Lillian Humphrey was born on her family’s Lake Mary homestead in 1928. She was the third generation to be born in what became Seminole County.
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.
The Last Cowgirl of Lake Mary
Rounding Wagner’s Curve
Hidden beneath suburban Winter Springs is the old village of Wagner and its once-infamous dead man’s curve.
War of 17–92: Casselberry v. Fern Park
Gordon Barnett’s Fern Park was riding high until Hibbard Casselberry incorporated a new town smack dab in the middle. Ask your average Seminole County resident: Where is Fern Park? If they have even heard of it, they’ll probably tell you: South of 436...
Orange and Seminole County’s First Railroad
The legacy of that first narrow-gauge railroad from Sanford to Orlando still lives on today through SunRail. The first railroad in Seminole County was a narrow-gauge line stretching 23 miles between Sanford and Orlando. It was initiated by E. W....
Fern Park, Florida and the Largest Industry Under One Roof
Fern cultivation gave rise to a new town with the Haines, Barnett, Casselberry and Vaughn families its royal court. Before Seminole County was created in 1913, the area that is today known as Casselberry was referred to as the Concord...
Legend of Code Hill, the Sage of Bear Lake
His story is epic. Perhaps no one in Orlando was more universally loved than this charismatic pioneer from Lockhart.
Ginger Ale Springs
Every day thousands of cars zoom past on nearby Markham Woods Road. Its bubbling brook gurgles only a few hundred feet from Interstate 4 and State Road 434. Hiding off in the woods is a tiny boiling spring. Although unknown even to most lifelong residents, for decades, it has been called “Ginger Ale Spring” by insiders.
Mysterious Bombing at Bank of Oviedo
The village of Oviedo was rocked by a 1929 attack perpetrated by apparent burglars… or was there another motive?
Casselberry’s Concord settlement is oldest in south Seminole County
Thousands of cars unknowingly pass by this relic every day. Concord pre-dates Longwood, Altamonte, and Oviedo. On a recent Saturday, I was battling 17–92 traffic for approximately the 953rd time since moving to the area 15 years ago. Out of the...
Bog to Beauty: Crane’s Roost Park
Since its namesake hotel burnt in 1954, sprawling Altamonte Springs had no real center. So, it created one… from a swamp.