published: Friday, November 27, 2009

Remember When

Ann Dupee

Correspondent

59 Years Ago - 1950

-- The State Road Department recently opened bids totaling some $9 million. Among the bids were two that vitally affect this area, both on the cross state highway.

J. D. Manley Construction Co. of Leesburg bid low on that part of the cross state highway between Clermont and the Sumter County line. Langston Construction Co. of Orlando bid low on the section between Tildenville and the Lake County line. These two sections total 14 miles. When completed, they will, with other sections of SR 50 now being constructed, leave only a small link still to be bid on, that part from the Orange County line to Clermont.

-- Martha Ann Seaver and Harold Cummings were crowned Queen and King by popular vote of the Intermediates at the Royal Banquet which climaxed Intermediate Emphasis Week at Grace Baptist Church. The crowning ceremony was performed by Mrs. Glenn Halstead, J. R. McCown, Mrs. Luther Padgett and Rev. H. G. Wheeler.

-- The Open House at Clermont Builders Supply, Inc., drew much enthusiasm over the manner in which the "Jet Tower" automatic dishwasher performed. It is a wonder of efficiency.

-- The following organizations sponsored booths for Clermont's annual Halloween Carnival and Festival, sponsored by the Clermont Welfare League for the benefit of South Lake Memorial Hospital.

Altar Society - Fish Pond; American Legion Auxiliary - Balloons; Lions Cub - Hamburgers; Garden Club - Plants; Jaycees - Barbecue; Minneola Progressive Club - Game; High School - Cold Drinks; Seventh Grade - Side Show; Boy Scouts - Dart Game; Girl Scouts - Game; Junior Woman's Club - Baked Food; Progressivettes - Apple Bobbing; Order of Eastern Star - Bazaar Table; Welfare League - Bingo and Cakes; Woman's Club - Surprise. Wesleyan Guild, V.F.W., V.F.W. Auxiliary, American Legion and several others are expected to sponsor booths.

Activities start at 4 p.m. and continue into the night. The Carnival King and Queen will be crowned at 5 p.m.

-- At the last regular meeting of the Clermont Welfare League, a report was made that the Halloween Carnival raised $165.57.

Mrs. D. J. Hatcher resigned as League president. Mrs. Oakley Seaver, vice president, will take her place. Mrs. Fred Wolfe was elected to the vice-presidency. Mrs. R. R. Rogers was appointed publicity chairman upon the resignation of Mrs. T. C. Cork Jr.

-- First Lt. Georgina M. Short, daughter of Mrs. Ada Maude Short of Minneola, is attending the first class of the Flight Nurse course offered by the Alabama Branch of the School of Aviation Medicine at Gunter Air Force Base, Alabama.

-- Jean Winston is opening a place of business in the rooms over the Jones 10 Cent store on Montrose Street, and across the hall from Dr. C. C. Higby's dental parlors. She will handle toys, novelties and handiwork. She will also do drafting, having had seven years' experience and being trained at the General Electric Co. plant in Pittsfield, Mass.

-- Five distinguished Lake Countians who made an outstanding contribution to the development of this county and state will be honored in a ceremony in the County Courtroom on Armistice Day, Nov. 11.

Among those to be honored this year are J. C.Compton of Clermont, who was the first County Superintendent of Schools when this county was created in 1887; A. J. Cassady of Lisbon, who was the first Tax Collector; Dr. P. W. Butler of Leesburg, State Senator 1901 to 1905; Murdoch Sloane of Mascotte 1895-97; Thomas Jefferson Hooks, Clermont, member of the Legislature 1903-05.

-- In the general election last Tuesday, as was expected, the Democratic Nominees won very handily, the margin being almost 4 to 1. Since the PRESS carried a sample ballot in last week's issue, you can get the complete list of those elected from it.

-- The spooks didn't get the gay crowd that gathered on the shore of Lake Louisa for a wiener roast Halloween night. Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lane, Ann Oliver, John Hulett, Jean Lane, Al Cole, Joan Lane, Bunny Robinson, Asden Wolfe, Rudolph Bowen, Barbara Ann Whitney and James Cummings.

-- The Young People Training Union of Grace Baptist Church had a wiener roast Saturday night on Lake Glona. Attending were Betty Faye Judy, Ann Judy, Laura Ruth Whittle, Calvin Crawley, Max Judy, Ray Glass, Jimmy Etheridge, the Rev. and Mrs. H. G. Wheeler, Nellie and Betty Seaver and Ed Olivenbaum.

-- A 72" x 84" All Wool Blanket at Cantwell's Department Store was $7.95 each in 1950. Peter Pan Peanut Butter was 29 cents for a 12-ounce jar. Hills Brother Coffee was 75 cents a pound. Sliced Palm River Bacon was 45 cents a pound.