Instructions:
1....Print this file.
2....At its end, click on "rules" to see a copy of the trail rules, print it, and then click where indicated at the end of the 3-page rules and patch order form to get back to the list of Florida trails.
3....If you want a hand-drawn map showing the locations of all of the sites, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Steve Rajtar, 1614 Bimini Dr., Orlando, FL 32806.
4....Hike the trail and order whatever patches you like (optional).
WARNING - This trail may pass through one or more neighborhoods which, although full of history, may now be unsafe for individuals on foot, or which may make you feel unsafe there. Hikers have been approached by individuals who have asked for handouts or who have inquired (not always in a friendly manner) why the hikers are in their neighborhood. Drugs and other inappropriate items have been found by hikers in some neighborhoods. It is suggested that you drive the hike routes first to see if you will feel comfortable walking them and, if you don't think it's a good place for you walk, you might want to consider (1) traveling with a large group, (2) doing the route on bicycles, or (3) choosing another hike route. The degree of comfort will vary with the individual and with the time and season of the hike, so you need to make the determination using your best judgment. If you hike the trail, you accept all risks involved.
The name of Auburndale for the railroad station, and then the town, was suggested by Mrs. Pulsifer, who was the wife of the publisher of the Boston Herald.
In 1903, Auburndale established a "color line", which had a radius of 1/4 mile from the railroad station located near here, then the exact center of town. No colored person was allowed to live within the area bounded by that line.
This building was erected in 1927, including indoor parking for the city's fire truck. In 1954, a new fire station opened across the street, and the old truck quarters were remodeled to provide an office for the city manager.
This triangular building, one of the city's best known landmarks, opened in 1912 as the State Bank of Auburndale. It was the first brick building on this steet.
This block of Main St. near the Florida State Bank was twice destroyed by fire in the 1910s, with only the Florida State Bank surviving.
The fire of November 23, 1913, began in the H.P. Walker Building and destroyed practically the entire business section of Auburndale.
This church was built by the community, Episcopalians and others alike. The first service was held in it on September 25, 1898. They later built a parish house which also doubled as a community center. The Carpenter Gothic style church features three stained glass windows created in 1913 by C.E. Langley, and another that dates from the 1890s. The chancel was extended and a new altar was added during 1937.
This building was formerly the home of the First Methodist Church. Its stained glass windows date to its original construction in 1922.
The first public school in Auburndale, known as Public School #56, was located near this site. Before it, there was a private school on Park St. run by W.S. Irvin and his two sisters.
In 1947, a new elementary school was opened across the street.
This congregation was organized on October 21, 1906, by Rev. J.A. Wooten and Deacon A.J. Bishop. This sanctuary was rebuilt by Rev. W.J. Isaac and dedicated on October 25, 1944.
This church was organized by Bishop Rt. Rev. G.N. Collins and Pastor Rev. J.C. Wilkins. The sanctuary was rebuilt by Rev. J.L. Denmark.
This home, now utilized as a museum, was built in 1894.
This large home, now housing the Kersey Funeral Home, was the residence of E.M. Baynard. Around the house was an ornamental fence to keep out roaming animals. It overlooked his large citrus grove which stretched between Lakes Stella and Ariana.
This property was donated by Capt. John Patterson in May of 1913. In 1915, Auburndale Senior High School was built here, with a cornerstone laid on September 8, 1915, by Mrs. F.I. Stone, president of the Auburndale Woman's Club. Its first graduating class was in 1925, and the W.P.A. added a gymnasium in 1936.
This high school was completed in 1958.
Along the east shore was located the clubhouse of the Seminole Club, which opened on December 20, 1908. Mac's Beach on Lake Ariana was popular as a swimming area and there was a pavilion for dances in the 1920s.
Earlier along the lake, a post office was located in W.L. Patterson's store in 1883. At that time, the surrounding community was known as Sanitaria.
This Spanish Mission style church with the square tower was built for the Presbyterian congregation in 1925.
This was not the "first" Presbyterian church in Auburndale, as it was predated by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the 19th century. In early 1900 following its dissolution, its building between the post office and fire station was purchased by the school board and made into a three-room school. It later was converted into an apartment house.
In the late 1920s, the first floor of the hotel was occupied by Hobby's Pharmacy and the Groceteria, which later became the Auburndale All-American Store. A later use of the building was as the Ariana Apartments.
Century In the Sun: A History of Polk County, Florida, by Ed McNeely and Al R. McFadyen (Polk County Centennial Committee 1961)
Florida Historic Stained Glass Survey: Sites of Historic Windows in Public Facilities in the State of Florida, by Robert O. Jones (Florida Members of the Stained Glass Association of America 1995)
History of Polk County, Florida, by M.F. Hetherington (The Mickler House 1971)
History of Winter Haven, Florida, by Josephine G. Burr (The Larry Burr Printing Company 1974)
Wish You Were Here: A Grand Tour of Early Florida Via Old Post Cards, by Hampton Dunn (Byron Kennedy and Company 1981)
Yesterday's Polk County, by Louise K. Frisbie (E.A. Seeman Publishing, Inc. 1976)
Click here for a copy of the trail rules.