Questa serie approfondisce il ricco passato della Florida attraverso accattivanti fotografie d'epoca. Ogni volume svela le culture, le tradizioni e i momenti iconici unici provenienti da tutto lo Stato del Sole. Dalle spiagge celebrate ai gioielli architettonici, la collezione cattura l'essenza dei luoghi, delle persone e degli eventi che hanno plasmato questa regione distintiva. È un viaggio visivo nel tempo, che celebra lo spirito duraturo della Florida.
By the time the City of Miami was born in 1896, Coconut Grove was already a well-defined community with a variety of interesting residents who liked what they found and were willing to fight to keep it that way. Images of America: Coconut Grove tells their story from the native people who called it home to the Bahamians and sophisticated settlers who together shaped its special character. Despite hurricanes, booms, busts, and those who would change it, Coconut Grove remains uniquely itself.
Winter Park is a unique community in central Florida. Its old-world charm and walkable downtown have drawn visitors from around the country and the world since the town's foundation in the 1880s. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the city's world-class cultural offerings, including the largest collection of Tiffany glass in the Morse Museum, the music of the Bach Festival Society, and theatrical performances at the Annie Russell Theatre. Winter Park citizens have been actively involved in world events, serving in wars, protesting wars, and sending relief to those in need. The wealth of the community, in conjunction with the presence of Rollins College, has attracted visits from many prominent people, from Spiro Agnew to Maya Angelou.
The book explores the transformation of Panama City Beach from an overlooked region to a celebrated tourist destination. Initially documented by Spanish and English explorers in the 1500s, its inaccessibility and reputation as a "no man's land" hindered settlement. The construction of the Hathaway Bridge in the early 1930s marked a pivotal moment, leading to increased accessibility and the growth of tourism, ultimately revealing the area's stunning natural beauty characterized by its white sand and vibrant waters.
Hurricane Michael may have taken away some of the landmarks, but these images reveal the history of Florida's Mexico Beach, once known as the "Unforgettable Coast". As French interests in the Americas dwindled, records indicate very little activity around Mexico Beach until rumors of buried riches and sunken ships brought treasure hunters to the coast. In the early 1900s, businessman Felix du Pont purchased the land known today as Mexico Beach. Resin to make turpentine was harvested from the native pine trees, and fishermen could not resist the migratory fish passing through the area's waters. By the 1930s, US Highway 98 was completed, and visitors could finally reach the sugar-soft sand beaches of the "Unforgettable Coast." By 1941, Tyndall Field was constructed and became a training site for Air Force pilots. In 1946, a group of farsighted businessmen, led by Gordon Parker, W.T. McGowan, and J.W. Wainwright, purchased 1,850 acres along the beach for $65,000. Parker's son Charlie moved to the area in 1949 with his wife, Inky, and their family. He soon took over development responsibilities for the Mexico Beach Corporation and laid the groundwork for the beach town known and loved today. Charlie went on to become the city's first mayor and a lifelong advocate of the family-friendly community.
As post-World War I Florida developed and prospered, it became known as a popular destination for seasonal residents of wealth. America's growing industrial complex and the subsequent increase in the number of moneyed individuals in a variety of business sectors led to an influx of people hoping to take advantage of their newfound awareness of the climactic, economic, and social benefits of Florida coastal living. On Florida's west coast, Clearwater's Harbor Oaks neighborhood became one the noted residential havens for several industrialists, celebrities, and professionals during the Florida land boom of the 1920s, as well as during the Great Depression and post-World War II eras. Images of America: Clearwater's Harbor Oaks profiles the community (listed in the National Register of Historic Places), its primary developer (Dean Alvord), noted architects/artisans, local and national history, and the homes of many of America's elite individuals of the day.
Long before condominiums appeared on the Florida coastline, itinerant fishing parties visited the barrier islands along the Pinellas peninsula. Fewer than 200 people lived in present-day Pinellas County in September 1848, when a destructive hurricane carved Johns Pass. Developers first focused their efforts along the inlet with a settlement known as Mitchell Beach in the early 1910s, but it had only limited success since no bridges connected the island to the mainland. The first bridge opened along Welch Causeway in 1926, and electricity came to the island a few years later. Small, scattered settlements took shape along Johns Pass and near 150th Avenue before World War II, but widespread development did not begin until the incorporation of Madeira Beach in 1947. By the 1950s, subdivisions sprouted up along islands dredged from Boca Ciega Bay. Today, condominiums have replaced most beach cottages.
