"FloridaPast Citrus Industry Tour"
'one pick-n-fade at a time'
We will give you a glimpse into the biggest industry of FloridaPast and Present
CITRUS - AGRICULTURE - FARMING
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FloridaPast Citrus Industry...
There are Many writings on this subject.
In a few words, it is the Foundation of Florida's Economy. But more importantly, we must reflect the FloridaPast Citrus Industry.
When it was Ma & Pa Roadside. That WAS AMERICA in Her FINEST OF TIMES!
Entire Families were kept together, as One, because of Citrus.
Tourism Flourished for Many a Decade, because of Citrus. Railroads, Ships, Boats, Trucks and so on.
When we All start to think along these terms, the Reality Side of it, we Will Most Certainly Gain a Everlasting Appreciation for FloridaPast,
and see things in a different Ray of Sun-Light.
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Before we move on, I would like to THANK, with All Sincerity,
the Folks that worked Hard to Preserve and Share their work.
These photographs, images, movies, clips, commercials and slide shows,
are just a small sampling of the dedication to the preservation of FloridaPast.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!
A Special Thanks to FloridaMemoryProject, State Archives
For without the sharing of FloridaPast photographs,
We couldn't reflect the Past.....
Our Project of Placing NOW & THEN FADES is On Going
If we have a Now & Then "Fade" of a particular Roadside Citrus Stand,
the image caption will state, so you can click on that image for your FloridaPast "Fade"
Some images belong to others. When we know the source, we will post.
As we share, please give proper credits.
Please note, when visiting Our Now & Then Fades, there are some people that try to duplicate Our work.
Remember, It's Not a FloridaPast Fade, unless it was Created by FloridaPast.
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VERY INTERESTING FLORIDA CITRUS MUTUAL HISTORY
Knock on the doors at the Florida Citrus Mutual, above, to learn more about FloridaPast's Citrus Industry.
Credit underlying text to Florida Citrus Mutual
Credit underlying text to Florida Citrus Mutual
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Click here to Read about some of the Founders of Florida Citrus - Florida State Horticultural Society of 1964
Click here to learn some very interesting history on various FloridaPast Citrus Packing House History
Just Love the Sweetness of FloridaPast Citrus
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Dr. Phillips of Orlando, FloridaPast
We want to Thank Troy Finnegan, from Dr. Phillips Charities.
Who supplied us with the Exact Location of Dr. Phillips' Juice Stand in Orlando.
We borrowed a few words of history about Dr. Phillips.
And encourage you to further read at the link following. "The young Dr. Phillips came to Florida in 1894, where he purchased his first orange grove in Satsuma. One of the most devastating freezes in Florida's history occurred in the following year. Two days of below-freezing temperatures destroyed his citrus trees forcing the young doctor back home to Tennessee. He returned to Florida in 1897, this time moving further south to Central Florida. He purchased land in Osceola County. This was the beginning of a citrus empire spanning several counties, with more than 5,000 acres of citrus groves and two packing houses. In 1905, Dr. P. Phillips purchased a grove on the south side of Sand Lake in Orange County." ................ Please give Credit to, and Click here to read Dr. Phillips' History |
Click the postcard image to your' right, for a Now & Then Fade.
Take note, that the placement isn't exact. Google map didn't map this area yet. We'll update the placement when Google updates their map. We are Close. According to Troy Finnegan of Dr. Phillips' Foundation, the packing house sat just about where Cedar's Restaurant is today. The restaurant windows that we are peering through now, actually look out at Cedars. The actual view we see on this postcard, would have been taken from the Lake's edge, looking toward W. Sand Lake Road. CLICK THIS LINE TO SEE an Actual Photograph of the Packing Plant, published in Historic Orange County:The Story of Orlando and Orange County. and to read more of Doc Phillips' History. CLICK THIS LINE TO READ Dr. Phillips' Foundation Newsletters. Once again, a Sincere Thanks to Troy Finnegan for all his help with these Now & Then Fades of Dr. Phillips, FloridaPast. The woman below, serving out Fresh Orange Juice, sometime during 1950, at Dr. Phillips' citrus stand, which was on Sand Lake Road in Orlando.
The stand she is in, was just a few yards from the packing house, just above, right. To be cont...... Photo credit, Dr. Phillips Foundation
Dr. Phillips Orange Juice
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The photograph above, shows Datson Dairies, delivering milk to Dr. Phillips home, in Orlando.
