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Seminole Historical Society begins to take shape

Saying the city needs to preserve its past, three residents are trying to do just that.

By ANNE LINDBERG
Published January 26, 2005

SEMINOLE - Folks who agree with the '60s song that they "don't know much about history" when it comes to their city can take heart: Three history buffs want to create a place to showcase Seminole's past.

And they're looking for others to help them.

Longtime resident Dorothy Phillips, former Mayor Holland Mangum and dentist Sandra Lilo are working to create a Seminole Historical Society. They met last week for the first time and attracted 13 others to the cause.

"People seem to be interested in having a historical society. I've had people call me and offer some of the things they have," Phillips said Monday. "We do have a beginning."

The idea for an historical society was spawned a couple of years ago during a conversation Phillips had with a friend.

"We said it would be nice if we had a historical museum," Phillips said.

They first thought of the log cabin at the Seminole Methodist Church but it is frequently used. Besides, Phillips said, it would have to be moved and "we can't get it under the overpass that goes across Seminole Boulevard."

"We're still looking for a place. . . . If we can get two or three rooms someplace, it would be a start," she said

Seminole had its start about 1864 after the Civil War. Early settlers chose the area because it was full of fish, game and had grasslands for cattle to graze.

There was also a downside to the Seminole area - bears and alligators.

Despite those, the fertile land was good for the orange groves the settlers planted. Those groves became the hallmark of the area.

"Of course, I'm sure some of them began to build little stores," Phillips said. "They had early school teachers come here. The school terms were only three or four months out of the year at that time so some of the teachers cold work in the orange groves."

In 1890, Seminole United Methodist Church was founded. The church was destroyed by a 1921 hurricane but was rebuilt and still stands at 54th Avenue N and Seminole Boulevard, said Phillips.

Phillips, who is a member, said the pews are so narrow, "I think I'm going to slide off."

The oldest church in Seminole, it might be the oldest in the county, she said.

Information like like should be passed on to residents, she said.

"Every town has a history, has a beginning. Those of us who live in Seminole would enjoy that history," Phillips said. "The people in Seminole, they're a nice, loving sort of people. I really and truly think we should tell the history of Seminole if nothing else for the sake of the people who live here now. We need to preserve the history."

The Seminole Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 in the music room at the Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th Ave. N.

Membership is $10 a year for families; $15, for civic associations; and $25 for businesses.

[Last modified January 26, 2005, 00:13:15]