Mickler's Floridiana
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bookselling, Publishing |
| Founded | 1963 in Chuluota, Florida, United States |
| Founder | Thomas Mickler, Georgine Mickler |
| Fate | Ownership transferred to Waterview Press in 1999 |
| Successor | Waterview Press |
| Headquarters | Chuluota , United States |
| Products | Books (Floridiana), historical paper artifacts (ephemera) |
Mickler's Floridiana was a Florida-based bookselling enterprise founded by Thomas Mickler and Georgine Mickler. Operating from their residence in Chuluota, Florida, the couple also managed a modest publishing venture known as Mickler House. Their assemblage represented the most extensive compilation of literature focused on Florida topics (Floridiana).Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag dating from 1735 through 1995, encompassed geographic and hydrographic depictions beyond Florida, offering a historical perspective on the state's evolution.
Georgine Mickler originated from Chicago. Raised by an aunt in Kentucky, she endured a challenging upbringing amid the Great Depression. Her mother passed away early in her life, while her father, George Rumrill, gained renown as a potter during the 1920s.[1] Professionally, she worked as a photo illustrator in New York City, producing images including portraits of Jacqueline Bouvier (later Jackie Kennedy).[1] She relocated to Florida in 1961.[2] Thomas Mickler owned a camera shop in Orlando where they met and formed their relationship. Georgine initiated a book section within the store, which expanded over time. By 1963, they had moved to Chuluota and established their business within their home, named the Florida Breeze, constructed in 1913 by an agent of Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad.[1][2] The residence's eleven rooms eventually became filled with volumes. The couple hosted visitors such as Gov. Lawton Chiles and contributed to the construction of St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Alafaya Trail).[1]
For nearly four decades, the Micklers operated mail-order sales under the name Mickler's Antiquarian Books. They specialized in sourcing rare and out-of-print works related to Florida, amassing over 40,000 books alongside various historical paper artifacts (referred to as ephemera,[3] within collecting circles).[2]
A native Floridian, Thomas Mickler passed away in 1997. Georgine followed in 1998.[2] In 1999, ownership of Mickler's Floridiana transferred to Waterview Press based in Oviedo, Florida.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
Florida Breezes Residence
Situated at 691 Lake Drive on the southern side of Lake Drive, between Tropical Avenue and Fifth Street, the Mickler residence, referred to as Florida Breezes, was built in 1913. Originally, it served as the home of Charles D. Brumley, who worked as a land agent for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Presently, the property is occupied by Christine and Arnold Patrick Mickler III, who is the nephew of Thomas and Georgine and also an actor.