# Longwood Historic Society > Celebrating the present, while preserving the past. ## Posts - [🎄 Get Ready for the Holidays! Carols & Cocoa is Back!](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2025/%f0%9f%8e%84-get-ready-for-the-holidays-carols-cocoa-is-back/): Hey Longwood friends! The Longwood Historic Society is so excited to announce that our favorite holiday tradition, “Carols & Cocoa, Presented by AC Cowboys,” is officially returning on Saturday, November 29, 2025! Mark your calendars! This is the official way we kick off the Christmas season in Longwood, featuring a special historic tour and a heartwarming community tree lighting. New member, Eric Becker, will serve as event coordinator for this third annual holiday event. A Special Gift to the Community from AC Cowboys We are thrilled to acknowledge the incredible support from our Presenting Sponsor, AC Cowboys. They have stepped up significantly […] - [Lewis House Update: Commission selects two locations](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2025/lewis-house-update-commission-selects-two-locations/): Members and Public: I attended the Longwood City Commission meeting last night and spoke to the commissioners early in the meeting. The meeting concluded with a thorough presentation by Community Development Director Chris Kintner, followed by a discussion among the commissioners. I appreciate Tom, Wade, and Robin for also joining me in attendance. Thank you to the commissioners and staff for their engagement in prioritizing the rehabilitation of this historic property. This is the kind of foresight we need. Let’s keep the momentum going! The society’s ranked priorities are: The society’s recommendation was a location in Reiter Park, preferably on […] - [Salute to Tracy Putnam](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/salute-to-tracy-putnam/): The board of directors regretfully accepted Vice President Tracy Putnam’s resignation earlier this month. Life changes have led Tracy and her husband, Doug, to move to a wonderful spot west of DeLand, near the St. Johns River. However, she was no longer able to continue in the VP role. Tracy will remain a member of the Society, and we have reminded her of the proximity of the new SunRail station to their new home! It’s hard to convey the vastness of her contributions in a paragraph, but I want to heap a mountain of praises on Tracy and her dedication […] - [Carols & Cocoa Welcomes Record Crowd](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/carols-cocoa-welcomes-record-crowd/): The second annual Carols & Cocoa on November 30, 2024 was a huge success! The festivities kicked off with a historic “open house” walking tour. Historic Society President Jason Byrne led the large crowd to stops at the Longwood Inn, Bradlee-McIntyre House, Clouser House, Christ Episcopal Church, the Inside-Outside House, and the Historic Civic Center. After the tour wrapped, hot cocoa, apple cider, and cake pops were served by the Rotary Club, Cottage Gift Shop, and Pixie’s Magical Corner Bakery. The evening concluded with a tree-lighting ceremony, a holiday blessing by Sanlando United Methodist Church pastor Jonathan Tarman, and singing […] - [Monster Dash is Big Success](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/monster-dash-is-big-success/): Last Saturday, the seventh annual Longwood Monster Dash 5K was another big success. We sold out the 400 participant slots and had support from over two dozen sponsors. Over 50 volunteers from the Historic Society, One F1tness, Rotary Club, the City of Longwood, and Lyman High School’s Men & Women of Excellence were there to ensure it was successful. We set an ambitious goal of raising $20,000 this year (after making $18K last year). You all helped us exceed that goal, earning an estimated $21,192 that will pay for roughly half of the funds needed for the new upper roof […] - ["Outside the District" Committee Being Formed](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/outside-the-district-committee-being-formed/): At the October 14 board of directors meeting, the board voted to create a new ad hoc committee. The committee aims to create a program to officially recognize historic buildings outside the district. The Longwood Historic District has limited boundaries between Reiter Park on the west, County Road 427 on the east, Pine Avenue on the south, and Palmetto Avenue to the north. The City and National Register only recognize structures in this quadrant, with an addendum to include the Searcy House. However, many other homes and businesses within Longwood are of historic significance. These include the Maine Avenue district, […] - [Good Times at Ice Cream Social](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/good-times-at-ice-cream-social/): Thank you to the membership committee, led by Wendy Beiberle and Alisa Hornsby, for organizing our first Ice Cream Social. The event was held at Nan & Pops Ice Cream Shop in Historic Longwood on Sunday (August 18). Around 30 members and families attended during the afternoon gathering and fundraiser. The committee plans to host regular mixers and membership engagement events over the coming months. Stay tuned or check the events calendar for updates. - [Bike Parking Installed at HCC](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/bike-parking-installed-at-hcc/): To help make the historic district more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, the Longwood Historic Society executive board voted to install bike parking between the Historic Civic Center and the Inside-Outside House. This ring and post model is adequate for securing two bikes. Its location allows it to serve shoppers of Cottage Gift Shop, renters of the Historic Civic Center, car show and other event visitors, and members attending historic society meetings (two of whom regularly commute by bike). The executive board will monitor the utilization of this spot. If there is adequate demand and no abuse, the board may consider additional […] - [Channel 6 News visits the Bradlee-McIntyre House](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/channel-6-news-visits-the-bradlee-mcintyre-house/): News Channel 6 WKMG has featured the Bradlee-McIntyre House prominently online and on-air. They visited the house for a second time on May 30, 2024. Kathy Goshen (docent) and Tom Reddit (trustee and treasurer) spoke with them for the 5:30 News package. Watch the clip This appearance on the news broadcast came a week after the detailed online article was published on May 24, 2024. Read the article - [Third Annual Poker Tournament a Success](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/third-annual-poker-tournament-a-success/): What a fun night! We want to thank all of those who came to participate this year. It was another great year at the Longwood Poker Tournament. Our participants and sponsors were awesome, and they will help us pay the bill to Hi-Lo Roofing for the new metal roof on the Inside-Outside House! We appreciate Commissioner