Author Christina FRIES was 71 years young the year she
published her, ‘Orlando of Long, Long Ago’. Known as Kena to those who knew the
lady, she penned in 1938 the memoirs of #cflParadise old-timers spanning six
decades. Her book remains a vital reference tool for researching Orlando
origins even today, although a word of caution, one must remember that Kena’s
stories were ‘oral’ histories told her. Present day historians should verify
each and every account make corrections where needed. Verification today,
thanks to ease in locating documents, is far easier than in 1938.
Kena was a median for the memories as told by others, memories
that can be proven to be less than accurate. Still, she provides clues for historians
to begin researching central Florida as far back as her father’s 1871 arrival
at the Mellonville Pier on Lake Monroe. A daughter of Surveyor John Otto Fries,
Christine Fries had access to many descendants of early Orlando area pioneers
regarding the town’s origins as they had been told.
Kena was born at Upsala, Sweden, as best as we can determine,
October 31, 1867. She and younger her sister Eva sailed to America with their
mother, arriving in 1878. The Fries gals arrived in New York aboard the
“Orlando,” although by error, or perhaps for affect, Kena credited her father as arriving aboard the ship named Orlando. (Passenger lists establish
John Otto Fries as arriving in New York aboard Orlando’s sister ship, “Rollo.”
Earning $5 monthly, Kena worked as a librarian, working her
way up the pay scale until reaching $20 monthly. Kena devotes an entire chapter
to how the Orlando library system originated as a ‘Circulating Library’.
Of the many historical memoirs Kena reveals, two in particular
are worthy of note. First, she described visiting central Florida’s famed
‘Council Oak’, sacred meeting place of the Seminole Indians, and described
where that tree was located. Miss Fries even included a photo of
tree bark she had collected from Orange County’s historic tree.
Kena also delved into the naming of Orlando, offering a
descriptive version as to how the town was named. Her story will also be an
integral part of a FREE March 25th presentation at the downtown
Orange County Library.
Plan to attend this FREE Presentation
ORLANDO REEVES: Fact or Fiction?
Orange County Public Library Presentation
Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 2 PM
Visit Facebook Event Page:
Fascinating memories of Orange County’s Seat at Orlando were
preserved in large part by a very special Swedish immigrant, Miss Kena Fries
(1867-1945).
Tomorrow: The Lady of Maitland’s Lake SYBELIA
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