The treasure coast of florida had been inhabited by indigenous peoples for many centuries when pioneer settlers began arriving from other parts of the united states in the late 1800s. When the town of vero was incorporated in 1919, it was one of several growing communities in the area. By 1925, when it became known as the city of vero beach and was designated the seat of the newly formed indian river county, this small but prosperous coastal city was poised to become a thriving tropical destination that has managed to maintain a small-town atmosphere. In addition to its captivating natural beauty, vero beach has been home to a world-renowned citrus industry, a world war ii naval air station, the dodgers major-league baseball organization, the piper aircraft company, and a vibrant cultural life.
As a northeast Florida seaside resort, Jacksonville Beach began as the dream of some businessmen in nearby Jacksonville in the 1880s. From the beginning, it was a place people came to have fun. The earliest visitors arrived by ferry and train and even by plane, landing on the beach. The first narrow-gauge railroad ran from Jacksonville to what is now the foot of Beach Boulevard in the heart of town, originally named Ruby and then Pablo Beach. In the 1920s, when Florida was experiencing a land boom, some local businessmen pushed to change the name to Jacksonville Beach to attract more tourists, investors, and full-time residents. For many decades, Jacksonville Beach was known as "the world's finest beach." People came to enjoy its boardwalk and roller coasters, as well as the ability to drive on the beach, dance on the pier, swim, fish, and later surf. From the beginning, they took pictures of their grand adventures, which can be seen in the pages of this book.
The book showcases Hollywood, Florida's rich history, founded in the 1920s by Joseph Wesley Young with the vision of an inclusive city. Despite a devastating hurricane shortly after its incorporation, Hollywood grew to become Florida's ninth-largest city. This photo journal features rare images capturing the city's early charm, including the Hollywood Beach Hotel, the initial business district, and its scenic boulevards. It serves as a nostalgic tribute for history enthusiasts, residents, and visitors, highlighting the community's resilience and vibrant past.
The book explores the rapid development of Hudson, which began as a small settlement in the late 19th century. Initially reliant on the land and Gulf waters, the community flourished with fishing and sponging businesses, as well as agriculture. The banks of Hudson Spring became a bustling commercial hub with docks, fish houses, and hotels. Today, however, the remnants of this vibrant history are largely erased by modern development, highlighting the contrast between the town's rich past and its current transformation.
The book explores the rich history of Boca Raton, tracing its evolution from a humble agricultural settlement to a prominent resort destination. It highlights notable figures such as first settler Thomas Moore Rickards, architect Addison Mizner, and inventor Domina Jalbert, whose contributions have significantly shaped the city's identity. The narrative captures the diverse tapestry of Boca Raton's past, including its indigenous roots and the influence of various cultures, ultimately celebrating the vibrant community that thrives there today.
The saga of the War Between the States in Florida is not well known beyond the borders of the "Sunshine State," except the actions within the third state to secede from the Union were quite prominent: the battles of Olustee and Natural Bridge; the sinking of the USS Columbine on the St. Johns River; Gen. William Birney's Raid; the intrepid Cow Cavalry; Confederate spy sisters Lola, Panchita, and Eugenia Sanchez; and the "flight into oblivion" of the Confederate cabinet members. Following the war, in the midst of Reconstruction, many veterans from both sides of the Mason-Dixon packed what remained of their lives and traveled to the warm climate of the "Eastern Frontier" to begin a new life. This book serves as a memorial and tribute to those courageous veterans and their families who endured through this tumultuous time in American history. In the eloquent words of Capt. John Jackson Dickison, "Florida may be justly proud of her gallant sons; wherever her standard has been borne, they have covered it with glory, and, with their heart's blood, secured for her an honorable position among her sister states."
Vilano and the North Beaches are perhaps most known as small, eclectic beach communities within sight of St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city. For centuries, people have flocked to this coastal playground by horse-drawn trolley, ferry, and more recently Florida's Coastal Highway, State Road A1A. They came for recreation, jobs, and sunny weather in the late 1800s, when Henry Flagler attracted Northerners to his "new and novel" hotels. Visitors were excited to learn the ocean was just across the bay. Tourism provided jobs for settlers, like the Minorcan, Usina, and Capo families, offering fun excursions. Nowhere else were horse-drawn trolleys delivering beachgoers across sand dunes to the sea. Like Ponce de León, who was smitten with the pristine beaches, the area's story is one of developing the land along an isolated coastline. Road and bridge construction after World War II encouraged migration as well as visitors to the beaches, fish camps, and Art Deco motor courts. This nostalgic 1950s look remains today, attracting those curious about the region's multicultural history.
