HISTORY: West Orange County of yesteryear for week of Feb. 20, 2025

OLD TIMES / THE WAYS WE WERE

(Excerpts from the newspaper archives)

95 years ago

Orange grove owners were experimenting with a new type of orange known as the Hamlin, a seedless variety. Many new groves were being planned and planted, and the move was on to make this area a real citrus center.

80 years ago

Cliff Freeman, MM 3-c stationed at Banana River, spent the weekend with his parents in Ocoee.

At least 10 states were represented by tourists and angler enjoying life in the “Land of Sunshine” during the week on Lake Apopka. Weather conditions were ideal for fishing, and practically all who went out on the lake caught the limit within a few hours.

With 75 children in the cast, “Polly Make Believe” was presented by Tildenville Elementary School at the Lakeview High School auditorium. Mrs. R.J. Patrick was in charge of stage and costumes.

Louis A. and Mildred B. Hornstein of Winter Garden purchased the residence of Mabel Pauline McKinnon at Tildenville, according to papers filed in the office of Clarence M. Gay, clerk of circuit court.

50 years ago

Three Lakeview High School seniors earned admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point: John R. Fain Jr., of Gotha; Michael P. Kostoff, of Orlando; and James B. Taylor, of Gotha.

The Winter Garden McDonald’s owned by Bob Allegroe, held a tongue-twister contest, and several hundred youngsters won T-shirts. All proceeds from the day’s Big Mac sales were given to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce for its building fund. In the contest, participants had to say as quickly as they could: “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.”

Pfc. Warren “Neal” Carris, stationed at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, was selected Soldier of the Month for the 260th Quartermaster Battalion.

30 years ago

Karen Sanchez of Ocoee became the bride of Jose Landeros in the produce section of the Piggly Wiggly on Highway 50, right at the entrance to the Ocoee store’s deli department. The wedding colors of pink and white were almost outshone by the brighter yellows, reds and greens of the fruits and vegetables. Sanchez was led down the aisle (between the Washington State apples, onions and potatoes) by store manager Richard Owen, and the ceremony was performed by the Rev. Darrell Frink of Ocoee Christian Church. The couple decided to marry at the store so their friends and coworkers could attend.

Ocoee Police Chief John H. Boyd wrote a letter to the editor thanking the community for helping the department raise nearly $9,000 and purchase about 4,000 toys for children in the area at Christmastime.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FEBRUARY 20, 1975

The Tri-City Shopping Center was holding a “sell-a-bration” in honor of Washington’s birthday Feb. 22, 1975. The businesses got together and took out an advertisement in The Winter Garden Times announcing all the great merchandise for sale.

Happy Holiday Travel was offering a special trip to Portugal in April. At Montgomery Ward, car owners could get an oil filter for $1.22, an ignition tune-up kit for $2.22 and a front-end alignment for $22.22. The Focal Point Camera Shoppe, owned by John Thoren, was selling Kodak Instamatic X-15 color camera sets that included a ready-to-shoot camera, film, Magicube flash bulbs, wrist strap and manual for $17.22.

For the sharp-dressing men, Griffin’s Men’s Store was selling tennis shirts for $5.22, tennis shorts for $8.22 and name brand jeans for $9.22. TG&Y was selling “that classic spring look” for women: $5.99 knit tops and polyester pants for $9.99.

There also was a bicycle-decorating contest and a cake walk with 22 cakes.

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION ARCHIVES

Tucked away on tranquil Brick Road, just east of Tildenville School Road, you’ll find what is historically known as the Connell home. The man standing by the horse is Edward Hobart Willis, a West Orange County pioneer who settled in the region in the late 19th century. He married local resident Carrie Wise in 1893 and died in the Spanish-American War in 1899.

The house was eventually purchased by the Connell family and was home to Miss Annie Connell, who taught at both the Oakland-Winter Garden School and Tildenville Elementary School, which stood directly across the road from the house.

This beautiful structure is one of many built from 1886 through 1915 that still grace West Orange County. Interested architectural historians can contact the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation at (407) 656-3244 to find out more about these grand old places.