The Bates-Vammen House is at 115 Maitland Avenue, south of 436 in Altamonte Springs. It was built in 1888 by George Frost, who wintered in Altamonte Springs from 1881 until he died in 1905. He was one of the first...
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.
Bates-Vammen House in Altamonte Springs was built in 1888
Lake Monroe Public School, Constructed in 1919
The town of Lake Monroe was once a thriving community but much of its identity was swallowed up by I-4, and the rest erased by industrial buildings around the railroad of West Sanford. It overlays roughly with the former village...
Paola Historical Cemetery
The Paola Historical Cemetery, also known as the Banana Lake Cemetery or Paola Church Yard Cemetery, is an unassuming lot recently cleared of underbrush in hopes of being finally developed. It is estimated that around 60 graves were once buried...
Soda Factory Store in Casselberry was a lively destination in the 70s
In 1976 a combination retail store and soda bottling factory opened in Casselberry. It was called The PoP Shoppe and located in front of the Semoran Skateway at 1101 Semoran Blvd. The Casselberry factory made 16 regular and 8 diet...
East Altamonte Clings to its Heritage
Against all odds, East Altamonte has persisted for over 130 years. The historically black community is surrounded by valuable real estate and three land-hungry municipalities. “In 20 years, Winwood will not exist,” Alcee Hastings, the community’s most famous son, said...
Nolan House in Altamonte Springs
Yesterday, I stopped by the Nolan House in Altamonte Springs. I've been meaning to for a while, after numerous "trips" there on Google Street View. I serendipitously ran into owner Carmen Bierman, who was hanging out on the porch. The...
Kingsbury House is Winter Springs Town Center Hold Out
A lone single-family home sitting behind the Winter Springs Town Center, between an apartment complex and Magnolia Square (where Winter Springs hosts many festivals). The home was built in 1975 on a tract that included at least 16 acres. The...
Longwood Town Marshal Kidnapped by the KKK
The Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s is notorious for lynchings and bigotry. And that dishonor is well-earned, of course. However, the hooded order was involved in more than simply terrorizing blacks, immigrants, Jews, and Catholics. In those days, the...
Lyman Twins of Altamonte, famous Vaudeville stage actors
The comedians settled in Seminole County after retiring from a 15-year career, thrilling audiences nationwide. It’s not every day that genuine celebrities move to town! The citizens of tiny Altamonte Springs were delighted when the famous “Lyman Twins” decided to...
The Last Cowgirl of Lake Mary
Griffin Farm is the crown jewel of Lake Mary’s midtown. Until recently, it was the lifelong home of Lillian Humphrey Griffin. Two nights ago, I was picking up dinner at ZaZa’s in the convenient new live-shop-work hotspot in Lake Mary....