JD & NJ Lewis House
-
Saving the 1885 Lewis House: A Community-Driven Path Forward
The 1885 J.D. & N.J. Lewis House stands as one of the oldest surviving structures in Longwood. Now, a fresh public-private partnership model offers a clear, cost-effective path to restore this piece of local history and return it to active community life. The project recently achieved two major milestones: Living Up to Our Founding Mission This project gets to the heart of why the Longwood Historic Society exists. In 1969, our organization was founded with a single urgent goal: to save historic treasures from the wrecking ball. In 1973, our founders took on an ambitious rescue mission—saving the Bradlee-McIntyre House…
-
John “Pappy” and Elsie Dunbar, Longwood Pioneers
In the late 19th century, Central Florida was a frontier of pine forests, citrus groves, and quiet railway towns that drew northern settlers seeking warmth, health, and fresh beginnings. Among the most beloved settlers in Longwood’s early decades were a father and daughter from Connecticut: John Holt Dunbar and Elsie A. Dunbar. For four decades, the Dunbars’ lives were woven into the town’s everyday fabric and development. They were each dear friends and town leaders. From hand-crafting orange crates in a Warren Avenue shop to founding Longwood’s first public library, the Dunbars left a physical and civic legacy that continues…
-
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…