The book explores the adventurous spirit of early 20th-century Americans who embraced the automobile as a means of exploration. It highlights the phenomenon of "Tin Can" tourists, who packed their cars with essentials and set off to traverse the back roads of the United States. This movement reflects a new generation characterized by restlessness, curiosity, and a desire for adventure, paralleling the pioneering efforts of historical figures like Lewis and Clark. The narrative captures a unique era of exploration and the American quest for discovery.
College Park has the look and feel of small-town America, with its central business district and tree-lined residential streets, schools and churches, and strong sense of community. College Park, though, was never a town; it developed as a neighborhood within the city of Orlando. The name originated not with a college but instead with a developer, who gave the streets in his new subdivision college names in 1921. In 1925, another developer named the first of several subdivisions College Park. The name caught on and became official with the naming of the College Park Post Office in 1954. Images of America: College Park commemorates 90 years of its history and community. From the 19th-century citrus groves, to new subdivisions in the 1920s, to tract housing in the 1940s and 1950s, College Park evolved as a desirable place for families.
Kenneth E. Behring created Tamarac in 1963 and, through his vision, built a city with all the maintenance and recreational facilities included. The promise of the best weather, affordable single-family homes, and the opportunity to be part of a growing area was exciting to all. The first development, Tamarac Lakes, consisting of 250 homes and a clubhouse, became the model of what was to come. "Go west, young man," quoting American author Horace Greely, can be aptly applied to Behring's drive to expand westward. Stymied because the only direct access west was through a stock tunnel, Behring convinced the State of Florida to build an overpass crossing the Sunshine State Parkway for access. The next project was to create the Vista Villas (the Woodlands), an upscale private golf club community. It offered larger houses built with the more affluent in mind, which included Behring's own home. Tamarac continued to grow west with the purchase of 5,000 acres, more than doubling the city's acreage. With growth came roads, businesses, and political infrastructure that continues to attract cultural diversity, making Tamarac the "City For Your Life."
Travel to the Gulf of Florida and discover the inception, growth and final end to the sunshine state's Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. John Brandy Siebenaler and his wife, Marjorie, founded the Gulfarium, the first marine attraction of its kind on the Florida Panhandle. Since the gates first swung open in 1955, guests flocked to the Gulfarium. Displays of live specimens collected from the nearby Gulf of Mexico waters by Brandy, his associates, and Destin's fishing families gave visitors a chance to view life below the sea as they had never seen it before. The park's spectacular dolphin shows gained national recognition, and the high-flying porpoises were trained by none other than Marjorie, who quickly became an acclaimed expert for her innate ability to connect with the animals. Beyond the on-cue performances of sky-high leaps, hoop jumps, and clever antics in the pool, the Gulfarium is part of a greater mission. It plays a critical role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded marine mammals, sea turtles, and other native wildlife--a need it has continued to serve for more than half a century.
The book explores the idyllic beginnings of Lake Mary, a community that attracted diverse residents seeking tranquility away from urban chaos. It paints a vivid picture of early life, with families enjoying the natural beauty and simplicity of their surroundings. The narrative highlights the community's commitment to enhancing quality of life through thoughtful planning and development, ultimately leading to its recognition by Money magazine as one of the best places to live and work in the U.S. in 1997.
Many are surprised to discover that Cape Coral's history dates back further than the boom of the 1960s. Indeed, homesteader families were living a rough-and-tumble life in the Cape's wilderness for much of the 20th century. Still, there is no denying that the city took a turn with the arrival of Jack and Leonard Rosen in 1957. These visionaries brought their Gulf American Land Corporation to Southwest Florida and built a modern city from scratch. Model homes, roads galore, an airport, a police force, the Cape Coral Country Club, the Nautilus Motel, and the famous Rose Gardens-all rising out of the woods on the north shore of the Caloosahatchee River. Hundreds of miles of canals were dug so that nearly every home was on or near the water. Hollywood celebrities turned out to promote properties to Northerners looking for the good life in sunny Florida. It was one of the largest planned developments ever in the United States-and it was a rousing success.
