150th Anniversary of the City of Orlando

1887 photo of Orange Avenue looking south

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.

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.

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

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  • Home Means Orlando

    by BigWaveDave89, about 1 year ago

    In 1995, I was 5 years old. My family relocated to Orlando from Connecticut. I remember we lived in Azalea Park at the time. I recall riding bikes, roller blading, doing all kinds of fun outdoor activities with other kids in the neighborhood. There was also memories of video games, pizza parties, going back to school shopping at the Fashion Square Mall or the KMart on Semoran/Curry Ford. And outings at Lake Eola.

    My late father worked as a dump truck driver and helped build many roads and highways in Orlando that people use today. My maternal grandmother was a... Continue reading

    In 1995, I was 5 years old. My family relocated to Orlando from Connecticut. I remember we lived in Azalea Park at the time. I recall riding bikes, roller blading, doing all kinds of fun outdoor activities with other kids in the neighborhood. There was also memories of video games, pizza parties, going back to school shopping at the Fashion Square Mall or the KMart on Semoran/Curry Ford. And outings at Lake Eola.

    My late father worked as a dump truck driver and helped build many roads and highways in Orlando that people use today. My maternal grandmother was a grand opening cast member at what is now Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We often used her park passes to go to Disney World, something many save for years to do, was like a regular thing for us.

    I went on to graduate from Freedom High School in 2008 and lived in Orlando for another 8 years when my career took me to Las Vegas. Orlando is truly an amazing city and I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up anywhere else.


    While life in Vegas has certainly been an adventure, I am looking forward to returning home to Orlando, permanently.

    Here in Nevada the license plates say “Home Means Nevada” and while my life in Las Vegas has been great, there’s no place like home. For me, Home Means Orlando



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  • Orlando Rubber Stamps and Sign Co., Inc.

    by Stamplady, about 1 year ago

    My grandfather, R. C. de Guehery, moved to Orlando from Hannibal, Missouri in 1937 or 1938 with his wife Lois and two sons, Lindsey and Bill. They lived in Merritt Park which is the neighborhood near Harry P. Leu Gardens. Lois passed away in 1938 leaving a life insurance policy worth $25,000 which was a very large amount of money in those times.

    Grandpa moved to a rooming house and began contemplating opening up his own business. Lindsey left Rollins to join the Navy, flying search and rescue missions in the South Pacific for two and a half years. My... Continue reading

    My grandfather, R. C. de Guehery, moved to Orlando from Hannibal, Missouri in 1937 or 1938 with his wife Lois and two sons, Lindsey and Bill. They lived in Merritt Park which is the neighborhood near Harry P. Leu Gardens. Lois passed away in 1938 leaving a life insurance policy worth $25,000 which was a very large amount of money in those times.

    Grandpa moved to a rooming house and began contemplating opening up his own business. Lindsey left Rollins to join the Navy, flying search and rescue missions in the South Pacific for two and a half years. My Dad also joined the Army but was eventually released due to poor health.
    While Uncle Lindsey was away Grandpa wrote letters in which he talks about seeing soldiers from different countries. “Today I passed two French officers and a few days ago a Scottish officer dressed up in fancy plaid trousers and carrying a 'swagger stick.'” He said there were dozens of Generals and some Admirals going to school here and it “added color and interest to Orange Avenue”. He had a good view of Orange from his first office at 120 N. Orange Avenue, the O’Neal Arcade.
    Relatives Paul and Elizabeth de Guehery had immigrated here from Germany and Paul became Grandpa’s first partner in the rubber stamp business. They worked together for several years before Paul and Elizabeth relocated to California.
    Lindsey got out of the service in September of 1945 and came back to finish his degree at Rollins. He worked for Grandpa during those years travelling and developing the customer base . He purchased property on Via Tuscany and lived in a trailer there until his house was built. During this time he also raised goats. Winter Park was different back then. In 1949, Lindsey left for Missouri to study to become a Chiropractor.
    My Dad was working for Fairchild as an ambulance driver and embalmer. We moved into Uncle Lindsey's house while he was away. During this period Grandpa moved in with us because it was difficult to find an apartment due to all of the military people stationed here. So this really helped them out. Grandpa moved his business to 105 E. Garland Street around 1950.Lindsey returned in 1952 and opened his practice on Comstock Avenue. Dad left the funeral business and started working for Grandpa and, around 1955, they moved the business to 104 1/2 West Central Blvd. It was upstairs right on the railroad tracks. The business stayed there until the early 60’s when they moved to 64 W. Robinson Street, where we are still located today.

    To update: Robinson Street was demolished for development and after 60 plus years at that location have moved down to 71 Drennen Road, 32806. It's about 3 miles down on Orange Avenue

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  • Childhood in Delaney Park Little League

    by Jennifer Chapin, about 1 year ago
    I remember being the first girl to play little league baseball in Delaney Park Little League - with 3 brothers also playing ball there, it was pretty much a given that I'd play there too. I remember that one game where I got 4 kids out in 2 innings! Glad to see Delaney Park is still beautiful and that Delaney Park Little League is still going strong.
    I remember being the first girl to play little league baseball in Delaney Park Little League - with 3 brothers also playing ball there, it was pretty much a given that I'd play there too. I remember that one game where I got 4 kids out in 2 innings! Glad to see Delaney Park is still beautiful and that Delaney Park Little League is still going strong.
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  • My fondest memories in Orlando

    by Mayor Dyer, about 1 year ago

    As Mayor, when I think about Orlando’s history, the people that have helped shape our city into a vibrant, inclusive place come to mind. From Dr. Philip Phillips, who built one of the world’s largest citrus operations here in the 1920s, to civil rights icon Father Nelson Pinder and many others, countless individuals have played roles in our community’s growth into a dynamic city that has something for everyone.

    But as a father and grandfather, when I think about Orlando’s history, family comes to mind. That’s because Orlando is a great place to raise children. Our community is... Continue reading

    As Mayor, when I think about Orlando’s history, the people that have helped shape our city into a vibrant, inclusive place come to mind. From Dr. Philip Phillips, who built one of the world’s largest citrus operations here in the 1920s, to civil rights icon Father Nelson Pinder and many others, countless individuals have played roles in our community’s growth into a dynamic city that has something for everyone.

    But as a father and grandfather, when I think about Orlando’s history, family comes to mind. That’s because Orlando is a great place to raise children. Our community is compassionate, welcoming and committed to helping young people learn, grow and thrive. This allows our city’s families to create their own histories right here in The City Beautiful.

    I was so proud to raise my two sons in Orlando. Some of my greatest memories as a father are spending time with Trey and Drew taking advantage of all that our community has to offer. We loved spending time outdoors at our city parks where we played catch and tried to fish. One of our favorite destinations was the Orlando Science Center.

    These outings and the memories that we created together will forever be a part of our family’s history. What’s special is that we are still writing that history in Orlando.

    Now adults, both of my sons live here. Trey is a father to 18-month-old Forrest, extending our roots in this community even more. As Forrest grows, I love how our family is recreating some of the memories made years ago with him. He loves the playgrounds in our neighborhood parks and was thrilled to recently visit the Science Center for the first time. I am so grateful that we get to make history with Forrest in Orlando.


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