Winter Park Fire Rescue Department

Although originally developed under the shadow of Orlando's fire services, Winter Park's department grew in size and professionalism to become the modern independent fire service we are familiar with today. However, to fully understand how the department evolved, we must look back to its humble beginnings. There were many components that helped mold the department: fire chiefs, new inventions and innovations, as well as American culture itself. To learn about the Winter Park Fire Rescue Department go to http://www.wppl.org/wphistory/Winter%20Park%20Fire%20Department.html

Knowles Public School

Mr. Francis Bangs Knowles was perhaps one of the most important benefactors our city has ever had. In 1889, when he saw the need for a true schoolhouse in Winter Park, he stepped into action. The school was located on the southwest corner of Park and Canton Avenues and it opened in 1890. Go to http://www.wppl.org/wphistory/KnowlesPublicSchool.html to see photographs of the first schoolhouse. Of course, it was named after the man who made it all possible.

The Henkel Family

One of the early residents of our city was Dr. Miller A. Henkel. He was not only a beloved physician, but he was a well-respected advocate for his adopted city . . . Winter Park. In 2007, the archives received a donation of several photographs of the Henkel family, dating back to the mid-1800s. They depict Dr. Henkel's ancestors, as well as his children and grandchildren. Go to http://www.wppl.org/wphistory/HenkelFamily.html to view photographs of this family.

A Wedding! Eda Brewer & Fred Wooley: 1916

The wedding of Miss Eda Brewer and Mr. Fred Wooley on March 28th, 1916 was quite the social event of its time. Miss Brewer was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Edward Hill Brewer and their Winter Park estate was named The Palms. That home still sits on the shore of Lake Osceola at 240 Trismen Terrace. The Eda Brewer Wooley Collection also includes family photos, a photo album of her travels, and a gift book that kept track of all of their wedding gifts and their donors. More information about this wedding can be found at: http://www.wppl.org/wphistory/Wedding-EdaBrewerWooley.html