Tony Boni and his dedicated crew at Be The Change Today Foundation for organizing this fundraiser for the society. We also could not have pulled it off without our volunteers. Shout out to Nan and Pops Ice Cream Shop, our title sponsor. Thank you […] - [New Roof on Inside-Outside House](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/new-roof-on-inside-outside-house/): After over a year of planning, the new metal roof on the Inside-Outside House has completed. We thank Hi-Lo Roofing for their great work on this project. Thank all of you for your assistance in raising the funds and the City of Longwood for a grant that helped plug the gap. This is massively important since our old shingle roof was leaking. The Longwood Historic Society continues its work to preserve these precious buildings for another generation! - [Clearing limb and brush behind HCC](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/clearing-limb-and-brush-behind-hcc/): Society treasurer and trustee Tom Redditt recently proposed to the Board of Directors to open up the funds to trim a large branch hanging over the HCC building. It threatened severe damage to the building in a large storm. After receiving multiple bids, a contractor was accepted for the job. Clearing out some straggly scrub back there and clearing some space was a cheap additional cost, and the board approved it. That work has been completed. This reclaimed area of our backyard can be extremely valuable for us. The trustees suggested it for future consideration to house a storage shed. […] - [Members Present at Chamber of Commerce Meeting](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/members-present-at-chamber-of-commerce-meeting/): Thank you to President Deb Carswell and members Matt McMillan, Matt Morgan, and Tony Boni for presenting at this week’s Seminole Chamber of Commerce Meeting. They led a presentation about the Society and the upcoming Poker Tournament. Many came and visited the information table before and after the event. We appreciate how well they represent the Society in our local business community! - [New Bradlee-McIntyre House Sign](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2024/new-bradlee-mcintyre-house-sign/): The new sign was installed on the 427 side of the Bradlee McIntyre House by Platinum Signs of Casselberry. We think it looks great and will greatly benefit driving awareness of house tours and other events. The old sign was removed. The custom design incorporates architectural elements to accentuate the house’s Queen Anne style. The colors and lettering are raised (like a street sign) and will not fade for dozens of years. It is a big investment in the future. - [Inaugural Carols & Cocoa is a Success](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2023/inaugural-carols-cocoa-is-a-success/): The idea was born just a month ago, during and ad hoc discussion between Lori Rice (City of Longwood), Matt Morgan, Traci Putnam (LHS President), and Jason Byrne at the the All Hallows in Old Longwood. Could the Longwood Historic Society create a fun new event around the lighting of the new Christmas tree in front of the Longwood Inn? Answer: YES! With not much time to prep and promote, we got to work. The event started with a historic walking tour, with a twist: we’d work with each stop to go into the buildings. A rare opportunity! The tour […] - [Bradlee Washstand Reunited with the House](https://historiclongwood.com/news/2021/bradlee-washstand-reunited-with-the-house/): June 26, 2021 – Ceremony at the Bradlee-McIntyre House to Celebrate the Coming Home of the first piece of original furniture to find its way back to the museum! What an exciting morning for the Longwood Historic Society! One month ago, we were contacted by Paul Farr of the Athens Georgia Habitat for Humanity. They received an anonymous donation of an antique piece of furniture. Upon closer research, it was a washstand, which was originally part of a larger suite of bedroom furniture. The piece was created by Foster & Company, located in what is now Chinatown in New York, […] ## Pages - [Oral History: Justice James E. C. Perry](https://historiclongwood.com/oral-history-justice-james-e-c-perry/): July 18, 2025Bradlee-McIntyre House MuseumLongwood Florida Justice James E. C. Perry was interviewed by Jason Byrne, president of the Longwood Historic Society. He has led a remarkable life, marked by significant achievements, including marching with Martin Luther King Jr., battling the State of Georgia to secure equal access to the Georgia Bar, establishing a law practice in Seminole County, and ultimately becoming the first black Supreme Court Justice in Florida. He and his wife, Adrienne (former Longwood mayor), have lived in Longwood for around fifty years now in the same home. He retired from the bench in 2016. - [Oral History: Dr. Adrienne Perry](https://historiclongwood.com/oral-history-dr-adrienne-perry/): July 18, 2025Bradlee-McIntyre House MuseumLongwood Florida Dr. Adrienne Mills Perry was interviewed by Jason Byrne, president of the Longwood Historic Society. She shared with us her life story, from her childhood through her career as an educator and politician, and her subsequent activities in retirement. Dr. Perry was raised in Harlem, suffered racism in Georgia, and moved to Seminole County in 1975. She became the second black elected official in Seminole County in 1989. Read More - [Joe Tinker: From Baseball Legend to Central Florida Developer](https://historiclongwood.com/joe-tinker-from-baseball-legend-to-central-florida-developer/): Joseph Bert Tinker, born in Muscotah, Kansas, on July 27, 1880, rose to national fame as a professional baseball player, primarily as a shortstop for the Chicago Cubs. His career spanned from 1902 to 1916, during which he also played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Whales of the Federal League. Tinker was a key member of the Chicago Cubs dynasty that dominated the National League in the early 20th century, winning four pennants and two World Series championships between 1906 and 1910. He was renowned for his defensive skills and speed. Alongside teammates Johnny Evers and Frank Chance, […] - [Oral History: Lethesa Reliford](https://historiclongwood.com/oral-history-lethesa-reliford/): Interview of Lethesa Reliford by Helene Zebrauskas, as part of the Keeper of Stories project at the Seminole County Library. Transcript Helene ZebrauskasThis oral history interview recording is being made as part of The Keeper of Stories collection for the Seminole County Public Library. These interviews capture the stories and experiences of residents in the area, and students and educators from the Rosenwald School located in East Altamonte, Florida. Today is Wednesday, April 24th, 2024. My name is Helene Zebrauskas, and I’m interviewing Ms. Lethesa Reliford at the Central Branch Library in Casselberry, FL. Ms. Reliford, do I have permission […] - [Origins of the Longwood Art Festival](https://historiclongwood.com/origins-of-the-longwood-art-festival/): The