College Students Help Out at the Museum - For the past several weeks, history was made when two honors students from South Florida Community College were assigned to the Depot Museum for a “service learning program.” This national college program encourages students to participate in community projects. As their handbook says, “The health of our democracy depends on service and community involvement.”  Read more...

Jordon and Son Jewelers: One of the county’s oldest family-run businesses - Traveling in a Dodge touring car, Fred S. and Matte Priscilla Jordon left Paducah, Kentucky, in the autumn of 1920 with their three sons, Paul S., Marshall and Charles Dale, arriving in Avon Park in October. Dad-Dad Jordon (as he was fondly known) had chosen this area as he had heard a Christian school was to be established here and he had wanted his boys to have the benefit of such an education. Unfortunately, no such school ever came to be. Read more...

Grants Awarded - The Highlands County Tourist Development Council and the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners have awarded the Historical Society two $1,000 grants. One is to help with the development and maintenance of a website for the Depot Museum; the other, to help publish a brochure for a walking tour of historic buildings in downtown Avon Park. Ed Baldridge is working with us on the website. Larry and Elaine are putting together the brochure. Willing to help out on either project? Give us a call.

Gift Shop Doings - We’ve moved the gift shop (again) -- you can‘t miss it. And Gift Shop chairperson Betty Jordon has added items just for kids. And don’t forget our new black-and-white Museum t-shirts ($11.00 but $10.00 to members). The t-shirts also come in a kid’s size, as do our railroad engineer’s caps. Avon Park resident and author Sunny Serafino, who spoke at the museum this past summer on writing your family history, has placed her own family history book for sale at our gift shop. And board member Rose Bell has donated some glass collectibles for us to use as fund-raisers. Come take a look, help support the museum and do your Christmas shopping at the same time. You’ll find many items you can’t find anywhere else.

Tales of a Crate Mill Quarters Boyhood - Editor’s Note: This is the second of a series by Roland Lee about growing up in Avon Park in the 1920s and 1930s. Roland and his family lived in the Crate Mill Quarters (south of town), where crates and boxes were manufactured. He calls his tales “part personal history, part community history.”)  Read more...

Applause for our Sunday Series - Here are some excerpts from a letter by Gaylin Thomas, an Avon Park resident and staff member at South Florida Community College. After attending several of our Sunday Summer offerings, she shared her reactions with us. 

“When I decided to attend the Sunday series, I had no idea they would impact my life so much. Each presentation has been wonderful, enlightening and motivating. “Sunny Serafino’s stories of her experiences were fascinating …. I’ll never think of family history in the same way. “… the tour of the Jacaranda was a very special treat. Don Appelquist’s presentation was educational and enjoyable… I heard several say they didn’t want to leave, it was that good. “Loisa Kerwin’s presentation on the Kissimmee River project … was fascinating. What a golden opportunity for learning in our backyard. “… thank you for your part in making these wonderful afternoons happen. I … hope you continue to bless our community through your efforts to provide quality programs that are so relevant as well as entertaining.”