missing in Action (MIA) after serving in the Allied invasion of Southern France, codenamed Operation Dragoon. He was eventually buried at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
Photocopy of original 2-page typewritten letter from Eben Cobb Brink to Edna P. Hancock, May 23, 1945: Private Collection of Linda Hughes.
Letter from Edward A. Zagar to Arthur W. Sinclair (December 22, 1966)
A letter from Edward A. Zagar, a fisheries biologist for the Florida Game and Fresh Water Commission, to Arthur W. Sinclair, from the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce. In the letter, Zagar discusses the seine survey program for Lake Apopka and for Lake Griffin in Lake County, Florida.
Original typewritten letter from Edward A. Zagar to Arthur W. Sinclair, December 22, 1966: binder 1966, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Edward A. Zagar to J. W. Woods (April 15, 1968)
A letter from Edward A. Zagar, fisheries biologist with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, to J. W. Woods, Director of Fisheries for the commission. The letter discusses a survey of Lake Apopka and Lake Griffin by Zagar and others, looking for hyacinth. The water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant, first introduced to the United States in 1884 at the World's Fair in New Orleans, Louisiana. A visitor from Florida returned with samples of the plant, which were then introduced to the St Johns River. The water hyacinth grows extremely rapidly, choking waterways, preventing navigation, and clogging flood control structures. Methods of hyacinth control include chemical spraying, mechanical harvesting, and hand removal. In this letter, Zagar claims no concentrations of hyacinth large enough for spraying were found in either lake. At this time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CoE) was responsible for hyacinth control.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from Edward A. Zagar to J. W. Woods, April 15, 1968: binder 1968, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Tallahassee, Florida
Letter from Edwyn S. Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (December 8, 1881)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated December 8, 1881. In the letter, Dawes noted that he had received several letters from Sanford that were addressed to the board of the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC); he had decided to hold onto the letters and instead asked Sanford "to reconsider whether or not they should be put in." Dawes warned about the consequences of disseminating Sanford's letters, noting that, "if put forward they are certain to create an estrangement between yourself and the other members of the Board." The contents of Sanford's original letters contained complaints about the company's agents in Florida, Gerald Waller and G. A. Thompson. Later in the letter, Dawes pointed to disagreements in business strategy between the board and Sanford. Knowing of Sanford's limited financial capabilities, Dawes adds that, "we would be willing to part with all shares and retire" if Sanford were able to find new suitors who would be able to pay for their shares and replace them. The letter reflects the often tense relationship between Sanford and the British board members of the FLCC. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, December 8, 1881: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.2, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Gray Dawes and Company, London, England, United Kingdom
Letter from Edwyn S. Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (July 28, 1884)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated July 28, 1884. The brief letter discussed personal plans as well as an update from the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) viaG. A. Thompson. Dawes indicates that, according to Thompson, the company expected some $200,000 in sales for the following year. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, July 28, 1884: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.8, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Edwyn S. Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (November 3, 1884)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated November 3, 1884. In this letter, topics included discussion of business related to the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC), as well as Sir William MacKinnon. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, November 3, 1884: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.9, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Edwyn S. Dawes to Jules Levita (April 15, 1884)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Jules Levita, dated April 15, 1884. Levita was a business associate and lawyer based in Paris, France, at the time. The letter discussed plans to schedule a meeting between Dawes and Levita. Dawes covered matters related to the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC), including a lengthy discussion of Henry Shelton Sanford's (1823-1891) proposals and business strategies, many of which were rejected by the London-based board members. The letter offers evidence of how Sanford was often at odds with the board of directors regarding business strategy. It also reveals the negative perception of Sanford held by Dawes and others. Though the letter is ostensibly directed towards Levita, it is unclear how or why it came to be in Sanford's possession. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 15, 1884: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.7, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (December 28, 1884)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891),dated December 28, 1884. The letter discussed topics related to the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC), including the issuing of new shares and the purchase of new lands in Florida. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, December 28, 1884: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.11, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Mount Ephraim, Faversham, England, United Kingdom
Letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (December 31, 1884)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated December 31, 1884. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company. The lengthy letter discussed a number of business matters related to the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC). In particular, Dawes rejected a loan proposal put forth by the Manayunk Bank, a Philadelphia-based financial institution with some ties to Sanford. Early in the letter, Dawes noted that "the board recognize[sic] [Sanford] as having control over affairs" and that he was sorry that the company's letter dated November 16th "failed to convey this to [Sanford's] mind," perhaps reflecting a fraught struggle for control and influence over the direction of the company. Later in the letter, Dawes confessed that "all your colleagues, myself included, have felt a good deal of timidity in following you in all that you have recommended and chiefly on financial grounds." The letter demonstrates the often tense relationship between Sanford and his London-based partners in the FLCC. Sanford's financial strategies were often deemed too risky by his business partners. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes. Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company.
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, December 31, 1884: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.12, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (December 5, 1884)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated December 5, 1884. The letter included a discussion of the "Abrams suit," referring to a lawsuit involving Sanford, as well as the Powell Grant proposal and the company's effort to purchase more land. Dawes also discussed the insufficiency of company's funds and capital as it related to various business efforts. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, December 5, 1884: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.10, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (January 24, 1882)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated January 24, 1882. In the letter, Dawes acknowledged Sanford's earlier requests for company information, indicating that he had "requested Mr. Waller to send [Sanford] all the particulars [Sanford] asked for." Dawes also informed Sanford that William MacKinnon (1823-1893) would be in London for the upcoming board meeting, adding that he would defer to MacKinnon's discretion regarding reading Sanford's earlier, and potentially inflammatory, letter before the board of directors. Dawes feared that the letter in question, in which Sanford offered a "severe criticism" of Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC) agent G. A. Thompson, "would create an awkward breach." The letter followed with some subtle jabs at Sanford's role in the company and his inability to raise the financial capital to buy out the fellow investors, including Dawes, with whom he had strong disagreements. The letter reflects the often tense relationship established between Sanford and the London-based board members of the FLCC. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, January 24, 1882: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.4, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (January 5, 1882)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated January 6, 1882. The letter acknowledged earlier correspondence and also served to thank Sanford for some boxes of fruit sent to London, England. The letter ended with some passing references to Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893) and Gertrude Ellen Dupuy Sanford (1841-1902), Sanford's wife. The letter may provide some evidence to Sanford's usage of citrus to enhance his diplomatic and business relationships and dealings. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, January 6, 1882: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.3, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (March 14, 1884)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated March 14, 1884. The letter discussed the recent correspondence of Sanford and highlighted the growing rift between the London-based board members and Sanford within the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC). This included complaint about a breach in an earlier agreement between Sanford and the company. The initial agreement was that, at the insistence of Sanford, the company would buy the Powell Grant, a vast tract of land in Florida. In exchange, Sanford would agree "not to go to Florida nor interfere there in the company's affairs." This agreement was evidently disregarded, as Dawes noted. The letter also indicated other discussions and company concerns directed toward some of Sanford's proposals and actions. The letter offered evidence of the often difficult and contentious relationship between Sanford and other influential members of the FLCC. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company.