The story of the Carrollwood area stretches back to the 1890s, when Rev. Isaac Ward Bearss led a small caravan from Missouri to Florida and helped form a closely knit rural community between Lake Carroll and Lake Magdalene. Over the next six decades, citrus groves and cattle ranches flourished on those fertile soils--and so, too, did the vision of a young developer named Matt Jetton. In the late 1950s, Jetton bought more than 300 acres of land surrounding Lake Carroll and built the 925-home community known as Carrollwood. By the 1970s, many of the remaining citrus groves in the areas surrounding the neighborhood gave way to new homes and businesses, and the Carrollwood name continued spreading north and west.
During World War II, Palm Beach County was a beehive of activity. Beachgoers witnessed the destruction left in the wake of U-boat attacks and then helped rescue survivors and retrieve the dead. One of the first Civil Air Patrol units to hunt German U-boats operated from Palm Beach County. Morrison Field in West Palm Beach served as the take-off point for Army Air Corps planes destined for battle lines throughout the world. Boca Raton Army Air Field was the headquarters for training airmen in top-secret RADAR technology. The US Army, Navy, and Coast Guard used resort hotels for training sites and hospitals.
The state of Florida has a unique place in the annals of national history and has been a constant contributor to the country's identity. The 51 men who have served as the state's governors are an essential part of its complex identity and have produced resonant material for historians of all ages. They have been farmers, generals, boat captains, restaurant owners, presidents, and sons of presidents. They have been given the office by both popular mandate and the happenstance of fate. These individuals have represented virtually every category of what it means to be a Floridian. Their lasting legacies can be felt every day by the state's citizens. Since the drainage of the Everglades and the transformation of swamplands into beachfront paradises, Florida has lured Americans from various states to its sunny shores. It has seceded from the Union, determined the final verdict in many presidential elections, was the site of railroad monopolies, developed into a playground of the rich, and is the birthplace of a new kind of theme park--all while being led by these distinct individuals who, at their core, were Floridians first.
Commerce, tourism, recreation, and even the quest for eternal youth were the primary incentives for building piers along St. Petersburg's downtown waterfront as early as 1854. For more than 160 years, developers and entrepreneurs pushed wooden or concrete structures from the shoreline to the deeper waters of Tampa Bay. Railroads were behind the early development, allowing cargo loads to be transferred from ship to rail with the least amount of effort. A large and profitable fishing industry evolved. Electrically powered trolley cars shuttled tourists to and from cruise ships. Promoters built bathhouses, spas, and bait houses to entice locals and visitors, and casino gathering halls of various, often controversial, styles were proposed, built, destroyed, loved, and detested. Competing piers were built only 10 feet apart. Mother Nature's elements, including a hurricane, and politics ravaged most of the remaining structures.
Located approximately 50 miles north of Disney World, the small community of Mount Dora, Florida, has become a peaceful oasis in the bustling region, offering a respite to the weary traveler and a refreshing connection to an earlier time. The town rests on the shores of the beautiful Lake Dora, named for early settler Dora Drawdy by government surveyors in the 1840s. Looking at the quaint city streets, placid lake, and turn-of-the-century homes, it's easy to imagine life long ago in Mount Dora as inordinately idyllic, but like all communities, Mount Dora has faced challenges to its growth and prosperity. The collapse of the real estate boom in the mid-1920s was quickly followed by the Great Depression, ruining lives and fortunes in Mount Dora and around the state. But from the beginning, one of Mount Dora's strongest assets has been its inviting lake, an advantage that has helped a thriving tourism industry to develop in this small town. Visitors flock to Mount Dora, not only for the tranquil setting, but also for the community's old-fashioned charm, antique district, and architectural distinctiveness.
Set against the backdrop of Naples' transformation from a quiet bend in the road in the 1940s to a bustling tourist destination by the 1950s, this book chronicles the city's rapid development. It highlights the impact of Hurricane Donna in 1960 and the subsequent building boom, culminating in the establishment of the luxury community Pelican Bay in 1972. Featuring over 200 images, including historic photographs and vintage postcards, it offers a unique glimpse into this pivotal era of Naples' history.
