AVON PARK

The first permanent settler in Avon Park was Oliver Martin Crosby, a Connecticut native who moved to the area in 1884 to study the wildlife of the Everglades. By 1886, enough people had followed that the town of “Lake Forest” was founded. An English woman who had settled in the area convinced Crosby that the area was reminiscent of her home of Stratford-upon-Avon, and persuaded him to change the name of the settlement to Avon Park.

First National Bank of Avon Park

The First National Bank of Avon Park was organized on February 10, 1916 and failed February 18, 1929. Charles N. Chapman, president and J.V. Chapman, cashier.

Bank issued 1902 Plain back $5, $10, and $20 notes only.