From the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation 10.01.15

This year marks the 100th birthday of a building constructed at what is now 24-28 S. Main St. The sturdy brick corniced structure, far left, housed South Apopka Supply, a moniker that attested the Winter Garden area once was referred to as South Apopka.

Throughout the years, Earl K. Ewing Real Estate and Insurance set up its offices in the building. It also housed a telephone exchange; a meeting hall; and possibly the Winter Garden Hotel in the 1940s, which might have served as housing for military servicemen.

Across Plant Street stands the Shelby Hotel just beyond the tree; opposite the Shelby is the ACL depot, built in 1906. Across from the brick buildings stand the Bank of Winter Garden and a few shops. Today, you still can faintly see the faded words, “SOUTH APOPKA SUPPLY,” on the brick.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which seeks to preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences, is celebrating its third decade with the debut of its new History Research and Education Center.