THE NARCOOSSEE AREA CHAPTER OF THE
OSCEOLA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Current Project: Raising funds and support for the restoration and preservation of the circa 1886 Narcoossee Schoolhouse (located at 5026 Yukon Street adjacent to the Narcoossee Fire Department.)
History is Happening in Narcoossee!
Our Narcoossee Ties to Fellsmere
Narcoossee founder, Nelson Fell, his wife Ann and their three children, became less involved in our area after devastating crop freezes in the 1890s. Nelson worked overseas managing other family interests for several years but in 1910, invested in land further south in Florida in Indian River County. Here, they established Fellsmere Farms Company and founded the community of Fellsmere in 1911.
Members of the Narcoossee Chapter of OCHS recently had the opportunity to take an interesting and informative field trip to Fellsmere where local historian, Richard Votapka, took us on a tour of key sites related to the Fell family.
Rich, an expert on the Fell Family history, enjoys playing the role of Nelson and he wore his dapper British period costume as he led us to sites including the Marian Fell library, named in honor of Nelson’s daughter, two historic churches, Fellsmere Railroad landmarks and more. We learned so much about this fascinating family and other tour highlights included meeting the current Mayor of Fellsmere, Joel Tyson (related to many Osceola County Tysons), and a delicious lunch at the historic Marsh Landing restaurant, which is a museum of memorabilia in and of itself.
Fellsmere historian, Richard Votapka (left) and Fellsmere Mayor Joel Tyson (center) were the gracious tour hosts for our Chapter members.
Narcoossee and Fellsmere founder Nelson Fell's portrait hangs in City Hall.
The field trip was a wonderful opportunity to learn more of our rich history and it re-invigorated our efforts to share and preserve this history with Osceola County residents and guests.
We continue our fundraising efforts to this end – join us on Saturday, June 8, 2019 for another Community BBQ and Baked Goods event at the historic Narcoossee schoolhouse (5026 Yukon Street, Saint Cloud, FL 34771). Delicious food and drink will be served from 11am to 3pm. Carryout is available. The cost is only $8 for a pulled chicken or pork meal with two sides and we now offer a rib plate option ($10) and accept credit cards! See you there and thanks for your continued support!
History is Happening in Narcoossee!
If you enjoy learning and sharing local history, attend a Chapter meeting and see what we are all about – meetings are held the first Monday of every month (unless a national holiday) at 5:30pm at the Narcoossee Community Center, 5354 Rambling Road, Saint Cloud, FL 34771.
Help Restore the Historic
Narcoossee Schoolhouse!
Make a contribution via the PayPal link below:
Meeting every 1st Monday of the Month
5:30 PM at Narcoossee Community Center
5354 Rambling Road, Saint Cloud, FL 34771 |
Have questions or need additional information?
Email: info@narcoosseehistory.org |
