“CLERMONT: From Gem Of The Hills to Choice Of Champions” is a detailed account of Clermont’s past. The book was compiled by members of the Cooper Memorial Library Association.
Approximately 40 years ago, Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young decided to write a book as part of Clermont’s 100thanniversary 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.
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, and downtown Clermont at the Historic Village and Sunshine Book Co. All proceeds from the books go to The Cooper Memorial Library.
Two of the books have been distributed by the Association to each elementary, middle and high school in the Clermont community.
The Library Association hopes that by giving teachers and students access to copies of Clermont’s distinctive history will help spark pride and interest in the Clermont community.
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.
Clermont school administrators are asked to notify news@sltablet.com if your school has not yet received its books.
