West Orange History

OLD TIMES

80 years ago

With Coach W.S. Dill in charge, the Lakeview Red Devils went out for the first practice of the season. Lettermen who showed were George Howard, Carlton Lawson, Wilbur Clonts, Charles McMillan Edwin Bourland, Bill Kennedy, Ray Henderson, George Bass, Merrick Groves and Gary Roame.

50 years ago

Linda Carol Johnson and John Newton Rees were joined in marriage at the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden.

45 years ago

Dr. Nagui Khouzam began his practice in offices in the Professional Center on Dillard Street.

40 years ago

Oakland Mayor Sam Hovsepian called a meeting to discuss a mammoth dredging plan for Lake Apopka to create a large island in the center of the lake with an airport and recreation areas.

20 years ago

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce George R. Bailey Media Award was presented to Mary Anne Swickerath, editor of The West Orange Times, at the Chamber’s 5th Annual Media Luncheon. She was recognized for inspiring a new generation of media professionals.

With mixed emotions, Dr. Wayne L. Godbold announced his retirement after 36 years of practice in Winter Garden.

Frank and Helen Watson celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a celebration given by their sons, Dr. Frank Watson and Arthur Watson, and daughter-in-law, Becky Watson, at Dr. Watson’s home. Both had long careers with the Orange County Public School system, and he served as mayor of the town of Windermere.

The American Schools Corporation took ownership of a 48-acre campus site on State Road 535, moving a step closer to the opening of Windermere Preparatory School.

FROM THE WGHF ARCHIVES

Three firefighters fight a blaze that broke out at the Killarney Packinghouse in November 1975. The large plant stood on the property bounded by the Atlantic Coast Line railroad (today’s West Orange Trail) and State Highway 50. The flames lit up the night and were seen from miles away. Randy Dollar and Jack Brown are on the right; it is believed to be Jimmy Powell on the left.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation preserves photographs and artifacts about West Orange County fire departments covering more than a century. Call (407) 656-3244 to make a research appointment.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

The Winter Garden Times

Sept. 6, 1979

Local Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans were in for a treat in 1979 when the Swash-Buc-Lers cheerleaders were on hand to meet customers at Cliff’s Chevron Eze-mart. The convenience store was located at Highway 50 and Dillard Street, Winter Garden, and its advertisement in the Sept. 6, 1979 issue of The Winter Garden Times offered sales on beer just in time for the weekend’s big game. It was owned by Cliff and Jacqueline Dent, who later purchased Tuttle’s Grocery Store at Avalon Road and Highway 50.