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, March 14, 1884: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.6, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford (October 26, 1883)
A letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903) to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated October 26, 1883. In this letter, he indicated to Sanford his upcoming schedule, with regard to the ultimate goal of meeting with Sanford in London, England. Dawes was one of the founding partners of Gray Dawes and Company, a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Edwyn Sandys Dawes to Henry Shelton Sanford, October 26, 1883: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.5, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Ernest H. Cowen to Gary Sharp (December 4, 1974)
This letter, from Ernest H. Cowen, Manager of the Orlando Area Chamber of Commerce's Civic Affairs Department, to Gary Sharp, states Cowen's belief that a park in the Gourd Neck area would help attract public support for the larger project of restoring Lake Apopka and the Oklawaha River Basin, by emphasizing the area's suitability for recreational use. Cowen states that Environmental Resources Committee of the Orlando Chamber also supports this potential project. Cowen urges that the State of Florida purchase the land using funds from the Environmental Endangered Lands Program. Gourd Neck Springs is a small spring located in the southwest portion of Lake Apopka, in a small cove called “Gourd Neck” due to its distinctive shape. This area of the lake was considered in the 1960s as a potential nursery for fish. The Lake Apopka Technical Committee explored damming the Gourd Neck, separating it from the lake and preventing polluted lake water from entering, but these plans did not materialize. Efforts were also made in the 1960s to have the Gourd Neck area purchased by the State of Florida for use as a public park. The Gourd Neck Springs Park Association was formed in 1961 to study the site’s potential for a park and lobby for support from legislators. The land bordering the area was privately-owned by various individuals. One of these, Gary Sharp, continued seeking support for a park into the 1970s. While the project received support from Florida legislators and environmentalists, the land was never purchased by the state. The Environmental Endangered Lands Program (EEL) was formed in 1972 as part of the larger Land Conservation Act of 1972. The EEL program was initially funded through the sale of state bonds. The program was designed to help the state acquire lands considered Environmental sensitive and was not designed for creating areas for recreational use. Potential sites for acquisition could be suggested by citizens, county and state governments, and non-profit organizations. After evaluation for Environmental value, potential sites would be approved by the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Natural Resources and finalized by the Governor. In 1979, the former Executive Director, Harmon Shields, was indicted on corruption charges involving the lands-acquisition process. Following this scandal, the EEL program was replaced by Conservation and Recreation Lands Program. This change replaced the program's funding with tax revenues instead of bond sales, and formed the Land Acquisition Selection Committee, made up by six executive directors of Florida Environmental agencies, to select sites for approval by the governor. The Division of State Lands was also created as a division of the Department of Natural Resources to over-see mapping and evaluation of potential sites for acquisition.
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from Ernest H. Cowen to Gary Sharp, December 4, 1974: binder 1974, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from F. E. Uhl to Edna P. Hancock (May 10, 1945)
A letter from U.S. Army Major General F. E. Uhl to Edna P. Hancock dated May 10, 1945. In the letter, Maj. Gen. Uhl offers condolences to Hancock regarding the death of her husband, Sergeant John B. Hancock (1913-1944), while serving in World War II. Maj. Gen. Uhl also offers the services of the Welch Convalescent Hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida, for families of fallen soldiers. Sgt. Hancock was born in Thomasville, Georgia, in 1913, but later migrated to Auburndale, Florida. Hancock managed a Great Atlantic &amp
P) store in Haines City until he enlisted in the 45th Infantry Division's 179th Infantry Regiment. Sgt. Hancock served initially in Africa in 1943, until the 45th Infantry Division's participation in Operation Husky for the Allied invasion of Sicily, codenamed Operation Husky. The division then went on to participate in the Allied invasion of Italy, where Sgt. Hancock was injured. He was returned to duty in February of 1944 to tour southern France. On November 1, 1944, Sgt. Hancock went Missing in Action (MIA) after serving in the Allied invasion of Southern France, codenamed Operation Dragoon. He was eventually buried in Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from F. E. Uhl to Edna P. Hancock, May 10, 1945: Private Collection of Linda Hughes.
Letter from F. G. Banks to Clayton Phillippy (September 5, 1963)
A letter of correspondence from F. G. Banks, the Assistant Chief of the Fisheries Division of the Florida Game and Freshwater Commission, to Clayton Phillippy, a biologist with the commission. The letter describes an attached report by Doyle C. Golden regarding pesticide content in Lake Apopka fish samples and makes recommendations for future samples.
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from F. G. Banks to Clayton Phillippy, September 5, 1963: binder 1963, drawer 1938-1987, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Frederick C. Belen to Jimmy Bryant (November 15, 1966)
A letter from Deputy Postmaster General Frederick C. Belen (ca. 1904-1999) to Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant. In the letter, Belen thanks Bryant for a weekend fishing trip in Orlando. Originally an attorney, Belen also served as counsel, chief counsel and staff director of the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee from 1946 to 1961. In 1961, he was appointed Assistant Postmaster General for Operations. From 1964 to 1969, Belen served as Deputy Postmaster General and is credited with the automation of mail processing and delivery. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1984) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served on for 22 years.
