OSCEOLA LODGE AND THE BIGELOW HOUSE
The Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation
Winter Park, Florida

Constructed in 1886-1887, these two houses are two of the three houses originally built on speculation by Francis Bang Knowles and thought to be some of the earliest existing structures in Winter Park. The local Chase Scrapbook reports that three handsome cottages are being built as of August 5, 1987.

In 1904 Charles Hosmer Morse purchased the Winter Park Land Company from the estate of Mr. Knowles. In 1905 Mr. Morse purchases Osceola Lodge and in 1914 the Bigelow House. The exteriors of these houses have been restored to their respective periods of significance, Osceola Lodge to 1912 and the Bigelow House to 1920. Research including the use of Sanborn Maps and local library references and the extensive collection of photographs owned by the Foundation led to the identification of the period of significance for each building. Osceola Lodge was the primary residence of Mr. Morse from 1905 to 1921.

The primary room organizations were still in existence, so after demolition of nonoriginal additions on the porches of both houses, the houses were then restored. Adaptations to the buildings for future public use include accessible restrooms, access ramps and the widening of several doors to create an accessible path of travel.

These structures have very similar construction techniques and finishes. Evidence of the original ebonized finish on the woodwork was found in the servants quarters portion of Osceola Lodge. Paint sampling led to the selection of colors for both interior and exterior finishes. Other work items included a new cedar shingle roof, siding repair and replacement, window repair and reproduction shutters made to match an original found in the attic of Osceola Lodge.

2007 Friends of Casa Feliz Historic Preservation Award - Osceola Lodge