In the 1840s, pioneers settled on the picturesque lands surrounding the Alafia River. With glistening waters that gave life to plush foliage and citrus trees gracing its banks, the Alafia stretched westward before flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. Forty years later, phosphate was discovered in the Bone Valley area, and miners began arriving in what is now Mulberry, Florida. The industrial activity of the town encouraged economic growth and soon demanded the need for a railroad to accommodate Mulberry's expanding lumber and mining trade. In 1901, the town was officially incorporated, bringing a respected identity and well-deserved peace to the people of the area. Named for a lone tree that served as a local mail drop, the town of Mulberry was born.
On the southeast coast of Florida in the 1880s, a quaint little community was nestled along the tranquil waters of the St. Lucie River in a wilderness of tropical beauty, one of the region s last frontiers. As lucrative pineapple crops and the commercial fishing industry began to flourish, trade boats brought necessary supplies, and new settlers arrived on river steamers. With land available for homesteading or for sale at $1.25 an acre, the small village soon to be known as Stuart would become a mecca for innovative, hardworking young men seeking business and financial opportunities. By the dawn of the 20th century, the railroad had been established, and the town, forged by the fortitude of early pioneers, thrived, eventually becoming a beautiful, friendly incorporated city."
The narrative traces the rich history of Oak Hill, starting with the Timucuan Indians around 2000 BC, highlighting the area's enduring natural beauty and tranquility. It details the arrival of Florida pioneers in 1870, who were attracted by the diverse ecosystems and abundant natural resources, including timber and citrus. The book features selected photographs, many from local families, capturing the lives and experiences of those who have called Oak Hill home throughout its history.
Dade City was named for Maj. Francis L. Dade, who perished in the Dade Battle, which opened the Second Seminole War in 1836. As the county seat, formality intermingles with frontier roots in a revered, historic courthouse, a stately jail, and an array of churches and historic homes. Dade City entices visitors with antique shops, cafs, and historical architecture. Folks are drawn to the hospitality of the Kumquat Festival, the homespun county fair, and agricultural showcases at area ranches. In 1908, O. Henry included Dade City in one of his short stories as a symbol of Americana. Surrounding the historic town are alluring places that tell the stories of Florida: the Withlacoochee State Forest, Lake Jovita, Trilby, Lacoochee, and San Antonio to name a few.
Zellwood was named for Thomas Ellwood Zell, who arrived in the area in 1876. Zell sent scrapbooks displaying newspaper clippings to entice Northern friends--former Civil War officers--to settle near Lakes Maggiore and Minore. Word spread that Zellwood was a desirable place to winter and do business. Construction of millionaire steel magnate James Laughlin Jr.'s mansion began in 1885. Zellwood attracted people who built estates and new homes. Boardinghouses popped up. The Holly Arms Hotel and Zellwood Inn housed farmers, teachers, and entrepreneurs. In 1911, a train brought more settlers planning to earn their livelihood from Zellwood's rich earth. Agriculture dominated from the 1940s through the late 1990s. Zellwood was known for sweet corn. By 1999, all but one farm had been purchased for Lake Apopka restoration. Only Long and Scott Farms carries on the tradition of growing Zellwood sweet corn by farming the sandy soil bordering the muck lands of Lake Apopka.
Orlando, one of the world¿s most popular vacation destinations, boasts a rich and fascinating history. Known for its unique beauty and warm climate, the region played a key role in the early citrus industry and southern migration.
Anna Maria Island was once inhabited by Native Americans, but as the beauty became known to its first homesteader, George L. Bean, the island's destiny was to be a beacon to paradise. In spite of mangrove forests and throngs of mosquitoes, people came by boat to enjoy the white sand beaches and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with their cool onshore breezes and blazing sunsets. The Islander newspaper of the 1950s heralded, "Where life is good and the fishing is great." Anglers came from afar to test their skills against tarpon, the world's greatest game fish, and to hunt goliath grouper in the depths of Tampa Bay. Two modern bridges connected the island to the mainland in 1957, and with that the seven-mile-long island was on its way to becoming the jewel of Manatee County.
