If you’re looking for true Florida-style living, a Winter Haven mortgage may be the way to go.
Officially known as “The Chain of Lakes City,” Winter Haven, FL is considered the water skiing capital of the world. Water Skiing, fishing, swimming, or simply spending a lazy Sunday afternoon cruising the canals that link each of the 16 lakes in the chain, Winter Haven is a boater’s paradise.
Water skiing is both a sport and a business in Winter Haven and is enjoyed on many lakes. World champion barefoot skier, Ron Scarpa, operates a Winter Haven barefoot skiing school on the chain.
Any spot in Winter Haven is within a few steps of a freshwater lake or canal. Fishing is a serious pursuit and serious fun here.
The City’s Origins
The city’s origins date back as far as 1884, and a year later it received it’s name – thanks to Mr. P.D. Eycleshimer, one of the area’s first farmers of consequence, who dubbed it “Winter Haven” due to its pleasant climate.
The city was incorporated in 1911, and by that time was host to more than 400 residents, several banks, a band, a newspaper, a movie theater and 15 automobiles.
Winter Haven, Florida (1919)
The Florida Boom of the 1920’s brought land speculation and a marked increase in the number of new residents. In 1924, the Florida Citrus Festival was first held to pay tribute to the importance of citrus as an agricultural business in the area.
On September 6, 1930, 22-year-old George Jenkins opened the very first Publix Food Store on Fourth Street, NW on the park in downtown Winter Haven.
The photo above is of this very first Publix. This store set not only a new precedent for cleanliness and beauty, but also the Publix standard for employee relations. Walk into any Publix Supermarket today, and you will still see this tradition alive – it’s a true testament to the spirit of our area.
In 1936, tourism became an economic mainstay as Dick and Julie Pope opened Cypress Gardens — and the eyes of the world — to the beauty of Winter Haven. Winter Haven was well on its way to becoming the beautiful, thriving town that it is today.
The black and white photo above is of Dick Pope and none other than famed movie actress Bette Davis – Mr. Pope was giving Ms. Davis the royal tour of Cypress Gardens c. 1950.
Whether it’s cruising the Chain of Lakes Canals with family, water skiing, fishing, visiting local attractions, or setting off for the short trip to Tampa or Orlando, Winter Haven, FL offers something for everyone.
What’s your favorite aspect of our fair city? I’d love to hear from you about your experiences here.
Sources used: Wikipeida, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
Photo Credits
- Sunset Celebration – hyku on Flickr (Great local Winter Haven, FL Photographs!)
- Winter Haven, FL 1919 – libraryimages.net on Flickr
- Original 1930 Publix Grocery Store – Publix Supermarket Archives Photo Timeline
- Dick Pope and Bette Davis Touring Cypress Gardens c. 1950 – Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Blog
- Touring the Chain of Lakes Canals in Winter Haven, FL – Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Blog
wow, i like the old photos, but, do you have curent fresh photo of the city, and the lake?
The idea bout the mortgage is great,and the view of the lake creates a beautiful scenery with so many activities to do such as fishing,swimming and other activities.Thanks for sharing
Those are some awesome pics you posted. It shows how the place was back in the day when there was not as much construction.
have friends in winter haven. its a nice town