Orlando Remembered, a Committee of the Historical Society of Central Florida, Inc., is dedicated to preserving the memories of "The City Beautiful," primarily as it was during the 1930-1950 era.
When the San Juan Hotel at the northwest corner of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard was slated for demolition, many citizens felt that the past was slipping away - by wrecking ball and bulldozer - and soon would be forgotten.
In 1981, Dan Acito (interior designer on the last renovation of the San Juan) and Andy Serros (a long-time resident) met with Bill Demetree (who was developing the San Juan site) to suggest that as a leading builder of Orlando's future he help Orlando remember her past. Bill agreed. The first display was planned for the lobby of the downtown skyscraper, and Orlando Remembered was born - comprising a dedicated group of Orlandoans convinced that "what landmarks cannot be preserved should be remembered."
That display, dedicated in October 1982, was envisioned as the first of a dozen or more similar exhibits which would serve as stepping stones in a walking tour back to Orlando's architectural and economic roots. The displays are intended to showcase artistic renderings of the time depicted, with artifacts and historical memorabilia from the location in an effort to preserve the memory of Orlando's history while acknowledging the potential greatness of the City's future.
The block at the SEC of Orange Avenue and Church Street was targeted next, but two years passed before the funds were raised...two long years when it seemed the City's skyline was changing every month. After the Barnett Bank and the CNA Tower agreed to sponsor the display, more than 250 people attended the December 1984 dedication.
The third display at the Orlando Public Library was unveiled in March 1990, quickly followed by the ones at The Orlando Sentinel in April 1991 and SunTrust Bank in July 1991.
It was Mayor Bill Frederick's idea that resulted in the innovative "double display" for the new City Hall, 400 S. Orange Ave., dedicated at his farewell "Thank you" to the public on October 25, 1992, following 12 years in office.
After several years’ work, the display in the lobby of 390 N. Orange Ave. became a reality in 1997, followed quickly by the one in the building at 111 N. Orange Ave. in early 1998.
Successful efforts of the Committee in 1999 are reflected in the display at the new Orange County Courthouse (425 N. Orange Ave.) that was dedicated March 1999, followed by a change from the usual form of remembrance with the April 1999 installation of a plaque commemorating the 300 block of West Church Street located inside the Church Street Parking Garage, 150 S. Hughey Ave. and a truly unique three-panel standing display in the Clayton Life Center Lobby of the First Presbyterian Church (106 E. Church St.), a joint effort with the Church’s Heritage Committee.
In May 2000, the display at 14 E. Central Blvd. in the One South Orange Building (former Yowell-Drew Ivey Department Store) was dedicated as part of the Orlando High Sschool Homecoming IV festivity.
The following year saw the November 2001 dedication of a focal display at 14 E. Washington St. in the side entrance to the old Rutland’s Men’s Store. Just three months later, January 2002, the Citrus Club display was unveiled in its 18th floor lobby, 255 S. Orange Ave., followed by an August dedication of a double-panel exhibit in the downtown Post Office at 51 E. Jefferson St.
2003 culminated in May dedication of a large display in the lobby of Howard Middle School, 800 E. Robinson St., where invitees included Orlando High School graduates from classes of 1927-1952.
The year 2005 was active with a third display placed in the Downtown Post Office; a display case at Baldwin Park established on the site of the old Orlando Air Force Base/former Naval Training Center; and opening of the superlative Orlando Remembered permanent exhibit on the second floor of the History Center, which travels through time from the early settlers in the 19th century to present-day ethnic diversity and unveils some of the most significant artifacts from the Historical Society’s collection.
A spectacular display in the lobby of the Carr Performing Arts buildings on West Livingston Street was dedicated in April 2007 with photos and memorabilia of activities in the former Municipal Auditorium, Exposition Park and the Central Florida Fair.
The Orlando Remembered movement is gaining momentum. Owners of other new buildings on historical blocks are being encouraged to host displays. More and more Orlandoans are donating valuable reminders to landmarks long since forgotten. The challenge is both great and urgent. To move slowly is to risk losing our precious heritage.
With each month, each week, indeed, each day, Orlando changes. In truth, what's here today may be gone tomorrow. The time required to assemble an historical display can be lengthy, the financial resources considerable.
We must act together with determination and speed to preserve the best of Orlando's past for subsequent generations. Even as we sit, Orlando is changing. Changing forever.
Please...help us remember.
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