Allen Altvater

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     Welcome to AllenAltvater.org, a website that I initially created in order to help publish my grandfather’s writings, as well as historical information on the city of Sebring and the Altvater family.

     The materials published by Allen Altvater for the Sebring Historical Society are a priceless asset for understanding the early development of the City of Sebring… as well as Highlands Hammock State Park, the Sebring Airport, and the Sebring Fire Department.  Contained within this website are many of the collections and stories that Allen put into print form, along with many other historical documents from his personal files.

     In addition to written materials and historical documents are numerous scrap books with newspaper clippings and photos from the 1920's-1960's. Although the newsprint is aged, many of the photos are in excellent shape.  These materials will eventually be scanned and placed in photo gallery's by subject within these pages in the years ahead.

     Please be patient as this will be a lengthy and ongoing project that may never be fully completed!  Several of the books that I have made available in these pages, such as the Sebring Air Terminal, The Story of the Sebring Firemen, and Highlands Hammock are readable here. They can also be found in print form and are available in very limited quantities at the Sebring Historical Society Archives located beneath the Sebring Public Library.

     During 2007, The Story of the Sebring Firemen was updated, reprinted, and presented to the active duty Sebring Firefighters and Sebring City Council.  This was a very rewarding project.  I'm so thankful that Ray Graddy was with us in making the presentation of the books to our firemen.  Like the Sebring Air Terminal book, this book is also available in limited quantities at the Sebring Historical Society.

     The Highlands Hammock book was finally completed in January 2009 and 40 print copies were made, 25 copies being for various park employees and state park officials.  This book is being circulated in electronic form on CD-ROM and can be purchased at the Sebring Historical Society for a small donation. In addition to the pdf files that comprise the actual book, the CD includes many historical pictures of the hammock that where scanned but not published in the book.

     I welcome you to explore the early days of Sebring among these pages… remember to check back periodically as content may be added in the days ahead!

Sincerely,


Allen C. Altvater, III

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