Central Florida Chapter NRHS

The Central Florida Railroad Museum is located in Winter Garden in the former Tavares & Gulf Railroad depot, which was built in 1913. The Tavares & Gulf interchanged with the Seaboard Air Line in Tavares and the Atlantic Coast Line in Winter Garden. The T&G purchased some new motive power but typically purchased or leased used motive power from the SAL. In 1926 the SAL purchased the T&G but continued to operate it as separate company. The SAL and the ACL merged to form the Seaboard Coast Line in 1967 but the T&G wasn't fully absorbed into the SCL until 1969. Shortly after the SAL ACL merger the T&G line from Winter Garden to Ellsworth Junction, south of Tavares, was abandoned and the rails were removed. The T&G line was then connected to the former ACL line in Ocoee to provide service to Winter Garden. The T&G depot continued to serve as the SCL freight agent's office until 1978.

The Central Florida Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, organized in 1970, purchased the depot from the SCL in 1979 and began restoration. On May 21, 1983 the Central Florida Railroad Museum was opened with a formal dedication ceremony. Guest speakers included the late Richard Sanborn, then President of the Seaboard System Railroad; and Jean Yothers, then director of the Orange County History Museum. An 0-4-0T steam locomotive, owned by a chapter member, and a Seaboard System U36B diesel electric locomotive and caboose were displayed for the ceremony.

On November 22, 1986 the Florida Central Railroad, a Pinsly Company, took over operation of the 55 mile branch to provide service to Winter Garden. The Florida Central continues to serve Winter Garden with the tracks to the museum being the end of the line for the Winter Garden branch.

The Central Florida Chapter is committed to the preservation, restoration and exhibition of railroad memorabilia and railroad history for the education and enjoyment of future generations. Memorabilia on display includes historic photographs, lanterns, telephones, telegraphs, stoves, tools, furniture, timetables, tin ware, marker lanterns, ticket punches, lamps, uniforms, locomotive bells and whistles, a 1938 Fairmont motorcar, a velocipede hand car and a very large collection of dining car china and silver service. Outside we have former Clinchfield caboose #1073 and a three head interlocking signal from the former ACL SAL junction in Plant City.

The museum is solely supported by donation and fund raising events of the Central Florida Chapter. The Central Florida Chapter is a non-profit educational Florida corporation and has been granted 501 (c) 3 status by the IRS; therefore all donations received are tax deductible.

Welcome • About Us • Calendar • Newsletter • Web Links • Members • Contact Us