Clermont has been the home to many family-owned businesses since its inception in 1884. From citrus to farming, restaurants to motels, real estate to fashion design, Clermont has witnessed businesses come and go during its nearly 150 years of existence. Some have left memories on multiple generations of Clermont natives, and those who have been around Clermont for a long time.

One such business that was brought to Clermont from Morris Plains, New Jersey, in 1965 was Bell Ceramics Inc, once located on the grounds of the present-day City of Clermont public ramp that is nestled on property between East Avenue and Third Street.

Memories of Bell Ceramics Inc, a successful ceramic and porcelain product manufacturer, resurfaced recently when family member and beloved retired Clermont High School teacher, Toni “Ma” Bell, passed away on May 16^th after a brief illness. Toni’s late husband, Richard, was the son of Bell Ceramics founders Mildred and Harry Bell. Mildred was an accomplished artist and by 1947 had created a successful art school in the couple’s hometown of Morris Plains, NJ. The school eventually introduced ceramics to its list of classes offered, and that introduction would lead to the foundation of a business that would last for more than fifty years and three generations of families.

Mildred had a talent for art, and her husband Harry had a successful trait for marketing and retail. In 1948, the couple decided to join ideas into a business adventure of offering ceramic supplies for art schools and individual hobbyists nationwide. The couple sold the very successful art school that Mildred had founded and focused on creating Bell Ceramics.

During the 1950’s, Mildred had become successful at developing and selling porcelain and ceramic self-contained starter kits for individual retailers. Along with her success, Mildred developed a liquid glaze for product finishes and pioneered several teaching techniques.

In 1952, the Bell family opened a retail store where the couple sold products to ceramic studios and developed their own original molds and ceramic slips- a liquid mixture of water and clay used for joining, decorating, and casting in pottery and ceramics. This creativity would lead to the introduction of the White Orchid Porcelain Slip- an innovative formula that would revolutionize the ceramic and porcelain industry, while also catapulting the family’s business into huge success.

Soon after the couple made the decision to focus their business on a wholesale manner in 1953, Harry passed away somewhat unexpectedly. Mildred was left with not only tough business decisions but now the sole responsibility of raising the couple’s three children- Richard, Peter and Nancy. By 1958, Mildred was not only championing a successful and growing business but had met and married Jacob Lucas- a successful business owner himself.

The Bell business continued to grow, and Mildred had authored several educational books that led to ongoing relationships, and business deals with top sculptors across the country. In 1965, the couple made the decision to move the business to Clermont and escape the harsh winters of New Jersey. The couple located a large building that was once a citrus packing house built in 1922 by the Clermont Citrus Growers Association. The building would accommodate the space needed and was conveniently located by an active railway line that transported goods throughout the state. Easy access to nearby highways such as US-27 would make it easy to import raw materials for manufacturing while exporting finished products to clients throughout the nation.  

Mildred’s love of dolls and her collaborations with nationally known doll artists rapidly led to Bell Ceramics, Inc.’s distinct reputation of being the leader in doll sculpture design and innovative techniques for molds, doll painting, and lace draping. During the 1960’s, Mildred’s sons, Richard and Peter, took a more hands on approach to the family business and that would eventually lead to Richard becoming the business president. Mildred and Jacob remained active in the business until her death in 1977, and his in 1988.

Bell Ceramics, Inc would continue to grow into a multi-million-dollar company with product distributors all over the world. In 1986, the management team, which now included Mildred’s son-in-law, Calvin (Cal) Hettinger, founded the International Foundation of Doll Makers (IFDM). The IFDM continues to be the leading dollmaking organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of creating fine porcelain dolls around the world.

With 200 distributors across the country and up to 30 overseas, Bell Ceramics, Inc also supplied materials for porcelain Cabbage Patch Kids, a version of the popular stuffed dolls that were a big sensation with children in the mid 1980’s.

By 2005, the world had changed a lot since the late 1940’s. Those changes included overseas competition and the dwindling interest in the time-honored hobby of ceramic and porcelain among the younger generations. Bell Ceramics Inc, a business that once employed as many as 50 employees and provided hometown work opportunities, made the difficult decision to close the doors.

Bell sold off its assets and product lines to a Cedar Hill, Texas, manufacturer that would continue to sell under the name The Bell Collection Ltd. The City of Clermont purchased the building and land in 2003 under a lease agreement with the intention of building a new community center. Over time, the plan for the site changed multiple times, but it would eventually lead to the present-day boat ramp that serves as a key entryway into the beautiful Clermont Chain-of-Lakes.

