College Park, Orlando: A Historical Journey Through a Distinct Neighborhood

College Park, a charming and distinct neighborhood nestled within the bustling city of Orlando, Florida, boasts a rich and vibrant history. From its humble beginnings as a citrus and pineapple-growing region to its evolution into a sought-after residential area, College Park has retained its unique character and appeal for over a century. Its story is woven with narratives of pioneering settlers, savvy developers, devastating freezes, and a thriving community spirit.

The Genesis of College Park

The seeds of College Park were sown in the mid-19th century. Following the Second Seminole War and the passage of the Armed Occupation Act of 1842, settlers began trickling into the Orlando area, drawn by the promise of land grants. Among these early pioneers was D.K. Hall, a former soldier from Fort Gatlin, who established himself near Lake Ivanhoe, marking the initial settlement in the area now known as College Park.

As the settlement grew, James Speer experimented with cotton cultivation near Lake Ivanhoe in 1854. However, the Civil War disrupted this venture. In 1855, the State of Florida further incentivized settlement by offering cheap land to newcomers. By 1856-7, the settlement that replaced Fort Gatlin became the County Seat, adopting the name Orlando.

The William B. Hull family established themselves near Lake Fairview around 1857, further contributing to the area's development. Despite the Homestead Act of 1862, the Civil War hindered further settlement until its conclusion in 1865.

From Citrus Groves to Budding Community

In 1875, John Ericsson, a visionary citrus grower, acquired 80 acres of land north of what is now the intersection of Princeton Street and Amherst Street. He established his home at 19 West Princeton, a farmhouse dating back to the 1880s, amidst his flourishing citrus grove. Around the same time, Adam Given acquired 40 acres near Edgewater Heights, also with the intention of cultivating citrus.

Marshall Porter followed suit in 1876, acquiring over 40 acres near Princeton Street and Lake Ivanhoe. Decades later, this land would become part of the College Park subdivision. The completion of the South Florida Railroad in 1880 marked a turning point, bringing an influx of new residents and stimulating growth in the Orlando area. Farmhouses dotted the outskirts of the city, including the burgeoning neighborhood of College Park.

James Wilcox further contributed to the area's development by purchasing large tracts of land, much of which lay within the boundaries of present-day College Park. His holdings encompassed land around Lake Concord and extended north towards Florida Hospital. A community near the intersection of Orange Avenue and Princeton Street was even named in his honor.

In approximately 1884, Englishman Algernon Hayden joined the community, purchasing land around Westmoreland (including Hayden Street) and cultivating pineapples. John W. Childress acquired a grove near Lake Adair in the same year and is believed to have named the lake after his wife.

George Russell made substantial land acquisitions on Lake Ivanhoe in 1885, including the land where the Renaissance stands today. He established an amusement park there, adding to the area's recreational offerings. By this time, Orlando's northern city limit extended through the middle of Lake Concord, encompassing a portion of what is now College Park.

The Great Freeze and the Subsequent Resurgence

The promising growth of College Park was abruptly halted by the Great Freeze of 1894-95. This devastating cold snap decimated citrus crops, forcing many residents to abandon their groves and return north. The area's development stagnated for over a decade as a result.

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However, the early 20th century brought renewed hope and growth. Tourism began to expand, and in 1911, Orlando's northern city limit was extended to Lakeview Street. In 1914, the Wittenstein family purchased land in the northern part of present-day College Park to establish a dairy farm. This land would later become part of Ardsley Manor after 1950.

Daniel W. Clouser of Longwood acquired the farm where the Jack Kerouac bungalow is located in 1915. A few houses from this era still stand in College Park, including the residence at 1501 Westmoreland. In 1919, David Cooper and S.H. Atha purchased George Russell's amusement park and subdivided it as the Ivanhoe Park Replat.

The Roaring Twenties and the Birth of College Park

The 1920s ushered in a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity for Orlando, fueled by a real estate boom. The city limits were extended to Par Street, incorporating most of what is now College Park. Subdivision plats were filed for much of the land within the area, leading to a flurry of land sales and resales.

Walter Rose played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of College Park. In 1921, he platted Rosemere, a subdivision that would become the first to feature streets named after prestigious colleges and universities. This innovative idea, inspired by Rose's admiration for higher education, would ultimately give College Park its name and distinctive character.

In 1922, the Ivanhoe Grove Replat and Bentwood subdivisions were filed, further contributing to the area's development. H. Carl Dann and associates began developing Dubsdread in 1923, founding the Dubsdread Country Club, which remains a beloved local landmark today. J.P. Holbrook initiated the development of Edgewater Heights in 1924, while Frank L. Anderson subdivided Anderson Park.

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The Cooper-Atha-Barr Company (CABCO) filed the first of nine subdivisions named "College Park" in early 1925, solidifying the area's identity. The company extended the existing university street names and added more, capitalizing on the popularity of the concept. CABCO's subdivisions, along with Rosemere and other developments, transformed the landscape of College Park, creating a vibrant and desirable residential area.

Growth and Expansion

The year 1926 was a banner year for College Park's expansion. E.H. Frerking's plat of Ivanhoe Plaza was approved, as were the third and fourth additions to College Park and Silver Lake Park. Reading Road was renamed Shady Lane Drive, adding to the area's charm. The Briscoe Apartment building on Lakeview Avenue at Ivanhoe Boulevard was completed in May 1926, providing additional housing options. Plans were also set in motion for a new elementary school, Princeton Elementary, which was completed in the same year.

