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...
Fern Park
Maitland overpass marks the old town of Mayo
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...
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...
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...
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...