Original letter from Frederick C. Belen to Jimmy Bryant, November 15, 1966: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Downtown Orlando Post Office, Downtown Orlando, Florida
Letter from Frederick P. Gaske to Bill Vogel (October 30, 2006)
A letter from Frederick P. Gaske, a Florida State Historic Preservation Officer, to Bill Vogel, Superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, dated October 30, 2006. In the letter, Gaske addresses the danger of the demolition of Sanford Grammar School's historic lunchroom building, explains the importance of preserving the structure, and offers suggestions to Vogel in regards to saving the building via grants. Originally established as Sanford High School, the main building was constructed at 301 West Seventh Street in Sanford, Florida, in 1902. The building was designed by W. G. Talley in the Romanesque revival style. Due to an increasing student population, a new school building was constructed on the corner of East Ninth Street and South Palmetto Avenue in 1911. The original building on Seventh Street served as Westside Grammar Elementary School, which was later renamed Sanford Grammar School. After a desperate need for an addition to the school developed, the city granted the school $75,000. The school's lunchroom was opened on October 10, 1921, after months of fundraising efforts hosted by the Woman's Club. In November 23, 1984, the main school building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and converted into the Student Museum. However, despite objections from the community, the lunchroom was demolished on September 25, 2008. The main school building reopened as the University of Central Florida's Public History Center in 2012.
Original letter from rederick P. Gaske to Bill Vogel, October 30, 2006: Sanford Grammar Collection, Archives Box 4B, UCF Public History Center, Sanford, Florida.
Sanford Grammar School, Sanford, Florida
Letter from G. A. Horkan to Edna P. Hancock (April 14, 1945)
A letter from U.S. Department of War Brigadier General G. A. Horkan to Edna P. Hancock. In the letter, BG Horkan encloses a photograph, which is not included in this digital reproduction, of Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France. According to the letter, Hancock's husband, Sergeant John B. Hancock (1913-1944), would be buried at Epinal. Although the letter is dated April 14, 1947, it was likely sent in 1945. Sgt. Hancock was born in Thomasville, Georgia, in 1913, but later migrated to Auburndale, Florida. Hancock managed a Great Atlantic &amp
P) store in Haines City until he enlisted in the 45th Infantry Division's 179th Infantry Regiment. Sgt. Hancock served initially in Africa in 1943, until the 45th Infantry Division's participation in Operation Husky for the Allied invasion of Sicily, codenamed Operation Husky. The division then went on to participate in the Allied invasion of Italy, where Sgt. Hancock was injured. He was returned to duty in February of 1944 to tour southern France. On November 1, 1944, Sgt. Hancock went Missing in Action (MIA) after serving in the Allied invasion of Southern France, codenamed Operation Dragoon.
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from G. A. Horkan to Edna P. Hancock, April 14, 1945: Private Collection of Linda Hughes.
Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial, Dinozé, France
Letter from Gary I. Sharp to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce (May 19, 1977)
A letter from Gary I. Sharp to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, dated May 19, 1977. In the letter, Sharp states that he is no longer able to continue his efforts to have the Gourd Neck Springs area purchased by the State of Florida for use as a recreational park. Sharp writes that the State of Florida continues to show no interest in the area, and that he is forced to put the parcels of land he owns in the area up for sale. Sharp also mentions nearby parcels owned by Herbert S. Sharp that have been recently sold, but states that the majority of the area is still intact. Gourd Neck Springs is a small spring located in the southwest portion of Lake Apopka, in a small cove called “Gourd Neck” due to its distinctive shape. This area of the lake was considered in the 1960s as a potential nursery for fish. The Lake Apopka Technical Committee explored damming the Gourd Neck, separating it from the lake and preventing polluted lake water from entering, but these plans did not materialize. Efforts were also made in the 1960s to have the Gourd Neck area purchased by the State of Florida for use as a public park. The Gourd Neck Springs Park Association was formed in 1961 to study the site’s potential for a park and lobby for support from legislators. The land bordering the area was privately-owned by various individuals. One of these, Gary Sharp, continued seeking support for a park into the 1970s. While the project received support from Florida legislators and environmentalists, the land was never purchased by the state.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from Gary I. Sharp to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, May 19, 1977: binder 1977, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Gaye Guinta to Delee Perry (March 31, 1997)
Motion pictures--Production and direction
A letter dated March 31, 1997, from the director of the Museum of Florida History, Gaye Guita, to Delee Perry. In the letter, printed on Florida Department of State letterhead, Gaye Guita invites Delee Perry to attend the opening reception for an new exhibit about Florida's film heritage at the Museum of Florida History on April 6, 1997. This exhibit featured and was dedicated to the memory of Perry's father, Newton "Newt" Perry, and Guita thanks Perry for her assistance with the exhibit. Newton "Newt" Perry was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1908, and moved with his family to Ocala, Florida in 1922. He was a member of the swimming and diving teams at the University of Florida. Perry earned the nickname "The Human Fish" for his performances of underwater stunts in advertising clips and film shorts, and acted as a swim double for actors in movies and TV shows, including Johnny Weissmuller as "Tarzan." Perry also advised filmmakers filming underwater scenes at Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs, and developed a system for breathing underwater using an air compressor and hose, which was used in the 1948 film "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid" and during Weeki Wachee Springs' mermaid shows. Perry worked as a lifeguard, public school principal, coach, swimming and scuba diving instructor, and Ocala city pool manager. He opened Perry's Swim School in 1955, and taught more than 120,000 individuals to swim during his career. Perry was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Perry's daughter Delee Perry took over Perry's Swim School following her father's death in 1987, and it was still in operation as of 2020. Along with a group of investors, Newton Perry opened Weeki Wachee Springs to the public in October of 1947, and used his experiences working at Silver Springs and Wakulla Springs to develop the original concepts for its underwater theater and mermaid shows. Perry sold his stake in Weeki Wachee Springs in 1950. After peaking in the 1950s and 1960s, attendance began to decline as theme parks and highways changed the dynamics of Florida's tourism. The State of Florida took over the attraction as a state park in 2008. Since then, the park has focused on appealing to a modern audience while preserving its history.
Original 1-page letter from Gaye Guinta to Delee Perry, March 31, 1997: Personal Collection of Delee Perry.