You can Click on it, and you'll be able to see a Now & Then Fade of this moment captured back in 1935 A View of Dr. Phillips' Express Station
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Floyd L. and Jane Wray's Flamingo Groves & Botanical Gardens
Just Gotta' Love the Old Florida Roadside Stands.
Most all are gone now, but happy to know, that there are few that still remain, doing business the Old School Way. Such as Alex's today. We borrowed a few words of their history to share with you here; "In 1927 Floyd L. Wray opened Flamingo Groves in Fort Lauderdale which became one of the leaders in the citrus industry, grafting new varieties of citrus and opening the way to the modern trend of gift fruit shipping. In 1959, we started out at Island Farm Groves in Davie and then in 1963 opened Alex's Citrus Packing Plant in Dania Beach." CREDIT HISTORY/TEXT TO & VISIT FLAMINGO GROVE'S WEBSITE The black and white photograph to your right, --->
was shared on Facebook Historic Florida X. Within the thread of this share, ELizabeth Kostecki adds; "Thank you for sharing the photo which is included in the Flamingo Groves/Flamingo Gardens Archives and also for including correct information, well done!" 'Based on the small size of the trees, the photo is tentatively dated as circa 1928-1929. It is part of a panoramic photo published in a newspaper which incorrectly stated the groves were started in 1926 (the first tree was planted in February, 1927). The man in white in the center is C.P. Hammerstein, Vice President of Sales, Flamingo Groves. Floyd L. Wray is in the first row of trees behind the hood of the first car." "By the way, if anyone has photos of their visits to Flamingo Groves or early Flamingo Gardens send them to [email protected] so they can be included in the archives. Please include an approximate date, family name, and recollections so that information can be noted as well." ___________________________From our collection, an original Floyd L. Wray Flamingo Groves Field Crate.
Much like those in the photograph above. We now offer this Rare piece of Flamingo Groves FloridaPast History For Sale. Clicking on the crate will bring you to our Citrus History for sale page. |
Flamingo Gardens started out as Flamingo Groves, a Citrus Grove, by Floyd L. and Jane Wray in 1927. Since history has been well documented, we'll include some links to the better sites that discuss the Flamingo Groves' History.
This is one of the Better Sites -> Flamingo Gardens Blog _______________________________ BOTANICAL GARDENS & EVERGLADES WILDLIFE SANCTUARY A few images of Alex's we hadn't faded yet.
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Lang's Roadside Fruit Shop Lake Alfred FloridaPast
This is one of my Favorite Now & Then Fades
Perfect Fitting-Fade
Give it a click, and see what you think
This Fade takes us back into the 1970s era.,
out front of Lang's Fruit Shop in Lake Alfred FloridaPast. Personally I Love this photograph. Almost as though we are there, heading across the road to pick some citrus, and get some free samples from Mary & Joe Lang. The Nicest people you want to meet...... Back when Ma and Pa Ruled America's Roadsides. Honestly I didn't think I would find any information about Lang's. But Lo Behold, we did, and as you can see, it's still in the family, and the little home still stands..... I had to borrow some history from their website to share for educational purposes. "Lang Sun Country Groves was opened in 1951 by Mary & Joe Lang. Lang’s has been handed down through the generations. The business can be traced back to the early 1930’s when Joe Lang cleared his first land by hand with a grubbing hoe. Early on the Families plan was to grow a wide variety of citrus and with the groves located in central Florida, the trees received just the right amount of sunshine and rain." Please credit this history, and visit here -> https://www.langsuncountry.com/pages/our-story ____________________________________________________________ |
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Click on images, either to Enlarge or to see a Now & Then Fade
Disney's Donald Duck
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Waverly Citrus Packing House
Waverly, FloridaPast n FloridaPresent
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Marion's Indian River Fruit - Bonded Fruit Shippers
Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida
Fittings Indian River Fruit Stand
Kings Highway, Fort Pierce, FloridaPast
Owners are Earle T. Field Jr. and Theresa M. Field
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WEVER GROVES PACKING HOUSE & FRUIT EMPORIUM - ST. PETERSBURG
A Cool Artist' rendition of the once popular Wever Groves, Open Air Market, and Fruit Emporium, here in St. Pete, during the 1940s era.
Unusual to see a night scene like this. More often than not, the Artist used a photograph to work from. Giving us the close to exact image.
Unfortunately, this entire block long building, was demolished back in 1977, to make way for what you see now, a parking lot.
The market was run by Evelyn and Earl Satterfield, up until the demise of the building. Geared toward the Tourist industry, but with friendly smiling service for the local Folk.
