Old Times 05.14.15

45 years ago

The Florida Department of Transportation has authorized the construction of the Roper Growers Cooperative Heliport. It will be located on the east side of Plant Street near Dillard Street in Winter Garden.

Color bearers at a mother-daughter tea sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 729 were Cindy Littler, Pam Hannon, Lynn Freeman, Scottie Smith and Barbara Belflower.

40 years ago

A celebration of Mother’s Day was held at Windermere Union Church with Ella Bennin, a 93-year resident of our area, as special guest. She was born in Germany 95 years ago, and her family settled in Gotha when she was 2 years old. Mrs. Bennin was a member of the pioneer Regener family and the mother of Marie Bennin Mize and Henrietta Bennin Lewter.

35 years ago

Howard Bochiardy, of Windermere, has been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects for his notable contribution to the profession.

30 years ago

The city of Ocoee celebrated its 60th anniversary with a full day of activities May 11. H.M. Bowness led the parade in a 1925 car, and Patrick Branch rode his high-wheeler bicycle. There was a dedication of the new gazebo at which Glen Gettings sang his original song, “Ocoee.” A hot-air balloon was available for rides all day.

Many unsuspecting Roman Catholics have been attending Mass where a phony priest has been holding church services at his “shrine” — Saints Michael and Gabriel Old Roman Catholic Church — next to the Elvis Presley Museum just off International Drive. Thomas Kirkland has been representing himself as a Roman Catholic priest. 

25 years ago

A lot of terrible things have been happening around Gotha lately: Three bikers died violently on Flo and Borgie Johnson’s property, and there was a distressing report that a girl was decapitated at Parkridge Grocery at the corner of Hempel Avenue and Old Winter Garden Road. It was pretty grisly stuff for a little community, but Gotha residents gathered for a covered-dish supper at the Johnsons’ Goose Pond to mark the happenings. They were also observing some of the filming of The Night Brings Charlie by Qwest Studios, working out of Universal Studios. It was not nominated for an Academy Award.