THESE OLD TIMES

90 years ago

Brilliantly colored parasols that reflected sunburn but let the violet rays through — that’s Mrs. R.P. Howard’s invention. Brilliantly polished nails for the lady who carried the parasol — that’s A.A. DeLage’s invention. The two inventors, both Winter Garden residents, were busy planning the marketing of their products. Howard, who has a boarding house, had offers from several manufacturing companies, and DeLage, who was a guest at Howard’s and used to be the pharmacist at Dr. Hoover’s, was going to Chicago to demonstrate his polisher in a booth at the fair.

85 years ago

Ocoee High seniors were looking forward to class night when the class prophecy was to be read and a three-act royalty comedy, “Along Came Peggy,” was presented by a large cast.

The Rev. S.L. Hunter was called to the pastorate of the Oakland Presbyterian Church.

Amateur night, sponsored by members of the Ocoee Junior Woman’s Club, netted more than $30 for the treasury.

60 years ago

The Cancer Crusade drive opened in Winter Garden with a kickoff coffee held at the American Legion Hall. Tena Britt was Winter Garden chairman and was assisted by Mrs. A.E. Cannon, Mrs. Eva Partee, Mrs. Burford Tyson, Mrs. R.C. Lewis and Mrs. Lee Bekemeyer.

The City Commission at its regular meeting drafted an ordinance to govern the disposal of discarded television tubes, florescent light bulbs and any other material that may be harmful or dangerous.

50 years ago

Project Pride took another important step forward as the city of Winter Garden was given a parcel of land for parking. The land, north of Joiner Street and west of South Woodland Street, would provide much-needed off-street parking. Among those who contributed toward the land acquisition were Dock and Ed Reeves of Reeves Bros. Barber Shop,

Jim Hendrix of Tibbals Drugs Inc., Don Andrews, Danford Shoe Shop, L.A. “Larry” Grimes, First National Bank, Jimmy Pitchford, A.W. Hogue, Roy G. Fulmer Jr., Bill Cook, Billy and Scott Burch, Charles W. McMillan, McMillan Bros., W.T. Zeigler and Evadne Arney.

30 years ago

The small community of Oakland — which had no property tax — usually conducted its business at sparsely attended council meetings in the Town Hall. But when word spread of a proposed new tax ordinance, an overflow crowd of unhappy townspeople gathered at the fire station to voice their disapproval. Mayor Jake Voss called for a 4-mill ad valorem tax, which would generate about $100,000. The ordinance passed.