A Signature From the Past: Hattie French’s Autograph Book Reveals a Connection to Orange City History

Mrs. Harriet “Hattie” French Levitt with husband, W. F. Leavitt, and children. Source: VIA Archives

Recent historical research has uncovered a fascinating piece of local history: the childhood autograph book of Hattie French, daughter of prominent Orange City pioneer Sen. Dr. Seth French.

The beautifully preserved book dates to Hattie’s years as a student at Ferry Hall Preparatory School (later known as Lake Forest Academy) in Lake Forest, Illinois, and offers a rare glimpse into the friendships, education, and social life of a young woman whose family would become closely connected to the early history of Orange City.

A Young Woman’s Treasured Autograph Book

Long before yearbooks and social media, young people collected memories of their friends and classmates in autograph or signature books.

Filled with signatures, poetry, personal messages, ciphers, sentimental sayings, and small pieces of verse, these books were treasured keepsakes. The tradition dates back centuries, with autograph books becoming particularly popular among students.

Today, surviving examples—especially those that remain complete and in good condition—can provide historians with valuable clues about relationships between families, schools, and communities.

Hattie French’s autograph book. Source: VIA Archives

Hattie French Goes to School

Commencement at the Ferry Hall School in 1905.

As a young woman, Hattie French attended Ferry Hall during the 1873–1874 school term, where she studied music.

Her autograph book suggests that Hattie also enjoyed a rich social life. Entries span the years 1874 through 1878 and include signatures and messages from classmates, friends, and acquaintances.

Some of the names are connected to places that will sound very familiar to local history enthusiasts—including Blue Spring, as the Orange City area was then known, and Mellonville, an early settlement that later became part of Sanford.

Each signature provides another small piece of the puzzle, helping us better understand the social connections between the families who helped shape Central Florida during the late 1800s.

The French  Family Comes to Orange City

Fairview Cottage at 319 East French Avenue was built for Dr. Seth French in 1876.

Hattie was the daughter of Sen. Dr. Seth French, a physician, politician, and prominent figure in the early development of Orange City. French was a member of the Florida Senate in 1879 and a Civil War Hero.

In 1876, Dr. French moved his family from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Orange City, Florida.

The family established their home at the corner of Oak Avenue and East French Avenue, where Dr. French built a two-story residence known as Fairview Cottage.

It was here that another important chapter of Hattie’s life would unfold.

Later, the family moved to Sanford, where their history is beautifully documented at the The Museum of Seminole County History. A major highway running through Sanford, SR 17-92, is known as Seth French Blvd. 

A Christmas Dance and a Love Story

A love note from W.F. Leavitt to Hattie

On December 22, 1876, Hattie attended a Christmas dance at the Sturdivant House in Orange City.

There she met W. F. Leavitt, the young man who would eventually become her husband.

That Christmas dance marked the beginning of their relationship. A love note from W.F. to Hattie is memorialized in Hattie’s autograph book, in which he laments, “For I fear I have nothing original in me Excepting Original Sin.” Hattie and W. F. Leavitt were married in the French family home in 1879.

What began as a meeting at an Orange City Christmas celebration became part of the stories of Orange City & Sanford.

Hattie’s Later Years

Hattie lived to see tremendous changes in Central Florida during her lifetime.

She died on June 20, 1929, in Sanford, Florida, at the age of 69.

She was survived by two daughters, Mrs. Frances Hayman and Mrs. J. E. Terwilleger; a son, William A. Leavitt; her sister, Mrs. Adele Lane; her brother, A. V. French; and six grandchildren.

Nearly a century after her death, Hattie’s little autograph book is helping tell her story once again.

History Hidden in the Pages

At first glance, an old autograph book might seem like little more than a charming family keepsake. But documents like Hattie French’s can become valuable historical records.

A name, date, hometown, poem, or personal message can reveal relationships that might otherwise have disappeared from the historical record.

In Hattie’s case, the pages of a young woman’s treasured book have survived for more than 150 years—and are now helping us better understand the people, friendships, and family connections woven into the early history of Orange City and Central Florida.

More Fascinating Stories of Orange City, Florida

In “Our Story of Orange City Florida”

🍊 William Holley was the first person to plant an orange grove in Orange City, establishing his grove west of what would later become Carpenter Avenue.

🍊 The Dickinson family played an important role in preserving one of Orange City’s historic landmarks. They had Albertus Cottage moved from the library area to its present location at the corner of South Holly and Rose Avenues.

🍊 The devastating Big Freeze of 1894–1895 changed Orange City dramatically. The citrus industry that had helped build the community was nearly destroyed, and the town entered a long period of isolation and inactivity. As one historical account describes it, “Orange City slept.”

