Old Times 04.02.15

75 years ago

You can’t vote unless you register. You can’t register unless you go to the courthouse in Orlando to Supervisor of Registration Dick Tucker’s office and enroll your name. It isn’t necessary to pay poll tax. Have a choice in the election of men who will represent you in state and county offices.

45 years ago

The Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce will be open at least through 1970. Working in teams of two, the membership committee was able to raise nearly $2,000 in dues. According to President Lew Warden, this will virtually assure the Chamber will be able to stay in business with curtailed activity.

Lakeview seniors and their guests attended the annual prom held at the Winter Garden Inn. Members of the official greeting party included Neal Carris, Marjorie Williams, Steve Teal and Vickie Sewell.

35 years ago

Manny Garcia, one of Central Florida’s largest volume restaurant owners, is opening his 16th Burger King, in Winter Garden.

A name has been selected — Ascension Episcopal Church — for the new church to be formed in the Bay Hill/Sand Lake Hills area. Steering committee members are Bill Curdts, Robert Elrod, Jean Elrod, George Foote, Skippy Hawkins, Percy Hurt and Stanley Masson.

30 years ago

The production of “Oklahoma” at Once Upon a Stage Dinner Theater includes some local talent: Liz Pasha, of Bay Hill, and Ben Taylor, of Gotha.

Another world — where small is beautiful. Don’t expect to find Japanese gardeners when you pay a visit to Bonsai World on Conroy-Windermere Road. Instead you’ll find Ray Aldridge in his remarkable backyard bonsai kingdom. Aldridge, who earlier this year retired from his position as director of personnel for the Orange County School System, is happily immersed in a second career.

25 years ago

H.E. “Gene” Johnson, chairman of the board of the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation, will be the honoree at a gala Boy Scout banquet at Disney’s Contemporary Hotel.

New officers elected by the Gotha Preservation Association are Mike Bittman, Dave Manor, Jim Lytle and Jean Hurst. Continuing on the board will be Jackie Langrehr, David Pratt, Charles Rinehart and Howard Bochiardy.