Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Longwood industrial site sold, renovations planned.

• Aces vs Liberty: WNBA Finals rematch set.

• A deep-dive into the life of Elizabeth Eaton Converse.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore."

— William Faulkner

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What historic Orlando venue, originally built as a cinema in the 1930s, is now a popular location for live music, comedy shows, and cultural events?

A) The Social

B) The Beacham

C) The Plaza Live

D) The Enzian Theater

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The area in Orlando known for its extensive network of parks and recreational facilities, including a renowned botanical garden, is B) Leu Gardens.

News

💼Business

Longwood industrial site sells for $31 million, buyer plans renovations. (link)

🏒Sports

Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty set for WNBA Finals rematch in playoff semifinals. (link)

Man City confirms Rodri injury as Guardiola bemoans loss of 'irreplaceable' star. (link)

🏦Finance

Downtown Orlando site with tower approvals hits market for $10 million. (link)

UCF plans new $115M facility to bolster research ambitions. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏐 UCF Knights Volleyball vs. West Virginia University Volleyball
THE VENUE AT UCF, Orlando, FL
Wed • Oct 02 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

⚽ Orlando City SC v Philadelphia Union
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL
Wed • Oct 02 • 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Violent Femmes
House of Blues Orlando, Orlando, FL
Mon • Sep 30 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Nicotine Dolls
The Beacham, Orlando, FL
Wed • Oct 02 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🌄 Energy Wheel
2000 S Summerlin Ave, Orlando, FL
Wednesday 2 October, 2024 at 7:30 pm | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Orlando with buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Orlando Historical Events

Opening of the Orlando Science Center (1955) - Promoting science education and interest.

The Orlando Science Center, established in 1955, represents a landmark initiative in fostering science education and inspiring a profound interest in the sciences within the Orlando community and beyond. Originally named the Central Florida Museum, it was inaugurated in Loch Haven Park, an area that was gradually transforming into a cultural hub within the city. This establishment marked a significant stride towards making science accessible and engaging for people of all ages, standing as a beacon of knowledge and an advocate for the importance of scientific literacy in an increasingly technology-driven world.

From its inception, the Orlando Science Center was conceived as more than just a museum—it was an educational powerhouse designed to demystify science and make it captivating for the general public. Through interactive exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and a diverse array of programming including planetarium shows, educational workshops, and larger-than-life IMAX films, it successfully cultivated a curiosity for the scientific wonders of the universe. These immersive experiences were aimed at sparking an interest in science among children and adults alike, encouraging them to explore and understand the world around them through a scientific lens.

Over the decades, the Orlando Science Center has evolved, growing in size and scope, but its core mission of promoting science education and fostering a widespread appreciation for science has remained unchanged. It serves as an essential resource for the Central Florida community, contributing significantly to science education outside the traditional classroom setting. By engaging the public in dynamic learning experiences and hosting various science fairs and competitions, the center continues to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and thinkers. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of curiosity and the critical role of science centers in stimulating lifelong learning and innovation.

Famous People From Orlando

Elizabeth Eaton Converse - Disappeared musician and composer, believed to have spent time in Florida, contributing to its mystique.

Early Life and Interest in Music (1924-1944)

Elizabeth Eaton Converse, known simply as Connie Converse, was born into a strict Baptist family in Laconia, New Hampshire. Growing up in a household with conservative values, her exposure to the arts was limited, yet she developed a keen interest in music. Despite the constraints of her upbringing, she taught herself to play piano and guitar, laying the groundwork for her future as a composer and musician.

Moving to New York City (1944-1954)

In pursuit of her musical dreams, Converse moved to New York City in 1944. The bustling metropolis offered her the creative freedom she craved, and she quickly immersed herself in the city's vibrant artistic community. During this period, she began composing and performing her own songs, capturing the essence of urban life and existential ponderings through her tranquil melodies and introspective lyrics.

The Recording Sessions (1954)

The year 1954 marked a significant turning point for Converse when friends encouraged her to record some of her compositions. These sessions produced a collection of songs that showcased her unique blend of folk music with philosophical overtones. Despite the intimate and captivating nature of her work, her music struggled to find a commercial audience in the era's competitive market.

Struggle and Obscurity (1955-1960)

Frustrated by the lack of recognition and financial difficulties, Converse's enthusiasm for a career in music began to wane. She continued to work various jobs, from secretary to writer, while her dreams of achieving musical success slowly faded into the background. During this time, she remained active in New York's intellectual circles but grew increasingly disillusioned with her musical prospects.

The Departure (1961)

In 1961, in a move that mystified those who knew her, Converse decided to leave New York City. She told friends and family that she needed to find a new way of life, one that could perhaps offer her the peace and fulfillment that her music career had not. Her departure was abrupt, and her destination was largely unknown, leaving a palpable void in the lives of those who appreciated her artistry.

A New Chapter in Ann Arbor (1961-1973)

Converse quietly resettled in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she led a markedly different life. Removed from her musical aspirations, she worked in academia, focusing her energies on the University of Michigan. This period of her life was characterized by solitude and an almost complete disconnection from her past as a musician and composer.

Disappearance and Mystery (1974)

In the summer of 1974, Converse disappeared without a trace. After expressing feelings of failure and disillusionment in letters to her family, she packed her belongings into her Volkswagen Beetle and vanished. Her loved ones were left with few clues, and despite extensive searches and public appeals, her fate remained a mystery.

Legacy Rediscovered (2004-Present)

Converse's music remained largely forgotten until 2004, when genealogist and music historian, David Garland, rediscovered her recordings. Her songs were released posthumously, allowing a new generation to experience her hauntingly beautiful compositions. Critics praised her work for its emotional depth and lyrical sophistication, heralding her as a lost pioneer of the singer-songwriter genre.

Connection to Orlando (1959)

While Converse's story mostly unfolds between New York, Ann Arbor, and her mysterious disappearance, there is an intriguing connection to Orlando, Florida. Rumors persist that she spent time in the city during the late 1950s, drawn by its burgeoning arts scene. Though documentation is scarce, locals recall a woman matching her description performing in small venues, contributing to the city's musical tapestry and adding to her enigmatic legacy.

Remembering Elizabeth Eaton Converse (1974 and Beyond)

Despite her disappearance, Elizabeth Eaton Converse's music endures, captivating those who find their way to her work. Her songs, reflective of a woman who was both of her time and ahead of it, continue to resonate with listeners around the world. A muse to the lost and found, Converse’s oeuvre is a testament to the enduring power of art to connect, to mystify, and to endure against the odds.

Key Achievements of Elizabeth Eaton Converse:

• Became a pioneering figure in the singer-songwriter genre with her heartfelt compositions and poetic lyrics.

• Recorded a collection of songs in 1954 that, though not recognized in her lifetime, would posthumously establish her as a significant musical talent.

• Inspired a renewed interest in her music and story with the posthumous release of her work, receiving critical acclaim and a cult following.

Elizabeth Eaton Converse emerged as a reclusive yet profound musician whose work transcended the era it was created in. Her life, marked by creativity, struggle, and mystery, underscores the fleeting nature of recognition and the eternal resonance of genuine artistic expression. Converse's disappearance remains a poignant endnote to her life's symphony, but her music endures, a beacon for those who find solace and beauty in its melodies and melancholies.

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-Matthew Larsen

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