Feature Story and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
The Clermont Historic Village hosted the February South Lake Chamber of Commerce Business Leaders After Hours event. Many attendees came dressed in historic costumes to mix and mingle and party like it was 1889.
A scavenger hunt took the party-goers throughout the Clermont Historic Village discovering famous events and fun historical facts. The grounds were filled with many local area businesses, services and vendors offering complimentary drinks, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, a chocolate fountain, free flowers, photo opportunities, a champagne fountain, a candy bar, snacks, a charcuterie table, a kissing booth with the Scavenger Hunt prizes, a costume contest, souvenirs, special treats and entertainment with a disk jockey.
Clermont City Manager Brian Bulthuis noted, “It is great to be here seeing so many of our local business leaders having a fabulous time together at our Clermont Historic Village! This Historic Village is truly a great asset to our Clermont community.”
Attendees were able to get a sneak peek of the newest addition to the Historic Village, Grace Chapel. James Briggs, the President of the Clermont Historic Village, created the original conceptual drawings for the Grace Chapel. Now almost complete, this building will be a replica of the original Grace Chapel that was once in Clermont. Oak flooring and bench pew seating will complete the all-wood interior giving it some sense of the sacred.
This non-denominational Chapel will be available for special events, small weddings and those who want to renew their wedding vows. You can now rent and host special events at the Historic Village Train Depot, Pavilion and Chapel.
During the event, attendees were able to visit each of the historic buildings with tour guides. The village is located on the shore of Lake Minneola and has become a special gem with a rich local history to share with every new generation.
The mission of the Clermont Historical Society has always been to preserve and share the history of the pioneering families of South Lake County, especially the city of Clermont.
The Historic Village is a very unique collection of buildings from Clermont’s past, while each one is filled with antiquities and memorabilia. Clermont’s Railroad Depot was built about 1925. The Quonset Hut is a World War II Museum. The Herring Hooks Schoolhouse is a replica of an old Clermont one-room school built in 1881. The Townsend House was built in 1895 by James and Sallie Townsend, the first black residents to settle in Clermont. The Kern House was built in 1885. The Cooper Memorial Library was built in 1914. There’s even a replica of an old outhouse.
Clermont Historic Village offers unique souvenirs in its gift shop. CLERMONT, “From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions“, a book describing Clermont’s historical events is available for purchase. The Kiwanis Club of Clermont 2022 Calendar, filled with pictures of Clermont’s historic past, can also be purchased. A Little Free Library book-sharing exchange is on site.
The Clermont Historic Village is a unique partnership between the City of Clermont and the Clermont Historical Society. The City of Clermont owns and maintains the beautiful grounds and the buildings. The Historical Society owns all the furnishings and artifacts within the buildings. They are responsible for maintaining the interiors and for making the Village available to the public.
The Clermont Historic Village is located at 490 West Avenue, Clermont, right next to Victory Pointe on Lake Minneola. The Village is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. Group and individual tours can be arranged during non-scheduled hours upon request. A donation of $5 per person over 12 is appreciated for admission during regularly scheduled hours.
For more information, email the Village Manager at: slhistoricalsociety@gmail.com, call 352-242-7734 or visit www.clermonthistoricvillage.org. You can also follow updates on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ClermontVillage.