Millege D. Wever, who came from Leesburg, Florida, in the early part of 1900s era, had his packing house right behind the open air market here. Millege had planted citrus groves, where Memorial Park is now. He and his son, Milton or known by friends, "Woody" Wever, ran this place for many years, until Woody sold out to the Satterfields.
Read some more history about Wevers' here at the St. Pete Times
Unusual to see a night scene like this. More often than not, the Artist used a photograph to work from. Giving us the close to exact image.
Unfortunately, this entire block long building, was demolished back in 1977, to make way for what you see now, a parking lot.
The market was run by Evelyn and Earl Satterfield, up until the demise of the building. Geared toward the Tourist industry, but with friendly smiling service for the local Folk.
Millege D. Wever, who came from Leesburg, Florida, in the early part of 1900s era, had his packing house right behind the open air market here. Millege had planted citrus groves, where Memorial Park is now. He and his son, Milton or known by friends, "Woody" Wever, ran this place for many years, until Woody sold out to the Satterfields.
Read some more history about Wevers' here at the St. Pete Times
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Click Here to Buy and Preserve Your Own FloridaPast Citrus History
With Original Citrus Crate and Wrap Labels
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The Horn of Plenty of FloridaPast BeautyThe Beauty of FloridaPast is a 'Horn of Plenty'
When we close our eyes, and envision FloridaPast,
we vision the Pretty Women, and the Sweet Taste of Florida Citrus! FloridaPast, "The Horn of Plenty" DESOTO GROVES & MURDOCK FLA POST OFFICE
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Lake Hamilton Citrus Growers near Dundee FloridaPast
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1940 Out Front of Citrus World - Lake Wales
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Love this GrabShot (tm) Tour.
You will too.
This is how one mixes FloridaPast with FloridaPresent, and together, we Preserve for Our FloridaFuture.
Click here for the history and images of Blue Goose Growers
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This next group of images, we shot ourselves, in April of 2011
We were traveling North on Highway 301, between Coleman and Wildwood
The first image will be the first billboard sign, which is original to FloridaPast.
Re-Painted through the many years standing.
Back in the day, when Burma-Shave Advertising was in it's Glory.
FloridaPast highways and bi-ways were filled with this type of advertising.
These signs are for The Cherokee Trading Post
At the interesection of 301 and Floirda's Turnpike
Unfortunately, this place is just about under.
No longer in Full Swing, as it once was, back in the FloridaPast days....
These billboards are about 1/2 mi. or so apart, until you finally reach the place.
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These two photos are of the Orange Center
Jct. 301 N., Florida Turnpike, Wildwood
Right next door to the Failing Cherokee Trading Post
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SPARKMAN'S
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Click this image to get telephone number, address, current information and customer comments
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This little place is right off I-75
Sumterville-Coleman exit, East to 301
Taking 470 East from I-75, at the junction of 301, take a right, south, apx. 1/2 mile on right.
You can continue South on 301 to Any South Florida Destination.
See that sign in the two photos below?
It's been there awhile, if it's still there when you come through, that's were you take a right.
Enjoy and Be Safe!
You can continue South on 301 to Any South Florida Destination.
See that sign in the two photos below?
It's been there awhile, if it's still there when you come through, that's were you take a right.
Enjoy and Be Safe!
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The Orange Shop on U.S. 301 Citra
Still going today
Clicking on either photo of The Orange Shop, will take you to a Now & Then Faded Moment, with the Slide of the Fade-Bar
Click here to visit our FloridaPast Facebook Share, and read some of the comments and stories from folks that know of this Famed place.
Click here to visit our FloridaPast Facebook Share, and read some of the comments and stories from folks that know of this Famed place.
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Now we visit Ferris Groves, Floral City
still going strong today
Always a Favorite of ours, Ferris Groves, Roadside Stand in Floral City, FloridaPast & Present
Most old images here, when clicked,
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Some borrowed history to share about Ferris Groves.
"In 1931, L.G. "Doc" Ferris began planting citrus trees in the rich, hammock soil of Duval Island, in historic Floral City, Florida. The trees took root in the fertile ground, and for 75 years, the land has produced all varieties of Florida's finest citrus: Hamlin and Navel oranges, Dancy and Murcott tangerines, Honeybell tangelos, Flame and Ruby Red grapefruit, and more. In 1944, Ferris Groves added a packing and shipping plant. Shortly thereafter, a retail store was built, and with it, Ferris Groves' gift fruit business began. It continues to this day." Please Credit above text to, and visit Ferris Groves here - http://www.ferrisgroves.com/ http://www.ferrisgroves.com/history.php This is what Ferris Groves looks like in 2012A Nice Presentation for Floral City
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This is a FloridaPast-Present Citrus Attraction
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Out on our Sunday Morning Drive,
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-----------------------------------------------Dixie Queens of the South
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Bananas on the docks of Tampa
The history of the banana is very interesting.
