History - Old Times 10.9.14

By Amy Quesinberry
| 11:01 a.m. October 9, 2014

West Orange Times & Observer
Neighborhood

70 years ago

Staff Sgt. Charles McMillan, stationed at Eglin Field, spent a few days in Winter Garden with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.Y. McMillan. He has been taking private flying lessons and recently received his pilot’s license.

Orange County committeemen and Democratic Party workers perfected their organization and planned an active campaign to get out a large vote Nov. 7. (for Franklin Delano Roosevelt). W.B. Burch, of Winter Garden, is a member of the advisory committee. The electorate should realize this is no time to make a change of administration and disrupt the well-organized forces on the road to victory. With only a sprinkling of Republicans in this vicinity, West Orange should roll up an overwhelming Democratic majority to offset any close marginal precinct throughout the county.

45 years ago

Long before Walt Disney announced his plans to establish a worldwide attraction in Central Florida, preparations were made for the opening of the First State Bank of Winter Garden. The bank opened Oct. 23, with Ray Clements, as president. Directors include local businessmen Selby Burch, Don Cloughley, Ted VanDeventer and Bob Ellis.

40 years ago

Three young men currently appearing in the Once Upon a Stage production of Damn Yankees are alumni of the John Leipzig days at Ocoee High School — Terry Wines, Tom Riffle and Larry Norwood.

Mattie Hugh Farmer, one of the first teachers at Ocoee High School (1923-33), was among those honored during pre-game activities at Homecoming.

35 years ago

West Orange High School is presenting the hilarious comedy Cactus Flower under the direction of Lynn Melton. Among the cast members are Lisa Tucci, Glenn Tindall, Rans Black, Tina Chasteen, Keith Holloway, David Bawel, Kristin Boardman and Linda Stiles.

Five years of planning and dreaming became reality when the Boy Scout building behind the Windermere Library was moved to a new location at the Windermere Union Church playground. The move is part of a beautification project spearheaded by the Windermere Garden Club.