As a fan of both architecture and history, I will sometimes come across a jewel like this two…read morestory, red brick building located at 209 North Oak Avenue on the corner of West Commercial Street, in Sanford. It is in Sanford's historic commercial district. The PICO Building is a historic two story redbrick building built in 1886-1887 for the Henry B. Plant of Plant Investment Co. Henry Plant was a prominent 19th-century businessman, entrepreneur, and investor who played a crucial role in developing Florida's transportation infrastructure and economy. He is best known for building a vast network of railroads and steamship lines, collectively known as the Plant System, that connected Florida to the rest of the United States and the Caribbean. He also built several hotels including the former Tampa Bay Hotel which is now home to the Henry B. Plant Museum and the University of Tampa. The Turkish style of the PICO Building resembles Plant's Tampa Bay Hotel. The purpose of the PICO building was to serve travelers arriving in Sanford on the Plant railroad and steamship lines. President Calvin Coolidge stayed at the Pico Hotel when he came to Seminole County in 1929. The building was designed by local architect William T. Cotter who drew inspiration from the Romanesque Revival and Moorish Revival styles of architecture. It was built by the H. M. Papworth Construction Company. You can see the Moorish influence in the intricate geometric patterns, including stars, polygons, and arabesques. The first floor of the hotel had a restaurant, a store, a reception area, and a guest's lounge. Guest's rooms were located on the second floor. On the right side of the building there is an entry to second floor with beautiful original door. The building is characterized by high ceilings, original wooden floors, and 9 fireplaces throughout the interior. The windows have horseshoe and ogee arches. Originally the PICO building was adorned with an onion shape dome on the right corner on top of a decorative bartizan tower but sometime in the 1950's it sustained significant storm damage and was ordered to be removed by the city. In 1906, the building was remodeled and sold to the Takach family, Hungarian immigrants who operated the restaurant next door. Mr. Plant was a fan of their food so he let them take over the PICO building for their restaurant which operated for the next 50 years. After that the building was used for law offices. On June 15, 1976 the PICO Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The building is currently for sale for $1,645,999 and it comes with an osprey nesting in the chimney! The property is fitted for office space but it could it also be turned back into a hotel or even a museum.

Is this really MTV's Moon Man?…read more Yes, this giant, silver astronaut made of Styrofoam and holding an American flag was built for MTV and is safely locked inside the backlot at Acme Industrial Surplus in Sanford. The 15-foot styrofoam astronaut has been towering over this business's fence for several years and has been providing photo-ops for roadside attraction seekers or those by happenstance catch a glimpse of him. He first appeared at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards in Miami this event was notable because it was the first time the ceremony was held outside of New York City and Los Angeles and just to make you feel old, OutKast took home Video of the Year for "Hey Ya". MTV was launched on August 1, 1981, the original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by television personalities known as "video jockeys," (VJs) it's oblivious this format was abandoned about the same time "Moon Man" was given a life sentence to rot and decay in this company's bone-yard..... but not to worry you have plenty of time to get here and check it out, although Styrofoam breaks into pieces easily, it takes about 500 years for one styrofoam cup to dissolve, so Moon Man isn't going anywhere soon, that's unless the current owner decides to take him to a landfill, that's some responsibility now since the whole world is watching.

This "attraction" was a humorous adventure to say the least. I kind of felt like I was in an…read moreepisode of Dexter and was being lured to discrete location to be robbed and murdered. This is not something you need to see while in Sanford. It's located in an unidentified metal yard. And once you actually locate the Moon Man there is no place to park and admire him. The best view of him is from a round about off the highway that you can't park or stop in. Overall, disappointing and a little terrifying. Even at 1 in the afternoon.

As a fan of historic architecture I couldn't help but notice the Thursby House in beautiful Blue…read moreSprings State Park. I came for the annual manatee festival and this historic home is maintained in the park to educate visitors about pioneer life in Central Florida. This area has been a significant Native American archaeological site for thousands of years. The 1872, two story, wooden Thursby house was built on an ancient Timucua shell midden for Louis Thursby, a European settler who came to this area with his family in 1857. Thursby purchased 160 acres under the Armed Occupation Act and initially the family lived in a log cabin while three kinds of center-cut pine were milled in Savannah, Georgia and transported by boat to the site for construction. Thursby used his proximity to the Blue Springs Run that enters the St. John's River to start and orange grove and riverboat business. The family sold oranges and hosted travelers to the area. The house was bought by the state in 1971 from Thursby's descendants and is now preserved to look as it did around the turn of the 20th century. The Thursby'S family dinnerware was preserved along with a china cupboard, original heart-pine floors, a widow's walk, and a separate, historic kitchen viewing area. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 11, 2000. To reach the house take the .3 mile boardwalk from the parking lot. The Thursby House is open for self-guided tours Wednesday through Sunday, usually from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to ranger availability. In order to view the house you need to pay the $6 per car admission to Blue Springs.

