Hello y'all. I hope you've had a great week so far. I got back from my ROTC FTX this past Sunday and jumped right into my newest essay covering Gertrude 'Sweet" Newell. Using federal documents, marriage certificates, and information from the city of Orlando, I have composed a summary of Gertrude Sweet's life.
Gertrude Sweet was born on July 17, 1862, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She had five siblings (three brothers and two sisters). I have not found much about her childhood life other than the death of her father in 1870 and her subsequent move to Orlando, following two brothers and one sister. Her brother, Charles Sweet, actually became the mayor of Orlando in 1881 and was responsible for the layout of Orlando's original street network. Gertrude married Henry Newell on February 13, 1883, and gave birth to her first child Agnes on December 17, 1883. It was around this time that Gertrude Avenue was named. The largest road at the time, Gertrude Avenue earned its namesake from Gertrude herself, who as known as the most beautiful woman in Orange County. Gertrude and her husband were musicians in "The Orlando Band", where Gertrude played piano. Gertrude and Henry had another child, Mildred in 1890. Mildred unfortunately passed in 1914. Henry died on May 15, 1940, and less than six years later Gertrude joined her late husband on February 12, 1946.
Gertrude Avenue was at some point derailed by a railroad company (I am currently researching on the specific date) and for many years Getrude's Avenue became nothing more than a trail. However, in the 1980s due to a man known as Don Reynolds, Gertrude's Avenue (now Gertrude's Walk) was improved alongside the installment of bronze plaques. In 2010, a major renovation occurred, with the path being widened and lights adds. Today, Getrude's walk spans nearly three city blocks and is a fascinating little piece of Orlando history to learn about. I am still conducting research and I hope to learn more about Gertrude and her life next week.
Orlando has an amazing amount of preserved history, and if you have not walked around downtown Orlando, especially at sunset, it is a necessity. One enriches themselves in the past and can appreciate how much care has been taken to preserve those who came before us.
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