Museum of Florida History, Tallahassee, Florida
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Weeki Wachee, Florida
Letter from General Ben I. Funk to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler (May 14, 1963)
After the successful completion of the final manned Mercury-Atlas flight (MA-9), General Ben I. Funk (b. 1913), who was the U.S. Air Force general in charge of manned rocket development, sent this letter of commendation to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, who was the manager and the Launch Conductor for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 14 (LC-14) on the final three Project Mercury flights. Dr. Fowler was tasked with pushing the button in the blockhouse to initiate the rocket's ignition. He was also responsible for the rocket's preparation and safety. Astronauts Scott Carpenter (1925-2013), Wally Schirra (1923-2007), and Gordon Cooper (1927-2004) successfully completed their missions because of Dr. Fowler's General Dynamics/Astronautics team preparation.
Original 1-page typewritten letter from Ben I. Funk to Dr. Calvin D. Fowler, May 14, 1963: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.
Space Systems Division Headquarters, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force, El Segundo, California
General Dynamics/Astronautics, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Letter from George A. Chatelain to Lucius A. Bryant, Jr. (October 5, 1954)
A letter from George A. Chatelain of Mansura, Louisiana, to Orlando Postmaster Lucius A. Bryant, Jr.. This letter was written in response to Chatelain’s inquiry regarding the purchase of sweet potatoes. Bryant suggests Otto Cooper, presumably a local farmer. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bryant settled in Orlando's College Park neighborhood. At the time of his death in 2012, Bryant was the longest-serving postmaster for Orlando, a position that he held from 1951 to 1983. In 1952, William Beardall (1890-1954) appointed Bryant to the local aviation advisory board, which he served of for 22 years.
Original letter from George A. Chatelain to Lucius A. Bryant, Jr., October 5, 1954: Private Collection of Texann Ivy Buck.
Letter from George B. Agnew to Isaac Vanderpool (May 21, 1895)
A letter from George B. Agnew to Isaac Vanderpool, dated May 21, 1895. On behalf of the National Produce Company as its secretary and treasurer, Agnew offers a business deal with Vanderpool in regards to the purchase of Florida fruits and vegetables for the wholesale market. The National Produce Co. was a produce wholesaler based at 635 Liberty Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Vanderpools were one of the original families in Maitland, Florida, with Isaac Vanderpool, the patriarch of the family, buying 160 acres of land in the year 1870. In 1876, after facing a large financial loss and disaster in New York, Isaac and his wife, Harriet Vanderpool, permanently moved to the Maitland area. At the time of their arrival, the area only had about four or five family homesteads and orange groves. Vanderpool was part of the first committee to help incorporate the town of Lake Maitland. The committee included Vanderpool, Henry S. Kedney, George Packwood, and Richard Packwood. The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in TheGate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.
Original 1-page letter from George B. Agnew to Isaac Vanderpool, May 21, 1895: Vanderpool Collection, accession number 2014.002.014V, room 2, case 2, shelf 10, box GV, Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 19, 1887)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) on April 19, 1887. The letter acknowledged renewal of three promissory notes held by Sanford with the company. According to the letter, the company was operating under the instruction of Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). This correspondence demonstrates the ongoing business relationship between Sanford and London-based financial institutions. Sanford, confronted with numerous financial difficulties later in life, relied on generous loans from close business partners, such as MacKinnon. Gray Dawes and Company was founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 19, 1887: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.13, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 21, 1887)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated April 21, 1887. The letter acknowledged Sanford's renewal of three promissory notes held with the company, valued respectively at £2,000; £1,500; and £1,500. This correspondence demonstrates the ongoing business relationship between Sanford and London-based financial institutions. Sanford, confronted with numerous financial difficulties later in life, relied on generous loans from close business partners, like Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray Dawes and Company was a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 21, 1887: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.14, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (April 23, 1887)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated April 23, 1887. The letter acknowledged receipt of a check from the Banque de Paris et des Pay-Bas in the amount of £79.15.2 toward the extension of various promissory notes in the full amount of £5,000. This correspondence demonstrates the ongoing business relationship between Sanford and London-based financial institutions. Sanford, confronted with numerous financial difficulties later in life, relied on generous loans from close business partners, like Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray Dawes and Company was a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, April 23, 1887: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.15, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (August 11, 1887)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated August 11, 1887. The letter acknowledged receipt of Sanford returning four promissory notes in the amount of £6,423.17.6, extended for an additional period of six months. The letter also acknowledged that Sanford had "given instructions to have the amount of the discount of £200.14.4 remitted" to Gray Dawes and Company. This correspondence demonstrates the ongoing business relationship between Sanford and London-based financial institutions. Sanford, confronted with numerous financial difficulties later in life, relied on generous loans from close business partners, like Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray Dawes and Company was founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, August 11, 1887: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.18, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (August 15, 1887)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated August 15, 1887. The letter acknowledged receipt of a requested £200.14.4, paid for by Sanford in the form of a bank check issued by the Banque de Paris et des Pay-Bas. The amount owed was for the renewal of several promissory notes held by the company in the amount of £6,423.17.6. This correspondence demonstrates the ongoing business relationship between Sanford and London-based financial institutions. Sanford, confronted with numerous financial difficulties later in life, relied on generous loans from close business partners, like Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray Dawes and Company was founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, August 15, 1887: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.19, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (August 5, 1887)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated August 5, 1887. The letter noted that Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893), whom the loan was owed, was willing to extend the payment due date for the promissory note of £6,423.17.6. Operating under the assumption that Sanford would renew the notes for an additional amount of time, the letter indicated that a "discount" and stamps for the extension, billed at £200.14.4, were enclosed in the letter. This correspondence demonstrates the ongoing business relationship between Sanford and London-based financial institutions. Sanford, confronted with numerous financial difficulties later in life, relied on generous loans from close business partners, like Sir William MacKinnon. Gray Dawes and Company was a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, August 5, 1887: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.16, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (August 8, 1887)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated August 8, 1887. The letter acknowledged receipt of an earlier letter from Sanford and indicated the successful renewal of several promissory notes amounting to a total of £6,423.17.6. This correspondence demonstrates the ongoing business relationship between Sanford and London-based financial institutions. Sanford, confronted with numerous financial difficulties later in life, relied on generous loans from close business partners, like Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray Dawes and Company was a London-based company founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, August 8, 1887: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.17, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (May 6, 1880)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated May 6, 1880. The letter notified Sanford of the £8,000 loan provided by Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893),which was later "made over" to Gray Dawes and Company. The £8,000 was made out to Sanford, using his Florida properties as securities for the loan. The letter indicated that the company authorized Sanford "from time to time, to sell and dispose of the same lands, or any part thereof, for such sums and in such manner as [Sanford] may think fit" with the ultimate goal of Sanford being able to repay the loan in full. The initial purpose of the loan was to help Sanford acquire the necessary initial financial resources to move forward with his Florida land investment scheme what became the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC). Gray Dawes and Company was founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company.
