Gertrude Sweet, who we’ve profiled before HERE, was named the prettiest woman in Orange County, and even had a street named after her in the 1880s. Though it was probably because her brother, Charles Sweet, was the Mayor of Orlando and also a surveyor who laid out most of Orlando’s street network.
Gertrude’s Walk was commemorated in her honor in 1980 as part of a downtown beautification project and is now part of the City’s bicycle trails and connects to the Orlando Urban Trail that runs on the former Dinky Line rail tracks.
Besides her rumored beauty, it turns out Gertrude Sweet was also an accomplished pianist who played in her husband’s band, aptly named “The Orlando Band.” Henry Newell
The band was a regular sight at community events and was regularly hired to lead residents in parades and civic ceremonies and was the first official organized band in Orlando.
It was primarily comprised of male members, but Gertrude Sweet would regularly perform with the band when able – as it is very difficult to perform a piano whilst marching through the streets.
Harry and Gertrude’s home was located at 215 E. Robinson Avenue which is now occupied by a large office tower, but once overlooked Lake Eola.