Lehigh Acres emerged from an expanse of southwest Florida's wild lands due to the vision of industrialist, inventor, and self-made millionaire Leonard Lee Ratner and his business partners in the Lee County Land and Title Company. For Ratner, southwest Florida represented a land of opportunity. In 1952, he purchased Lucky Lee Ranch in eastern Lee County as a means to maintain his fortune; however, a chance meeting in Miami with Gerald Gould, a young advertising executive, forever changed the future of this Florida ranchland. They formed a company, began subdividing the land, and devised a marketing plan to attract buyers from the Midwest and Northeast by selling dreams in "a golden land of opportunity" and touting an average temperature of 74 degrees. Soon, roadways, model homes, the Lehigh Acres Country Club and Motel, and an ultramodern auditorium brought the community to life. As the decades moved on, the company's holdings grew to 60,000 acres, making Lehigh Acres one of the largest subdivided communities in the nation. Rich in natural beauty, amenities, and activities, the dynamic marketing team convincingly sold many on the idea "that you needn't be a millionaire to live like one" in Lehigh Acres.
Wesley Chapel originated in the mid-1800s as a cohesive community of settlers who demonstrated a uniquely rural authenticity and independence of spirit. Evidence of Native American presence in the area has been documented as early as 10,000 BC. Lumber harvesting and turpentine production became prominent industries, while cash-crop farming, citrus, and livestock ranching provided sustenance for the pioneer settlement. Charcoal kilns, gator hunting, and moonshine stills supplemented incomes and spawned legends. The community was also identified by the monikers Gatorville, Double Branch, and Godwin. From 1897 to 1902, Wesley Chapel boasted its own post office, two sawmills, and a general store. Primitive roads left residents with an informal town nucleus, and services shifted to surrounding towns until the late 20th century, when postal service and incorporation emerged, and the lumber trusts of John D. Rockefeller, Otto Hermann Kahn, and Edwin Wiley morphed into sizeable ranches.
E.J. "Ned" Willingham, an honest land speculator, envisioned a harmonious community in Wilton Manors, aiming to create a modest, exclusive enclave with schools and parks. His grand plans reflected a vision of a graceful neighborhood in the midst of the "Florida Frenzy." Nearly 80 years later, the community has evolved into a diverse and tolerant area, maintaining its charm and commitment to preserving its history, despite diverging from Willingham's original all-white concept.
Surfside is a delightful town just north of Miami Beach. With business, residential, and tourism sections, it has the proverbial "something for everybody." Founded in 1935, Surfside has developed into one of the most highly desirable places to live, work, and do business in South Florida. Although the town is only one square mile in size, its 6,000 residents, along with its innumerable visitors, enjoy the best of Greater Miami's restaurants, shops, and services. Surfside's proximity to Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, and the Bay Harbor Islands offers residents and visitors the best of both big-city and suburban life.
Richmond Heights, a community in southwest Miami, Florida, was founded in 1949 by Capt. Frank Crawford Martin for African American World War II veterans. Captain Martin, also a veteran, thought this community would be a good business venture, but for this white man in the late 1940s it turned into a tool for social change leading all the way to the White House. Miami's Richmond Heights chronicles the beginnings of the original residents who were World War II veterans, including Tuskegee Airmen, as well as Fortune 500 presidents, doctors, university professors, and many other professionals. It explores the vision for the community, how it translated to residents, and to Pres. Harry Truman's involvement.
Naples celebrates the story of one of southwest Florida's most renowned beach resorts, from its tenuous beginning in 1885 through the tumultuous year of 1960, when Hurricane Donna nearly destroyed the town once hailed as the "Summerland in Wintertime." Founded as a place where "invalids can escape the chilling blasts of winter," the distant paradise was accessible only by boat, and by 1890, the new town boasted a pier, the Naples Hotel-and little else. With train service arriving in Naples in 1927 and the opening of the Tamiami Trail in 1928, the once-remote resort was finally open to development, but the Depression turned the dreamed-of boom into a bust until after World War II. The picture-perfect beaches and warm winter climate were soon "rediscovered," and by the time Hurricane Donna stormed ashore on September 10, 1960, Naples was the fastest-growing city in Collier County.
Spanish explorers arrived in Tampa Bay in the 16th century. Jews were first allowed to live in Florida in 1763 and less than 100 years later, Tampa became a city. The arrival of the railroad and the cigar industry in the 1890s attracted immigrants. Many were Jews, who helped propel growth, especially in Ybor City, where they owned more than 80 businesses. Over the decades, Jews participated in civic and Jewish organizations, the military, politics, and in developing Tampa as a sports center. Today, with about 23,000 Jews in Tampa, there are fifth-generation residents who represent the continuity of a people who contribute vibrancy to every area of the community.