Longwood Arts & Crafts Festival has been a staple in the town for decades. It began as a fundraiser for the Longwood Historic Society (then called the Central Florida Society for Historic Preservation) in 1977. The first event was held on December 3-4, 1977 during the afternoon on both days. Besides the art vendors there were food booths and music performers. It was a huge success! The historic society continued the event as its primary fundraiser for the next 40 years. It was a lot of work! The festival committee worked on it almost year-round, using a second-floor office […] - [Longwood Narrowly Averted a Great Fire](https://historiclongwood.com/great-longwood-fire-narrowly-averted/): Most cities during Florida’s wood-framed pioneer days experienced devastating fires. For example, the 1887 Great Sanford Fire destroyed most of the town’s earliest buildings. Oviedo’s struck in 1914. Thankfully, this never happened in Longwood, and because of this, there are many examples of pre-1900 buildings in the historic district. However, that fate was only narrowly avoided. On September 30, 1899, the townspeople of Longwood hurried to the scene of a blaze at the Florida Midland Railroad depot (north of The Shoppes at Longwood Station Plaza today). Sparks from a northbound freight train ignited the train platform. Since there was no […] - [South Florida Railroad](https://historiclongwood.com/south-florida-railroad-2/): The South Florida Railroad was incorporated on October 16, 1878, by E. W. Henck, E.F. Crafts, H. Mercer, and Dr. C.C. Haskell, all of Orange County, Florida. These men hired F. C. Tucker as chief engineer, and he located a line running from Lake Monroe (on the St. Johns River) at Sanford to Orlando. The road was projected to run down the state to Charlotte Harbor on the Gulf of Mexico. The South Florida RR was having trouble raising money, but when Mr. Henck obtained the charter of the defunct LM&O, the project could go forward. E.W. Henck had a […] - [Village of West Longwood](https://historiclongwood.com/village-of-west-longwood/): West Longwood was the name of a social entity of families living on the west side of Mr. Henck’s town of Longwood from the 1880s to sometime around 1910. The east side of West Longwood began with the families living on the south side of Greenwood Lake (now West Lake), about where present-day Church Street makes a westerly bend out to Rangeline Road and included all the families living in the area west of there. This area started to build up around 1880. Families were probably attracted to the area as the soil was suitable for citrus, and they needed […] - [Early Businesses in Longwood](https://historiclongwood.com/early-businesses-in-longwood/): Dr. Norman, DrugsA.M. Taylor & Co., GroceriesJas. R. Poole “E. E. Petris “Park & Ball “E. Molnar, Bakery and GroceriesB. E. Phelfner, LaundryR. J. Reid “G. L. Takach, RestaurantJ. Hand, HotelW. A. Simmons, ButcherJ. Thompson, ButcherH. Hand, Livery StableW. Smith, Blacksmith and Wagon MakerB. Wright, ConfectionaryB. Wright, BarberLongwood News, C.V. Wilson, Editor/Proprietor(published every Saturday)Mrs. L. Davis, Millinery and fancy goodsSouth Florida Lightning Rod CompanyKing, Miller and Hall, Real Estate and SurveyorsP. A. Demens & Company - [James Russell Grant](https://historiclongwood.com/james-russell-grant/): James Russell Grant, with his wife Ruth and children, moved to Longwood in 1945. The Grants quickly made friends and soon became involved in the community. When the Seminole County School Board wanted to close Lyman School and bus students, grades one through twelve, to Sanford for school, Grant was a leader among the residents who insisted Lyman School remain open. In 1948, he partnered with Frank Griffin, a friend and Longwood resident. Together, they repaired bulldozers, draglines, and other heavy equipment. Later, Grant formed Grant’s Crawler Parts and Service. Inc. He maintained his bulldozer repair, welding, and parts business […] - [Reverend Eleanor Ruth Ansley Grant](https://historiclongwood.com/reverend-eleanor-ruth-ansley-grant/): Eleanor Ruth Grant moved to Longwood in 1945 with her husband, James Russell Grant, and their 3 children, Shirley, Sybil, and Frederick. Later, Richard and Patsy were added to the family. Before marriage, Ruth Ansley Grant was active in church work, and her abiding faith led her into the ministry. A trailblazer for women in this field, Mrs. Grant became one of the earliest female ministers in the United Pentecostal Church in 1947. She was active in forming Pentecostal churches in Cassia, Belleview, Apopka, Orlando, and Longwood. Conducting prayer meetings in her home and neighbors’ homes, she started the First […] - [Nancy Hooker Frain Stevens Memorial](https://historiclongwood.com/nancy-hooker-frain-stevens-memorial/): Written by Fern Augusta Frain Whitehead about her mother A special lady, valued above the price of rubes and then some. A loving wife and mother, much loved grandmother, and very huggable great-grandma to six little munchkins. Grandpa Hooker built the farmhouse. His friend Oscar Frain pitched in to help and fell in love with his winsome 16-year-old daughter Nancy. Like her mother, petite Nancy was a fine cook, with bright blue eyes and ready smile. The house overlooked Trout Lake, which is right behind the present Milwee Middle School, which originally was Lyman, grades 1 through 8, until they […] - [Heath/Driggers/Arnett/Eckles Genealogy](https://historiclongwood.com/heath-driggers-arnett-eckles-genealogy/): Family Bible Presented to Harriett Drusilla Driggers Heath from your brother Augusta (?) March 9, 1889 ~~~~~~ Family Record of Births Deaths - [Hooker/Frain/Whitehead/Barnes Genealogy](https://historiclongwood.com/hooker-frain-whitehead-barnes-genealogy/): Births Marriages Deaths * = Buried in Concord Cemetery, Casselberry - [Letter from Fern Augusta Frain Whitehead](https://historiclongwood.com/fern-augusta-frain-whitehead/): Narrative of remembrances by “Grammy” (Fern Augusta Frain Whitehead, typed by Janet Whitehead). Written to her great-granddaughter in December 2014. Dear Grace, I was born January 28, 1914. I was so glad to receive your letter asking questions about my life. It was nice of you to be interested. I’ve heard you are very good at reading & writing, just like your Mother. Mostly, though, I was just happy to hear from my great-granddaughter, because I love you very much. I was a very good student like you, but now that I’m past 100, it’s getting harder to think about […] - [The Old Hooker Place](https://historiclongwood.com/the-old-hooker-place/): As told to Janet A. Whitehead on January 1, 1998 by Fern Augusta Frain Whitehead It was April 2, 1896, when David and Mary Hooker first greeted their newborn daughter, Nancy Flora, in one of the bedrooms. She was to grow up to be the mother of Mrs. C. A. Whitehead, Fern Frain, a longtime Longwood resident and our historian on this old house. The family home was nothing fancy, no gingerbread or