Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young decided to write a book as part of Clermont’s 100th anniversary of its 1884 founding.
Johnson, a member of the Centennial Planning Committee, spent countless hours with a 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. Published in 1984, Clermont: Gem of the Hills, a History of Clermont, Florida, and Neighboring Communities, would become a favorite of local historians.
Unfortunately, the original manuscript and printing plates were purged by the publisher, so the Cooper Memorial Library Board Association took on the task of publishing an updated GEM revision with chapters spanning events after 1974.
The book, Clermont: From Gem of the Hills To Choice of Champions, was published in 2019.
Recently, two of the books have been distributed by the Library Association to each elementary, middle and high school in the Clermont community hoping that giving teachers and students access to a copy of Clermont’s distinctive history will help spark pride and interest in the community (See books delivered)
The books can be purchased at Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive (North Hancock). They are also available at Sunshine Book Co., 647 Lake Avenue, and Clermont Historic Village, 490 West Avenue, Clermont.
Proceeds from sales of the book are donated to Cooper Memorial Library.
