Winter Park History Museum's "A Stroll Down Park Avenue"

This interview features Carl Buchanan, who served as chief of police in Winter Park from 1940 to 1965, reflecting on his law enforcement career and the growth of the city during the mid-twentieth century. He discusses efforts to reduce gambling, improve traffic safety, work closely with Rollins College, and maintain Winter Park's reputation as a safe residential community. Buchanan also shares personal stories about local leaders, notable incidents involving college students, and the civic-minded citizens who helped shape the city's development. 

Former Woman's Club of Winter Park president Alice Britton recounts her family's history, her move to Winter Park in 1968, and her involvement in civic and community organizations. Her interview offers a firsthand perspective on women's leadership, community service, and life in Winter Park during the twentieth century.

This interview with W. Taylor Briggs is a firsthand account of moving to Winter Park, Florida in the late 1940s and building a life there. He reflects on the town's early growth, seasonal tourism, local businesses, and everyday community life as Winter Park developed over the years.

This interview features Cecile Bradley, who recounts her life from her childhood in Kentucky, Panama, and Philadelphia through her marriage, family life, and move to Winter Park, Florida in 1933 when her husband joined Rollins College. She describes the growth of Winter Park over several decades, her involvement in community welfare programs, education, healthcare initiatives, and civic organizations, as well as her family's connection to Rollins College and its rowing program. The conversation also includes personal stories about hurricanes, wartime life, extensive travel, and a dramatic 1980 cruise ship fire from which all passengers were rescued, along with her reflections on how Winter Park changed during her lifetime.

This interview with John Bowman focuses on his life in Winter Park after moving there in 1958, including his work as an auto mechanic, his military service, and his experiences raising a family in the community. He reflects on how Winter Park changed over the decades, discussing local businesses, transportation, housing growth, neighborhood development, and the influence of Rollins College on the city. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes Winter Park’s small-town character, tree-lined streets, and sense of community while expressing concern about rising property values and the loss of some of the area's historical character.

This interview with Vivian Blessing recounts her family’s journey to Florida during the land boom and her experiences growing up in Winter Park during the Depression and early 20th century. She describes the town’s schools, businesses, social activities, community events, and the close-knit atmosphere that characterized Winter Park as it developed. She also reflects on her long career in local banking and her involvement in the community, providing a firsthand account of how Winter Park evolved over the decades.