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History Of Winter Haven

Winter Havenites are incredibly proud of their rich agricultural and entrepreneurial history . Early residents dubbed the city the “City of 100 Lakes ” Realistically, we don’t have 100 lakes, but how could they have known without the ease of drone technology? The first settlers arrived in Winter Haven in the 1860s . By 1885, the village was named by P .D . Eychleshimer While many families lived in the vicinity, such as the Eycleshimers, Sykes, Jacksons, and Inmans, the first official residents of the village after its platting were F .A .K Harris and his wife Adele, who built the first commercial and residential structure downtown in 1885

Our famous chain of canalconnected lakes began construction in 1915 and completed in the early 1920s for recreation and to transport citrus crops Along with the Chain of Lakes, the 1920’s boom brought rapid growth throughout Florida, and eventually, severe economic turmoil . Winter Haven was not exempt Citrus and other crops were the early economic mainstays In 1930, a 22-yearold George Jenkins opened the first Publix Food Store on 4th St . NW, followed by his “dream store” for Publix Super Markets on Central Avenue in 1940 You can visit these sites today to see the historical markers .

In 1936, a gregarious promoter named Dick Pope Sr ushered in a new era of Florida tourism when he opened Cypress Gardens Botanical Gardens on Lake Eloise . Pope brought intense publicity to Florida, Winter Haven, and his beloved park He also cemented Winter Haven as the ‘water ski capital of the world’ when he introduced the ski shows as a main attraction at the park . Cypress Gardens closed in 2009 . The closure was short-lived when in October 2011, Merlin Entertainments Group opened

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort on the historic site . Cypress Gardens botanical gardens remain today and are leased to and beautifully maintained by LEGOLAND® .

Visit The Museum Of Winter Haven History

Winter Haven has a rich and interesting history, and the museum captures the highlights Learn about the origins of the chain of canal-connected lakes, explore Winter Haven’s citrus-based heritage, enjoy our tourism history from Florida’s first theme park “Cypress Gardens” to its renaissance as LEGOLAND Florida Resort®, and celebrate our distinction as the birthplace of Publix Supermarkets . The museum’s mission is to inform, educate and entertain .

The museum is located in the historic Woman’s Club building on Pope Avenue at Lake Howard Drive . It is free to the public and you’re invited to come explore . Check their Facebook page for current hours of operation Tours for four or more people are available by appointment . Club and organization presentations are encouraged . Learn more by calling (863) 206-6855 .