Seminole County Florida

“Here one finds choice citrus lands, high rolling pinelands dotted with beautiful lakes and streams, low lands with flowing wells, where the system of subirrigation, subaeriation and subdrainage can be applied – a system that is second to none in the world for the successful raising of winter vegetables to supply the markets of America at a time when the North is wrapped in a mantle of snow.” – pg 2. This uncommon piece of real estate ephemera was issued to encourage emigration and investment in Seminole County during the waning days of the Florida Land Boom. An inviting combination of persuasive text, photographs, maps, and illustrations provides a tempting 48-page compilation, with a heavy emphasis on agricultural opportunity and outdoor beauty. The inside of the front wrap offers a straightforward map of the county, with three colors used to distinguish the progress of a proposed road-building program that costs $1,750,000. Each community has a brief summary, with accompanying images showing the diversity of leisure, well-paved roads, productive farms, and comfortable homes. A panoramic view of Sanford, numerous street scenes, and snapshots of major industries capture a foundational moment in the history of the county. Given statistics cite a 207% increase in the assessed valuation of Sanford alone from 1920-1925. Copyrighted in 1926 and published by the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners, with input from a number of local chambers of commerce. Printed by the Record Company of St. Augustine. The 1926 Miami hurricane in September effectively ended the Florida Land Boom, and enthusiasm for investment in Seminole County was significantly tempered.