Auburndale was carved out of the central Florida wilderness in 1884 when the South Florida Railroad selected the location to build a depot. Surrounded by clear, sand-bottomed lakes, the site was located almost equally between the ocean and gulf and was 14 miles from Bartow, the county seat. The new depot was named after Auburndale, Massachusetts, which was the hometown of one of the owners. When completed, the depot was the only building in sight. Settlers quickly realized the advantage of being close to the railroad, and by 1889 Auburndale had 30 homes and a population of 270. One church, seven stores, a livery stable, two hotels, and a sawmill lined the sandy streets. The young community survived fires that destroyed Main Street twice, a tornado that demolished their schools, and devastating freezes that killed citrus trees.
The narrative explores the experiences of Royal Air Force pilots who trained in Florida before World War II. Set against the backdrop of pre-war America, the story delves into their camaraderie, the challenges of training, and the contrast between their sunny surroundings and the impending war. It highlights the personal growth and resilience of these pilots as they prepare for the daunting task of defending Britain against the Blitzkrieg. This unique perspective sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of military history.
Beginning in 1905, large numbers of Greeks from the Dodecanese and Saronic Gulf islands settled in Tarpon Springs to work in the sponge business. They significantly expanded the industry and changed Tarpon Springs forever. Greektown flourished with residences, stores, churches, restaurants, and recreational facilities stretching from the sponge docks to downtown. Sponge fishing and related activities served as the economic base for the community. By 1913, as many as half of Tarpon Springs residents were reputedly Greek, and many businesses displayed both Greek and American flags. Today, Tarpon Springs' Greek community preserves a strong ethnic and maritime heritage. While some major US cities have a larger Greek population, no other has a greater percentage with Greek heritage than Tarpon Springs.
Maas Brothers opened in 1886, and for more than 100 years it was the commercial and social hub for generations of Tampa Bay shoppers. From its historic downtown Tampa store, to its sleek St. Petersburg location, to branches throughout central and west Florida (in cities like Lakeland, Sarasota, and Clearwater), Maas Brothers was a Florida Suncoast institution. The department store was known and respected for its casual and quality merchandise, fashion shows, popular in-store restaurants that featured its signature cinnamon twists, and countless traditions. A founding unit of the Allied Stores Corporation, Maas Brothers became one of the company's most profitable divisions. For most of its existence, the department store faced little competition throughout its trading area, but Maas Brothers fell victim to department store industry changes in the 1980s. It was combined with Miami's Jordan Marsh division in 1987 but gradually lost its identity. In 1991, the Maas Brothers name, along with many of its downtown locations, became a part of Tampa Bay history.
Set in 1885, the narrative follows Vicente Martinez Ybor as he acquires 40 acres of land northeast of Tampa to establish a thriving cigar industry. The story explores the challenges and triumphs he faces while building a community around his business, highlighting themes of entrepreneurship, immigration, and cultural identity. Ybor's vision transforms the area, making it a pivotal location for the cigar trade and shaping the lives of many who settle there.
The book delves into the adventurous spirit of early 20th-century Americans who embraced the automobile as a means to explore the vastness of the country. It highlights the phenomenon of "Tin Can" tourists, who set off with tents, extra supplies, and a thirst for discovery, redefining exploration in a way that rivaled historic figures like Lewis and Clark. This new generation of travelers embodied restlessness and curiosity, transforming the American landscape into a playground for adventure and exploration.
Image of America: Central Florida's World War II Veterans portrays the courageous people of Central Florida who fought for freedom. From those who were witness to that date which will live in infamy to those who served in the Allied occupational forces following the victories in Europe and Japan in 1945, Images of America: Central Florida's World War II Veterans pays tribute to the courageous men and women who sacrificed and endured through this phenomenally patriotic time in American history. Represented within these pages is just a small number of the vast roll call of patriots who at one time called Florida home. Heroic, humorous, and heart-warming stories are featured through these vintage photographs of the brave men who landed on the beaches of France and on the shore of Iwo Jima, who marched at the Battle of the Bulge and at Anzio, who flew in the Doolittle Raid, and who were engaged at the pivotal Battle of Midway, as well as those who were prisoners of war and protected the home front. Also featured are the women who served as nurses, worked in the factories, encouraged people to purchase war bonds, and who joined the WAC, the WAVES, and the SPARS.
