"Greetings from Orlando"

Postmarked Orlando FL 328, November 27 1976

11/26 75 degrees

Dear Emma

Have you gotten rested from your busy Sunday and Thanksgiving?  Hope so!

Weather’s fine and we’re having nice visit, shopping and eating.  Enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving.

See you soon,

Love

Mary Francis

Mrs. Edw. O’ Brien

727 North Avenue

Syracuse, New York 13206


Orlando readers will know that this postcard features a view from the Kahler Plaza Hotel on Rosalind that became the Metropolitan at Lake Eola.  Actually, according to the Lake Eola Historic Walking Trail Guide,  the Robert Meyer Hotel opened in this location on May 15, 1963.   On December 1, 1972, the Robert Meyer Motor Inn became the Kahler Plaza Inn, was later the Harley Hotel, and then joined the Sheraton chain. It was later converted into the Metropolitan.

Also, the bandshell depicted is the third in a series of four, the last being the Walt Disney Amphitheater, built in 1989.  And you've probably noticed that Lee's Lakeside and Apartments are the only building in view.

I did find an O'Brien genealogical forum, so I will update if I find out about that busy Sunday.

A Corner in Mr. Bok's Study in the Singing Tower

"From the Mountain Pines of Maine to the Sunny Sands of Florida"This was Mr. Bok’s private study in the Singing Tower.  The beautiful wrought iron stairway leads to the upper floors.  Except for the room for Mr. Brees, the Carillonneur, this is the only finished and liveable room in the tower.  An automatic elevator leads from it to the upper floor.

St. Petersburg, January 24, 1934

Jan 24/34

The full envelope read this A.M.

Dear Lois and poor Lydia

It’s good to be here in the sunshine.  Going to Lakeland the 25^th for the day.  These go so fast.  I feel rested & contented.  Will write soon-My love is loud, Maude?  Sadie? Looks fine.  Mrs. L. and Florence are delighted to be here.

AAV

Art Department

Syracuse Public Library

Mrs.  Maude Kissel

733 Maryland Ave.

Syracuse, N.Y.

Looks like someone really tried to censor this postcard’s text years before the invention of the Sharpie.  I don’t know what having this postcard in an art department says for the state of Syracuse’s Public Library System, but hopefully they’ve moved past owning creepy portraits of hidden Florida landmarks.

Mr. Bok’s study is actually no longer hidden- you can get a private tour for a relatively small donation to the Bok Foundation!  Maybe you can stop by and check it out when you attend the International Carillon Festival this weekend!  (Again, I am not a paid sponsor.)

According to zillow.com, the 8 bedroom house at 733 Maryland Ave was built in 1900.  It was sold in 1996, and was most likely already converted into apartments as it is today.  There are a number of Kissels in Syracuse, NY, but no historical mentions of Maude, Lois or Lydia.