February 26th and 27th, 2022

Pine Castle Historical Society, Inc. will again sponsor The History Tent at Pine Castle Pioneer Days, February 26 and 27, 2022. Ten separate vignettes, each around 45 minutes in length, will begin at the top of each hour between 11 AM and 3 PM. Our theme this year is the Past, Present & Future, because history is made every single day! Below you will find our guest speakers and their topics, so, enjoy Pioneer Days as well as a presentation or two at your Historical Society’s History tent.    

Saturday, February 26, 2022

11:00 Secrets of The Rutland Mule Matter, by Richard Lee Cronin

A secret for 160 years, the real-life coverup of Central Florida’s hideous Civil War misconduct was first brought to light in, The Rutland Mule Matter. Cronin will reveal more shocking evidence supporting his highly rated book. 

12:00 What is Pine Castle? by Larry Miles

President of Pine Castle Historical Society, Larry Miles will examine central Florida’s mystifying age-old question, what is this place called Pine Castle. Twice a city, is it now simply an undefined yet nostalgic placename, or what?

1:00 The Incomparable Alexander St. Clair-Abrams by Bob Grenier

Author and Historian Grenier debuts his latest book, a biography of an Orlando Attorney of the 1870s who became a town builder, politician, and railroad mogul in the 1880s. St. Clair-Abrams was a force to deal with in 19th century Florida.

2:00 My Sanford, Florida family, by Dean Berrien.

He now resides in Tallahassee, but Dean has traced his family roots to 19th century Sanford, Florida, and found that he is related to the Who’s Who List of Sanford forefathers, and some of whom dabbled in Pine Castle as well.

3:00 Today’s Pine Castle looks toward Tomorrow, Panel discussion, audience participation encouraged.

The Socio-Cultural & Economic Impact of Digital Assets upon Pine Castle, featuring Bill Moore, Michael Enright & Corban Clinkscale. PCHS President Larry Miles leads a panel discussion on cryptocurrency’s impact on society, commerce, culture & identity.  

Sunday, February 27, 2022

11:00 Railroads shaped YOUR Central Florida, by Richard Lee Cronin

Settlers alone could not do it! Transportation, a vital part of how and where this region was to develop, did not materialize until the arrival of trains. This presentation is in cooperation with YOUR Central Florida Railroad Museum.

12:00 Jernigan’s, Patrick’s & early Orange County History, by A. Stephen Patrick

Who would know better the story of Orange County’s first days than a lineal descendant of the first family? Steve’s ancestors lived at Orlando before there was an Orlando, so join Steve on his amazing journey down memory lane. 

1:00 Florida’s World War II Heroes, by Tom Tart

The History Tent would not be the same without Tom Tart, and this year, the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Tom returns with his extra-special salute to our Heroes of World War II. 

2:00 A Turbulent Decade: Civil War & Reconstruction in Central Florida by Jeff Hooper

Orange County joined the Confederate war effort, despite its unionist leanings, and the citizens suffered greatly during and after the conflict. Jeff examines the turbulence that followed the war which culminated in the Barber-Mizell feud of 1870. 

3:00 Pine Castle: Today & Tomorrow, with Former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin, Belle Isle Mayor Nick Fouraker, Orange County Vice Mayor Mayra Uribe, Former Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke

PCHS President Larry Miles leads a panel of City and County government officials as they peer into crystal balls and sketch future challenges of growth and the alliance between Belle Isle, Edgewood, Pine Castle, and Orange County.