ornamentation, just an old Florida-style single-story Cracker home. Built up on high posts, with board and batten siding and wood shingles for its roof, it was built […] - [Shepherd (Starbuck) Spring](https://historiclongwood.com/shepherd-starbuck-spring/): Shepherd Springs is about 2,200 feet north of Palm Springs on the west side of the river. It was never developed, and a thick upland hammock surrounds it. The Little Wekiva River is adjacent to the spring, so the pool of clear water is limited. During the early decades of Longwood, travelers reached Shepherd Springs by road from Wekiva Springs Road. It was a picturesque spot for picnics, and the Boy Scouts also used it for overnight camping. It is believed the original name came from a family named Shepherd living in that area. The name was changed to Starbucks […] - [Palm Springs](https://historiclongwood.com/palm-springs/): Palm Springs is the middle spring of the trio that lies along the Wekiva River on the west side of Markham Woods Road and just north of State Road 434. Palm Springs is the only one of the trio not bordered by the river, which is approximately 200 yards away. As a result, it forms a clear pool of water, unlike the other two, which are coffee colored by the water fromthe Little Wekiva River. The clear pool was the first choice of early settlers. Improvements were made over the years, and by the mid-teens of the 20th century, it […] - [Sanlando (Hoosier) Springs](https://historiclongwood.com/sanlando-hoosier-springs/): The main pool within “The Springs” subdivision was named Hoosier Springs by the early settlers in the 1870s. The spring, about 4.5 miles west of Longwood, pours out gallons of clear, 72-degree water year-round. It is the southernmost of three springs: Sanlando, Palm, and Starbucks, which lie along the Little Wekiva River for about one-half mile away. Sanlando Springs is about 500 feet north of where State Road 434 crosses the Little Wekiva River. The spring water empties into the coffee-colored Little Wekiva River, which runs along one edge of the pool. The tannins of the palmetto roots growing along […] - [Northland Church](https://historiclongwood.com/northland-church/): In the early nineteen sixties, Northland Church was formed in the hearts of a handful of people. These folks learned how to share their faith and were trained in discipleship and fellowship. They met on Friday evenings in private homes for Bible study, prayer, and encouragement. This group quickly grew to approximately 200. After three years of discouraging results trying to bring a spark into their church, they sensed the Lord calling them to begin a new church committed to evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual multiplication. Soon, moving from home meetings into a larger facility at the YMCA on Mills Avenue […] - [Parkside Fellowship Church of the Nazarene](https://historiclongwood.com/parkside-fellowship-church-of-the-nazarene/): The roots of Parkside Fellowship of the Nazarene are found in the Fern Park and Longwood Churches of the Nazarene. Fern Park Church of the Nazarene was organized in 1957 and closed on April 19, 2003. During its history, the church had many programs for the community and its members. The largest average attendance for Fern Park was in 1983, with an average of 63. In May 2002, Pastor Scott King came to the Fern Park Church. From 2002-2003, it was realized that there was no room for expansion of the Fern Park Church’s facilities. The Longwood Church was struggling, […] - [South Florida Railroad](https://historiclongwood.com/south-florida-railroad/): The South Florida Railroad was incorporated on October 16, 1878, by E. W. Henck, E.F. Crafts, H. Mercer, and Dr. C.C. Haskell, all of Orange County, Florida. These men hired F. C. Tucker as chief engineer, and he located a line running from Lake Monroe (on the St. Johns River) at Sanford to Orlando. The road was projected to run down the state to Charlotte Harbor on the Gulf of Mexico. The South Florida RR was having trouble raising money, but the project progressed when Mr. Henck obtained the defunct LM&O charter. E.W. Henck had a particular reason for wanting […] - [West Longwood](https://historiclongwood.com/west-longwood/): West Longwood was the name of a social entity of families living on the west side of Mr. Henck’s town of Longwood from the 1880s to sometime around 1910. West Longwood’s eastern boundary was considered the families living on the south side of Greenwood Lake (now West Lake), about where present-day Church Street makes a westerly bend out to Rangeline Road. It included all the families living between there and Interstate 4. This area started to develop around 1880. Families were probably attracted to the area because the soil was suitable for citrus, and they needed a larger plot of […] - [Peter Demens](https://historiclongwood.com/peter-demens/): Mr. Demens arrived in Longwood in 1881 when he was 31 years old. He was born into Russian nobility in St. Petersburg, Russia, and his birth name was Pyotr Alekseyevich Dementyev. He served as an officer in the Imperial Guards. After his parents died, he inherited their estates at an early age but had little success with them and decided to emigrate to America. Upon arrival in Longwood, he had sufficient funds to purchase 80 acres for an orange grove and a one-third interest in a sawmill. According to his account, he worked diligently to clear the land for orange […] - [The Senator](https://historiclongwood.com/the-senator/): In January 2012, a fire resulting from a deliberate and thoughtless act of arson tragically destroyed the oldest existing tourist attraction in Central Florida. The cypress tree known as “The Senator” and often referred to simply as the “Big Tree” certainly predated Walt Disney World and other current attractions. The Senator was located in Big Tree Park in Seminole County’s Spring Hammock Preserve, a small preserve in Longwood between Sanford and Orlando. Its younger companion, Lady Liberty, still stands nearby. As the elder of the two, the Senator was thought to have been on the site for over 3,500 years. […] - [Clouser-Niemeyer-Bistline Family](https://historiclongwood.com/clouser-niemeyer-bistline-family/): This illustrates the genealogy that led to the connection of these three famous Longwood families. ____________________ _____________| Josiah Benjamin | | Elizabeth || Clouser | <-m-> | Clouser || 1838-1920 |(cousins)| 1846-1910 ||____________________| | |_____________| | _______________ |________________ | Fred Niemeyer | <-m-> | Frances Clouser || 1864-1924 | | | 1870-1953 ||_______________| | |_________________| | ___________|___ ____________ | Addie | | John Aaron | | Neimeyer | <-m-> | Bistline | | 1889-1965 | | 1889-1978 | |_____________| |____________| - [Leadership](https://historiclongwood.com/members-only/leadership/): This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: - [Members Only](https://historiclongwood.com/members-only/): This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: - [Rodger Smithson, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/rodger-smithson-oral-history/): Mr. Rodger SmithsonInterviewed by Amy Marie Cantley Amy Marie Cantley: The oral interview recording is being made as part of a collection for the Seminole County Public Library. These interviews capture the stories and experiences of Seminole County residents who have resided in the county since 1960 or before. Today is Monday, January 8, 2024. My name is Amy Marie Cantley. I am interviewing Mr. Rodger Smithson at his residence in Oviedo, FL. Mr. Smithson, do I have permission to record this interview and make it publicly accessible on the library website?Mr. Rodger Smithson: Yes, you do.Cantley: Do I have […] - [Thanks for subscribing](https://historiclongwood.com/thanks-for-subscribing/): You’ve been added to our list! - [Car Show](https://historiclongwood.com/car-show/): On the first Saturday of each month, we partner with the Cruise In Car Show to sell burgers, hotdogs, brats, soda, water, beer, and wine to show attendees. We set up a shop in front of our headquarters, and it’s fun for all! We’d love to have you come out to attend or volunteer. Location Historic Civic Center135 W Church AveLongwood, FL 32750 - [Connie McMillon Thomas, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/connie-mcmillon-thomas-oral-history/): Transcript This interview was conducted on January 12, 2024, at the Casselberry branch of the Seminole County Public Library. The interviewer is Amy Marie Cantley. It is part of an oral history series and a specific effort to collect stories of those who attended Rosenwald School in East Altamonte. Amy Marie Cantley This oral history interview recording is being made as part of a collection for the Seminole County Public Library. These interviews capture the stories and experiences of residents in the area, and students and educators from the Rosenwald School located in east Altamonte, Florida. Today is Friday, January […] - [Lewis Janitorial Supply](https://historiclongwood.com/lewis-janitorial-supply/): 245 N Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood, FL 32750 The building was constructed in 1972. It serves as the home of Lewis Janitorial Supply. - [Geraldine Wright, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/geraldine-wright-oral-history/): 2024 Interview at the Casselberry Library with Geraldine Wright Mrs. Geraldine Wright shares about her childhood in Sanford, education, and early career in Brooklyn,New York, and Return to Sanford with her husband. Mrs. Wright discusses her time as an educator inSeminole County Schools and Principal of Goldsboro Elementary School. She is now active in several civic organizations. Photos - [617 East Bay Avenue](https://historiclongwood.com/617-east-bay-avenue/): Build in 1930 - [Ingrid Hyman Bryant, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/ingrid-hyman-bryant-oral-history/): Oral history conducted on January 4, 2024 at the Casselberry branch fo the Seminole County Public Library by Amy Marie Cantley with longtime Oviedo resident Ingrid Hyman Bryant. Transcript Amy Marie Cantley: This oral history interview recording is being made as part of a collection for the Seminole County Public Library. These interviews capture the stories and experiences of Seminole County residents who have resided in the county since 1960 or before. Today is Thursday, January 4th, 2024. My name is Amy Marie Cantley, and I am interviewing Mrs. Ingrid Bryant at the Central Ranch Library in Casselberry, FL. Mrs. […] - [Cora Snead - Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/cora-snead-oral-history/): By Amy Marie Cantley, Recorded November 30th, 2023 @ Casselberry Public Library Transcript AMY MARIE CANTLEY: This oral history interview recording is being made as part of a collection for the Seminole County Public Library. These interviews capture the stories and experiences of residents in the area and students and educators from the Rosenwald School located in East Altamonte, Florida. Today is Thursday, November 30th, 2023. My name is Amy Marie Cantley, and I am interviewing Mrs. Cora Snead at the Central Branch Library in Casselberry, Florida. Mrs. Snead, do I have permission to record this interview and make it […] - [Janet Gilliand - Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/janet-gilliand-oral-history/): Janet spoke at the Historic Society member meeting on February 18, 2024. Her family has been in Longwood since the 1940s, in its fifth generation now. They purchased a property along the north shore of Lake Ruth, which now is essentially a family compound with multiple houses where several generations live. She recalls her early years in Longwood and seeing the landscape evolve around their once-country oasis. - [Early Homesteaders of Longwood](https://historiclongwood.com/early-homesteaders-of-longwood/) - [Bike Parking](https://historiclongwood.com/visit/bike-parking/): … - [William Beebee](https://historiclongwood.com/william-beebee/): William Beebee was the father-in-law of Howard Loder. He moved to Longwood to be near his daughter and grandkids between 1928 and 1933. He was a woodworker, so he decided to honor his new town with a series of cypress-carved signs. These were delivered to several organizations like the Baptist Church, Fire Department, and Longwood Civic League. The Longwood Civic League sign is now owned by the Longwood Historic Society; it is mounted in a storage closet. Beebee presented it to the Civic League in November 1929. This is the only known surviving sign. - [Hartley Family](https://historiclongwood.com/hartley-family/): Lee Jackson Hartley, Sr. (1836-1920) settled on Fairy Lake in Longwood in December 1870. He was the first to homestead the area near Longwood. Edward Warren Henck reported that the Hartleys were the closest neighbor when he arrived in November 1872. Their home was located near what is now called the Columbus Harbor subdivision. Lee served in the Civil War for the Confederacy. His older brother, Daniel, lived in the general area for about 20 years before Lee moved his family here. They were originally from Georgia. His son, Lee Jackson Hartley, Jr., was born in 1862 and died in […] - [Longwood News](https://historiclongwood.com/longwood-news/): Newspaper column written by editor J. Henry Welburn - [Harold Edward Myers](https://historiclongwood.com/harold-edward-myers/): Harold “Ed” Myers was a mayor and city commissioner of Longwood during the 1980s. He died on November 28, 1992 at 75 years old. He was a tool and die maker and first elected to the commission in 1983. He served as mayor, appointed by fellow city commissioners, in 1987. “He was not just considered the city commissioner or mayor, but he was known as a friend to everyone in Longwood,” his daughter, Sharon Prescott, Longwood, said. “Dad loved this city and it meant a lot to him.” He was well known around town for his volunteer work, including at […] - [Longwood Historical Trail](https://historiclongwood.com/longwood-historical-trail/): This was originally posted to Geocities but was removed from the internet when Geocities was taken down. We have preserved it here for historical purposes. —- Copyright 2008 by Steve Rajtar (From Interstate 4, drive east on SR 434, north on Grant St., and east on Rosedale Ave. to Candyland Park. Walk west on Rosedale Ave. to the intersection with Grant St.)