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Winter Park photographs, Circa 1880-1900

 

Summary

Abstract:
The collection is comprised of 43 photographs taken of Winter Park in the late 19th century. The collection features a variety of images taken of the town and the surrounding area. The focus of the photographs varies and includes subjects such as agriculture, nature, people, and buildings and other structures, both public and private.
Extent:
1.75 Linear Feet 7 boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Photographs of Winter Park, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains one series, arranged in A - Z order by subseries and title.

Subseries I: Agriculture and Plant Life, Circa 1880-1900, contains 7 albumen photographs, approximately 5 x 7 inches, mounted onto a thick paper backing. Images are assumed to be of the agriculture and various plant life in and around the area of Winter Park, Florida.

Subseries II: Buildings, Private, Circa 1880-1900, contains 16 albumen photographs, approximately 5 x 7 inches, mounted onto a thick paper backing. Images are assumed to be of private homes and various other buildings in Winter Park, Florida as well as the surrounding area.

Subseries III: Buildings, Public, Circa 1880-1900, contains 7 albumen photographs, approximately 5 x 7 inches, mounted onto a thick paper backing. Images are assumed to be of public buildings, including stores, churches, and other institutions in Winter Park, Florida.

Subseries IV: Lakes and Rivers, Circa 1880-1900, contains 13 albumen photographs, approximately 5 x 7 inches, mounted onto a thick paper backing. Images are assumed to be of the Lakes and Rivers utilized by many of the people that resided in and around Winter Park, Florida.

Biographical / historical:

"Before me lay these beautiful rolling plains, covered everywhere by majestic pines, forming, not an impenetrable forest but a vast grove through which we could drive our team at will." (A Bright New England Town in Central Florida) This is how one of the founders of Winter Park, Loring Chase described it upon his first time visiting the area in February of 1881. The city of Winter Park and the surrounding area saw its' very first settlers in the year 1858 when David Mizell Jr. purchased an eight - acre parcel of land, naming it Lakeview. The area was renamed to Osceola in 1870. (History of Winter Park) In 1881, Loring Chase, along with his boyhood friend Oliver Chapman, purchased 600 acres of land surrounding the area's lakes for a total of $13,000. (Winter Park History) Later, during an informal discussion between Chase and Chapman, they came to a decision on the name, Winter Park. (History of Winter Park)

In 1882, Winter Park saw the construction of its' very first buildings, a railroad depot as well as the town's very first hotel, the Rogers House. (History) In addition, the first cottage, a residence for Oliver Chapman and his family, was also constructed. From here Winter Park continued to grow. In 1883, the town sent its' first telegraphic message to President Chester Arthur on New Year's Day. (History of Winter Park) In 1885 Rollins College was founded by a committee of Congregational ministers, becoming the first college in the state. (History of Winter Park) Winter Park continued to grow and garner a reputation as a town of both literature and the arts. Citrus soon began to emerge as a dominant force in the economy alongside the entertainment of wealthy northern guests. (Winter Park History)

The early 20th century saw the sparking of the Florida Land Boom with the construction of numerous subdivisions and commercial properties as well as schools due to the investments from many prominent northern businessmen. (Winter Park History) This was short lived; however, as Winter Park soon saw an economic downturn following the collapse of the Land Boom as well as the Depression, though the city's economy was quick to rebound following the emergence of World War II and the years following. (Winter Park History) Today Winter Park continues to be a popular destination for those wishing to enjoy the picturesque scenery alongside the booming culture of the arts.

A Bright New England Town in Central Florida. Winter Park Magazine, date accessed 19 June 2019 https://winterparkmag.com/history/

History. City of Winter Park, date accessed 19 June 2019 https://cityofwinterpark.org/government/city-info/history/

History of Winter Park. History of Winter Park - Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, FL, date accessed 19 June 2019 https://winterpark.org/history-of-winter-park

Winter Park History. Winter Park History Museum, date accessed 19 June 2019 http://www.wphistory.org/explore-history/winter-park/

Acquisition information:
University of Central Florida Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives purchased the photographs in 2018. (CFM2018_03)
Processing information:

Photographs first individually placed in polyester sleeves and then housed in pH neutral folders and boxes. Photographs were also grouped together by subject matter and organized by title in A-Z order.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The entire collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

Photographs of Winter Park, Special Collections and University Archives, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.

Location of this collection:
John C. Hitt Library
12701 Pegasus Drive, Building 2
Orlando
FL
32816-8030
USA