Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young decided to write a book as part of Clermont’s 100th anniversary of its 1884 founding. Published in 1984, Clermont: Gem of the Hills, a History of Clermont, Florida, and Neighboring Communities, would become a favorite of local historians.
Young and her father were very active in the Chamber of Commerce. Johnson, a member of the Centennial Planning Committee, the South Lake and Lake County Historical Societies, spent countless hours with a trusty tape recorder in hand, researching South Lake Press archives, later transcribing her notes on a typewriter. While interviewing locals with deep roots and interesting stories, the thrifty historian also used the back of lined notebook paper ad sheets!
There were earlier, brief writings of Clermont’s history, but nothing as comprehensive as what Johnson and Young had in mind. Their collaborative effort was quite a feat in the age before computers and the internet, said Doris Bloodsworth, the editor and contributing writer and member of the Cooper Memorial Library Board Association
Unfortunately, the original manuscript and printing plates were purged by the publisher, so the Cooper Memorial Library Board Association took on the task of retyping 300+ pages, and locating 200+ photographs to sponsor a GEM revision with chapters spanning events after 1974. The late Ann Dupee, a Library Board member, former South Lake Press owner, and Beta Theta Chapter member, provided resources for the book.
“Clermont: From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions,” spans the Ice Age through the first Native Americans, to the founders of modern-day Clermont and the years leading up to 2019. There are hundreds of rare photos, and the book includes stories and history that are published for the first time. Lisa Graham volunteered to retype the manuscript. She and former librarian Caryl Harris, painstakingly tracked down and copied hundreds of images.
The in-depth, history of Clermont was dedicated to two deceased Board Members: Ann Dupee and Ray Goodgame for their support and their passion to improve the quality of life for others.
“Clermont: From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions,” can be purchased at Cooper Memorial Library for $25. Checks should be made payable to Cooper Memorial Library Board Association; All proceeds from the book will be donated to The Cooper Memorial Library.
About the Writers:
Doris Bloodsworth is the editor and key writer of the book. Bloodsworth is a Pulitzer-nominated journalist, author and has been named Lake County Historian of the Year, has been inducted into the Lake County Women’s Hall of Fame, served as the city of Clermont’s first communications director and formerly reported for “The Wall Street Journal,” “Bloomberg” and the “Orlando Sentinel.”
Toni Bell-Rescoe is a retired teacher and guidance counselor. She taught English, speech, drama and journalism, directed plays and served as yearbook adviser at Clermont High School. Her community service includes Beta Theta Chapter of ESA. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Montclair State University and her master’s degree at Rollins College.
Michelle Delaney is the owner and editor of the “South Lake Tablet”. Previously, she enjoyed a 29-year career at Walt Disney World. She is a licensed Realtor, Notary and certified professional administrator. Delaney actively supports numerous civic projects and is a member of Beta Theta Chapter of ESA, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiwanis Club of Clermont. She currently serves as the president of the Cooper Memorial Library Association Board.
Lisa Faire Graham is a fifth-generation native of South Lake County. After a 20-year career as a production control manager with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, she became a photography artist. Her community service includes Beta Theta Chapter of ESA. Graham earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida.
Caryl Harris is a former English teacher, library director and reference librarian. Her community service includes school board member, Rotary Club, Lake County Library Advisory Board. She earned her BA in English at Knox College.
Needless to say, this book would not have been written without GEM writers, Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young,
Cooper Memorial Library Association Board Members include: Michelle Delaney, President; Toni Bell-Rescoe, Vice President; Lucy Hage, Treasurer; Terry Moherek, Secretary; Dennis Horton, LeVonte Rogers, Tom Nichols, Chuck Seaver, and Library representative Rachael Smoyak.
Purchase your historic book on Clermont at Cooper Memorial Library for $25 while they last, or email news@SLTABLET.com for additional details.