🍊 Despite the decline of the citrus industry, Orange City became famous for another natural resource—its spring water. Orange City water was bottled and shipped by truck and railroad tank cars throughout Florida, across the United States, and even to Europe. One of its most famous customers was John D. Rockefeller Sr., who wintered in nearby Ormond. Rockefeller reportedly had Orange City water sent to him wherever he traveled and even used it for bathing.

🍊 On August 26, 1882, Orange City was officially incorporated. Its name reflected the thousands of acres of thriving orange groves that surrounded the community. Tragically, just twelve years later, the Big Freeze devastated the citrus groves that had given the city its name.

You can read these fascinating stories… and many others…in Our Story of Orange City. It makes a wonderful gift!

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🌼 Community Comes Together to Plant 470+ Florida Wildflowers at Blue Spring State Park

On Friday, June 12 enthusiastic volunteers planted over 470 native wildflowers in three locations throughout Blue Spring State Park: the Thursby House demonstration garden, the Visitor Center landscape, and the park entrance.

🌿 Beautiful Gardens With a Bigger Purpose

This environmental community service project was spearheaded by the Village Improvement Association (VIA) Orange City Woman’s Club with a simple goal: to show visitors just how beautiful—and beneficial—Florida native plants can be.

The hope is that these demonstration gardens will inspire families to incorporate more native wildflowers into their own landscapes.

Florida native plants are naturally adapted to our climate and typically require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance once established. Reducing fertilizer use at home can also help reduce nutrient runoff into Florida’s springs, rivers, and other waterways.

And at Blue Spring, that has special significance.

Cleaner water helps protect the aquatic ecosystems that Florida’s beloved manatees depend upon. By choosing Florida native plants and reducing our reliance on fertilizers, homeowners can create beautiful landscapes while also helping protect our springs.

🌸 30 Species of Florida Native Wildflowers

Native plant expert Damien Rockwood of Asclepias Acres supplied 30 species of beautiful Florida wildflowers, including Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Florida paintbrush (Carphephorus corymbosus), and Sandpaper vervain (Verbena scabra).

Funding for the Thursby House demonstration garden was generously provided by the Florida Wildflower Foundation through proceeds from sales of the State Wildflower License Plate.

💛 A Community-Funded Project

Funding for the entrance planting was provided by the Friends of Blue Spring State Park, Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival, and the Rotary Club of DeBary–Deltona–Orange City.

Funding for the Visitor Center planting was provided by the Village Improvement Association Orange City Woman’s Club and Grow Learn Garden by Leah Brooks.

Site preparation and professional installation for all three planting areas were provided by Tom’s Touch Landscape

In addition to enhancing the park, the Thursby House demonstration garden will serve as an educational resource, inspiring visitors to incorporate Florida native plants into their own landscapes.

Keeping home gardens fertilizer-free helps protect water quality and supports the health of Florida’s beloved manatees, which depend on clean aquatic habitats.

This collaborative effort will enhance the beauty of Blue Spring State Park while providing valuable habitat and food sources for Florida’s native pollinators and wildlife for years to come.

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🌻🦋It’s April and autism safety is on our minds. We have seen too many headlines lately, and, like you, we want to help. We can make a difference in 🍊Orange City! Please help us stock EVERY 🔔fire response vehicle in Orange City with Brookie’s Sensory Safety Boxes!

Our #pinwheelsforprevention initiative has raised enough funding to place Brookie’s Boxes in every single police👩‍✈️ responder vehicle in Orange City!!! Not only Brookie’s boxes…but officer & first responder training on safe autism interactions!

❤️Now, we are working on raising money for 8 more boxes for the 🔥Orange City Fire Department!

• More importantly, your generosity helps to ensure the safety and security of our precious autistic children in our community.
• Your $75 donation will purchase one Brookie’s Box.
• You will be recognized on social media and thanked.
• More importantly, your generosity helps to ensure the safety and security of our precious autistic children in our community.

🏆Donate here:

• https://gfwcorangecity.org/product-category/programs/ or
• By reaching out to VIA president Brenna Damm at 386-295-9683

What are Brookie’s Boxes?

Brookie’s boxes are sensory boxes to help first responders connect with autistic children that are carried in rescue units (both police and fire). These boxes are filled with sensory and fidget toys, communication devices, and informational cards to help improve care and provide comfort. They are meant to facilitate good communication, help extract information from individuals with autism, and help calm them in emergencies.

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Our fellow member and club president, Kelli Marks, has made history as she won her race for Orange City Mayor last week. She won 65.19% of the vote, which is an amazing 30.38 lead.

Orange City is known for its’ amazing women from history who have served our community in days past. We are proud of Kelli for being the First Woman Mayor and for all that she does for our community.

Please join us on November 19th at 6:30pm as she is sworn in.

Wear your club t-shirt or a navy shirt, if you have one!

Volusia County Baptist Church
261 S Orange Ave
Orange City, FL 32763

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On August 22nd at 9am we hosted a meet & greet at Albertus Cottage to open the garden to the public and unveil our new signage.

