Railroads

After some futile attempts, the railroad came to stay in Avon Park in 1912, when the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad sent a combination passenger and freight train through town twice a week.

In 1924 the Seaboard Air Line Railroad built a line through Avon Park and added a station in 1926. In the late 1970s, stops at Avon Park were discontinued, with passengers having to go to Sebring to catch the train.

Shortly after service was discontinued, the Historical Society of the Old Settlers Association -- now the Historical Society of Avon Park -- led the charge to turn the station into a museum. On Jan. 4, 1979, the deeds were transferred to the City of Avon Park, which, in turn, leased the building to the Historical Society.