Advertise on podcast: Winter Park History Museum's "A Stroll Down Park Avenue"

Henry Chubb traces his family's history from the earliest days of Winter Park, describing his grandfather's involvement in citrus development, local government, and community life. He also shares personal memories of growing up in Winter Park, studying entomology, and working on malaria and mosquito-control projects in the United States, India, and the Middle East. The interview provides a detailed firsthand account of Central Florida's agricultural, political, and social history across more than a century.

In this oral history interview, Richard Charlton reflects on growing up in Winter Park, Florida during segregation, discussing his education, family history, and experiences with racial barriers. He describes his move to New York City, his long career with the New York Transit Authority, and the opportunities he found there. The interview also documents the development of Winter Park, civil rights progress, and Charlton’s advice on education, responsibility, and community involvement.

In this interview, Charles Chandler reflects on growing up in Winter Park, Florida, attending segregated schools, and working in the community during the mid-20th century. He discusses his career at the Langford Hotel and in banking, while sharing stories about notable visitors and local history. Much of the interview focuses on his close relationship with Hugh McCain and the development of the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, highlighting McCain’s commitment to making art accessible to the public

This meeting of the Winter Park Historical Association focuses on plans to create a local history museum and preserve important artifacts from the community's past. The featured presentation by Cortland Berry explores the history of Winter Park’s early hotels, including the Virginia Inn, Seminole Hotel, Alabama Hotel, and Hamilton Hotel, highlighting their role in the city’s social and cultural life. Audience members also share memories and historical stories that help document the evolution of Winter Park.

Rose Bynum reflects on growing up in Winter Park, Florida, sharing memories of family, education, church life, and the Hannibal Square community. She discusses the challenges of segregation, her career, and her involvement in local organizations. The interview preserves her firsthand perspective on how the community changed over time and the importance of preserving its history. This recording is from March 17, 1999.

This interview features Carl Buchanan, who served as chief of police in Winter Park from 1940 to 1965, reflecting on his law enforcement career and the growth of the city during the mid-twentieth century. He discusses efforts to reduce gambling, improve traffic safety, work closely with Rollins College, and maintain Winter Park's reputation as a safe residential community. Buchanan also shares personal stories about local leaders, notable incidents involving college students, and the civic-minded citizens who helped shape the city's development.

Former Woman's Club of Winter Park president Alice Britton recounts her family's history, her move to Winter Park in 1968, and her involvement in civic and community organizations. Her interview offers a firsthand perspective on women's leadership, community service, and life in Winter Park during the twentieth century.

This interview with W. Taylor Briggs is a firsthand account of moving to Winter Park, Florida in the late 1940s and building a life there. He reflects on the town's early growth, seasonal tourism, local businesses, and everyday community life as Winter Park developed over the years.

This interview features Cecile Bradley, who recounts her life from her childhood in Kentucky, Panama, and Philadelphia through her marriage, family life, and move to Winter Park, Florida in 1933 when her husband joined Rollins College. She describes the growth of Winter Park over several decades, her involvement in community welfare programs, education, healthcare initiatives, and civic organizations, as well as her family's connection to Rollins College and its rowing program. The conversation also includes personal stories about hurricanes, wartime life, extensive travel, and a dramatic 1980 cruise ship fire from which all passengers were rescued, along with her reflections on how Winter Park changed during her lifetime.

This interview with John Bowman focuses on his life in Winter Park after moving there in 1958, including his work as an auto mechanic, his military service, and his experiences raising a family in the community. He reflects on how Winter Park changed over the decades, discussing local businesses, transportation, housing growth, neighborhood development, and the influence of Rollins College on the city. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes Winter Park’s small-town character, tree-lined streets, and sense of community while expressing concern about rising property values and the loss of some of the area's historical character.

This interview with Vivian Blessing recounts her family’s journey to Florida during the land boom and her experiences growing up in Winter Park during the Depression and early 20th century. She describes the town’s schools, businesses, social activities, community events, and the close-knit atmosphere that characterized Winter Park as it developed. She also reflects on her long career in local banking and her involvement in the community, providing a firsthand account of how Winter Park evolved over the decades.