So we borrowed a few words to share here for educational purposes. - " Banana plants were probably planted in Spanish settlements in southern Florida, where Cavendish bananas were found growing as a dooryard plant in the nineteenth century. There have been sporadic efforts since to foster commercial banana farming in Florida in response to the enormous profits in banana importing and the growth of the North American market. The U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced Chinese dwarf cooking-bananas to Florida in 1841 but there was little interest among consumers at that time." "A Colonel Whitner was reported to have ten thousand banana plants growing on his plantation near Silver Lake, Florida, in 1876. An observer noted that "some of these are large trees, which do not die after bearing their fruit, but the majority are of the dwarf species, which are renewed every year." The January 1879 "Sunday School Leaflet of the American Home Missionary Society" listed bananas among the exotic fruit to be found in Florida, while a tourist guide to Florida published in 1891 listed bananas as a "staple commodity capable of being raised in Florida and shipped to outside markets with a profit to the producer." This and other efforts to promote banana growing in Florida have consistently failed because of periodic frosts that can devastate entire plantations." Please credit copyrighted history text and Visit Here to continue reading more of this informative history. |
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FloridaPast not only had a booming citrus business, but also was known for other crops, such as Papayas, Watermelon, and all types of vegetables.
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Our Citrus Tower Collection of "Fades" and Moments Captured
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Some of the following images we personally own or have owned. Some were shared with us so we could create our now & then fades, whilst others come from FloridaMemoryProject, State Archives or Library of Congress. The latter sources are under Public Domain. If we knew or know the source, we always credit properly. With all images, we add our FloridaPast.com watermarks. This is so our Famed Fades can be attributed back to us. It's a lot of work to create these fades, and it's Not a paying job. It's the Love of Our History that compels. Some of our fades have been share Well Over a Million times across this thing we call the internet. And we feel that we deserve the recognition. You are always welcome to share, but please, cite sources when known.
ENJOY YOUR VISIT WITH FloridaPast.com
ps.... some images yet to be fades. As our time allows, we'll be fading and updating. So Please check back.
And if you have anything to contribute, if it be a photo, experience, history, or even a story, Please come to FloridaPast Facebook and share.
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Florida Citrus Tower has a Wonderful Facebook Page. If you haven't discovered their page yet, CLICK HERE to Visit & Like their page
ENJOY YOUR VISIT WITH FloridaPast.com
ps.... some images yet to be fades. As our time allows, we'll be fading and updating. So Please check back.
And if you have anything to contribute, if it be a photo, experience, history, or even a story, Please come to FloridaPast Facebook and share.
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Florida Citrus Tower has a Wonderful Facebook Page. If you haven't discovered their page yet, CLICK HERE to Visit & Like their page
The Moment, 1956, South Bound on Highway 27, approaching Clermont
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Citrus Tower Continued on our Citrus Tour#6B
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The Governor's Grove, Route 27, south of Clermont on Lake Felter
The Governor's Grove, which at that time was maintained by the Minute Maid Corp., who in 1958, at the Governor's Conference in Miami, had given each of the then Governors of the United States and it's Territories, a citrus tree, along with 400 square feet of land. The fruit from each tree, would then, yearly, be picked and sent to each Governor.
If you would like skip around to other parts of your tour, without following Wally Gator
you can use either of these FloridaPast Tour Links to get you there.
Wally doesn't like when his Tour leaves to go their own way. So he may snip at ya'll.
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Begining of your Tour/Highway-2/Highway-3-Natural Scenes/Highway-4-Roadside Hotels & Motels/Highway-5-Past Attractions/Attractions 5B/Highway-6-Citrus Farming Tour/
Highway-7-Historical Images/Highway-8-Seminole Indians Tour/Seminole Indians Musa Isle Tour 8-b/
you can use either of these FloridaPast Tour Links to get you there.
Wally doesn't like when his Tour leaves to go their own way. So he may snip at ya'll.
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Begining of your Tour/Highway-2/Highway-3-Natural Scenes/Highway-4-Roadside Hotels & Motels/Highway-5-Past Attractions/Attractions 5B/Highway-6-Citrus Farming Tour/
Highway-7-Historical Images/Highway-8-Seminole Indians Tour/Seminole Indians Musa Isle Tour 8-b/
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