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, May 6, 1880: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.1, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (November 16, 1886)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), dated November 16, 1886. The letter indicated several transactions made by the company, including remitting of £520 to the Banque de Paris et des Pays-Bas, the amount "being dividend warrant of the Florida Land and Colonization Company." The letter also noted that Gray Dawes and Company had "further remitted them for [Sanford's] credit £23.5.6 being amount" of FLCC dividend and warrant in the amount of £320. This correspondence demonstrates the ongoing business relationship between Sanford and London-based financial institutions. Sanford, confronted with numerous financial difficulties later in life, relied on generous loans from close business partners, like Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray Dawes and Company was founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, November 16, 1886: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.21, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (October 27, 1887)
A letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891) on October 27, 1887. The letter indicates that, "at the request of Mr. William MacKinnon," Gray Dawes and Company had issued Sanford three promissory notes—valued at £2,000, £1,500, and £1,500, respectively—serving to extend Sanford's outstanding debt for an additional three-month period. For the extension, the company requested an amount of £80.11.7. This correspondence demonstrates the ongoing business relationship between Sanford and London-based financial institutions. Sanford, confronted with numerous financial difficulties later in life, relied on generous loans from close business partners, like Sir William MacKinnon (1823-1893). Gray Dawes and Company was founded in 1865 by business partners Archie Gray and Edwyn Sandys Dawes (1838-1903). Located at 13 Austin Friars in London, England, the company was focused, at least initially, on maritime insurance. By the mid-1870s, the company had also expanded its operations into shipping, overseeing a fleet of steamships that circulated within a trade network including London, Calcutta, Madras, and elsewhere. The company was closely linked to the Scottish shipping titan, Sir William MacKinnon. Gray was Mackinnon's nephew. Dawes, meanwhile, went on to become a close and trusted business partner to MacKinnon. As such, the firm became a useful means for MacKinnon to reward his friends and business associates. The company availed insurance accounts to these select individuals, accounts that could be used as a source of credit to be paid at a later date. The company became associated with Henry Shelton Sanford thanks to the mutual connection to MacKinnon. In 1880, MacKinnon lent Sanford, who was faced at the time with financial difficulties, some £8,000 to facilitate the founding of a Florida land investment company. The money offered by MacKinnon was in fact loaned to Sanford by Gray Dawes and Company. Additionally, at the behest of MacKinnon, both Gray and Dawes became reluctant subscribers to Sanford’s land investment scheme, the Florida Land and Colonization Company (FLCC).
Original letter from Gray Dawes and Company to Henry Shelton Sanford, October 27, 1887: box 53, folder 7, subfolder 53.7.20, Henry Shelton Sanford Papers, General Henry S. Sanford Memorial Library, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Guy Mauie to Sydney Octavius Chase (September 30, 1889)
An original letter of correspondence between Guy Mauie of The Chinese Evangelist, a Chinese-language Christian periodical founded in New York in the 1880s, and Sydney Octavius Chase. Topics discussed in the letter include L. Kwong's visit to Florida to work for Chase & Company. 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 Guy Mauie to Sydney Octavius Chase, September 30, 1889: box 173, folder 2.40, Chase Collection (MS 14), Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
The Chinese Evangelist, New York City, New York
Letter from Hal M. Beardall to Joshua Coffin Chase (December 4, 1931)
An original letter of correspondence between Joshua Coffin Chase and Dr. Hal M. Beardall, whose office was located at 147 East Church Street in Orlando, Florida. Topics discussed in the letter include the state of health of Jack Hall, who suffered a severe pelvic fracture, most likely at Isleworth Grove. Chase & Company was established by brothers Sydney Octavius Chase and Joshua Coffin Chase in 1884. The company sold insurance and later invested in storage facilities and fertilizer sales. Chase & Company was known mainly for its agricultural interests and maintained a series of citrus groves throughout Central Florida. The company was based out of Sanford and became one of the city's largest employers into the early twentieth century. By 1886, the Chase brothers purchased several citrus groves to expand their business, including Isleworth Grove in Windermere, Florida. Isleworth Grove covered a total of 1,300 acres along the Butler Chain of Lakes. Between 1894 and 1895, Central Florida was hit by several freezes and most of the citrus crop was destroyed. Chase & Company did not grow citrus crops again until 1904 when Joshua came back from an extended stay in California. Between 1894 and 1900, different types of pesticide equipment was created, including equipment driven by steam, machines, and horses.Randall Chase joined in the family business soon after his brother, Sydney Chase, Jr., did in 1922. Randall became the president of Chase & Company from 1948-1965. The Isleworth property stayed in the Chase family until 1984 when Franklin Chase, the son of Sydney Chase, sold the property to famed golfer Arnold Palmer.
Original letter from Hal M. Beardall to Joshua Coffin Chase, December 4, 1931: box 49, folder 20.84, Chase Collection (MS 14), Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Chase & Company Office, Sanford, Florida
Letter from Harold L. Moody to J. W. Woods (April 24, 1967)
A letter from Harold L. Moody, fisheries biologist with the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, to J. W. Woods, Chief of Fisheries for the commission. The letter describes a fish kill first observed on April 23, 1967, by Dewey Smith, and later investigated by Moody. In the letter, Moody reports a large kill of mostly shad and catfish, with citrus processing waste present in the surrounding water.
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from Harold L. Moody to J. W. Woods, April 24, 1967: binder 1967, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Harold L. Moody to J. W. Woods (June 6, 1967)
A letter from Harold L. Moody, fisheries biologist with the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, to J. W. Woods, Chief of Fisheries for the commission. The letter describes a fish kill observed on June 3, 1967. Moody was informed of the kill by Dewey Smith. The kill area was located on the north shore, in the canal separating the muck farms from the lake. Moody also notes that several fishermen observed planes spraying pesticide over the lake immediately before the fish kill. Moody reports that his lab has decided to collect water samples from the areas of future fish kills, as well as affidavits from witnesses to the kill.
