This week in West Orange County history: June 2, 2022

OLD TIMES

85 years ago

The Rotary Club was host to nine senior boys, each of whom had been invited during the year to be their guests. Those making talks were Marie Smith, Harold Britt, Junior Hall, George Henry, Maxie Berry, B.P. Swearingin, Hal Henschen Jr. and R.P. Howard Jr.

80 years ago

Malcolm McMillan received orders to report to Camp Blanding and from there was to be sent somewhere to enter the Army as a flying cadet.

The Winter Garden Welfare League announced plans were completed for the Graduation Dance June 4 at the city auditorium.

70 years ago

New officers of the Winter Garden Elementary School PTA were installed by Mrs. C.W. Irrgang Jr., secretary of the Orange County PTA. They were Mrs. W.H. Hinson, president; Mrs. T.W. Wiedenbeck, vice president; Mmes. Jesie Brock and Miriam Thomas, second vice presidents; Mrs. George Akin, secretary; and Mrs. Earl Reynolds, treasurer.

Miss Mirian Joiner, who was with Pan-American Air Lines, recently visited with her parents.

Dr. B.P. Harter returned from a month-long hunting trip to Alaska, bringing home the hide of a large Kodiak bear.

55 years ago

Cindy King celebrated 25 years in the dance teaching profession — 15 of those in Winter Garden — with a recital at West Orange High School The title was “25 Years and the Beat Goes On.”

30 years ago

More than 1,300 diplomas were handed out at the graduation ceremonies for West Orange and Dr. Phillips high schools at the Orlando Arena. Following the programs, seniors celebrated with an all-night Project Graduation event at the Wet ’n Wild water park on International Drive.

Following the Major League Baseball amateur draft, Dr. Phillips High outfielder Johnny Damon had to make the decision whether to accept a full athletic scholarship to the University of Florida or sign a professional contract with Kansas City.

Anna Fulford, a first-grade teacher at Dillard Street Elementary School, was one of only seven teachers honored in the state for her outstanding service to education and the community. She received the Honoris Causa Award from Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Sorority for Women Educators at the ADK state convention in Miami.

Terry and Mona Best of Ocoee celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a party with family and friends at the Ocoee Community Center. They were married May 31, 1967, in Winter Garden on the night they both graduated from Lakeview High School.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

June 5, 1975

The Haystack West apartment complex was built at the intersection of West Colonial Drive and Hiawassee Road and offered many amenities to residents, as advertised in The Winter Garden Times in 1975. Units had wall-to-wall plush shag carpet, color-coordinated electric range, built-in TV cable and more; and the property provided tennis, volleyball and basketball courts; two clubhouses; a swimming pool; landscaping; and two large Perma-Press laundries.

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

The Bank of Oakland was constructed in 1912 on a lot facing the town’s square, which was at the time a much larger Grace Park. There is no doubt as to the security of this bank vault, with its chains and spiked gate guarding the town’s revenue. It was in business until the Great Depression impacted its monetary security, although funds were eventually returned to its depositors thanks to responsible bank officers and local businessmen. A post office was located here in later years until a new mail facility rose next door in 1963.

The bank building stands today and serves as Commission Chambers for the town of Oakland; the vault currently houses and safeguards records and documents.