Historical markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in…read moreFlorida's history. I found this marker in front of the Sanford Museum dedicated to Sanford founder, Henry Shelton Sanford. Marker F-5 was installed in 1961 by the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. You can learn more about Henry Sanford in the museum behind this marker. Henry Sanford was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, on June 15, 1823. In 1847 Sanford began his long distinguished career as a diplomat as an attaché and Secretary of the American Legation at St. Petersburg. He was also the United States Ambassador to Belgium under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. In 1870, Sanford purchased 23 square acres of land west of Mellonville, Florida, through the Sanford Grant from Spain. He planned a new city that he called The Gate City of South Florida, which he believed would become the transportation hub for Florida. In 1877, the City of Sanford was incorporated, and Mellonville was annexed six years later. In 1880, while he was in Europe as a U.S. minister, he formed a land company in London to encourage investments in Sanford. That same year construction began on the South Florida Railroad with a terminus in Sanford. By 1884, Sanford was a prosperous town with wharves, a railroad station, and a large hotel. Sanford traveled the world for the U.S. government and wherever he went, he bought seeds and plants to send back to Florida for his groves. The first was St. Gertrude's Grove. The second and more successful was Belair, a citrus grove and experimental garden near his residence in Sanford. More than 30,000 exotic trees from South America and Africa were planted at the gardens, mostly by Swedish immigrants who settled at nearby New Upsala. His young manager, James Ingraham, moved from Ohio in 1874 to help relieve his wife's tuberculosis. At the time it was the largest grove in the state. Sanford experimented with more than 140 varieties of citrus plantings which led to the production of new quality citrus fruits including the Jaffa, Mediterranean Sweet, Villa Francean and the Valencia orange, Carefully constructed experiments were implemented to determine what would grow best in Florida's climate. By 1889, Sanford had extended his farm to over 400 acres with approximately 145 acres of orange and lemon groves, along with a small nursery. All of the plants were tested to determine if Florida citrus growers could introduce new varieties into the blossoming citrus market. While experiments which were conducted to satisfy Sanford's own curiosity, they had the added bonus of benefitting the agricultural interests of the United States. Sanford and his family's last trip to Belair Grove was in the winter of 1890-1891. They returned to Healing Springs, Virginia, where he passed away on May 21, 1891. His wife, Gertrude, sold the Florida property to the Chase Brothers, who had moved to Florida in 1878 and started working with Sanford. During the winter of 1894-1895, a severe freeze destroyed that year's entire crop. Many citizens faced economic ruin and left the area. Those who stayed turned the artesian wells into a subirrigation system that permitted commercial agriculture. By the first decade of the 20th century, Sanford was one of the largest vegetable shipping centers in the United States. The Gate City of South Florida then became known as Celery City after its most successful crop.

Located in front of the Sanford Museum (which I MUST make time to visit), this marker denotes an…read moreearly Sanford resident and citrus pioneer. The marker could use a refresh but it reads: "In this vicinity, Henry Shelton Sanford, pioneer citrus grower, established the St. Gertrude grove in 1871. There, and at his Belair grove and experimental gardens, he advanced the industry through development of some 140 types of citrus. The Sanford gardens experimented with other tropical fruits, planting 30,000 exotic trees from South America and Africa. Much of the labor in the groves was performed by Swedish immigrants who settled at nearby New Upsala."

The Sanford Welcome Center is located in the building that was the first U.S. Post Office in the…read moreCity of Sanford. The red brick Classical Revival building was built in 1917 by Algernon Blair of Montgomery. James Wetmore served as the supervising architect. The building is typical of government buildings of the time and it is trimmed in Georgia sandstone and white sandstone pillars. The original exterior is still intact. After a new post office was built two blocks away in 1962 it became the city library and in 1975 part of the Seminole County library system. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I love the architecture of this building and today it is looking better than ever as the Sanford Welcome Center. Their mission is to provide education and information as they market Sanford as "an arts, culture, recreation, and historic destination." I popped in during my visit to town and was warmly greeted by Rosie. I had a great chat with her. Inside the welcome center you will find public restrooms, cheap snacks and drinks, attraction brochures, maps, and places to stay and dining recommendations. The Chamber of Commerce has an office. Downtown historic Sanford is experiencing a renaissance. Check in here to learn about events, food and drink, and one of a kind experiences in this charming town.

The Sanford historic center is now back open it is located on 1st Street in Sanford Florida…read more Inside you will find some brochures about things to do in the area there is also a gift shop with lots of fun stuff to buy. Most of the time they have an art gallery in the back containing art from local residence. There's always someone there to help you if you need to get advice of where to eat or things to do. They also have bathrooms and a small place to sit if you want to rest and get out of the heat and check out the Sanford newspaper. I come here at least once a week there is always something different to see each week. Walking distance to many restaurants, shops and the beautiful Lake Monroe lakefront.

