LOCATION AND POPULATION:
Eatonville, FL is located in Orange County about 5 miles north of Orlando and
just south of the City of Maitland. The major access road, Kennedy Blvd, runs
through the heart of Eatonville, linking west to Rt.17-92 and east to Rt 434.
The current population of Eatonville is approximately 2,400 people.
The current population of Eatonville is approximately 2,400 people.
HISTORY:
In 1882, during the period of Reconstruction after the Civil War, Joseph C.
Clarke began selling land, which he had purchased from Maitland Mayor Josiah C.
Eaton, to black families from Maitland and nearby Orlando and Winter Park. By
1887, the 112 acre town of Eatonville, became a reality as 27 black men, all
registered voters, met and voted to incorporate. By their action, history was
made. Eatonville became the first incorporated African-American community in the
nation, Of the approximate 100 such communities created during that period,
Eatonville is only one of about a dozen remaining today.
NOTABLE EATONVILLE RESIDENTS:
Zora Neale Hurston
Writer, folklorist and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston, was raised in Eatonville, Florida. Closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920's, she is today considered one of the leading writers of 20th century African-American literature. Best known for her novel,Their Eyes Were Watching God, her career spanned more than 30 years. In addition to her four novels, she also published two books of folklore, an autobiography, numerous short stories and several essays, articles and plays.
Writer, folklorist and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston, was raised in Eatonville, Florida. Closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920's, she is today considered one of the leading writers of 20th century African-American literature. Best known for her novel,Their Eyes Were Watching God, her career spanned more than 30 years. In addition to her four novels, she also published two books of folklore, an autobiography, numerous short stories and several essays, articles and plays.
David "Deacon" Jones
David "Deacon" Jones, born in Eatonville, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. A former defensive end in the NFL, he played for the San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Redskins. Considered to be one of the greatest defensive players ever, Jones earned the nickname the "Secretary of Defense".
David "Deacon" Jones, born in Eatonville, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. A former defensive end in the NFL, he played for the San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Redskins. Considered to be one of the greatest defensive players ever, Jones earned the nickname the "Secretary of Defense".
Russell and Mary Calhoun
After attending Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, Russell C.and Mary Clinton Calhoun came to Eatonville and founded the first school for blacks in Central Florida, the Robert Hungerford Normal and Industrial School. Patterned after Tuskegee and Hampton Institutes, with the belief that every student needed to use both head and hands, all students were required to enroll in basic academics and one or more vocational subjects. In 1950 the courts gave the school to Orange County as a public trust, and it then became the Robert Hungerford Preparatory High School.
After attending Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, Russell C.and Mary Clinton Calhoun came to Eatonville and founded the first school for blacks in Central Florida, the Robert Hungerford Normal and Industrial School. Patterned after Tuskegee and Hampton Institutes, with the belief that every student needed to use both head and hands, all students were required to enroll in basic academics and one or more vocational subjects. In 1950 the courts gave the school to Orange County as a public trust, and it then became the Robert Hungerford Preparatory High School.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
The Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities
The Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities is an internationally recognized event celebrating the cultural contributions people of African descent have made to the United States and to world culture. Held in late January each year, the festival has spread to venues throughout Central Florida featuring a week of lectures, workshops, concerts and fine arts demonstrations --all celebrating the life and work of Zora Neale Hurston and the many contributions of African-Americans to American culture.
The Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities is an internationally recognized event celebrating the cultural contributions people of African descent have made to the United States and to world culture. Held in late January each year, the festival has spread to venues throughout Central Florida featuring a week of lectures, workshops, concerts and fine arts demonstrations --all celebrating the life and work of Zora Neale Hurston and the many contributions of African-Americans to American culture.