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from Harold L. Moody to J. W. Woods, June 6, 1967: binder 1967, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Harold L. Moody to James "Jim" P. Clugston (December 17, 1962)
A letter of correspondence between Harold L. Moody and James "Jim" P. Clugston. In the letter, Moody discusses the changes in Lake Apopka's water quality during the 1940s and 1950s. He provides a brief timeline of the creation of the muck farms on Apopka's north shore, and notes that Winter Garden has expanded their sewage treatment in the last half-decade. He also notes that the bass fishing on Lake Apopka has declined during the 1950s, considering the 1950-1951 bass season the last phenomenal year.
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from Harold L. Moody to James "Jim" P. Clugston, December 17, 162: binder 1962, drawer 1938-1987, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Harold L. Moody to James B. Lackey (July 22,1966)
A letter from Harold L. Moody, River Fishery Project Leader for the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, to James B. Lackey. Lackey was hired by Lake County and Orange County to study water quality in Lake Apopka and the Ocklawaha River in Florida. Moody's letter discusses his collecting of water samples, which he had sent to Lackey for examination. The samples were collected after fish kills on the lake. Moody states both kills were associated with discharge from the Winter Garden sewage treatment plant.
Photocopy of original typewritten letter from Harold L. Moody to James B. Lackey, July 22,1966: binder 1966, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Harold L. Moody to John W. Woods (October 21, 1965)
A letter from Harold L. Moody, a fisheries biologist, to John W. Woods, chief of the Fisheries Division for the Florida Game and Freshwater Commission. The letter discusses aquatic vegetation in Lake Apopka. Moody states that heavy rainfall has helped dilute pollution in the lake and improved light penetration in the water, decreasing the algae content and allowing limited regrowth of certain aquatic plants. These plants were once the dominant vegetation in the lake. Moody believes that this regrowth is temporary unless the inflow of nutrients and pollution can be halted.
Photocopy of original typewritten letter from Harold L. Moody to John W. Woods, October 21, 1965: binder 1965, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Harold L. Moody to Lawrence E. Jerome (March 13, 1972)
A letter from Harold L. Moody, fisheries biologist for the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, to Lawrence E. Jerome. The letter gives a detailed analysis of the history of pollution in Lake Apopka, the development of the Zellwood Drainage District muck farms, and the management of Lake Apopka's water level. Lake Apopka is one of Florida’s largest lakes and was once considered to be one of the world’s best lakes for bass fishing. The lake’s sport fish population began to decline in the 1960s, with major die-offs occurring almost yearly. The lake’s problems are generally considered to be the result of over-nutrification from various sources. Twenty thousand acres of wetlands bordering the lake’s north shore were drained in the 1940s and used for highly fertile “muck farms.” These farms were routinely flooded to protect the fragile soil, and the fertilizer and pesticide-laden water was then discharged back into the lake prior to each growing season. Other sources of pollution include discharge from citrus processing operations, as well as treated wastewater from sewage plants. The nutrient-rich discharge promoted algae growth in the lake, turning the water to a green color, and blocked sunlight from reaching aquatic vegetation, which provided food and habit to the lake’s fish population. The lake’s bottom soil became increasingly “mucky,” also disrupting aquatic vegetation from taking root. Restoration work on the lake began in the 1960s with attempts by various agencies to remove “trash fish,” such as gizzard shad, from the lake via seining, which would hopefully allow the lake’s sport fish to thrive. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council, an initiative formed under Governor Claude Kirk (1926-2011) in 1967, launched several studies to find methods to improve the lake, though no serious action was taken. Various methods were debated to restore the lake through the 1970s and 1980s, including “drawdown,” which entailed completely draining the lake to allow the mucky bottom to consolidate. Restoration attempts were stalled for lack of funding and research. The Lake Apopka Restoration Council was reformed in 1985 under Governor Bob Graham (b. 1936), and, in 1987, the Surface Water and Improvement Management Act was passed. Together, these actions allowed comprehensive restoration plans to take shape, such as the Marsh Flow-way, a project by the St John’s Water Management District that uses natural methods to remove nutrients from the lake. The Friends of Lake Apopka, a citizen environmental advocacy group, began to push for further restoration efforts in the 1990s. The lake’s north shore muck farms were eventually purchased by the State of Florida, helping to reduce the amount of nutrient entering the lake.
Photocopy of 5-page typewritten letter from Harold L. Moody to Lawrence E. Jerome, March 13, 1972: binder 1972, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Fisheries Research Laboratory, Florida Game and Fresh Water Commission, Eustis, Florida
Home of Lawrence E. Jerome, Santa Clara, California
Letter from Harold L. Moody to O. E. Frye, Jr. (June 11, 1962)
A letter of correspondence from Harold L. Moody, fishery biologist, to O. E. Frye, Jr., Assistant Director of the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission. The letter discusses a fish kill on Lake Apopka in May 1962. Moody reports that eyewitnesses observed an agricultural spray plane disperse pesticides over the lake shortly before the fish kill began. Fish kills are usually associated with low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water. Moody notes that his samples showed the oxygen levels to be low, but rather than being evenly dispersed through the lake, the fish kill was concentrated at the north shore adjacent to the farming operations. Moody also notes the presence of dead reptiles and amphibians not normally found during an oxygen-related kill. The fish kill was estimated at 50,000 pounds, at that time the largest fish kill of 1962.
