From Railroads to Rosie’s: The Evolution of the Church Street Block

Few events impacted the history of Orlando more than the coming of the railroad in 1880 – the resulting boom saw the population of the city increase from 200 to 2,000 in six years. But it also altered the fortunes of the businesses directly west of the train station.  At this presentation, author Rick Kilby will examine the people and events that helped to shape the Church Street block between the historic railroad depot and Garland Avenue. Bumbys, Belks, and Bob Snow all helped to shape this important part of Orlando that has been called the “Heart of the City.”