| HISTORY of WINTER PARK, FL in PICTURES |
| Before the turn of the 20th Century several wealthy men developed the first planned community in Florida. Today Historical Winter Park thrives with Art Galleries, Museums, Train Station, Golf Course with an exquisite Country Club and Rollins College. The Sidewalk Art Festival, and Winter Park d' Elegance are well attended by thousands of people from all over the country, annually. |
The Founding Fathers of Winter Park, FL
Colonel Franklin Fairbanks
Oliver Everette Chapman
William Charles Comstock
Alonzo W. Rollins
Francis Bangs Knowles
Loring Augusta Chase
William C. Temple
M / M ROBERT LANGFORD SR
LANGFORD HOTEL ENTRANCE
| Born 1832 on a farm in southern Maine. In 1865 Rollins formed A.W. Rollins Company in Chicago,IL he accumulated vast wealth. For health reasons he spent winters in Florida. He was the earliest winter visitor to purchase a home in Winter Park. Rollins Donated $50,000 cash and property to establish the Rollins College. Died 2 yrs later Sept 2, 1887 |
| Born July 1,1839 in Nashua, Mass served in the War between the States. Became a Real Estate Broker in Chicago,IL His doctor advised him to go South for health reasons. Formed a partnership with Chapman that lead to the founding of the Town of Winter Park. Died in 1906 |
| Born Dec 29,1851 in Canton,Mass 1881 Chapman & Chase purchased three Homesteads, 600 acres. Together they built beautiful residential homes for wealthy Northerners 1881-1885 Chapman sold his interest to Chase for $40,000. Chapman built one of the first homes in Winter Park in 1882. Died in Sharon Mass on Sept 4, 1936 |
| Born October 1847 in Oswego, NY. After getting a masters degree he engaged in the grain business. President of the Chicago Board of Trade. President of Traders Assurance Company of Chicago. 1st came to the area in 1876. Built 'Eastbank' in 1883. Contributor to the economic and social life of Winter Park. Died in Chicago Sept 24,1924 |
| Born June 28,1828 in St Johnsbury,VT. At 18 joined the family business of scales manufacturing and eventually became the President of the company. Became a Director of a number of mining, manufacturing, banking and telegraph businesses. He was part of the Vermont legislature. Came to Winter Park in 1881 with his friend Morse. Ffirst investors to purchase lake front property from Chapman & Chase. Contributed to the founding of Rollins College Deeply involved in churchwork. Died April 24,1895. |
| Born Dec 28,1862 in Starke, FL Went to college up north.and became a Director of Banks trust companies and lumber,coal & mining companies. Came to Winter Park in 1898, purchased estate and built 'Alabama' After showing great interest and concern he became the first Mayor of Winter Park. Trustee of Rollins College and donor of funds. Died Jan. 9,1917 |
| Born Nov 29,1823 in Hardwick, Mass. 1845 manufactured gloves and sold to the Union Army during 1861- 62. After the war, he joined his brother in making looms and steam pumps in Mass. In 1889 the Knowles Loom Works Inc. The company prospered greatly. 1883 he visited his friend Fairbanks who informed him of the newly developing community of Winter Park. He became a Director of Winter Park Company and a great contributor to Rollins College crucial to it's continued success. Died in Wash DC May15,1890 |
Charles Hosmer Morse
| Born Sept 23, 1833 in St Johnsburg, VT at 17 he apprenticed with E&T Fairbanks & Co. and within a few years was sent to the NY office to establish affiliate. He came to Winter Park in1881 at age 48 with Franklin Fairbanks, each purchased lots on the Lake Osceola. His greates involvement began in 1904 when he purchased Frances Knowles Estate and took over operation of the Winter Park Company which made him the largest landholder in Winter Park. Deep committment and generous contributions made by Morse to the city are enjoyed each and every day. Died in his Winter Park home May 5, 1921 |
| Historical Postcards of Winter Park,FL |
The Langford Hotel
Virginia Inn in Winter Park
Sidewalk Art Festival
Venice of America Boat Trips
Venetian Canal
Train Station
Rollins College Campus
The Colony Theatre
Grenada Court on Park Ave
| Special thanks to the Winter Park Public Library for allowing us to use copyright material. |
| The Langford Hotel was a famous and prominent Resort Hotel. It catered to the rich and famous of it's day. Some of the famous people that stayed at The Langford Hotel include: Eleanor Roosevelt, she was a speaker at the CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mamie Eisenhower, she stayed 10 days and visited with lifelong friend that lived in the area. Ronald & Nancy Reagon stayed several days to celebrate there 25th Wedding Anniversary When the Langford Hotel closed it's doors on May 30, 2000 it was considered the 'End of an Era' Mr Robert Langford Sr died 1 year later. |
LANGFORD HOTEL
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