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Hello Walt,
Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season. This December has been particularly meaningful for our family, as we had the privilege of welcoming our second grandchild—a reminder of the many blessings this year has brought.
As you prepare for the festivities, you may be seeking thoughtful ways to fill those stockings. Have you considered the timeless tradition of tucking an orange inside? I’ve included a brief look at the history behind this practice—perhaps it’s already part of your holiday celebrations.
Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous start to 2025. May the coming year bring health, happiness, and continued success to you and your loved ones.
Walt
| 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, The Sweet Tradition of Oranges in Stockings | |
Every Christmas morning, stockings brim with surprises like candy canes and playful trinkets. For many families, there’s always an orange nestled in the toe. While this may seem like a quaint tradition, its roots are steeped in fascinating history, passed down through generations in many families.
The Origins of the Christmas Orange
The tradition of placing an orange in Christmas stockings traces back to several historical explanations:
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Saint Nicholas and the Gold Sacks-The story begins with St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity. According to legend, he saved three impoverished sisters from being sold into slavery by secretly dropping bags of gold into their home. One sack landed in a stocking drying by the fire. Over time, oranges—symbolizing gold—became a more accessible way to honor this tale of kindness and giving.
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A Depression-Era Luxury- During the Great Depression of the 1930s, oranges were an affordable luxury for struggling families. Finding a sweet, juicy orange in a stocking was a rare treat and a symbol of joy amidst hardship.
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Scarcity and Celebration- In the 19th century, fresh oranges were an exotic delicacy, particularly in northern climates. Receiving one at Christmas was a special moment, marking both the holiday and the fruit’s rarity.
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The Spirit of Sharing- Some believe the orange represents generosity and the ability to share life’s blessings, with its segments easily divided among loved ones.
From Tradition to Nostalgia
The custom of hanging stockings by the fireplace dates to at least 1823, immortalized in the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (“The Night Before Christmas”). By the Victorian era, Christmas was transforming into a season of gift-giving, thanks in part to the Industrial Revolution and burgeoning consumer culture.
Oranges quickly found their place in the holiday tradition. Citrus marketers in the early 1900s, like Sunkist, capitalized on this by promoting oranges as a healthy, festive gift. Advertisements proclaimed that “a Christmas stocking is not properly filled without an orange,” cementing the fruit’s association with the holiday.
A Nostalgic Gift
Though today’s abundance makes oranges less remarkable, their historical significance endures. During the Great Depression, the orange was a symbol of hope and indulgence. Its scarcity elevated it to mythical status, even inspiring songs in regions where the fruit remained elusive.
Now, tucking an orange into a stocking isn’t just about tradition—it’s a nod to a rich history of generosity, resilience, and celebration. Amid the frenzy of modern “Super Saturdays” and commercialized Christmases, a simple orange reminds us of a time when even the smallest gifts carried profound meaning.
So this year, as you fill your stockings, consider including an orange—a humble yet meaningful tribute to the past that offers sweetness in more ways than one.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
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Versatile 66,000 Sq. Ft. Industrial Space
5847 SE Hwy 31 Blg 33. Arcadia, FL 34266
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| |  | 66,000 square feet of functional and flexible warehouse space on 5+ Acres in DeSoto County, that can be used for a range of industrial purposes. Located just off Highway 31 in the DeSoto Business Park, the site includes two large hangars, several adaptable outbuildings, a loading platform, plenty of parking, 3-phase power, a backup Kohler generator, multiple office spaces and conference rooms —making it well-suited for a wide range of business needs. Strategically positioned for easy access, the site connects seamlessly to both Arcadia and Fort Myers. Highway 31 offers direct access to Highway 70, leading to both Florida coasts, or to Interstate 75, facilitating regional and national logistics. In addition to its functionality, aviation enthusiasts will enjoy a unique connection to local history, having once been part of Carlstrom and Dorr Fields, military airfields active during World War I and World War II. With a versatile layout and highly adaptable spaces, this property is a rare opportunity for businesses seeking flexibility, accessibility, and ample infrastructure in a growing area.