(0.3 miles so far) Northeast corner of Grant St. and Rosedale Ave. 1….Longwood Cemetery The older headstones here date to the 19th century. Many people important in the development of Longwood, such as the Entzminger and Clouser families, are […] - [May 6, 1886 - Description of Longwood](https://historiclongwood.com/may-6-1886-description-of-longwood/): The following is from the Savannah Morning News: Your correspondent was mystified as to the points on the compass, took the wrong train, and was soon speeding in the opposite direction toward Sanford. It was not until we had passed Maitland that he discovered his error, and interrupting the conductor in the midst of an animated and unintelligible squabbe concerning their fare with about two score raw Italian emigrants, not one of whom could speak a syllable of English, asked that he might be put off at the next station. This provied to be LONGWOOD. And there he handed without […] - [Articles](https://historiclongwood.com/research/articles/) - [Central Self-Guided Walking Tour](https://historiclongwood.com/visit/walking-tours/central-self-guided-walking-tour/): Stops A – Bradlee-McIntyre House Built in 1885 for wealthy Boston architect Nathaniel Bradlee as a winter “cottage.” It was home to the McIntyre family for much of the first half of the 1900s. It was located in Altamonte Springs in until 1973 when the Longwood Historic Society preserved it from destruction by moving it to Longwood and then restored it over multiple decades. It is the prime example of Queen Anne style in Seminole County and is open as a museum on Wednesdays and Sundays (1-4). Our next stop is next door, just west on Warren Avenue. B – […] - [South Self-Guided Walking Tour](https://historiclongwood.com/visit/walking-tours/south-self-guided-walking-tour/): Stops: - [East Self-Guided Walking Tour](https://historiclongwood.com/visit/walking-tours/east-self-guided-walking-tour/): Stops: - [Walking Tours](https://historiclongwood.com/visit/walking-tours/): Self-Guided Walking Thours Guided Walking Tours They are not currently held regularly. Look at the events calendar for upcoming guided walking tours or contact us to schedule for a group. - [Transportation](https://historiclongwood.com/visit/transportation/): Parking There are six public parking lots available, in addition to some street parking and businesses. All parking lots are free! Arrive By Train The Longwood SunRail station operates during week days and select weekends for special events. Check the SunRail website for detailed Longwood Station arrival and departure schedules. Arrive by Bus The Highway 434 bus (UCF to Seminole State Altamonte line) has a stop at the Longwood SunRail station. Check the Lynx website for details on the 434 line arrival and departure schedules. - [Monthly Donation](https://historiclongwood.com/donations-monthly/) - [One-Time Donation](https://historiclongwood.com/donations-once/) - [Manage Membership](https://historiclongwood.com/manage-membership/) - [Footprints in the Sands of Longwood](https://historiclongwood.com/footprints-in-the-sands-of-longwood/): A collection of local history stories from longtime residents of Longwood, Florida. This book was compiled by members of the Longwood Historical Society in 2014. While not a scholarly effort, it compiles a list of short stories researched or retold by longtime residents of Longwood, Seminole County, Florida. If you are interested in local history, this is a great place to start! Authors included Society members Carolyn Bistline, Susan Hudson, Kathryn Goshen), Edwin Campbell, Marla Picklesimer, Jean and Ray McWilliams, and Linda Stearns. … - [Woodbridge, Florida](https://historiclongwood.com/woodbridge-florida/): Summary Woodbridge was a town settled by black laborers in the 1880s. The area has continued to survive, but passed by and forgotten into the present day (2019). Hard to access, off to the side of 17-92 and Maitland Blvd, its main road is Mechanic Road and it is one of the few areas still with dirt roads in that part of the county. The settlement is tightly tied (and often overlaps) with the white settlement of Mayo. The South Florida Railroad essentially separated the two settlements. It runs north and south, with Mayo on the east and Woodbridge on […] - [Mayo, Florida](https://historiclongwood.com/mayo-florida/): Summary Today all that exists to remind us that Mayo once existed is the tiny Mayo Avenue, a residential road that extends from 17-92 to Maitland Community Park. It was once a stop along the South Florida Railroad between Snows/Altamonte Springs and Maitland. The area is also tightly linked with the old town of Woodbridge, which was a black community just across the railroad tracks to the northwest. Mayo was named for Colonel Rudolph G. Mayo, who came to the area in 1875. He had a large homestead in the area. Lake Osceola in Winter Park was once known as […] - [Post Offices of Seminole County](https://historiclongwood.com/post-offices-of-seminole-county/): Primary Source: Postal History - [Video: A Walking Tour of Historic Longwood](https://historiclongwood.com/video-a-walking-tour-of-historic-longwood/): Jan 20, 2020 by Willow Phlox As a Longwood native, I had always driven through town and not really questioned the old buildings that sat there. Over the years many of them were restored by the Longwood Historic Society. When I started doing this youtube project I knew I wanted to learn the history of these buildings. Luckily for me, I didn’t have to look far for information. The Longwood Historic Society has a lovely walking tour on its website. If you live nearby or are just visiting stop by and enjoy a self-guided tour of our town’s history. - [Video: Bradlee-McIntyre House Tour](https://historiclongwood.com/video-bradlee-mcintyre-house-tour/): Feb 2, 2020 by Willow Phlox - [Video: Big Tree Park Tour](https://historiclongwood.com/video-big-tree-park-tour/): March 9, 2020 by Willow Phlox Caden and I took a trip out to big tree park (Longwood, FL) to visit the site of the Senator – a 3,500-year-old bald cypress tree. We also visit Lady Liberty the sister tree to the Senator. Find out how an act of arson destroyed this one-of-a-kind tourist attraction and see what is being done to preserve what is left. - [Volunteer](https://historiclongwood.com/volunteer/): We have many volunteer opportunities throughout the year. For students seeking community service hours for scholarships, it is a great opportunity for a fun way to log hours and give back to the community. Sign up for an upcoming event: - [Donations](https://historiclongwood.com/donations/): Donate Online Make a one-time gift Recurring