Will Wallace Harney

(1832-1912) Poet, author, journalist, and builder of the original Pine Castle celebrated during the annual Pioneer Days festival south of Orlando.

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

50 years ago, people in Pine Castle (and across Central Florida) were freaking out over the cost of fresh eggs. Prices soared to 69-cents per dozen, from just 39-cents at the end of 1972. #FloridaHistory #eggs #inflation #historyrepeating

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

https://t.co/1vb9iTkEe5 #Orlando #festival #FloridaHistory #kettlecorn #LiveMusic #FreeAdmission

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

Lots going on, Feb 25 & 26, Cypress Grove Park, 290 W Holden Ave, #Orlando. Make plans now to join in the fun!
#FolkMusic #LiveMusic #festival #baseball #LivingHistory #FarmLife #FloridaHistory

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

Latest addition to the Pioneer Days archive: Eugene Blume (1878-1933) & wife Eunice Macy Blume (1881-1956) of Pine Castle. Mr. Blume worked for Orange County for many years, establishing many of the thoroughfares we still use today. #FloridaHistory #WaybackWednesday #pioneers

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

Sunday ONLY (Feb 26, 2023) at Pine Castle Pioneer Days #festival, 290 W Holden, #Orlando. #FloridaHistory #FolkMusic #LivingHistory #FreeEvent

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

Some of the BEST #FolkMusic in Florida will be performed at PINE CASTLE PIONEER DAYS, Feb 25 & 26th! FREE ADMISSION. TWO STAGES. Be there!

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

On this date in 1898, Pine Castle's pioneers were in shock after a fire swept thru the village and destroyed the rail depot, post office, and Isaac Aten's popular store. Fortunately, there was no loss of life and all buildings were soon rebuilt. #OTD #FloridaHistory #pioneers

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

Pioneer Days salutes the memory of MRS. EDNA HOFFNER who died #OTD in 1962, age 96. She came to this area in 1889, was a charter member of the 1900 Union Church & wife of Charles Hoffner, the first Mayor of Belle Isle. #FloridaHistory #pioneers #HerStory

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

#OTD in 1939, the Pine Castle #pioneers gathered for a surprise birthday party for Mrs. Jane Etty at her daughter's home on Matchett Road. While everyone enjoyed refreshments, Mrs. G.L. Brewer read a short reminiscence entitled "Those Bygone Days." #FloridaHistory #HerStory

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

MYSTERY PHOTOS - Pine Castle teacher Ollie Prescott saved these pictures of her students. But she didn't label/date them, only noting they represented the 6th grade and half of the 5th grade. Can YOU help name any of these young scholars? #FloridaHistory #HistoryMystery

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

Thanks to Yolanda at Belle Isle City Hall for sharing this photo of the 1st city clerk, Theron L. Curry (1878-1934). who came from Peekskill, New York, in the early 1900s to establish a marmalade factory in Pine Castle. #pioneers #FloridaHistory

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

50 years ago today, Central Florida homebodies faced a tough decision, whether to watch Guy Lombardo's orchestra on Channel 6 OR Dick Clark's brand new "Rockin' New Year's Eve" featuring Three Dog Night on Channel 2. #50YA #FloridaHistory #newyearseve

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

#DYK it was a tradition among Central Florida pioneers to gather on the shores of Lake Jessamine for a New Year's Eve "watch party?" We hope you will safely enjoy tonight's observances and wish you all a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2023! #FloridaHistory #newyearseve

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM PINE CASTLE! During the Pioneer Era, residents gathered at the Union Church for a nondenominational service, communal meal, gift exchange, and fellowship. We hope YOUR #Christmas2022 is just as merry and bright as those days of yore! #FloridaHistory

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

Show YOUR support for Pine Castle Pioneer Days by placing an ad in our collectible festival magazine. Registration form and complete information is posted at https://t.co/DTH2nl11Vf or you can call 407-427-9692 to get signed-up. Thanks in advance for your support!

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

#OTD in 1913, Dr. Stanley Reed established the 1st veterinary practice in Pine Castle, Florida. "Doc Reed" cared mostly for horses and cows. But he was known to treat a human patient or two whenever a "regular doctor" couldn't be found! #FloridaHistory #pioneers #healthcare

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

On this date in 1891, newlyweds Charlie and Maggie Johns settled in the village of Pine Castle. They lived there for the rest of their lives and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary together. Many of their descendants still live in the area. #OTD #FloridaHistory #pioneers

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

@Bess_Auer The party was held at the Hotel Brunswick in Boston, Massachusetts. It was sponsored by @TheAtlantic Monthly, the magazine that published works by all four writers.

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

On this date in 1877, Pine Castle founder Will Harney received an invitation to a birthday party for the famous poet John G. Whittier. Other distinguished guests were Mark Twain and Henry W. Longfellow. #OTD #FloridaHistory #pioneers #americanliterature

[Will Wallace Harney @wwharney]

Do you remember when you joined Twitter? I do! #MyTwitterAnniversary And, next year, Pine Castle Pioneer Days will be celebrating its 50TH ANNIVERSARY! https://t.co/DTH2nl1zKN