How did Maitland get it’s name?

Originally this city was called Fumecheliga (Musk Mellon Place) by the Seminole Indians. Established in 1838, Fort Maitland was a military fort built by the United States Army. It was built as a supply depot during the Second Seminole War. The fort was named after Captain William Seton Maitland, who was injured during the Battle of Wahoo Swamp (pictured here) and later died of his injuries. Ironically, he was never in this area!

At that time, the only way of getting to Central Florida was by boat from Jacksonville down the St. Johns River to Fort Mellon (Sanford), then by horse or foot. Fort Maitland was a small fort built on the west shore of Lake Maitland as a rest stop between Fort Mellon and Fort Gatlin (Orlando). What is now Maitland Avenue was part of the Old Black Bear Trail which ran from Montreal, Canada to St. Petersburg, Florida, and passed by the fort.

The city was called Lake Maitland for years, then in 1959 a charter was passed to call the city Maitland. The fort is gone and the city maintains a park there, mostly used for boat access to Lake Maitland.

The Maitland name is Scottish, and we have had the pleasure of having the Vicount and Vicountess of Maitland as guests here at Thurston House. He is also the Lourde of Lauderdale with ties to the City of Fort Lauderdale. The Maitland tartan is a very colorful one as you can see here. Today’s City of Maitland police cars have the Maitland Chief’s Arms on their front doors.

Enzian Theater Joins New Trend!

The Enzian Theater in Maitland is the latest to join a trend in movie theaters showing broadcasts of operas from all over the world, in this case from Milan, Italy’s famed La Scala theater. Beginning this Sunday, and continuing every two weeks through the summer, La Scala’s productions of Aida, La Traviata and more will be shown with digital production and surround sound. The Enzian offers a wonderul theater experience with comfortable tables & chairs, and a wide assortment of food & drink for sale. The theater is just minutes from Thurston House!

Images and Illustrations & Is That New?

A new exhibit opened 5/9 at the well known Maitland Art Center. It is a new collection of works by Rod Reeves featuring drawings of historic Winter Garden. The art center is a short and very pleasant stroll from Thurston House! Mark your calendars because coming August 1st is a short run exhibit that will highlight some of the new acquisitions and recent gifts to the center.

Tasty Too!

The 11th Annual Taste of Maitland on Lake Lily is coming up! May 19th is the big day for this great event that is sponsored by the Maitland Chamber of Commerce. Over 35 restaurants and beverage vendors will be tempting you with their tasty goodies. Stroll around beautiful Lake Lily, grab a beer, hit the Italian Ice, snag a rib and finish it all off with a glass of wine with a bite of chocolate. What more could you ask? Lake Lily is just a short walk from Thurston House!

A Taste of Wine – Don’t Whine – SPLURGE!

The Maitland Wine Market announces their “SPLURGE” Wine Tasting. This great event is scheduled May 15th, Thursday, from 5-7pm. The cost per person is $20. This covers tastes of several expensive wines , a wine glass to take home and a few nibbles. Wines for sale by the glass will also be available. Don’t worry about driving – book your room at Thurston House and take a short stroll to the wine market.

Andre Smith lived here!

Designed as an artists research colony, Andre Smith built the Maitland Art Center in 1937. On the National Register of Historic Places, the city owned center offers gallery exhibitions, art classes, lectures, a museum store and wedding & function sites. This beautiful property is surrounded with old trees, plantings, fountains and quiet open spaces. A new exhibit opens 5/9 – Images & Illustrations. This will feature etchings by Luigi Lucioni as well as other art from the centers permanent collections. This fabulous facility is a nice stroll or short drive from Thurston House.

Birds Abound!


Founded in 1979, the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland has treated over 12,000 injured or orphaned birds of prey. More than 40% have been able to be released back into the wild! This well known facility is just a short walk from Thurston House. Probably some of the spectacular birds we see flying around and fishing in Lake Eulalia are birds who have taken up residence at the center at one time or another. For that hard to buy for person, the center has an Adopt-a-Bird program. Sponsor a bird and receive an adoption certificate and photo, an introductory membership to Audubon, and annual newsletter and invitations to special events.

Do you like movies?


FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL – EAT IT UP! Just around the corner from us is the Enzian Theater, a great place to watch movies and enjoy food & drink in a comfortable setting. Starting this Friday they host the annual Florida Film Festival, running from March 28 through April 6th. Guest stars to appear this year are Anthony Bourdin, Jennifer Tilly and Mary Stuart Masterson. Thurston House is just minutes away from the Enzian so it is a perfect place to stay!