 Students of architecture frequently find more of interest in St. Cloud than they initially think possible. One of the nation’s first women architects, Isabel Roberts, moved to St. Cloud from Oak Park, Illinois in 1918. Isabel was among Frank Lloyd Wright’s first employees when he set up his own Oak Park Studio in 1889. Isabel Roberts worked in several capacities at the Studio, not the least of which was creative design, having studied architecture for three years in New York City. She is credited with producing original designs for the leaded art glass windows in the Prairie house designs made famous by Frank Lloyd Wright.
 Isabel Roberts’ influence on St. Cloud can be seen in buildings she designed in the early 1920’s. Veterans Memorial Library, 1012 Massachusetts Avenue, is now a museum. The current St. Cloud Twin movie theater on 10th Street was designed by Roberts and built originally as the Pennsylvania Hotel. Other landmarks designed by Isabel Roberts are Fisk Funeral Home’s Chapel, 1107-1111 Massachusetts Avenue, and the Peoples Bank building at the corner of 10th Street and New York Avenue.
 Those with an artistic flair or who enjoy the thrill of live theatre, whether as a spectator or participant, will find a welcoming outlet for their talents at the Osceola Center for the Arts. Known locally simply as “The Center,” the organization promotes performing and visual arts from Broadway shows to art shows. Drama, art, and art programs contribute to the Center’s goal of bringing the performing and visual arts to anyone of any age and background in Osceola County. Each new season provides a selection of musicals, classic Broadway favorites, concerts, and lectures; and throughout the year, monthly art shows in the gallery feature local artists, local student artists, as well as visiting artists. Education is a high priority and classes in art, drama, photography, dance, and pottery round out The Center’s comprehensive offerings. Classes are also available for children, and each summer welcomes the Summer Arts Camp, two-week sessions for students seven to 15.
 In addition to events going on at The Center, activities and classes are provided through the City’s Parks Department. Peghorn Nature Park, just off 17th
Street, is a 58-acre park with marked hiking trails and a Cracker
Village, preserving wetlands and heritage. This 58-acre passive park takes its visitors on a journey beginning in
the late 1800s to modern day and includes a Cracker Village to
illustrate how early settlers lived; and preserved wetlands and trails
provide a bit of “real” Florida.
There are also a number of special events throughout the year. The Chamber of Commerce produces several of the largest annual events. These celebrations help define St. Cloud, such as the patriotic 4th of July Lakefest, the annual Christmas Parade, the very popular St. Cloud Life Expo, and Fall Festival/Oktoberfest. Other highly anticipated festivals include the December Holiday Crafts Show on the streets of downtown St. Cloud, and the Rotary’s Spring Fling, each April on East Lake Toho.
The Main Street Program contributes the annual Gospel Sing in February, Smoke ‘N Blues BBQ competition in May, and Friday Night Live street parties held monthly throughout the year. Several thousand trick-or-treaters make the rounds of the Downtown businesses on Halloween and enjoy costume contests and events in a family-friendly setting produced by the Downtown Business Group. A unique event held each April is Harmony’s Dark Sky viewing of the heavens. All of these events combine to provide a strong hometown core of quality activities appealing to many different interests and curiosities. St. Cloud is a community of contributors and participants all adding to its special hometown charm. There is an organization for nearly every interest imaginable. There are many ways you can get involved in your community.
 The Osceola County Historical Society’s Pioneer Center includes an 1898 Cracker House, a 1900s general store, and blacksmith shop. St. Cloud is proud of its heritage and strives to preserve it and to share it with newcomers and visitors. When all is said and done, the real citadel of strength of any community is in the hearts and minds and desires of those who dwell there. Everett Dirksen(U.S. House of Representatives 1933-1949; U. S. Senate 1951-1969)Three museums are located downtown. They capture the story of the area’s founding fathers, and mothers, and trace its history through the 1900’s. St. Cloud Historical Museum 1200 New York Avenue • 407-892-3671 Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm Housed at the Chamber of Commerce building which was the city’s first commercial building (1910), many artifacts are on display. An extensive collection of photo albums traces the area’s history in pictures. Sections of hollowed cypress logs tell of the early water distribution system.
St. Cloud Heritage Museum 1012 Massachusetts Avenue • 407-957-7587 Hours: Thursday and Friday, 10am – 2pm; Sunday, 1pm – 4pm Housed in the original St. Cloud Library, photos, historical records, and military displays are exhibited here. Peghorn Park 2101 Peghorn Way • St. Cloud, FL 34769 407-957-7243
Osceola County Historical Society & Pioneer Center
750 N. Bass Rd. • Kissimmee, FL 34746 407-396-8644 Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm; Pioneer Village Museum: Thursday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm; Closed Monday. See an 1898 “Cracker House,” a 1900s general store, pioneer artifacts, blacksmith shop, sugar cane mill, and an eight-acre pristine nature preserve under 100-year-old trees.
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