Benjamin F Haines

Born1876
Died1942

Benjamin Franklin Haines, son of Altamonte Springs’ fern king Charles D. Haines, carved his own path in the city’s history. Born in 1876 in Massachusetts, Benjamin embarked on a legal and political career, serving on the Medford Board of Aldermen and even becoming the eighth mayor of Medford. However, Florida’s sunshine beckoned, and Benjamin transitioned into business after arriving in Altamonte Springs. Following his father’s footsteps in community service, he became mayor in 1931.

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...