This week in West Orange County history

OLD TIMES

85 years ago

H.F. Dietrich announced the opening of his meat market located in the Suwanee Store. A complete line of Western and native meats were available at all times. Dietrich spent most of his life in the meat business, including time worked with Piggly Wiggly Baker Bros. of Orlando.

70 years ago

Fire Chief Hoyle Pounds appealed to all citizens, particularly those in the congested downtown area, to clean up their backyards. He asked that all old lumber, concrete blocks, bricks and anything that might be a hazard to firemen be removed. He wants the weeds cut and raked up.

50 years ago

The Drive-In Church at the Star-Lite Drive-In Theatre marked its 18th anniversary with the Rev. Johnny W. Strickland, pastor of Park Avenue Baptist Church, preaching the sermon; Lowell Teal leading the worshipers in prayer; Wilson Griffith singing a solo; George Van Demark coordinating the program; and Larry Grimes and Dr. Bob Foster assisting. The service was conducted from the roof of the projection booth.

The Lakeview High PTA officers for the 1971-72 school year: L.C. Clements, president; Charles McMillan, vice president; Mrs. Basil Hicks, secretary; Mattie Morrison, treasurer; the Rev. Stacy Selph, devotional chairman; Jo Asendorf, library chairman; and Jimmy McKey, skit night cookout chairman.

20 years ago

The facelift for downtown Winter Garden was begun. The first phase of the historic downtown’s renovation project was underway with workers putting in new sewer lines under the strip of land that once supported the old railroad tracks. The final phase of the project will include a clock tower, interactive fountain on the West Orange Trail and restored brick streets.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Sept. 6, 1973

If you were an avid fisherman in the 1970s, you, no doubt, visited Ray’s Live Bait & Tackle Shop for your crickets, worms and shiners before heading out for a day on the water. The store advertised its array of fishing and hunting equipment in The Winter Garden Times, and you could even rent a boat if you were in need of one.

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack Sept. 11, 2001, we honor the Winter Garden Fire Department’s rescue squad. Although the members might not have been at the site on that day, we know that they are here for us today when we are in need.