Photocopy of original 2-page letter from Harold L. Moody to O. E. Frye, Jr., June 11, 1962: binder 1962, drawer 1938-1987, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Hazel Skjersaa to Marie Jones Francis (June 13, 1975)
Letter from Hazel Skjersaa, the Maternity Nursing Coordinator at Valencia Community College, to Marie Jones Francis, a midwife in Sanford, Florida. In the letter, Skjersaa thanks Francis for a series of lectures she gave students in her home during April and May of 1975. Francis, the "midwife of Sanford," left behind a successful hotel and restaurant she owned in Sarasota in 1942 to return to Sanford and become a midwife. World War II caused a shortage in doctors and nurses, so Florida's Children's Bureau sent Francis to Florida A & M to acquire her practical nursing license in 1945. She specialized in premature babies and returned to Sanford to aid her mother, Carrie Jones, at Fernald-Laughton Memorial Hospital before they opened the ward in their home. "When her health starting failing," she recollects in a newspaper article, "I took over." Francis converted her house at 621 East Sixth Street to also serve as a maternity ward, where she delivered over 40,000 babies over her 32 year career. She became a midwife in the same vein as her mother, Carrie Jones, and together they ran the Jones-Francis Maternity Hall in Georgetown. Francis served her community in several ways. She delivered babies for both white and black families from Seminole County, primarily patrons who either preferred natural births or could not afford deliveries at a hospital. In the 1950s, it cost $70 to stay nine days where soon-to-be mothers were taken care of. Francis was assisted by her sister, Annie Walker, who did the cooking. The house and ward also served as a school, where Marie Francis taught nurses the art of midwifery. Nurses would come from across the state to learn how to delivery infants naturally. A heavy burden on a single working mother, Marie Francis had three daughters, Cassandra Clayton, Daphne Humphrey, and Barbara Torre. Clayton and Humphrey became school teachers and Torre became a purchaser at Seminole Memorial Hospital.
Original letter from Hazel Skjersaa to Marie Jones Francis, June 13, 1975: Private Collection of Daphne F. Humphrey.
Valencia Community College, Orlando, Florida
Jones-Francis Maternity Hall, Georgetown, Sanford, Florida
Letter from Helen M. Hood to Gary I. Sharp (May 21, 1975)
A letter from Helen M. Hood, chair of the Parks and Endangered Lands Committee of the Florida Defenders of the Environment (FDE), to Gary I. Sharp, dated May 21, 1975. In this letter, Hood states that the FDE endorsed Sharp's proposal to form a recreational park in the Gourd Neck Springs area. Hood states that the FDE did not consider the area to qualify as endangered land, but agrees with Ney Landrum, director of the Florida Park Service from 1970 to 1989, that the site had potential for recreational use. Hood cites potential future growth in Central Florida as a reason for the site to be acquired for the public. Gourd Neck Springs is a small spring located in the southwest portion of Lake Apopka, in a small cove called “Gourd Neck” due to its distinctive shape. This area of the lake was considered in the 1960s as a potential nursery for fish. The Lake Apopka Technical Committee explored damming the Gourd Neck, separating it from the lake and preventing polluted lake water from entering, but these plans did not materialize. Efforts were also made in the 1960s to have the Gourd Neck area purchased by the State of Florida for use as a public park. The Gourd Neck Springs Park Association was formed in 1961 to study the site’s potential for a park and lobby for support from legislators. The land bordering the area was privately-owned by various individuals. One of these, Gary I. Sharp, continued seeking support for a park into the 1970s. While the project received support from Florida legislators and environmentalists, the land was never purchased by the state.
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from Helen M. Hood to Gary I. Sharp, May 21, 1975: binder 1975, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Gourd Neck Springs, Lake Apopka, Florida
Letter from Henry F. Swanson (February 11, 1966)
A letter from Henry F. Swanson (1902-1989) to supporters of agriculture in Orange County, Florida. Swanson was the Orange County Agricultural Extension Agent from 1948 to 1978. The Extension Service is a cooperative effort between the University of Florida (UF) and state and local governments to make agricultural and ecological research available to the public. In addition to his role as a public advocate for Central Florida agriculture, Swanson was well-known as an early advocate for protection of Central Florida aquifers. In this letter, he describes a "greenbelt" of land in Central Florida that is a vital aquifer recharge area. Swanson also discusses the importance of agriculture, as a type of land use that does not prevent rainfall recharge (as real estate development would).
Original 2-page typewritten letter from Henry F. Swanson, February 11, 1966: binder 1966, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
Letter from Henry F. Swanson (January 21, 1966)
A letter from Henry F. Swanson (1902-1989) to supporters of agriculture in Orange County, Florida. Swanson was the Orange County Agricultural Extension Agent from 1948 to 1978. The Extension Service is a cooperative effort between the University of Florida (UF) and state and local governments to make agricultural and ecological research available to the public. In addition to his role as a public advocate for Central Florida agriculture, Swanson was well-known as an early advocate for protection of Central Florida aquifers. In this letter, he outlines the need for a water management plan that would protect valuable aquifer "recharge" areas and better control excess rainfall.
Original 2-page typewritten letter from Henry F. Swanson, January 21, 1966: binder 1966, Friends of Lake Apopka Archives, Ginn Museum, Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland, Florida.
College of Agriculture, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry (April 7, 1878)
A personal letter from Henry L. DeForest (1857-1902) to his future wife, Anna M. Sperry. In the letter, DeForest discusses his conversation with Henry Shelton Sanford (1823-1891), his correspondence with Mr. Day, Sperry's birthday, and his plans to travel north. DeForest (1857-1902), along with four African-Americans at the DeForest home in 1905. Called "The Palms," the DeForest home was located at 105 Aldean Drive in Sanford, Florida. DeForest was born in Derby, Connecticut, and knew Sanford since childhood. In 1870, DeForest came to Florida seeking better health in the warmer climate. He became Sanford's agent and helped carry out the work of establishing Sanford. He managed the contracted workers for Sanford's groves, especially the contracted Swedes that Sanford brought over in 1871. By the 1880s, he had married Anna M. Sperry, also from Derby, and had become an established businessman and grove owner in Sanford. He built his general store in 1887, which was the second oldest brick building in Downtown Sanford. His general store was the building where the historic September 1887 fire stopped. DeForest built other commercial buildings in downtown.
Original letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry, April 7, 1878: DeForest Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry DeForest (December 6, 1881)
A personal letter from Henry L. DeForest (1857-1902) to his wife, Anna M. Sperry DeForest. In the letter, DeForest discusses Henry Shelton Sanford's (1823-1891) recent illness, DeForest's love for his wife, and his desire for her to travel to Sanford, Florida, to visit him. DeForest (1857-1902), along with four African-Americans at the DeForest home in 1905. Called "The Palms," the DeForest home was located at 105 Aldean Drive in Sanford, Florida. DeForest was born in Derby, Connecticut, and knew Sanford since childhood. In 1870, DeForest came to Florida seeking better health in the warmer climate. He became Sanford's agent and helped carry out the work of establishing Sanford. He managed the contracted workers for Sanford's groves, especially the contracted Swedes that Sanford brought over in 1871. By the 1880s, he had married Anna M. Sperry, also from Derby, and had become an established businessman and grove owner in Sanford. He built his general store in 1887, which was the second oldest brick building in Downtown Sanford. His general store was the building where the historic September 1887 fire stopped. DeForest built other commercial buildings in downtown.
