From the WGHF Archives 06.04.15

Swedish pioneer Josef Henschen (1843-1930) was an early investor in sawmill operator Peter Demens’ Orange Belt Railroad. Demens had assumed ownership of the line from the original builders when they couldn’t afford to pay Demens $9,400 for railroad ties. Henschen’s $40,000 investment (almost a cool million in today’s dollars) was proof of his success, as he had made a fortune in the citrus industry.

Pictured is the home he built in Oakland, which stood at the northwest corner of Oakland Avenue and Tubb Street. It was typical of the late Victorian style, heavily embellished with wooden ornamentation. 

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which seeks to preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences, is celebrating its third decade with the debut of its new History Research and Education Center.