NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION
In 1894 Phillip came to Florida and found great opportunity in the Citrus Business. He purchased his very first citrus grove in Satsuma. One year later in 1895 the MOST devastating freeze hit central Florida, and for 2 days straight all of the life was sucked out of the Grove that Phillip put his hard work and dedication into. This left him no choice but to move back to Tennessee.
Two years later in 1897 Phillip attempted to move back to Florida. This time buying 5,000 Acres of Citrus Grove in Osceola County. In 1905 he purchased a Grove on the south side of Sand Lake. Years later this site became known as the site of Orlando Regional Sand Lake, renamed in 2006 as the Dr. Phillips Hospital, in Honor of Dr. Phillips himself. Dr. Phillips had a loving wife, Della and two sons. The eldest son, Howard was born March 27, 1902 in Lebanon, TN, and his youngest son Walter was born November 27, 1904 in Kissimmee, FL. This wonderful family lived, and grew in Orlando for many many years.
When the company expanded, Dr. Phillips brought help into the state from the Bahamas. This kicked off the building process of what is known today as the wonderful town of none other than, "Dr.Phillips." Homes were put up to house the Grove helpers, as well as a Post Office, for the much needed services they provided. The very first charitable organization was founded in 1953, known as the "Dr. P. Phillips Foundation," in honor of the children and families in Central Florida with Medical needs. In fact his motto was, "To help others help themselves." In 1954 Granada Groves which was a partnership between Diversified Services and Minute Maid, purchased the Citrus Grove Business.
he death of Dr.Phillips himself came in 1959 on the day of April 18th. His precious wife, Della passed away several years later in 1968. The Family Legacy was left in the hands of their eldest son, Howard. He carried out the legacy of his family until his passing in1979.
If your wondering where all the families finances went after they all passed away, the answer is, "Charity." Howard left ALL the family holdings to be used in Charitable needs of those in the community. One man created a Legacy which even after he was gone touched the lives of thousands even tens of thousands of children and families on a daily basis.