Original letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry DeForest, December 6, 1881: DeForest Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry DeForest (December 8, 1881)
A personal letter from Henry L. DeForest (1857-1902) to his wife, Anna M. Sperry DeForest. In the letter, DeForest discusses Henry Shelton Sanford's (1823-1891) recovery from an illness, DeForest's purchase of land from Sanford, the "celebrated occultist" Dr. Agnew's visit to Sanford, Mr. Case's hotel, and DeForest's hope to see Anna in the winter. DeForest was born in Derby, Connecticut, and knew Henry Shelton Sanford since childhood. In 1870, DeForest came to Florida seeking better health in the warmer climate. He became Sanford's agent and helped carry out the work of establishing Sanford. He managed the contracted workers for Sanford's groves, especially the contracted Swedes that Sanford brought over in 1871. By the 1880s, he had married Anna M. Sperry, also from Derby, and had become an established businessman and grove owner in Sanford. He built his general store in 1887, which was the second oldest brick building in Downtown Sanford. His general store was the building where the historic September 1887 fire stopped. DeForest built other commercial buildings in downtown. His home, known as "The Palms," was located at 105 Aldean Drive and still stands today.
Original letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry DeForest, December 8, 1881: DeForest Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry DeForest (May 4, 1881)
A personal letter from Henry L. DeForest (1857-1902) to his wife, Anna M. Sperry DeForest. In the letter, DeForest discusses their baby son, rainy weather, his boredom in Sanford, a letter he received from Loise Cornell, and Anna's travel to Savannah, Georgia. DeForest was born in Derby, Connecticut, and knew Henry Shelton Sanford since childhood. In 1870, DeForest came to Florida seeking better health in the warmer climate. He became Sanford's agent and helped carry out the work of establishing Sanford. He managed the contracted workers for Sanford's groves, especially the contracted Swedes that Sanford brought over in 1871. By the 1880s, he had married Anna M. Sperry, also from Derby, and had become an established businessman and grove owner in Sanford. He built his general store in 1887, which was the second oldest brick building in Downtown Sanford. His general store was the building where the historic September 1887 fire stopped. DeForest built other commercial buildings in downtown. His home, known as "The Palms," was located at 105 Aldean Drive and still stands today.
Original letter from Henry L. DeForest to Anna M. Sperry DeForest, May 4, 1881: DeForest Collection, Sanford Museum, Sanford, Florida.
Letter from Henry L. Stimson to Edna P. Hancock (May 25, 1945)
A letter from U.S. Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson to Edna P. Hancock dated May 25, 1945. In the letter, Sec. Stimson announces that Hancock's husband, Sergeant John B. Hancock (1913-1944), was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart from President Harry S. Truman. Sgt. Hancock was born in Thomasville, Georgia, in 1913, but later migrated to Auburndale, Florida. Hancock managed a Great Atlantic &amp
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from Henry L. Stimson to Edna P. Hancock, May 25, 1945: Private Collection of Linda Hughes.
Letter from Herbert Hoover to Charles Henry Coe (November 15, 1928)
A letter of correspondence from Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) to Captain Charles Henry Coe (1856-1954), author of Red Patriots: The Story of the Seminoles (1898). In the letter, Hoover thanks Capt. Coe for his message of confidence and good wishes. Capt. Coe's message was likely regarding the Election of 1928, as it was sent the day after the election on November 7. Hoover ultimately did win the election, becoming President of the United States. Hoover served from 1929 until 1933, and is best known for his insufficient response to the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression.
Original letter from Herbert Hoover to Charles Henry Coe, November 15, 1928: Private Collection of Andrew M. Foster.
Stanford University, Stanford, California
Letter from J. A. Jacobson to Isaac Vanderpool (December 17, 1895)
A letter from J. A. Jacobson to Isaac Vanderpool, dated December 17, 1895, regarding a shipment of orange trees. The Vanderpools were one of the original families in Maitland, Florida, with Isaac Vanderpool, the patriarch of the family, buying 160 acres of land in the year 1870. In 1876, after facing a large financial loss and disaster in New York, Isaac and his wife, Harriet Vanderpool, permanently moved to the Maitland area. At the time of their arrival, the area only had about four or five family homesteads and orange groves. Vanderpool was part of the first committee to help incorporate the town of Lake Maitland. The committee included Vanderpool, Henry S. Kedney, George Packwood, and Richard Packwood. The Vanderpool family was also heavily involved in civic affairs, which included the establishment of the town of Eatonville by Vanderpool and Josiah C. Eaton. The Vanderpools were paricipants in the creation of the Florida Audubon Society and the organization of the Maitland Public Library. Harriet Vanderpool, along with Bishop Henry C. Whipple, founded the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and, in 1927, she wrote the "Maitland Song," which the chamber of commerce adopted as the official song for the city. In 1887, Vanderpool became Mayor of Maitland and during this time, acquired land for the city first cemetery. In 1892, he built the first packinghouse in Maitland, which was featured in The Gate City Chronicle as the state most modern and best packinghouse.
Original 1-page letter from J. A. Jacobson to Isaac Vanderpool, December 17, 1895: Vanderpool Collection, accession number 2014.002.021V, room 2, case 2, shelf 10, box GV, Maitland Historical Museum, Art & History Museums - Maitland, Maitland, Florida.
Letter from J. A. Ulio to Edna P. Hancock (March 25, 1944)
A letter from U.S. Army Major General J. A. Ulio to Edna P. Hancock dated March 15, 1944. In the letter, Maj. Gen. Ulio informs Hancock that her husband, then-Private John B. Hancock (1913-1944), was making normal improvement, likely from an injury. Sergeant Hancock was born in Thomasville, Georgia, in 1913, but later migrated to Auburndale, Florida. Hancock managed a Great Atlantic &amp
Photocopy of original 1-page typewritten letter from J. A. Ulio to Edna P. Hancock, March 25, 1944: Private Collection of Linda Hughes.