The Bell family has built and left a successful legacy that will be remembered in the local history books for future generations. The Bell family left a wonderful legacy that included business, service to the community, sincere friendships, and education. The passing of Toni Bell, affectionately known as “Ma Bell” by her students, will unfortunately be the final chapter of the Bell family era in the Clermont area.

Clermont and the South Lake community hold a deep, rich, and documented history. Much of this information and more is available at the Clermont Historic Village, 490 West Avenue, Clermont. Visit in person Saturday and Sunday from 1- 4 pm or visit www.ClermontHistoricVillage.org.

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Lake Community Arts successfully presented their spring concert; I Hear America Singing! This inspiring evening of music featured the 100+ voice Lake Community Choir, the exciting new Children Sing! choir, and many special guests. This concert proudly shared an array of Americana folk songs, spirituals, patriotic favorites, and inspiring classics including: Make Them Hear You, Shenandoah, Simple Gifts, and Battle Hymn of the Republic. This first spring concert event became a patriotic opportunity for over 800 enthusiastic attendees who came to celebrate the voices and songs that makeup the patriotic American spirit. The South Lake Art League shared colorful American artwork in the lobby for the concert attendees to enjoy.

LCA Co-Founder and Choir Director, Chad McClellan noted, “Our spring concert performers have my eternal thanks as they worked incredibly hard to make it happen. The amazing children of Children Sing! were really fabulous. The dedicated instructors of Children Sing! included Rachel Robertson, Debbie Morreale Fahmie, Erin Lally Nesslage, and Luralee Anderson. We thank Eric Heumann, our collaborative pianist as well as Ryan Ganaban for rocking out on the drums and to Jacob Pickett for playing trumpet.”

Rachel Robertson added, “What a joy it has been to work with our young musicians of Children Sing! for our inaugural concert.  I’m very proud of their hard work and hard play.  I loved seeing the creativity and personality that they each brought to our group.  I’m looking forward to making music with our new and returning friends at our summer camp, and again in the fall season!”

LCA Summer Camp has been developed for children entering 1^st to 6^th grades. This exciting new camp activity will be held from June 1 to 5, 2026 from 9 AM to Noon at the Clermont Performing Arts & Recreation Center at only $100 per child. Register today at: www.LakeCommunityArts.org/camp

LCA Supports all of the Arts: Plans are now being finalized for a series of programs to help inspire and educate the Lake County arts teachers with ‘Welcome Back’ development programs for arts educators at Mission Inn on the morning of August 5th.  They will also be providing the content for Lake County Schools arts educators during their district professional development on September 18th at Tavares High School and East Ridge High School.

Fall LCA Band & Choir Concerts: Lake Community Arts is now organizing their fall and winter 2026 concerts. The Band Concert is yet to be finalized. The next LCA Holiday Choir Concert is now set for Sunday, December 20, 2026.

The Lake Community Adult Choir remains open to all singers ages 14 and up. These ensembles will bring together voices from across Lake County to perform a variety of choral music with both experienced singers and anyone who simply loves to sing, with no qualifying auditions. The Lake Community Arts Choir will always offer you opportunities to connect, make music, and to be part of something meaningful. Rehearsals focus on skill-building, community, and artistic excellence, culminating in public performances that celebrate the power of music to bring people together. All LCA choirs will require attendance at weekly rehearsals.

LCA is continuing to expand their reach by creating more opportunities in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts — while engaging individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and strengthening our community through the power of the arts.

Chad McClellan noted, “We really appreciate the Lake Community Arts Board of Directors: Leiland Theriot, Debbie Morreale Fahmie, Christopher Fahmie, Rachel Robertson, Mitzi Maxwell, Larry Oskin, and Luralee Anderson, as we thank you for all of your work and efforts to make this organization’s first season such a resounding success.”

LCA Support: LCA’s ongoing performances will include public concerts and special events to showcase local talent and foster a sense of belonging for both performers and audiences while increasing important artistic impact in Lake County. LCA will continue to celebrate the joys that music and the creative arts bring to life for our Lake County community. Businesses, organizations and families are encouraged to make donations, sponsorships and tax deductible gifts at: LakeCommunityArts.org/support.

For more information, visit: www.LakeCommunityArts.org. Follow Lake Community Arts on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/lakecommunityarts/ and on social media @LakeCommunityArts.

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by Mary Helen Myers, Tuscanooga Baptist Church

Recently, Tuscanooga Baptist Church honored 13 of its 15 graduates during a special morning service. Unfortunately, two graduates were unable to attend. Pastor Casey Ferguson presented each graduate with a new study Bible, shared details about their future plans, and offered prayers for their continued success and future endeavors.

