150th Anniversary of the City of Orlando
Orlando is a place where history is being made every day. But the stories that truly define us are the personal ones that capture the spirit of our community.
As part of our year long celebration of the city's 150th anniversary we want you to share your Orlando history with us. Whether it's beautiful architecture of your family's old Florida home, the legacy of a local business, a cherished memory from an Orlando event or experience, or a glimpse into the city's vibrant cultural community, we want to hear from you.
Share your written narratives, photographs, articles, newspaper clippings, and any other materials that tell the story of your Orlando. Your contributions will be featured on our community history board throughout the year.
Add your memories
Share written narratives, photographs, articles, newspaper clippings, or any other materials that tell the story of Orlando.
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Honoring the People Who Built the City Beautiful
The best way my team and I are celebrating Orlando’s 150 years is by honoring the people who built it. For nearly three decades, I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for Orlando’s seniors—ensuring they age with dignity and independence. As President and CEO of Seniors First, I am passionate about helping seniors remain in their homes where their happiness and well-being are optimized through our programs of home-delivered meals, congregate lunch sites, mobility equipment and personal care and caregiver respite. Aging in place also benefits our community with reduced tax burdens.
My journey began in 1995, when I led the... Continue reading
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Goodbye O-rena
I had my very first corporate office on the 6th floor of the Angebilt buidling and then moved over to the 15th floor at The Plaza and that office had the perfect view to take pictures of the O-Rena demolition from a very high and safe distance and was able to get a picture with the charges going off inside the building before the explosion.
I have taken thousands of pictures living on the 15th floor at The Solaire facing East and my office in the 15th floor facing West.
The O-Rena implosion is one of my favorite pictures from... Continue reading
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Mathers Social Gathering
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Visitors Became Residents of Orlando
My Brazilian-Hungarian grandfather immigrated to America in the 1960s, and in the early 1990s, he chose to make Orlando his home to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren. For years before that, he and my grandmother visited annually, each time witnessing the city’s incredible growth and the new amenities shaping its skyline. What was once just a beloved destination for family visits became the place where we put down roots, growing alongside Orlando itself.
He cherished his daily walks around Lake Eola with his wife and friends, attending Mass at St. James Cathedral, and taking his granddaughters for ice... Continue reading
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My Grandfather's Barber Shop
My grandfather opened and owned a barber shop in downtown Orlando beginning in September of 1927. It was located at 209 Boone Street and stayed in that location for at least 28 years. Eventually his shop had to move and he ended up at 126 South Court Ave. between E. Church and Pine Streets. His shop stayed there until the 70's when the building was sold and he closed his shop.
Many memories were had in that shop as my dad, Gene Reynolds, also barbered there for many years until he moved up in rank at the Orlando Fire department.
... Continue reading
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Merita Bread Sign: A Whiff of Nostalgia!
In May 1961, Orlando welcomed the Merita Bread factory and its iconic sign along Interstate 4 near Division Avenue. For over 50 years, the delicious scent of fresh-baked bread greeted drivers on their way through the city. When the bakery closed, the new owners generously donated one of the Merita signs to the Morse Museum, where it now stands as one of the largest objects in the collection at nearly 18 feet high and 48 feet long.
Last month, the Merita sign was part of a temporary art installation at the Immerse Festival in Downtown Orlando, bringing that beloved piece... Continue reading
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Touring the city with my dad who built a lot of it! :)
My dad is now (in 2025) turning 87 years old and came to Central Florida in search of iron work when he was 21. He had a wife, a kid (my older sister) and a car with very little else when he showed up. His specialty was high iron and he worked on nearly all of the jobs that happened in the Orlando and at Cape Canaveral (KSC) before 1975.
I too worked in the construction industry with my mother, my sister in law and my brother. We have also made some lasting changes to Orlando and surrounding areas from... Continue reading
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Shaping Orlando's Skyline
My dad, Floyd Faucette, helped shape Orlando's Skyline in the 1970's and 1980's. His company developed Orlando's first skyscraper as well as some others along Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. He loved Orlando. He moved here after marrying my mom from a very small town in Alabama in the 1960's. It is amazing to see how much downtown has changed over the years and I am proud my dad had a hand in it.
Who's Listening
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Email 150@orlando.gov