New Winter Park exhibit highlights hotels and motels

When I learned the Winter Park History Museum’s upcoming exhibit pays tribute to the Langford Hotel and its bar, I wondered whether the cozy museum might have to cope with a few visitors who came for a trip back in time and just didn’t want to leave.

I’m kidding, but the idea might not be too much of a stretch. Like Ronnie’s Restaurant and other lost Central Florida treasures, the Langford bar had a dedicated local following, in addition to the hotel’s success as a visitor destination. It was the kind of place that became a favorite spot for folks to gather and see friends — one of the roles hotels have played in Winter Park’s history, says Susan Skofield, the museum’s executive director.

Titled “Wish You Were Here: The Hotels & Motels of Winter Park,” the new exhibit looks at the role of hotels and motels not only as visitor accommodations but also as vital centers of community for area residents. In addition to the Langford Hotel and bar (with its original piano and décor), the museum showcases a luxury hotel lobby of the 1930s and also highlights the city’s smaller hotels, boarding houses and the tourist cottages and motels that once lined U.S. 17-92 (Orlando Avenue). visitors. Its lush tropical fauna looked like Florida should. The hotel even had its own flock of pink flamingos in the 1960s.

In time, the Langford’s list of notable visitors ranged from Mamie Eisenhower to June Carter Cash to Walt and Roy Disney, and many more. Bob Langford had tea with Eleanor Roosevelt, who quizzed him about local politics, and dinner with Nancy and Ronald Reagan, who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in suites 501 and 502.

During five decades as a Florida hotelier, Langford not only met historic figures but also made history himself. When he started planning his Winter Park hotel, most Central Florida inns closed during the summer. Pundits told him he was crazy to build a year-round operation. As things turned out, he was lauded as a visionary about the growth of Central Florida tourism.

The Langford Hotel closed in May 2000 and was torn down in 2003. But,

On June 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., the Winter Park History Museum is hosting the free opening of “Wish You Were Here: The Hotels and Motels of Winter Park.” David Roberts and the Sounds of Sinatra will entertain. Families are welcome. Reservations are appreciated but not necessary. To RSVP, email museum@wphistory.org or call 407-647-2330. The museum is in the Winter Park Farmer’s Market, 200 W. New England Ave.

Don’t worry if you can’t make the opening. “Wish You Were Here” will let us luxuriate in our Langford and other memories until 2020. Regular hours are Tuesdays through Fridays,10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more info, visit www.wphistory.org.