This week in West Orange County history

OLD TIMES

85 years ago

The Heirloom Silver Tea sponsored by the Young Matrons Missionary Society, held at the First Methodist Church of Winter Garden, cleared about $11. Proceeds will help pay for new carpets at the church.

55 years ago

The Windermere Town Council discussed the dangerous intersection of Maguire Road and Highway #50. Council members took action to have a traffic light installed at this corner, which has been the scene of many accidents.

50 years ago

Rod Reeves took his sketchbook and pencil to the orange groves on a freezing night and recorded some typical scenes of local people firing up the smudge pots. They were kept burning all night, filling the sky with a red glow and, in the morning, a black haze.

A victory celebration was held at Bay Hill Country Club in honor of Arnold Palmer winning the Bob Hope Desert Classic.

40 years ago

The West Orange Christian Service Center officially opened its doors as a satellite of the CSC of Central Florida. It had operated independently since 1974 and continued to be located in the railroad depot on Plant Street in Winter Garden.

Newly appointed Winter Garden Police Chief Jimmie Yawn said his main goal was to reduce the number of burglaries.

30 years ago

About 1,100 Lakeview Middle School students showed their support for the U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia by forming “USA” on the school grounds. Principal Mike Blasewitz said the students came up with the idea. Several had relatives serving in Operation Desert Storm.

Ocoee held a march to show support for Operation Desert Storm troops. Operation Ocoee also sent 400 pounds of goods to troops.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Feb. 14, 1974

It was a big deal in Winter Garden when the Food World chain joined other grocery stores in the city in 1974. The newest one opened in the Tri-City Shopping Center, in the space currently occupied by Big Lots. Food World advertised special prices in the Feb. 14, 1974, issue of The Winter Garden Times to entice new shoppers to check out the latest competition in West Orange County.

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

This aerial shot of Traywick’s Garage located near the south end of Vineland Road in Winter Garden reveals quite a different landscape in this photograph taken around 1960. The area surrounding the business today is heavily developed. State Road 50 (West Colonial Drive) at upper right is a shadow of its future self.

Traywick’s Garage is still in business. Can anyone identify the other structures in the photo? If so, contact the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation at (407) 656-3244.