A new addition to Shady Park will honor four Hannibal Square residents whose contributions shaped the history of Winter Park.
The Shady Park Pioneer Memorial will include busts of Ideal Womans’ Club founder Mary Lee DePugh (1878-1949), activist and founder of the Winter Park Advocate newspaper Gustavus Christopher “Gus” Henderson (1862-1917), and the first Black men elected to Winter Park government office: Frank R. Israel (1848-1925) and Walter B. Simpson (1859-1915).
Work on the memorial began in 2022 after the decision to remove the splash pad at Winter Park Community Center was approved. Conversations with residents helped to guide the purpose and design of what was to take its place. “We had meetings for public input and discussions with the Parks & Recreation Department and the CRA,” Hannibal Square resident and community leader Mary Daniels told the32789. “Our goals were, and are, to preserve history and to recognize the significance of the Hannibal Square community and these four key pioneers of many.”
The project was funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and designed by artist George Gadson with construction managed by the Parks & Recreation Department. “The city is very proud to present this beautiful memorial honoring the pioneers of Hannibal Square,” said Mayor Sheila DeCiccio. “It is our hope that residents and visitors will always remember and appreciate the history of our wonderful Hannibal Square community.”
Construction is nearing completion and city leaders will join members of the community for the unveiling and dedication on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 10 a.m. The ceremony will take place in Shady Park, adjacent to the Winter Park Community Center at 721 W. New England Ave. Guests will then visit the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, located adjacent to the park at 642 W. New England Avenue.
Hannibal Square Heritage Center was established in 2007 as a tribute to past, present, and future contributions of Winter Park’s historic African American community.