This lot is a fascinating archive of original plans and documents for an upscale development at the beginning of the Florida real estate boom. Frederick S. Ruth, only 31 at the time, purchased a large tract at the highest elevation of Central Florida with a vision to create an exclusive winter colony. He hired the Olmsted Brothers to design a planned community of residences surrounded by citrus groves. Mountain Lake was founded in 1915 and in the 1920’s succeeded in luring wealthy northerners seeking a winter residence, including Edward Bok. Ruth fell victim to the Depression, and, citing financial problems, committed suicide in a New York City hotel on April 21, 1932. This archive includes the original plans for the community and documents related to his financial interests in Mountain Lake assembled after his death. Mountain Lake survived and today is a community of some 135 homes and has retained its upscale character.

Mountain Lake Corporation Polk County-Florida Preliminary Plan, dated 1915 (10.8 x 11.1”).

Four copies: Preliminary Plan Mountain Lake Polk County Florida (10.3 x 11”). With note “Prepared for the Mountain Lake Corporation by Olmsted Brothers – Landscape Architects…December -1915.” Revised to Oct. 1927. The first example includes manuscript names of owners. The second copy is without notes but with title above map “Original Boundary Lines of Town of Mountain Lake, Florida.” Third copy with many lots colored and some manuscript notations, including note: “Lots to Feb 9th 1929.” The fourth example focuses on section lines.

Two copies of the architectural drawing of the Mountain Lake Club House (10.4 x 6.1”). One example details the second floor, and the other the third floor. Dated December 8, 1933.

Report Prepared by the Polk County Abstract Company…as of August 9th., 1932, Giving Ownerships and Unsatisfied Mortgages Against All Lands Included Within the Boundaries of the Plat of Mountain Lake. 24 typed pages with numerous manuscript notations. The report was completed less than four months after Ruth’s suicide.

Typed list of “Notations Regarding Mountain Lake Conveyances.” 4 sheets (10 x 16.5”) showing lot numbers, the Abstract Co.’s record of ownership and the “F. S. Ruth’s Books Indicate and Mortgages Unsatisfied.” With extensive manuscript notations attempting to reconcile the various records.

Typed list of “Mansion House Cottages” dated May 10, 1937 with cottage number, names of tenants, including three DuPont’s, rent and 1936 occupant. With numerous manuscript notations.

Undated promotional pamphlet with “Mountain Lake Florida” on the front cover (12 x 19”), circa 1950. Unpaginated with color illustrations, a map of Florida locating the development, and a list of property owners and seasonal guests.

Housed in a tan folder with manuscript title on the front cover.

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Condition: B

Contents are good to very good with occasional short tears and roughness along the edges, numerous manuscript notations throughout, and occasional soiling. A nice example given their intended use as working documents.