Total Acres: 5.82
List Price: $1,400,000
Click here for more info
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Old Florida on the Peace River
1,324 Acres
SW Addison Ave. Arcadia, FL 34266
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"The moment I stepped onto this land, I felt a connection to Florida's history—it’s a place where time stands still, and nature speaks." This ranch isn’t just a piece of property; it’s an invitation to step back into the untamed wilderness of Old Florida, while still enjoying the comforts and conveniences of the modern world. For the first time in its storied history, this 1,324-acre legacy ranch in DeSoto County, Florida is being offered to the market. Hidden away just off the highly sought-after Kings Highway area, this rare property has been a generational treasure for one Florida family, preserved in its natural beauty and rich with heritage. As you set foot on this land, you're immediately transported back to the days when Florida’s original cattlemen rode through these very woods on horseback, shaping the landscape that has remained untouched for decades. Stretching over three miles of stunning river frontage along the peaceful Peace River, this ranch is a remarkable reflection of what Florida once was and what it still could be. Imagine waking up to the sound of the river, surrounded by oak hammocks, expansive pastures and a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wild quail, white-tailed deer, Osceola turkeys, and more. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or someone seeking a retreat from the modern world, this property offers everything an adventurer could desire. The river provides not only recreational opportunities like fishing for snook and tarpon, but also supports an abundant wildlife habitat, making it ideal for hunting or recreational ventures. Located just 30 minutes from Sarasota and adjacent to the Peace River State Forest, this secluded sanctuary balances the best of both worlds—rural peace and quiet with easy access to city life and the Gulf Coast. This ranch is more than just land; it’s an opportunity to create a legacy, one that honors Florida’s past while looking ahead to the future. With its prime location, unmatched natural beauty, and vast potential, this is not just a purchase, but an investment in the future. Beyond its pristine landscapes, this property is perfectly positioned for those looking to for the possibilities of conservation easements, mitigation, or long-term development opportunities along the Peace River. Its unencumbered title and first-time availability make it a truly rare find in the world of high-end land investments. Whether you envision it as a thriving cattle ranch, a hunting haven, or a conservation project, this land offers a rare chance to own a piece of Florida's legacy—one that will stand the test of time. This is your opportunity to make this once-in-a-lifetime property yours and to carry on its story for future generations. Don’t miss your chance to own a true hidden gem in Southwest Florida—a place where land stewardship meets long-term generational investment, wrapped in the beauty and wonder of the Florida wilderness.
MLS: C7498337
Total Acres: 1,324
Click here for more info
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80+ Acres
Hunter Rd. #80W Arcadia, FL 34266
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Explore this 80-acre property in Desoto County, just south of Arcadia off Highway 31. This active grove is ready for transformation into productive farmland. With an irrigation system and a 12” well, the property ensures a consistent water supply for various agricultural ventures. Whether you are a seasoned farmer or an aspiring agricultural entrepreneur, this property presents a practical and promising opportunity for development.
MLS: C7495664
Total Acres: 80
List Price: $720,000
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40 Acres with Pomelo Grove
SE Hwy 31 #40. Arcadia, FL 34266
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40 acres of prime agricultural land featuring a flourishing Pomelo grove. The trees, currently 3-5 years old, are entering their optimal production period, creating a fantastic opportunity for generating income. This property is well-appointed with a pump house and a well, alongside a fully operational irrigation system. Situated with easy access off Hwy 31, this plot combines convenience with potential, making it an ideal investment for those looking to capitalize on a productive agricultural venture.
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PENDING!
126+ Acres
2260 County Rd 731 Venus, FL 33960
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Spanning 126 acres in Venus, Florida, this adaptable land presents a variety of opportunities. Whether you wish to farm, embark on a new agricultural project or use for recreation, the property is well-equipped with several wells to support your vision. Located just south of Lake Placid, it offers a convenient retreat accessible from both the east and west coasts of Florida. Additionally, there is an opportunity to expand your holdings, as an adjacent 57 acres of hunting-recreational land is also available
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21,000+ sqft Building
5673 Hwy 31 #G, Arcadia, FL
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**SELLER WILL OFFER FINANCING WITH 20 % DOWN**21,000+ SqFt space located in South DeSoto County directly off Hwy 31. This was formerly used as a gymnasium for the state owned juvenile justice center, but could be a warehouse/shop conversion. Building includes office space and shop area. 5 minutes to Arcadia and only 35 minutes to Ft. Myers, Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte and I-75. If you desire more buildings, adjacent property for sale separately.
List Price: $850,000
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As a fifth-generation Floridian from Arcadia, I possess extensive knowledge of Florida real estate and a deep passion for its history. At the age of sixteen, my first venture into owning an orange grove ignited my enthusiasm for the real estate industry. Since then, I've engaged in a successful career purchasing, managing, and selling diverse properties such as acreage, agricultural lands, residential homes, and commercial spaces.
Growing up in a family-owned business, Bethel Farms, I honed my marketing and sales skills by handling products for major retailers across the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. My father instilled core values in me—to work diligently, strive for continuous improvement, and seek innovative approaches in all endeavors.
Implementing these principles daily, coupled with my enjoyment of networking and my extensive experience in business, sales, and marketing, have been pivotal to my accomplishments as a REALTOR®
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