monthly giving Donate by Check If you’d like to send your donation via check instead, please make it payable to “Longwood Historic Society.” Our mailing address is: Longwood Historic SocietyP.O. Box 520500Longwood, FL 32752-0500 Or you may drop it by Cottage Gift Shop. Thank you for your support! - [Longwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery](https://historiclongwood.com/longwood-memorial-gardens-cemetery/): The Longwood Cemetery has been used since at least 1880. The land was donated by its first homesteader, John Neill Searcy. Many people important in the development of Longwood, such as the Henck, Searcy, Entzminger, Hartely, Hooker, and Clouser families, are buried here. The oldest section if the northwesterly quadrant. The cemetery was souther half of the cemetery (below the path) was added in 1957, along with other improvements such as paving the pathway and adding a stone and chain fence around it. It was decided the southern section would have exclusively flat grave markers, so that it would be […] - [Test](https://historiclongwood.com/test/) - [840 State Road 434](https://historiclongwood.com/840-state-road-434/): Many people fly by on 434 and never notice this understated historic building with a shady tree-covered lot. It was built in 1926. It is currently the location of Rosso Coffee Bar, which opened on September 18, 2023, with owner Karen Blankenzee. She has been a local coffee beach roaster for years. Karen put a lot of work into replacing rotten wood, stucco, and drywall, painting, laying new concrete footing, and building a new handicap-compliant deck. It has been lovingly restored inside and is a lovely place to stop. It was previously La Kuma Coffee, which opened in 2017 and […] - [Winwood Historical Marker Dedication](https://historiclongwood.com/winwood-historical-marker-dedication/): Uploaded by Longwood Historic Society on 2017-06-04. - [Areva Barnes, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/areva-barnes/): Longtime Longwood resident. Recorded on January 11, 2012. - [Curtis Hughes, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/curtis-hughes/): Lifelong resident of Seminole County. Recorded on November 11, 2010. Lived in Sanford for many years, then Longwood and other area communities. Talks about Altamonte Springs. He was a teacher at South Seminole Middle School and later principle at several schools. - [Ray McWilliams, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/ray-mcwilliams/): Longtime resident of Longwood, Florida. Talks about his military service. Recorded on January 27, 2010. - [Glenn Scott, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/glenn-scott/): Recorded on December 9, 2009. - [Nan Freeman, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/nan-freeman/): Recorded on July 27, 2010. - [Gene and Lib Bothel, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/gene-and-lib-bothel/): Part 1 Recorded on September 20, 2009. Part 2 Recorded on October 20, 2009. Talks about his military history. - [Dottie Ross, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/dottie-ross/): Part 1 Recorded on May 10, 2010. Part 2 Recorded on January 27, 2010. - [Dottie Peterson, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/dottie-peterson/): Dottie is one of the early members of the Longwood Historic Society. Recorded on April 28, 2000. She was instrumental in getting the Longwood Historical District officially designated. - [June Lormann, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/june-lormann/): June came to Longwood in 1957. Recorded on November 17, 2009. - [Claude Duncan, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/claude-duncan/): Recorded on November 14, 2012. - [Gladys Piloian and Sarah Girard, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/gladys-piloian-and-sarah-girard/): Recorded on October 6, 2010. - [Charles Blanchard Searcy, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/charles-blanchard-searcy/): Charles was born in Sanford in 1928, lived in Longwood all of his life. Recorded on November 13, 2009. - [Andy Jones, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/andy-jones/): Born in 1937 in Longwood, parents came to area in early 1900s. Recorded on November 14, 2012. - [John Bistline, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/john-bistline-oral-history/) - [Stum's Corner](https://historiclongwood.com/stums-corner/): Headed down Rangeline Road, you may never notice this stately old home. Located right where Church Avenue and Rangeline meet in Longwood, it was once one of the area’s preeminent landmarks. The house was built in 1930 by Ben and Clara Stum, who moved to Longwood in 1926. Back then Rangeline Road did not exist and since travel was difficult over the sandy roads it was considered separate from Longwood. The Stum family owned about 700 acres and this home sat at the place where the road took a 90-degree angle: east to Longwood and north toward Markham. It was […] - [Catherine Julie Durm - Interview](https://historiclongwood.com/catherine-julie-durm-interview/): The following is a “conversation” between Longwood Historic Society member Marla Pickelsimer and Catherine Julie Durm whose grandmother was Mrs. McIntyre’s seamstress. She has been an invaluable “first hand” source of information regarding Mrs. McIntyre. From Messenger on Facebook September 3, 2017 Catherine: My grandmother was Mrs. McIntyre’s seamstress. Marla: …….Is there a time you could come to the house and talk to us? C: I live in Daytona. My Dad is in Altamonte, so when I’m in town again, I could message you. M: …..looking forward to talking to you. C: My mom was Mary Jane Nicholas and grandmother […] - [Slade Airport](https://historiclongwood.com/slade-airport/): The Slade Airport was named for local businessman Fredrick C. Slade and operated until the late 1960s. The runway cuts through what is now The Woodlands and Winsor Manor, near Rock Lake Middle School. Slade Road today is nearby, betraying the former owner of this swath of land that is now numerous different subdivisions. Slade’s former house is in the historic district. The airport was constructed in the 1940s and operated until 1968. At one time it was fairly busy, reportedly servicing 1,000 planes a year. It serviced mostly hobbyists and wealthy tourists. Fredrick Charles Slade moved to Longwood in […] - [Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church](https://historiclongwood.com/mt-olive-missionary-baptist-church/): AKA — Longwood Corinth Baptist Church Around 1880 the town of Longwood was coming into its own. That year it was linked with Sanford and Orlando via by a narrow-gauge rail line that would later become the South Florida Railroad. For a town to prosper it needed plenty of labor, ideally cheap labor. So town founder Edward Henck began to recruit African American citizens to move into Longwood from around the Southeast. Eager for jobs in agriculture or one of the two railroads (the second, the Florida Midland Railroad, being constructed