Dedication

By Margaret Wheaton

We are continuing to celebrate the Centennial of the City of Lake Alfred by dedicating our historical buildings. This little building was originally the First Bank of Lake Alfred, built in 1921. It now serves as the home of the Lake Alfred Historical Society. I am so happy that it has survived all these years.

The Mayor and City Commission, the City Manager, the Curator of the museum, the Board of the Historical Society, and interested citizens gathered on Thursday morning to see the bronze plaque unveiled. It says:

“The First Bank of Lake Alfred was housed in the Florida Fruitlands Company office until this building was constructed to serve as the bank of Lake Alfred. The first bank was established in 1909 and known as the Snell National Bank, privately owned by the S. W. Snell Company. Mr. Frank C. Gardner had a large safe in his home to supplement the Florida Fruitlands Company payroll until the Bank of Lake Alfred opened its doors in 1921. It continued to serve as the community’s bank for many years until the late 1970s. After closing it sat vacant and eventually became property of the City of Lake Alfred, which lead to a partnership with the Lake Alfred Historical Society to establish its office and museum.”