This week in West Orange County history: June 30, 2022

OLD TIMES

80 years ago

Citrus and vegetable growers were warned by the U.S. District Attorney’s office not to burn old tires or any other reclaimable rubber in their groves or gardens during frosty nights.

East Coast motorists, facing a new hard-boiled gas-rationing program, got a two-week reprieve with the good news that non-essential drivers may buy six gallons instead of three with each unit left in their ration cards.

According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Orange County’s population of 70,074 in 1940 was composed of 33,901 males and 36,173 females.

A graduate of Lakeview High, J.F. Holton Jr., USN, received an appointment to Annapolis and was here visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs J.F. Holton Sr.

70 years ago

Miss Frances Jane Stulck became the bride of David Stanford at the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden on June 20. The Rev. A.A. Stulck officiated at his daughter’s wedding.

Pvt. Selby Burch, who had been visiting his parents for a month, flew to Seattle and from there sailed for overseas duty.

55 years ago

New officers installed in the Winter Garden Lions Club were Bob Macchi, president; C.H. Johnson, first vice president; George Bekemeyer, second vice president; Ray Aldridge, third vice president; Ernie Hawk, secretary; Don Ford, treasurer; Jerry Carris, lion tamer; and Harold Thurmond, tail twister.

50 years ago

Vivian Woodard, who had completed her junior year at Lakeview High School at the age of 15, was set to participate in a summer program for exceptional students at Cornell University.

The Windermere Wake Watchers Ski Club presented its first public ski show on Lake Down. The members had a beach party to celebrate their first anniversary as a club and to wish the Geitgey family a bon voyage. The Geitgeys were planning to spend two years out of the country.

Four new members were officially installed by Ocoee Lions Club at their Ladies Night Banquet at the Ramada Inn West: Rupert Warr, James Coschignano, Robert Wallace and Mike Anderson.

40 years ago

Jane Fulmer of Winter Garden, a recent graduate of Valencia Community College, was headed for the University of Florida on a softball scholarship.

20 years ago

The new Thornebrooke Elementary School in south Ocoee was on schedule for its Aug. 12 opening with about 620 students. Principal Daniel Axtell said he expected to move into his new office in less than a month.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

June 29, 1972

It’s summertime, and the heat already is running folks indoor for some relief. But what happens when you need to go somewhere? Hopefully your vehicle’s air-conditioning is in tip-top shape!

John Lamb Chevrolet, in Winter Garden, placed an ad in the June 29, 1972, issue of The Winter Garden Times notifying car shoppers of the latest deals on his used cars — and all boasted A/C. A 1968 Bel Air four-door with automatic transmission and power steering was marked at $1,295. A 1969 Ford Club Wagon could be yours for $2,495. If trucks were more your style, a 1971 Chevy 2-ton 50 Series was available for $4,595.

The smart car shoppers asked for Norman Hickman, who was named Outstanding Salesman of the Week and could help you “take the simmer out of summer.”

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

The 18th annual Fourth of July All American Kids Parade is an event that draws thousands to the downtown historic district. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, whose educational field trips experienced a drop-off during Covid, is a parade partner and relishes the opportunity to stay in touch with future preservationists and historians. Museum staff misses the unforgettable comments made to field trip volunteers while exploring historical structures and learning about our history:

Any questions?          

Are you Santa Claus?

In response to being told that the fountain is stocked with lemonade:

Is it fresh squeezed?

What occupied the Edgewater Hotel when it stood empty on Plant Street many years ago?

Bald eagles?

Any questions about your history adventure along Plant Street?

Does Disney know about this?

From a student’s thank-you note:

All of you are wise and young and elderly.

The parade begins with a free breakfast starting at 8 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge on West Plant Street. The parade kicks off at 10. Young parade participants can grab some free decorations for bicycles, strollers and sneakers — and prizes will be given for answering questions on local history.