in 1885), many black families moved to Longwood in […] - [Searcy House](https://historiclongwood.com/searcy-house/): This home was built in 1888 by John Neill Searcy. The Searcy homestead was a substantial estate on the west side of the town of Longwood; it stretched from the shores of West Lake to the north and southward to encompass all of Lake Searcy. The home stayed in the Searcy family for over a century. Searcy was originally from Tennessee and spent four years in the Confederate army during the Civil War. The Searcy family arrived in Longwood via steamer “Starlight” to Mellonville (Sanford) on March 23, 1873. At 31, John walked on foot from the wharf with intentions […] - [Demens Sawmill](https://historiclongwood.com/demens-sawmill/): The factory was built somewhere around 1880. It was owned by P. A. Demens & Company, the corporation of railroad man Peter Demens. It was located where the SunRail overflow parking lot is today, on the block between Warren Avenue and Bay Avenue at Myrtle Street. It filled the entire block all the way to Olenader Street on the east. The 1884-85 State Gazetteer and Business Directory stated that Longwood’s chief industry was a sash, door and blind factory. This was P.A. Demens & Co., owned and operated by Peter Demens. Demens obtained the contract to build railroad station houses […] - [Peter Demens House](https://historiclongwood.com/peter-demens-house/): The former homestead of railroad icon Peter A. Demens, a native Russian, was located on the northwest corner of East Lake. It is along the road now called Bucksaw Place. It is depicted on the 1885 birds-eye-view drawing of Longwood. - [Brightwater Estate](https://historiclongwood.com/brightwater-estate/): Former estate of Hibbard Casselberry, founder of the town of Casselberry. The estate was built in 1952 and remains in the Casselberry family. Hibbard’s son John Norris Casselberry lived in the house until his death on August 23, 2019. The exterior of the home in recent years has fallen into a poor condition and is in need of repair. After John’s death, the family opened the home for a public Estate Sale in October 2019 that was extremely popular for bargain hunters and curious history lovers alike. - [Hooker Homestead](https://historiclongwood.com/hooker-homestead/): This is the 1870s built home of the Hooker family, early settlers of the Concord community (now Casselberry). The modern home actually was two houses on the Hooker estate that were combined into one home. The primary living quarters was the main house, which at one time was a smaller building but was added on to over the years. Another section was previously the guest house. The Hooker family originally settled in the area, along the shores of Trout Lake in the 1850s. They farmed the land of a 40 acre homestead that included the land that Milwee Middle School […] - [Spencer and Janet Whitehead, Oral History](https://historiclongwood.com/spencer-and-janet-whitehead/): Jason Byrne and Tracy Putnam of the Longwood Historic Society interviewed the Whiteheads at their home on Maine Avenue in Longwood on February 6, 2020. The property has been in the family for around 100 years and Spencer first moved there in 1946. In total Spencer’s family line has been in the area since the 1850s. The home was torn down in 2022 to build apartments. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 - [Longwood Baptist Church](https://historiclongwood.com/longwood-baptist-church/): The original location of the Longwood Baptist Church was near the corner of West Warren Avenue and Milwee, near what is now Judy’s Dolls. It was first called Warren Street Methodist Church on land donated for that purpose by town founder Edward Henck. It was completed in 1886. The old Baptist parsonage house still exists just east of where the church once stood. By 1891 the Methodist congregation dissolved. The Baptist Church purchased the property from the Methodist Episcopal Church trustees for $100 in 1907. The parsonage was moved here from West Longwood in 1911. The congregation operated in this […] - [Frain House](https://historiclongwood.com/frain-house/): Look beyond the overhang and new facade of the 434 Animal Hospital, squint a little bit, and you can clearly see the outline of an old farm house. It was built as a farmhouse in 1922 by Oscar Frain with his young wife Nancy Hooker Frain. Nancy was born in 1895 on the old Hooker Homestead (near Milwee Middle) and lived until 1985. Oscar was much older than Nancy, having been a friend of her father, and he died in 1944 at 87-years old. Then six-year-old Spencer Whitehead, who is related to early pioneers the Hooker family, moved into the […] - [Leighton House](https://historiclongwood.com/leighton-house/): This home was built in 1926. Florence E. Leighton moved to Longwood in 1928 from East Dicksville, Maine. She lived here for many years. Florence died in 1965. - [Tupper House](https://historiclongwood.com/tupper-house/): This home was built in 1928 by the Maude W and Spencer L Tupper. Sylvester L Tupper was killed in 1952 under mysterious circumstances. His body was found in Lake of the Woods with a bullet hole in his head and bricks tied to his neck and body. Maude Williams Tupper (1877-1967) lived here until her death in 1967. She and her husband came to Longwood in 1928 from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Maude was a beloved first-grade teacher at Lyman Memorial School (now Milwee Middle). She taught Spencer Whitehead, who lived across the street and provided an oral history for the […] - [Wekiwa Grant Offered For Sale by Dr. William Blackman](https://historiclongwood.com/wekiwa-grant-offered-for-sale-by-dr-william-blackman/): THE WEKIWA RANCH THE ASTOR GRANT This remarkable tract, which I acquired in 1915, lies in the angle formed by the confluence of the St. Johns and Wekiwa Rivers, in Seminole County, Florida, about four miles west of Sanford, the county seat and head of navigation of the St. Johns River, and adjoining the town of Lake Monroe. Seminole County ships one-third of the celery grown in the United States, in addition to immense quantities of winter vegetables, cabbage, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and similar crops, amounting to some 8000 carloads for the season of 1929-1930. There are also in […] - [137 East Maine Ave](https://historiclongwood.com/137-east-maine-ave/): This home was built in 1932. Selma Olivia Johannson Larcom lived here from the 1950s until here death in 1971. She was from Farmington, Maine and began to spend winters in Longwood before reclocating here full-time. Larcom was originally from Sweden. She was born in 1880 and lived to be 91. - [245 S Ronald Reagan Blvd](https://historiclongwood.com/245-s-ronald-reagan-blvd/): This building is currently home to the Absolute Massave & Skin Care Salon and Day Spa. It was built in 1938. - [118 E Maine Ave](https://historiclongwood.com/118-e-maine-ave/): This home was built in 1926. [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)