Christmas Parade 1917
This photograph was given to the Winter Park Public Library's History and Archives Department by Jean Wagner Shannon in 1986. She came to Winter Park in 1905 when Albert Wagner built a home at 433 E. New England Avenue as a winter residence for himself and for the families of his two sisters-in-law, Jean Wallace Webster and Katherine Wallace Bradshaw. The Webster-Wagner Home is still standing.
Written on the back of the photograph, by Jean Wagner Shannon in 1986, is the following text:
"This was a Christmas Parade on Park Ave. during the war? Mr. L. H. Roberts and Mr. Cole were shepherds. Dr. Freer (who owned Taylor's Drug Store then) was Santa Claus. I (Jean Wagner Shannon) was "The Spirit of the Christmas Tree" and stood on a step ladder in a big cedar tree which was growing - (evidently later chopped down). The big star was on the top of the tree, and I nearly froze as it was cold that night! Dot Harrison(Shears) was "Miss Liberty". Harry Trovillion was Uncle Sam and much embarrassed because he had to carry the white stick with a white dove on the end of it! There were two ministers - Dr. Vincent on the rt.(and I didn't know the other) - who were the wise men - what became of the third I don't know! Also only two shepherds? Next to the wise men were Mr. and Mrs. Morse - he had on a black suit (and a white goate) and she all in white with a beautiful flat hat. Then the Red Cross ladies, and the Christmas elves in front. It really was a lovely colorful parade and I think we marched from Taylor's Drug Store to New England Ave. and then ended with a street dance! Santa Claus and I leading it off with me falling all over his feet! Dot and I were both 16 yrs. and Harry T. was 17 yrs. and this is now 1986!!".
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE WINTER PARK EVENTS - PAST AND PRESENT PAGE