This week in West Orange County's history

OLD TIMES

65 years ago

The Church of God announced its church bazaar would be held in the old Gem Super Market building on Main Street.

50 years ago

Sen.-elect Lawton Chiles was the guest speaker at the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce annual banquet at the Ramada Inn West.

45 years ago

Editorial: We hope that the West Orange Warriors will be able to play their 1976 home baseball schedule at the city of Ocoee’s fine new ballfield. By the time the 1977 season rolls around, the athletic facilities at the new high school will probably be ready, but this first year is one of transition — one that calls for cooperation and understanding by the communities whose young people attend the new school.

An important chapter of West Orange history came to a close Thanksgiving Day as a fire destroyed the Killarney Packing House on Highway 50 near the Lake County line.

Oakland Town Clerk Louise Battin was honored at the Town Council meeting for her excellent work in preparing for the town’s 89th birthday celebration. Also celebrated was the anniversary of the first train to arrive in Oakland.

40 years ago

The 52 American hostages were honored and remembered on their one year of captivity at a symbolic ringing of the Liberty Bell replica by 52 youngsters from Edgewood Children’s Ranch at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

30 years ago

The newly formed West Orange Habitat for Humanity started accepting applications for its first home, which was in the planning stages.

Russell Crouch, president of the West Orange Wildcats, and Bob Clark, president of the Ocoee Bulldogs, prepared to face off for the annual Dog and Cat Bowl.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Dec. 1, 1950

With the holidays approaching, shoppers are out and about looking for that special gift for that special someone. In 1950, downtown Winter Garden visitors could pop in to Pittman’s Jewelry in the Edgewater Hotel and browse the fine selection of Bulova watches and rings. The shop advertised its beautiful pieces in the Winter Garden Times.

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

Happy 80th birthday to Rod Reeves, who was photographed at Davis Pharmacy greeting Ara Taylor on her last day of work in 1991. Reeves is a local historian, whose many articles, clippings and voluminous research still play a huge role at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. He was the original director of the Winter Garden Heritage Museum and taught art at both Lakeview and West Orange high schools. These days, he can be seen sketching the passing scene from various sites in the downtown historic district.