Continued tourism brought partial recovery to the area between 1926 and 1929. There was some additional subdivision, and although a few subdivisions remained partly undeveloped for years, many homes were built. In 1928, the College Park Baptist Church was organized, with Dr. M. Bales serving as the first pastor. Lake Shore Drive between Bryn Mawr and Hazel was renamed Westmoreland Drive, further shaping the neighborhood's layout.

The Great Depression and Subsequent Recovery

The nationwide depression of the 1930s brought a slowdown in building activity. However, construction resumed between 1934 and 1941, during which time most of the largest College Park homes were built. Dubsdread Country Club was damaged by fire in 1934 but was quickly rebuilt, demonstrating the community's resilience.

In 1935, the city honored the late Dr. Gaston Edwards by rededicating Ivanhoe Park as Gaston Edwards Park. Albert Fink and Morris Morton of Philadelphia remodeled the old Rustic Inn on Lake Ivanhoe in 1936, transforming it into the Ivanhoe Dinner Club. In 1938, an Ivanhoe Park beautification program was initiated, with workers clearing the margin of the lake for landscaping and park purposes. A thirty-foot bridge across the west end of the lake was approved by the city, connecting Poinsettia Avenue and Harrison Street, with an island reserved as a bird sanctuary.

Post-War Development and Community Growth

The decade between 1945 and 1955 nearly marked the completion of large-scale single-family development in College Park. Most homes built since then are infill single family or condominium. The decade also saw great expansion in the once small business district along Edgewater Drive.

Beardall Street was renamed Edgewater Court in 1946. The construction period for the first permanent building of the College Park Methodist Church, a pay-as-you-go project, took place between 1946 and 1949. In 1948, residents of College Park petitioned for 23 lots to be set aside for a park. The area was approved, and Dartmouth Park was born. Also that year, John Young, Orlando's famous astronaut, won the Guernsey Good Citizenship Award at Orlando High School.

Watson Street was changed to Alba Drive in 1949. Ground was broken for Lake Silver Shores, and construction crews worked on the new high school, Edgewater High School. The new Publix Market building on Edgewater Drive was approved in 1950, and the Boy Scouts made plans for a new home on city-owned property in the rear of the Princeton Elementary School.

1952 was a year of tremendous growth for College Park. The College Park National Bank was announced with a capital of $250,000, located at Edgewater Drive and Vassar St. Edgewater High School officially opened, with keys to the building presented to Principal O.R. Davis. The College Park Branch Post Office was approved. College Park celebrated with an Open House Celebration on October 1 to honor the opening of the new bank and the school. Merchants offered special bargains and a parade was staged. More than 7,000 people visited the bank on opening day, and $660,000 was deposited in accounts! The two-block area covered a 2-block area from Bryn Mawr to Vassar Street.

Contracts were given out for the construction of Robert E. Lee Junior High School on Maury Road in 1955. In 1957, the College Park National Bank undertook a $100,000 remodeling job, installing four new drive-in windows and anew safety vaults. College Park celebrated the four-laning of Edgewater Drive on March 1, with a festival of bargains and special events, including a parade and barbecue.

Notable Residents and Enduring Legacy

College Park has been home to several notable figures throughout its history. Astronaut John Young, who grew up at 815 West Princeton Street, served NASA for 42 years and was the ninth person to walk on the moon. Beat generation writer Jack Kerouac lived at 1418 Clouser Avenue in 1957-58, during which time he published his masterpiece, "On The Road," and wrote his follow-up novel, "The Dharma Bums." Kerouacâs home now houses a non-profit called The Kerouac Project, a haven for up-and-coming writers.

Community Organizations and Events

College Park boasts a strong sense of community, fostered by various organizations and events. The College Park Neighborhood Association (CPNA), established in 1987, works to preserve, protect, and improve the neighborhood. The College Park Rotary Club, established in 1986, sponsors the annual Taste of College Park Food and Wine Festival to benefit local charities.

College Park Today

Today, College Park remains a vibrant and desirable neighborhood, attracting residents of all ages. Its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and thriving business district create a unique and welcoming atmosphere. The neighborhood's commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future ensures that College Park will continue to be a special place for generations to come.

Key Aspects of College Park

Street Names

College Park derives its name from the streets named after institutions of higher learning such as Princeton, Harvard, and Yale. This tradition was started by developer Walter Rose in 1921.

Location

College Park is located in close proximity to downtown Orlando, making it a popular residential area. The College Park Neighborhood Association (CPNA) defines College Park as the area between South Orange Blossom Trail and Orange Avenue, and Colonial Drive and Fairbanks Avenue.

Demographics

According to the Census, the total population of College Park is 21,076 with a median age of 38.5. 78.5% of households have no children and the median household income is $113,466.

Landmarks and Attractions

Dubsdread Golf Course: Established in 1924, this historic golf course is a beloved local landmark.
College Park Community Center and Pool: Established in 2005, this facility offers a gymnasium, computer lab, and outdoor amenities.
Albert Park: A small pocket park distinguished by its white gazebo.
Ben Crosby Field: Home to the Orlando Babe Ruth youth baseball league.
The Kerouac Project: A non-profit organization that provides residencies for up-and-coming writers in Jack Kerouac's former home.
Edgewater Drive: The Drive District centers around lively Edgewater Driveâa vibrant main street filled with locally owned shops, destination dining, public art, and high-energy community street events that keep the district moving year-round.

Historic Preservation

The College Park Neighborhood Association and the College Park Historical Society actively work to preserve the neighborhood's historic character and ensure that its rich tapestry is never forgotten.

Early Residential Developers & Neighborhoods:

Walter Rose's Rosemere in 1921
H. Carl Dann's Dubsdread in 1923
J.P. Holbrook's Edgewater Heights in 1924
Frank L. Anderson's Anderson Park in 1924

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