From the WGHF Archives 09.03.15

Back when the waters of Lake Apopka were not as impacted by farming, West Orange County’s aquatic jewel was known as the “large-mouth bass capital.” People came from far and wide to load up their boats with fish to fry for that day’s supper. Locals got their share, too. In this photograph from June 1940, Teresa Howard, of Winter Garden, is pictured posing happily with a few bellyfuls of bass. This photo was shared with WGHF by her son, Robert (“Robin”) Lawrence Smith III.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, which seeks to preserve our heritage and architecture while creating new cultural experiences, is celebrating its third decade with the debut of its new History Research and Education Center.