Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate its indigenous people’s accomplishments, contributions, and traditions. Keeping with that theme, Osceola History would like to honor Billy Bowlegs III. A Seminole tribesman was helping to teach the residents of Osceola County all about his peoples’ traditions in the late 1800s. A Boy With Many Names Born Billie Fewell to an African-American father and a Seminole […]
Phillip “Phil” Russell Kelley didn’t always wear bow ties but beginning in the late 1950s; it appears to have become part of his regular attire. What prompted him to make the switch from a regular tie is a mystery, but Phil was definitely one of Kissimmee’s unique citizens. And with a good old Irish name like Kelley, Phil also had the “Gift of the Blarney.” […]
The agriculture community is proud to be the second-largest industry in the state of Florida, employing over two million people and contributing more than $104 billion to the economy every year.[1] Cattle have been a part of the Florida landscape since 1521.[2] Osceola County, in particular, has a long history as a large producer of cattle in this state that continues today. Cattle have been part of Osceola County […]
The July 2020 Osceola History newsletter is now available. Learn about our upcoming Train Day event on July 19 at Pioneer Village and other happenings. Click here to read the newsletter. If you would like to receive future newsletters delivered direct to your inbox, please complete the form below.