When entering a church, most eyes are drawn to the front of the building where there usually stands a pulpit. The pulpit is the focal point and perhaps one of the most important pieces of furniture. The Osceola County Historical Society (OCHS) has recently had the privilege of building a replica church for the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek. This church would not be complete without its furnishings. One of the most important items to be included in these furnishings is, of course, the pulpit. Luckily, OCHS didn't have to go very far to find the perfect pulpit to be placed in the church.

The one-room schoolhouse of the early 1900s was often filled with benches or desks, but one stood out from the rest: the teacher’s desk. Many times, there were too many students and children had to resort to sharing those desks, as well as books and other school items. However, the teacher’s desk was for one person: the teacher.

While segregation was a major issue in many places, the tensions between blacks and whites in Osceola County were much less. There weren’t as many restrictions in place, making integration much smoother for the county. Blacks and whites lived close to each other, and in some cases, even worked together. One place in particular that did not discriminate with employees was the Disston Sugar Mill.

Most hear the phrase "marching band" and automatically associate it with high schools. However, the roots of marching bands are actually in military bands. Even today, high school marching bands bear a strong resemblance to the military bands of the past with their brightly colored uniforms and the plumes in their hats.  Another contributing factor to high school bands is local town bands. Towns often had bands with musicians of varying ages. When the popularity of such bands began to dwindle, many of the younger participants could consider joining a school band. 

The life of the Florida cowboy is not an easy one. If he isn’t battling the heat, the hurricanes, or the mosquitos; then he probably has to contend with wild animals, swamps, and the monumental task of managing a herd of cattle. Florida cowboys are tough and hard-working because nothing comes easy on the ranch. Despite it being so arduous, many view the cowboy’s life as inspirational and something to be celebrated. One such man was E.L. “Buster” Kenton.