History of Winter Park, Florida, USA

1858 - (Winter Park) - The city was originally named Lakeview in 1858
David Mizell Jr. and his family, the first settlers in what is now Winter Park, buy eight acres between Lakes Virginia, Mizell and Berry. The settlement that grows up around their homestead is called Lake View.
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Read more about David, Jr MIZELL

1870 - (Winter Park) - The settlement of Lake View got a post office and became known as Osceola
The name of Lake View is changed to Osceola, and a post office opens at the home of Col. E.B. Livingston, who also stocks groceries. The settlement remains well east of what is now downtown Winter Park.
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1880 - (Winter Park) - A South Florida Railroad track connecting Orlando and Sanford was laid a few miles west of Osceola.

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1882 - (Winter Park) - The railroad constructed a depot, connected to Osceola by a dirt road.

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In 1885, a group of businessmen started the Winter Park Company and incorporated it with the Florida Legislature

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In 1885, the Congregational Assembly of Florida started Rollins College, the state's first four-year college.
Rollins College is a private college in Winter Park, Florida. It was founded in November 1885 and has about 30 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. It is Florida's fourth oldest post-secondary institution. wikipedia
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1886 - (Winter Park) - The Seminole Hotel on Lake Osceola opened
The Seminole Hotel opens on New Year’s night. It is a grand lakeside resort with gas lights, steam heat, and orchestra, formal dining room and long covered porches. The town’s first municipal election is held; two black men are among the six aldermen chosen.

The Seminole Hotel was a hotel in Winter Park, Florida. The hotel opened on January 1, 1886 and had 250 guest rooms. It was situated on a site bounded by Osceola Avenue and Lake Osceola and sat at the eastern end of New England Avenue . Many people referred to it as the grand resort of Florida... The original Seminole Hotel burned to the ground in September, 1902. In 1912, a second, smaller Seminole Hotel was built. The new hotel was located on East Webster Avenue and sat on the northwest banks of Lake Osceola. This hotel was torn down in 1970. wikipedia
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1887 - (Winter Park) - Chartered in 1887, the city was originally developed as a winter resort for wealthy Northerners seeking refuge from the harsh winters and a tranquil place to rest and relax.
Winter Park is incorporated as a town in October. Its corporate limits take in the Osceola settlement. Earlier that year, work begins on the Orlando and Winter Park Railroad, later often called the Dinky Line.
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1891 - (Winter Park) - The Henkel Block opens on Park Avenue with five stores, a boarding house and a doctor’s office. Fifteen street lamps, fueled by oil, are placed downtown.

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1895 - (Winter Park) - A policeman is hired to patrol groves within town limits to prevent the theft of fruit. He is paid $35 a month.

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1903 - (Winter Park) - Animals are doing a lot of damage, so five-day permits are issued to kill squirrels and destructive birds. Permission also is granted to kill alligators in the town’s lakes.
Another ordinance levies a $25 fine and/ or 25 days at hard labor for persons found guilty of playing games on Sunday.

At the same time, the sale of intoxicating liquors is prohibited – except by a physician’s prescription.
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1904 - (Winter Park) - A speed limit of 8 mph is mandated for motor vehicles

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1906
Winterpark, a post-town and resort of Orange co., Fla., on the Atlantic Coast and the Seaboard Air Lines. The banking point is Sanford or Orlando. Pop. in 1900, 366.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1908 - (Winter Park) - A boy is employed for $10 per month to keep cows off the streets during daylight hours.

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2023 - Whether you're a local looking for something new to do or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Winter Park:
Park Avenue: Start your visit with a stroll down Park Avenue, the heart of Winter Park. Lined with upscale boutiques, cafes, and galleries, it's the perfect place for shopping, people-watching, or simply enjoying the beautiful tree-lined streets.

Morse Museum of American Art: Don't miss the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, home to the largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his famous stained glass. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Boat Tour on Winter Park Chain of Lakes: Take a scenic boat tour on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. These tours provide a unique perspective of the city's beautiful homes and lush landscapes. The Dinky Dock is a great spot to start your boat adventure.

Mead Botanical Garden: If you're a nature lover, explore the Mead Botanical Garden. It's a peaceful oasis with walking trails, gardens, and a butterfly garden. Perfect for a leisurely stroll and bird-watching.

Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens:... Read MORE...