General Alfred Iverson came to Kissimmee about 1881, and lived here until he moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1910, where he subsequently died on March 31, 1911.

 With the opening of our 1800s Replica Historic Church available for Weddings and Vow Renewals, we wanted to take a look into many common wedding traditions still performed.

As dusk fell over Kissimmee’s Historic Rose Hill Cemetery, guests of Osceola County Historical Society’s 9^th annual Dine with the Departed sponsored by Gatorland fundraiser began to arrive. Music filled the air as guests perused over 40 silent auction items before taking their seats. Dinner, succulent barbequed chicken and pulled pork accompanied by baked beans and green beans, was catered by Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ.  When dinner service came to a close, the live auction began and was facilitated by OCHS board member, Ricky Booth.  After the live auction closed, the winners of the silent auctions were announced.

With the opening of our 1800s Replica Historic Church which is now available for Weddings and Vow Renewals, we wanted to take a look into many common wedding traditions still performed.

Born in Hartford County, Maryland on February 23, 1864, William Burroughs Makinson was one of Osceola County’s early pioneers honored in 2011 by the Osceola County Historical Society at their annual Dine with the Departed event.  He spent the early years of his life on a farm near Baltimore with his three siblings and parents William T. and Mary L. Makinson.  In 1883, W.B. traveled by boat to Jacksonville, then by train to Sanford, Florida, finally arriving in Kissimmee on the first train to make the run from Sanford. 

Held annually each February, the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show and Fair we are familiar with originated in the 1940s with the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Market being used as its venue.  Interrupted briefly by World War II, the fair and show returned, was incorporated and became an association which continues the tradition of an annual fair and livestock show.

Fashion seems to be a revolving door. A particular “fad” may be popular for a time, but will surely be replaced by another. However, that fad will probably find its way back into popularity a few decades later. One aspect that never seems to go out of style, is the attention to detail. Adding specific elements to a garment can give it an extra flair, or make a relatively bland piece look extraordinary.

With the opening of our 1800s Replica Historic Church available for Weddings and Vow Renewals, we wanted to take a look into many common wedding traditions still performed.

Have you ever wondered why the Bride wears a white dress? Or why we eat a tiered wedding cake? Or why the Bride tosses her bouquet? Or why we host a bridal shower?

Where did these traditions come from? Why do we do them?

Join us for a multi-part mini-series as we uncover the history behind many common Wedding Traditions!

Born in Bedford, Ohio, John Carroll worked for Ohio oil companies until 1936 when he became manager of his father’s 55,000 acre Carrollton Ranch in Deer Park.  In 1947, he became Vice President of the First National Bank of Kissimmee, retiring in 1975 as Chairman of the Board.  John was one of the sixteen horsemen who rode in the inaugural parade for Governor Spessard Holland in 1941.  He was a charter member of the Silver Spurs quadrille, helped organize the Silver Spurs Riding Club and was its first “Big Boss” in 1942.  At the age of 81, John was honored by being named “Coca Cola Cowboy” in 1988 by the Club.  Bestowed annually since 1982, the honor was given to an Osceola County resident who had worked to promote the rodeo and its way of life.  After receiving the honor, he replied “You don’t know what it means to a Yankee to be accepted like I have been.”

James Kinchen Hilliard was born in Coffee County, Georgia on December 17, 1852.  He lost his father in 1863 during the War Between the States.  Perhaps to ease the burden of his mother, who was left to rear some of his eleven siblings, James headed to Texas at the age of fourteen. For nine years he roamed the central west encountering Indians and buffalo and gathering tales of his experiences.