While I am very familiar with the blue markers of the state wide Florida Historical Marker Program,…read moreoccasionally I will come across a county or city historic marker. I discovered this Seminole County marker near the waterfront in Sanford. Historical markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in Florida's history. This historic marker tells about the importance of steamboats to Sanford's history. Robert Fulton invented steamboats by adapting the steam engine he invented into the hull of a boat. He named it the North River Steamboat in 1807 and he sparked a revolution in transportation. The steam engine was able to more reliably power boats better than gravity, a person's own strength, an animal, or the wind. Robert Fulton's invention opened up the many waterways across this nation to travel and commerce. As early as 1829 steamboats started traveling on the many rivers in Florida. The St Johns River was used for steamboat service to Titusville at Salt Lake Landing and further south to Rockledge with a dock on Rockledge Creek just east of Lake Florence. At the site of this marker was Central Florida's first established expressway. Steamboat navigation on the St. Johns opened up Central Florida to goods and travel during the 19th century. In the early days of steamboat travel up the St Johns River system from Jacksonville southward, the steamboats were afforded deep and wide water all the way to Sanford. There were landings at Sanford and at Enterprise where the St Johns left Lake Monroe and continued southward. Captain Jacob Brock commanded his steamboats between Jacksonville and the Sanford/Enterprise landings and he built a hotel at Enterprise. During the Second Seminole War 1835-42, the US Army established Fort Mellon which supplied nine steamboats and thirty chartered ships. Afterward the war, the steamboats provided contact and trade to the pioneers in this area that was still largely wilderness. In the 1870s and '80s steamboat travel was it it's peak supplying the settlers and tourists who were moving into the area. Railroads were built south and west from Sanford beginning in 1880. The railroads worked in sync with the steamships by moving trains on the long piers built into the lake to meet the waiting steamers like the Starlight, Fanny Dougan, Magnolia, Welaka, City of Jacksonville, and the Osceola, which was the only sternwheeler. With the arrival of the railroad in December 1885, steamboats on the upper St Johns River quickly came to a close, The steam boats operated until 1933 when both trains and and steamers were largely replaced by motor vehicle. Today you can still see pleasure boats up and down the St. John's Rivers traversing the same routes once taken by the steamboats.

A well kept (or new) marker here at Sanford Marina that harkens back to the days before Interstates…read moreand airports when the best way to make your way to and through Central Florida was a steamboat. The marker is on two sides and reads: Where you are standing is the site of the first Central Florida's established expressway. Steamboat navigation on the St. Johns River provided the entry to Central Florida during the 19th century. During the Second Seminole War (1835-42) the US Army established Fort Mellon on their wilderness shores, supplying nine named steamboats and some thirty chartered ships. Afterward steamboat traffic served to provide contact and trade to the sparsely settled region. During the 1870s and '80s steamer travel reached its peak, filling the economic needs of the settlers and tourists who were rapidly moving into the area. Railroads were built south and west from Sanford beginning in 1880. The dovetailing of railroads and river traffic was accomplished by moving trains on the long piers built into the lake to attend waiting steamers. Steamship lines with side wheelers running ships from Jacksonville to Sanford were the Brock Line 1853-77; Debary Line Merchant Line 1876-1883; Debary-Baya Merchant Line 1883-88; Clyde St. John River Line 1889-1933. Daily service between Jacksonville and Sanford was provided by these lines. Among the more well known ships were the Starlight, Fanny Dougan, Magnolia, Welaka, City of Jacksonville, and the Osceola, the only sternwheeler. The railroad connection to Jacksonville in 1886 started a losing battle for the steamboats. They continued to operate until 1933 when both railroading and steamers had to bow to their common nemesis, the motor vehicle. Today, pleasure boats of all sizes ply the St. Johns River providing the same ambience enjoyed by the pioneer settlers.

This Seminole County marker is located in front of the Seminole County Services Building which was…read morethe former Seminole Memorial Hospital. Historical markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in Florida's history. This historical marker highlights the history of healthcare in Sanford at three early hospitals, Plant System Hospital, Fernald Laughton Memorial Hospital, and Seminole Memorial Hospital. The Plant System Hospital was the first hospital in Sanford and it was managed by the Plant System Railroad which provided medical care for their employees and the community. After the hospital moved to Waycross Georgia in 1901, Seminole County did not have a hospital for the next 18 years. Fernald Laughton Memorial Hospital came into existence after Marbel Fernald donated her home following the death of her husband, Fernald Hardware Company founder, George Fernald. Marbel named the hospital in honor of her mother, Elizabeth Laughton. In 1945 the hospital moved to the Sanford Naval Base. After the base closed in April of 1951 the hospital moved back to 500 Oak until1956. Seminole Memorial Hospital opened in January of 1956. The first patients were five babies that were moved from the old hospital into the new facility. This hospital operated until 1982 when it was taken over by Central Florida Regional Hospital located on 17/92 on Lake Monroe. Since 1984 this renovated building has been the County Services Facility and it was where the first Board of County Commissioners meeting was held.

