The area behind the former Flea World at the corner of 17-92 and 427 was long known as Elder Springs. It was named for Captain Philip Mahlon Elder, who moved to Sanford in 1884 and served as postmaster for many...
Seminole County
Seminole County boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests indigenous people, likely the Seminole tribe, inhabited the region for millennia. European exploration commenced in the 16th century, with Spanish conquistadors leaving their mark.
Seminole County wasn’t officially established until 1913, carved out of Orange County. The area experienced significant growth throughout the 20th century, fueled by tourism and agricultural endeavors. Today, Seminole County flourishes as a vibrant hub, blending historic charm and modern conveniences.
Elder Springs
Evans Block in Lake Mary
Frank Evans built this two-story building in 1926 at the southeast corner of Country Club Rd and Crystal Lake Ave in Lake Mary. The bricks were salvaged from the general store of Axel E. Sjoblom, which previously stood at this...
Was there really a Fort Concord?
Oral tradition says it was located on the northern shore of Lake Concord, essentially in the Home Depot parking lot. I spoke about the "fort" extensively in this post: Casselberry's original settlement, Concord. Some legends state that it was built...
Early Settlers of Snow Hill / Kolokee
Nestled in rural Seminole County, next to the Little Big Econ State Forest, Snow Hill's identity hangs on by a thread. A few dozen homes and a green highway sign provide the only indication of the community's long history. Early...
Murder at Maison & Jardin and Sleepy Hill Farm in Altamonte Springs
Robert Henry and Verna Fluent Walsh left Chicago and moved to Altamonte Springs around 1925. They purchased an estate of about 24 acres along Wymore Road, just south of the Spring Valley subdivision and fronting the eastern shore of Spring...
Flying Seminole Ranch in Oviedo
The Flying Seminole Ranch was opened east of Oviedo in 1965. Its original owners were Tom Tuck and Jerry Lindsey. It had a 4000-foot grass runway and a training center for aspiring pilots. It was discussed as a possible more...
Maitland overpass marks the old town of Mayo
Hidden under the busy flyover intersection of Maitland Boulevard and US 17-92 are the reminders of a small town that once thrived here around 140 years ago. Mayo Avenue betrays its secret. Rudolph Gustave Mayo (August 22, 1829 - December...
Forest City, Florida – Plat Map from 1883
Here is the Forest City plat, filed with Orange County in 1883. I've overlayed 2023 landmarks on it to give reference. The red line is the old Orange Belt Railroad line, which is now (partially) a bike trail that is...
1890 Property Map of Lake Brantley area
Lake Brantley and Hunt Club area. This 1890 Orange County tax role map shows the property owners overlayed on the modern-day satellite view map. The red highlighted area indicates the section the Lewton family donated for the Lake Brantley Union...
Sanford Landmarks of the 1960s
This photo looks southward down Park Avenue from the Veteran's Memorial Park.