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Pioneer Village
Osceola History will celebrate the 131st anniversary of the first train arriving in the Narcoossee community with a special event at Pioneer Village on July 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Osceola History staff and volunteers will follow COVID-19 precautions to help ensure the safety of guests.
When the first train arrived in Narcoossee on July 19, 1889, “The Kissimmee Leader” reported visitors were royally entertained and it, “was a big day – and one long to be remembered – to the enterprising citizens of Narcoossee. Arrangements had been made on a grand scale to celebrate their connection with the entire country, through the completion of the Sugar Belt Railway to that point.”
On July 19, the Sugar Belt train left the Sanford station a little after noon with a train car full of people, including the Orlando Cornet band. The train arrived at the Narcoossee station at 1:05 p.m., it was reported more than 500 joined in the celebration, which included dinner and a “diversity of amusements,” such as dancing, horse-racing, foot races, tug-of-war and speechmaking. Col. William Cadman served as master of ceremonies.
According to the newspaper report, “At 6:15 the train started for Kissimmee bearing about as well satisfied and pleased a crowd of excursionists as ever returned from a successful barbecue, and all loud in their praises for Narcoossee and wishes for her future and welfare and prosperity.”
Train Day at Pioneer Village
The train depot at Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek is a replica of the Narcoossee station. The village also features the original Cadman family home and a citrus packing plant owned by the Cadmans.
Train Day festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with live music throughout the day by Will Yancey. Monica Leibacher will present spinning demonstrations at the Tyson House.
Guided tours of Pioneer Village will be available at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
And in keeping with the tradition of ice cream being served at the 1889 celebration, guests will be treated to free ice cream (while supplies last) and can watch homemade ice cream being churned at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. July 19 is also National Ice Cream Day.
Admission is $8 for adults and includes admission for 2 children (under age 12) with each paid adult admission. Admission for additional children is $4 per child.
Pioneer Village is located at 2491 Babb Road in Kissimmee, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.osceolahistory.org or email mia@osceolahistory.org.
