Shady Park

In 1881, Loring A. Chase visited what would become present day Winter Park. At first, there were only a few small cottages until Mr. Chase bought the land for $13,000. The town was planned to include a hotel, churches, schools, and park, intersected by the railroad. On March 18th the first building, a depot, was constructed in Winter Park. As new buildings sprung up around Winter Park the infrastructure and economy began to develop with it. Chase and Oliver E. Chapman opened the first store which brought in more residents to Winter Park.

Winter Park was initially advertised as a winter retreat for southern gentlemen. An advertisement featured in the Lochmede magazine mentions different selling points of Winter Park such as the rich church community and newly established Rollins College. The last part of the ad reminds citizens to ask for improvements and try to actively develop the community no matter the cost.