1922 “Moon Avenue - Brandon” Craftsman/Bungalow HOME

09/26/2026

https://www.cltampa.com/arts/preserving-brandon-to-hold-archive-workshop-on-sunday/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAUk4l5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUPKjxXyd-CunfV4VADVZbZJ85u18t3NydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5pvXGO4q26EbKGMKPB6DjG4BWHFGKXN4wmYIG9H6l7-auVXAMmFMNkuno-sQ_aem_J8vRkks10EcAqo8pcfUPIA

Cars parked at Shop-Rite Supermarket in Brandon, Florida on March 31, 1958. Unincorporated, but census-designated, Brandon is a part of Hillsborough

09/09/2026

I had these newspaper articles sent to me recently, and it always amazes me to look at our house there in the background standing all by itself in comparison to how this area looks today in 2026, 104 years later! All the rubbish/debris you are seeing in front of our house was when “The 1923 Tampa Hurricane” came through in October of 1923 and knocked down the general store and post office pictured below:

The dates on the photo caption below each of these pictures are very inaccurate however.

This article is inaccurate. The hurricane came through in 1923… our house wasn’t even built in 1890. It was built in 1922.

09/06/2026

While there is no credible evidence that crape myrtle was ever officially designated as Brandon’s plant, it has certainly become part of the character of our community. They thrive in Central Florida, bloom through our long summers, and have been a familiar sight around Brandon’s older homes, landscapes and historic properties for generations.

The Brandon Garden Club has also helped make crape myrtles part of our community’s traditions, including plantings at the historic cemetery.

Another little piece of Brandon’s history taking root.

Preserving Brandon (Florida)

09/05/2026

Still finding treasures! We are almost at the tail end of completing our carport, and I asked Roy if he found anything fun and he handed me this marble 🤣

09/05/2026

Our dearest historic home neighbor the Galvin-Carl house (built in 1888), praise the Lord, is being saved and restored. It technically isn’t quite “our neighbor” as it is actually 6 miles away in Valrico, HOWEVER, we don’t have many of these gems left here in the Brandon area so we still refer to each other as neighbors.

In fact, the land just across the street from us (North on Victoria) is where Mr. Galvin built his second house in 1891 on Victoria that was demoed by neglect in 2004.

“The Galvin-Carl House

The house is located at 4206 Durant Road in Valrico, near the intersection of Durant and Mulrennan Roads. It was built around 1888 for Daniel Joseph Galvin, one of the most important early businessmen in Brandon.

Galvin arrived in Hillsborough County from Massachusetts in the 1880’s with his wife, Mary Ellen. He became a pioneer merchant and sawmill operator and is credited with establishing Galvin’s General Store, near the railroad depot at Victoria Street and Moon Avenue. He also eventually served as chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and as clerk of the circuit court.”

08/23/2026

Today, our dear friend Audrey Smith who has called Brandon home her entire life, took us on a journey back in time as she shared stories of growing up on the Kingsway Poultry Farm and what life was like in Brandon long before it became the community we know today.

It’s hard to imagine that where we now see roads, neighborhoods, and places like Culver’s, there was once a thriving poultry farm that played an important role in Brandon’s early history. 🐔

Established in the 1920s just east of Pinewood Avenue, the Kingsway Poultry Colony became a thriving local enterprise, raising chickens during the winter months and marketing the “Kingsway Brand of Broilers and Eggs.” Their poultry products were shipped directly to nearby Ybor City, and the farm was even featured in agricultural films in the 1930s showcasing its modern chicken housing and operations.

Today, we are reminded that Brandon’s history isn’t just found in buildings or landmarks, it lives in the memories and stories of the people who were here. Audrey’s memories give us a glimpse into a Brandon that many of us never knew, but one that deserves to be remembered and preserved.

Thank you, Audrey and Amanda for taking us back in time and helping us see Brandon through the eyes of someone who lived it. ❤️

This is why we preserve Brandon. Because before there was a Brandon as we know it today, there was a story. And that story matters. Our next meeting is September 27th. Please contact me for more information.

08/16/2026

Long time, no post! We have been busy just “life-ing” and there’s no other place we’d rather be doing it in than this old house ❤️

We are near completion of the addition that is inclusive of a laundry room, storage closets, Roy’s office, and a 2-car carport. Just wrapping up the finishing touches!

06/08/2026

Thank you Tampa Bay 28 - WFTS for taking the time to showcase Unincorporated Historic Hillsborough County 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, it's a great reminder that some of our nation's history is preserved not in museums, but right here in our own backyard.

https://www.tampabay28.com/news/local-news/east-hillsborough-county/mosley-homestead-offers-rare-glimpse-into-hillsborough-countys-past-as-the-u-s-marks-250 Mosley Homestead offers rare glimpse into Hillsborough County's past as the U.S. marks 250

The Mosley Homestead is nestled along Brandon Boulevard, offering folks a glimpse of how Brandon began.

06/04/2026

Oh yes He can. 🙌

When my dad passed in April, I had a family member call me a “Holy Roller” (because I chose to lean heavy on my Faith during that time, as I usually do in all situations). It actually was meant to be mean and a cruel statement towards me, but I took it as a compliment 🤣

My point here is when you have a God who moves and does what He has done for me, yes, yes I’m going to praise him out loud!!!

God did it before, He’ll do it again, and He works in ways we could never imagine…..Some blessings only make sense when you look back and realize His hand was on it the whole time.

Faith it anyway. Trust Him anyway. Every single time 🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🏻

This century-old home in Brandon was once in disrepair. Now, it's been brought back to life along with its former owner, who is now two years sober.

03/29/2026

On April 1st at 9:00 AM, the Hillsborough County Commission; County Center, 2nd floor Board Room, will be hearing plans that impact the future of the Moseley Homestead and we’re asking our community to show up to support the historic preservation and a thoughtful vision for education.

Our message is simply that the community (YOU) support the preservation of the property.

This is your opportunity to stand together and advocate for preserving history the right way, for our community, for education, and for future generations.

If you believe in protecting and honoring places like the Moseley Homestead, please take a moment to sign up and be part of this.