This week in West Orange County history

OLD TIMES

55 years ago

The seniors from Lakeview High School who were employed by the Winn-Dixie store in Winter Garden were entertained with an Italian dinner at the home of Larry Joe and Dottie Walker. Guests were Roger Scroggins, David Clawson, John Lashley, James Shelton, Ken Smith and Larry Pulliam and their dates.

45 years ago

William E. “Uncle Billy” Paquin of Winter Garden celebrated his 100th birthday by flying to Chicago to attend a reunion dinner. He was given royal treatment on the Eastern Airlines flight, and complimentary champagne was served to all the passengers.

40 years ago

New officers of the West Orange Junior Service League were installed at a luncheon meeting at the Quality Inn: Mrs. Ed Street was elected president; Mrs. Eugene Heidt, first vice president; Mrs. Paul Wampner, second vice president; Mrs. Wayne Godbold, treasurer; Mrs. Ben Hargrove, recording secretary; Mrs. James Thomas, corresponding secretary; Mrs. James Crooker; and Mrs. Robert Davis. New members were Mrs. Waymon Jones, Mrs. Richard Evans, Mrs. Larry Cappleman and Mrs. Ben Sampson.

30 years ago

The soda fountain returned to Davis Pharmacy in downtown Winter Garden after an absence of 15 years. Billie Davis enjoyed the first Coke served.

The Ocoee City Commission approved a rezoning of Arvida’s Wesmere project on Maguire Road from single-family houses to a planned development. The plan, which was divided into 13 distinct “villages,” would allow more than 250 units on the 213-acre property.

20 years ago

June McBride, a West Orange High School counselor and resource teacher for migrant students, published a scholarship guide, “Path to Scholarships,” and was at Borders bookstore to autograph copies.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

May 30, 1974

Griffins Men’s Wear and the Hers Store for Gals offered the latest in fashion to men and women in their advertisements in the May 30, 1974, issue of The Winter Garden Times. For men, the store in the Tri-City Shopping Center sold Haggar cuff pants starting at $14, shirts starting at $9, ties for $5 and belts starting at $5. A half-price sale at the shop in the West Orange Shopping Center gave women and girls a selection of plaids, poufs and stretchy materials.

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

Winter Garden City Commissioner and World War II veteran Theo Graham (1926-2019) is seen standing at the granite monument dedicated to the Winter Garden military who died in service to their country. Graham was instrumental in securing the funding for and establishing the memorial at Veterans Memorial Park on South Park Avenue. Pay a visit to Veterans Memorial Park this weekend to honor our service members.