Lake Alfred Historical Society, Inc.

Name: Lake Alfred Historical Society, Inc.
Address: 210 N Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL, 33850, US
Telephone: +18638755960

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Lake Alfred Historical Society, Inc.

The Lake Alfred Historical Society is committed to the preservation and protection of the rich histo

Established in 1994, the Lake Alfred Historical Society's mission is
to preserve and protect Lake Alfred's history and heritage for present and
future generations. To become a member, please visit our website at www.LakeAlfredHistoricalSociety.org and print a membership form, located in the Support tab.

09/04/2026

Lake Alfred went all‑out for America’s 200th birthday in 1976. The day kicked off with a hometown parade, followed by hot‑air balloon and seaplane rides.

And then came the games: the greased‑pole climbing contest, sack races, tug‑of‑war, and all the old‑fashioned challenges that guaranteed grass stains, bragging rights, and a few spectacular wipeouts.

Looking back at these photos, it’s clear the Bicentennial wasn’t just a celebration of the nation , it was a celebration of Lake Alfred itself. A community gathering, a summer memory, and a reminder of how much joy a small town can pack into one day.

Who was there that day, and what are your memories of the celebration? We’d love to hear your stories.

Photos and program courtesy of Robert Brian and the Brian family.

08/03/2026

For several decades, the waters of Lake Alfred came alive with the roar of racing hydroplanes as the Lake Alfred Lions Club hosted its annual Lake Alfred Regatta. Beginning in 1946, the event drew racers and spectators from across Florida and beyond, making it one of the city's most anticipated annual traditions.

These photographs capture the excitement along the shoreline as race teams prepared their boats and spectators gathered to watch the action. The regatta transformed Lake Alfred into a bustling pit area filled with sleek racing boats and enthusiastic crowds eager for a day of thrilling competition.

These images were taken by Lee Johnson, a longtime member of the Lake Alfred Lions Club who documented many of the club's activities and community events. Thanks to his photographs, we can still experience a glimpse of one of Lake Alfred's most memorable traditions.

Did you ever attend the Lake Alfred Regatta? We'd love to hear your memories! Share your stories, or tag someone who remembers spending a day at the races on Lake Alfred.

07/30/2026

The Rochelle Cottages, located at 1255 S Lake Shore Way, trace their roots to a quiet but meaningful moment in Lake Alfred’s development. In 1941, William E. and Gladys Huyck replatted this parcel, setting the stage for the cluster of cottages that rose shortly afterward. These early‑1940s structures—simple, sturdy, and built for seasonal living—reflect the era’s shift toward small vacation retreats along our lakes.

06/25/2026

Another glimpse into early Lake Alfred, this time looking west from the second story of the Gardner House. The building on the left is the Lakeview House hotel, a landmark in our last post.

The large open lot in the foreground is especially interesting. This is where the Lake Alfred Hotel would eventually be built. Directly across the street from that future site sits what we now know as Gardner Park.

We believe this photo was taken a little later than the one in our previous post. Several additional buildings appear here, though their identities remain unknown to us, with one exception. In the center of the photo stands the unmistakable office of the Florida Fruitlands Company, the organization that shaped so much of Lake Alfred’s early development.

06/22/2026

Main Street, Lake Alfred — Around 1913
A glimpse into early Lake Alfred: this view looks down Main Street, leading toward today’s Rochelle Avenue. If you’ve ever wondered about our Facebook cover photo, here’s the story it tells.

On the left, you can see the office of the Florida Fruitlands Company, the organization that shaped much of Lake Alfred’s early development. On the right, the Lakeview House hotel stands as the second building in the row, a reminder of the town’s early hospitality era.

At the center of the scene is the home of Frank and June Gardner, one of the families who helped anchor this young community. And along the right side of the street, notice the wooden sidewalk, a small but charming detail from a time before paved streets and concrete curbs.

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth!

On June 19, 1865, freedom finally reached the last enslaved people in the United States, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today we honor Juneteenth, a day that marks not only the end of slavery, but the beginning of a long, ongoing journey toward equality, dignity, and full citizenship for Black Americans.

As we celebrate, we also recommit to the work of remembering our shared history and building a future rooted in freedom and equality.

06/17/2026

A beautiful glimpse into Lake Alfred’s early days: this photo shows siblings James Calhoun Cox Jr. and Maud Cox as children, part of a family that helped shape our community for more than a century.

J. C. Cox, Sr. and his wife Villa arrived in Lake Alfred in 1908, when their daughter Maud was about five years old. James Jr. was born here the following year in 1909, making him one of the town’s early native sons. The family became active members of the First United Methodist Church of Lake Alfred, a connection that lasted across generations.

As adults, both siblings left their mark on the city in distinct ways:

Maud Cox Telford married Charles Telford around 1926 and became deeply involved in civic life. She served on Lake Alfred’s election board in the 1950s, was active in the Home Demonstration Club, and was appointed by the city as chairman of Lake Alfred’s first historical society in 1973.

James Calhoun Cox Jr. built a life rooted in the land and the lakes. He worked as a citrus grower, was a member of the American Power Boat Racing Association, and dedicated an extraordinary 19 years to public service as a Lake Alfred City Commissioner.

Address

210 N Seminole Avenue
Lake Alfred, FL
33850

Opening Hours

11am - 2pm

Telephone

+18638755960

Website

http://www.lakealfredhistoricalsociety.com/

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