Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1878-01-04
From the Land of Oranges.
ONoRo, Fort Reid p. o., Florida,
Dec. Goth, 1877.

INDUCES me 20 Senu you greeting lfolu
Orange county.
The st. Johns river is continuous
chain of beautiful lakes. Lake Monroe
upon the upper st. Johns and at the
head of steam navigation has three
landings, supplying an extensive back
country and yearly becoming Of more
importance. Large amounts of freight
are received and during the winter
season many oranges are shipped
here. Enterprise on the north shore
Of the lake has been the point for
round trip excursions from jack
son vile. Mellonville dates back to
the Indian war-and was named for
y. S. officer killed near there. 1t has
controlled this side Of the lake until
now a powerful rival where extensive
ware houses and general business APP
pliances denoting the energy of its
business men, win for Sanford greater
patronage.
This county has many advantages.
In the yet little known interior is
some excellent land, readily affording
a living to the adventurer III fruit
growing until the fullillment of his
hope-which is not a vain dream,
although boastful takers and land
agents have caused careful men to
question. Within easy access of the
landings named are several of the
finest bearing groves in the State, while
thifty young ones invite the tourist OF
settler to explore. The excellence of
these oranges is well established and
their fitness for expectation. Other
fruits grow readily here, and many
vegetables produce two and three crops
yearly, although on these high pine
lands, SO desirable for health, the soil
for such growth must be made and the
cost is heavy.
Socially, we have few superiors in
any country settlement. Representa-
tiyes from many States and several
foreign countries, refugees from the
rigorous climate Of the north, from
milder homes desolated by the late
war,and surging under reconstruction;
enthusiasts, theorists and some honest
workers-meet and mingle here. Many
with impaired health have found
% panacea in this unquestionably
charming climate that restores some
of the elixir Of life with increase of
days.
Every year sufferers come to Florida
led by their own struggling hope or
the inducement of others to try and
find the tabled fountain of renovating
waters, of whom we say with sadness
"too late"
Onoro, three miles from Sanford and
Mellonville was the private residence
of a New England man, the actual
pioneer of this widening circle of
improvement, and although few set
tiers had previously drifted near Fort
Reid, who found existence easy, rails
ing sweet potatoes and ranging cattle
and hogs, they made no energetic
effort for the country's advancement.
This attractive location, which accord
ing to the testimony Of experienced
and honorable physicians surpasses
any other in Southern Florida for
healthfulness and desirability, over
looks three small but beautiful lakes,
fed by living springs, whose deep clear
waters are 4 perpetual delight to the
eye, and afford amusement with oars.
The house widened into boarding
house, and many guests have left
regretfully after sojourning here. A
daily mail this winter is an added
luxury, and the conveniences for
reaching the place are good. 1t is EN-
phatically Winter Home.
Our Christmas was married 10y a
warm rain; sunshine came ut midday.
The little church ut Sanford under
the charge Of u former resident Of
your city, WAS beautiful with holy
day decorations of evergreens and
fragrant flowers. One Of the eccen.
tricities Of the South Is celebrating
Christmas Eve, and the early day with
explosions Of gun powder. and fire
crackers ~ tho dawn Of the 4tl of
July is made eXecrable at the North
and with such incongruity!
To-day laborers doff all extra cloth
ing as iii summer and through my open
window the perfumed air fromnature's
freshly washed face comes gratefully
IA northern guest has just gathered
L. Y,,l 4