Nicely placed marker that is in front of what used to be the hospital but is now just county…read moreoffices. The marker is on two sides and reads: Early Hospitals in Sanford. Plant System Hospital - The first hospital in Seminole County was operated by the Plant System Railroad, providing medical care for the railroad employees and the community in the 1890's. It was located at West 9th Street in Sanford. In 1901, the Railroad Hospital was moved to Waycross, Georgia leaving Seminole County without a hospital for 18 years. Fernald Laughton Memorial Hospital - George and Mabel Fernald lived at 500 Oak and 5th Street in Sanford. George was the founder of the Fernald Hardware Company. After his death in 1916 Mabel donated the house to the county in memory of her husband and her mother, Elizabeth Laughton. It became known as the Fernald Laughton Memorial Hospital. In 1945, the hospital's facilities were moved back to 500 Oak in September and remained there until 1956. There's a lot more on the other side.

There is so much history in this little corner of Sanford. In Speer Park I found this Seminole…read moreCounty historic marker. Historical markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in Florida's history. This historical marker highlights the history of Fort Reid which once stood on this spot. Where the charming Speer Grove Park now stands was once the site of a fort during the Second Seminole War. When the government enacted the Indian Removal Act in 1830, the army was sent to drive all of the Native Americans out west on the Trail of Tears. The Seminoles resisted and the Second Seminole War broke out. Forts like this one in what is now Sanford were set up all across Florida to aid the US Army in their mission. The fort here was established on July 7, 1840 by Colonel William Harney. It was named after the fourth territorial governor of Florida, Robert Reid. Between July 1840 and January 1841 the fort was the headquarters of Colonel Twiggs of the Second Dragoons and included the commands of the St. Johns District, Army of the South, and the District South of New Smyrna under Colonel Harney. In 1840, Fort Reid had a force of 417 soldiers. It temporarily replaced Fort Mellon a mile and a half north for health reasons. The army abandoned the fort in 1842. After that it was occupied on and off by area settlers until it was re-garrisoned briefly in November 1849 before being permanently abandoned for the final time the next month. Today the spot where the fort once stood has become destination for family community gatherings, play, and fitness.

Very little going on here and nothing other than the sign to remember the Fort as it's now a big…read moregreen space with some playground stuff. The marker reads: Fort Reid was named and established in this area during the Second Seminole War by Colonel William Harney on July 7, 1840, in honor of Robert Raymond Reid, Fourth Territorial Governor of Florida. Stationed here between July 1840 and January 1841 were the Headquarters of Colonel Twiggs of the Second Dragoons, including the commands of the St. Johns District, Army of the South, plus the District South of New Smyrna under Col. Harney. For the year of 1840, Fort Reid reached a force of 417 and temporarily replaced Fort Mellon a mile and a half north of here, allegedly for health reasons. Developers about 1875, despite the Army's spelling, created a housing subdivision in this area giving it the name of Fort Reed. Also, in 1886, at what is now the northwest corner of the Airport in Sanford, a station on the railroad between Sanford and Oviedo was given the name of Fort Reed.

The Magnolia Square Clock is one of Sanford's most recognizable landmarks. The clock was originally…read morepurchased in 1883 for the First National Bank No. 1, which was located in the Lyman Bank Building at 101 West First Street. When the First National Bank moved to the corner of West First Street and South Park Avenue, the clock was stored in the basement for decades. In 1931, A. H. Moses, a produce dealer, acquired the clock and donated it to the City of Sanford. The clock was then placed on top of a pole and traffic signal at the intersection in front of the bank. The clock broke soon after and rather than pay a $200 repair bill the city instead decided to cover the clock faces with cardboard. In 1941, the clock was moved to the Elks Club Lodge, located at the northeast corner of East Second Street and San Juan Avenue. During a downtown renovation project in the 1980's, Stella Oritt, granddaughter of A.H. Moses and her husband offered to restore the clock on the condition that it would remain on Magnolia Square where she grew up. On July 9, 1985 the clock was dedicated at Magnolia Square, at the north end of South Magnolia Avenue near East First Street. Today the clock is a historic symbol of Sanford. You can see the image on artwork throughout the city and carved onto the tree in front of the Sanford Civic Center. It is even part of the city logo. The clock is a popular place to snap a photo so make the time to visit this beloved landmark when you visit Sanford.