In attendance were:

🌼 Rose Kinane, Program and Administrative Coordinator from Florida Wildflower Foundation (grant provider)
🌼 Jonathan Shipper from Mockingbird Natives. Jonathan voluntarily designed the garden and assisted with the installation.
🌼 Our own Rakel Fairfull, graphic artist-designer! Rakel voluntarily designed the educational signage.
🌼 City council members – Fram Darms and Harold Grimm
🌼 Ashley Gay – Parks Department
🌼 VIA Orange City Woman’s Club members
🌼 Residents of our community

Photo credit to Brenna Damm, Leah Brooks, and Rakel Fairfull

Thanks to Sarah’s Specialities for providing the delicious baked goods.

The post Wildflower Garden Meet & Greet appeared first on Village Improvement Association Orange City Woman's Club.

🐝 We were gifted a copy of this book for our native wildflower garden library to be housed at the Orange City Library. Look for it on the shelves in the next few weeks or buy it online at Amazon.

Dr. Pamela Robbins is an award winning author who specializes in language development, and it shows! The book weaves a beautiful story, sprinkled with language that helps children learn about science and develop critical thinking skills. Highly recommend!

Visit her website for more of her books.

The post “It Was Time” by Dr. Pamela Robbins book donation appeared first on Village Improvement Association Orange City Woman's Club.

On August 10th a group of VIA ladies attended the 3rd annual A Night To End Hunger Gala to benefit Backpack Buddies, a local non-profit organization that provides food and other materials to students and families in need in Orange City and Volusia County. We are proud to support Backpack Buddies through various fundraisers, drives, and attending this event.

This event will be happening again next year in 2025, don’t miss it!

The post A Night to End Hunger 2024 appeared first on Village Improvement Association Orange City Woman's Club.

Photos courtesy of Kelli Marks, VIA president and Mayoral Candidate.

July 17th at 9am is the unveiling of the historic marker for the Betsy Ross Airport.

The Betsy Ross Airfield Memorial Sign was formally unveiled where the first Woman’s Airport was established in 1931 with a generous 160-acre donation from Dr. Frances Dickinson, member of the VIA Orange City Woman’s Club. The airfield was designated for non-combatant women pilots to have a place to train and fly in case of national emergencies. Ultimately, after Frances died in 1945 the land was parceled off, and the airfield was no more. There is an account about this in our History Book, which is available for purchase. You can also read below for more information.

First female flyers given high hopes in Orange City, Florida.

In 1931, Dr. Frances Dickinson generously presented a 160 acre tract of land on West Rhode Island Avenue to the Betsy Ross Flying Corps for the exclusive use as a women’s airport. Founded in January 1931 by pioneer aviatrix Opal Kunz, the Corps was a reserve organization of women pilots who volunteered to serve in non-combatant duty in case of national emergencies.

Dr. Dickinson had just received approval from Volusia County Commissioners to build the landing field. E.C. Nilson, director of the municipal aviation department, even offered to design the new airport. It was reported that there would be eight runways, four 1000 feet and four 1530 feet long radiating from the center of the field 200 feet wide to the corners and sides.

Mrs. Kunz proclaimed the airport was the only one in the world owned and controlled entirely by women. The field would provide a place for members to spend vacations, keep up their flying hours, host annual training courses, and in case of emergency, perform as a base for the Corps in relief work.

Then strangely, if not abruptly, the trail of the Betsy Ross Flying Corps ends. Little more is known about their actual time in Orange City or what happened to the women fliers and their organization for national defense.

Few accounts of the Betsy Ross Airport can be found after 1933. An amusing memory of Dorothy Warrensford Goodwin, in the book “Our Story of Orange City, Florida”, by the VIA Orange City Woman’s Club, describes a school class trip to see an “auto-gyro” land at the airport. Another story in the book tells of Charles Dickinson “buzzing the treetops, full beard flying, as he brought his biplane in for a ‘dust-kicker’ landing.”

Frances died in 1945, and the land was ultimately parceled off. The north half lies beneath two of Orange City’s schools. The most western extent of the east-west runway is below the adjacent television tower. The last parcel of Orange City’s former Betsy Ross Airport will soon be bustling with a new residential community. The development’s name, Compass Landing, pays tribute to the former all-women’s airfield and the remarkable women who found inspiration in its promise.

The post Betsy Ross Airfield Memorial Sign Unveiling appeared first on Village Improvement Association Orange City Woman's Club.

Thank you to all of you who came out, it was lovely to see all of you!

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On Saturday, June 29 members and other volunteers gathered in the morning at Albertus Cottage to plant the native wildflowers selected by Mockingbird Natives. The event was a great success and the garden is looking great! It will take a few years before the garden is fully grown and established. If you have an opportunity to stop by and check it out, we highly recommend it! You’ll be able to see a flurry of activity from our native pollinators: bees!

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