Article submitted by Donna Digennaro, Clermont Historical Society
Did you ever hear someone refer to their kitchen zinc and immediately think they were mispronouncing “sink?” Well, that may be true in some cases but it could also be that was exactly what they intended to say. You see, there was a time when the sinks used in people’s kitchens were actually made out of zinc, just like the one pictured above in the Kern House at Clermont’s Historic Village. Mr. Kern was a very enterprising man and he installed running water in his home long before most other homes in Clermont got it in the 1920s. Dieter Grube, a volunteer guide at the Village, is demonstrating how one would pump up the water for use in the home.
Clermont’s Historic Village is located at 490 West Avenue on the shores of beautiful Lake Minneola directly across from Victory Pointe. The historic downtown shopping district is only a few short blocks away and combining a visit to the Village with lunch and shopping in all the unique stores is the perfect way to spend a spring-like afternoon. The Village is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Admission to the Village is free however, a donation of $5.00 per person over 12 is requested. There are lots of interesting antiques on display in every Village building, tour guides are on hand to answer questions, and there are fun souvenirs on sale.
If you are interested in the history of Clermont or in history in general, why not consider joining the Clermont Historical Society? Membership is just $25.00 per person or $35.00 for a couple annually. At this time only board members are attending the society’s monthly meetings which are held on the second Monday of each month but members and guests are invited to join via Zoom. You can also see lots of pictures and information about the Village on our Facebook page. A new website will be launching soon. For questions or further information please call 352-242-7734. We hope to see you all now that the Village is reopened. Stay hopeful and safe!
Photo by Larry Oskin
