You'd never guess it today, but this modest residence was once the hub of social activity in early Altamonte Springs.
Altamonte Springs
Altamonte Springs, Florida began as a railroad stop in the late 1800s. Wealthy tourists were drawn to the area, and the Altamonte Land, Hotel & Navigation Company capitalized by building a luxurious hotel. Citrus groves flourished until a freeze devastated the industry.
Residents adapted, growing asparagus and ferns before returning to citrus. Altamonte Springs officially became a town in 1921 and a city in 1967. Today, it’s a vibrant suburban community with excellent schools, shopping, and easy access to major highways.
Jasmine Theater of Altamonte Springs
Death metal started in Altamonte Springs
Death was born in Altamonte Springs. No, that's not some sort of poetic oxymoron. "Death" is the name of a band founded in 1983 by three students: Chuck Schuldiner, Kam Lee, and Rick Rozz. Schuldiner attended Lyman, while Lee and...
Eyesore on I-4: Origin of the Majesty Building
It started as a building; it became a meme. Central Floridians never get tired of a good "Eyesore on I-4" joke. The never-ending construction project started in 2001 and (as of 2024) shows no signs of being completed... like ever....
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...
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...
Bates-Vammen House in Altamonte Springs was built in 1888
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...
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...