Those recognized during the service included:

Pictured Front Row:

Abby Kruse graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. She plans to pursue a career in journalism and communications.

Madalyn Myers, a graduate of The First Academy, will begin classes this fall at Florida State University, where she plans to study Pre-Med Biology.

Jonathan Michael McClinsey recently completed his studies at Lake-Sumter State College. He plans to attend University of Central Florida to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering.

Mia Johnston recently graduated from South Lake High School. She plans to attend Lake-Sumter State College with an interest in respiratory therapy.

Kerrie Lane earned her diploma from South Sumter High School and plans to attend Lake Technical College to study cosmetology.

Jewly Kling recently graduated from South Lake High School and will attend Lake-Sumter State College to pursue a future in architecture. (Featured picture) 

Pictured Back Row:

Lydia Moore, a recent graduate of South Sumter High School, also earned her Associate of Arts degree from Lake-Sumter State College. She plans to continue her education at a four-year university to pursue a business degree.

Scott Elliott Reagan received his diploma from South Lake High School. He plans to attend Lake-Sumter State Collegewhile also attending line worker boot camp.

Lucas Parks graduated from South Sumter High School and plans to attend Saint Leo University to study Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. He also plans to continue playing soccer for the university.

Hunter Abear recently graduated from Lake Minneola High School. He plans to attend Lake-Sumter State College before continuing to trade school with hopes of becoming an electrical engineer.

Ciera Flynn, a graduate of South Lake High School, will continue her education at Saint Leo University, majoring in Nursing.

Madison Moseley earned both her high school diploma from Lake Minneola High School and her Associate of Arts degree from Lake-Sumter State College. She plans to attend Florida State University to pursue a degree in Psychology.

Patrick Gibson, a devoted family man, returned to complete his education and earned his GED. He also serves as the Music Director for Tuscanooga Baptist Church and is a recording artist.

Graduates Not Pictured:

Ashton Leigh Clark was unable to attend the service as she was participating in her graduation ceremony at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree. She will begin her career as an Associate Attorney with Bowen Schroth Law Firm.

Madelyn Louise Dykes graduated from South Lake High School and plans to attend cosmetology school to become a hairstylist.

Congratulations to the 2026 graduates!!

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Since the late 1980s, the Kiwanis Club of Clermont has honored the patriotics laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery by placing a United States flag at each gravesite. What began as a small community gesture has grown into one of South Lake County’s most treasured patriotic traditions.

On the morning of Saturday, May 23, Clermont residents Chuck Seaver and Greg Amann joined fellow club members, Key Club students, and community volunteers at Oak Hill Cemetery to continue the heartfelt mission. 

Today, 561 known gravesites were recognized. 

A lifelong Clermont resident, Seaver has spent years overseeing the labor-intensive effort of identifying gravesites, maintaining records, organizing volunteers, and ensuring every flag is respectfully placed. He often refers to the project as his “labor of love.”

According to Seaver, the tradition began more than 40 years ago when his grandfather, Oakley Seaver, and great-aunt, Nelle Seaver, walked the cemetery grounds themselves, carefully locating and documenting the graves of veterans. Together, they created the original cemetery map still used as the foundation for today’s flag placements.

As the project expanded over the years, Oakley Seaver — himself a Clermont Kiwanian — asked the Kiwanis Club to carry the tradition forward.

In 2018, the tribute grew once again when the club began recognizing first responders in addition to military veterans, honoring the men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting the community.

Placing more than 560 flags throughout Oak Hill Cemetery is no small undertaking. Throughout the year, Seaver continuously updates the database, verifies gravesites, and coordinates volunteers to ensure no hero is overlooked. During the weeks surrounding Memorial Day and Veterans Day, he is often seen walking the cemetery grounds, checking that every flag remains standing proudly.

This Memorial Day, the flags will remain displayed through May 30, creating a peaceful and patriotic atmosphere throughout the historic cemetery. Residents are encouraged to take a quiet drive or walk through Oak Hill Cemetery and reflect on the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served both country and community.

The Kiwanis Club also extended its appreciation to the many volunteers who helped place the flags this year, including students from South Lake High School, First Academy-Leesburg, and Real Life Christian Academy.

Special thanks were also given to the City of Clermont for its continued support of the decades-old tradition.

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began in the years following the Civil War and officially became a federal holiday in 1971. Observed on the last Monday in May, the holiday honors the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.

Community members who believe a loved one may have been unintentionally omitted from the cemetery maps are encouraged to contact the Kiwanis Club so the records can continue to be updated and preserved for future generations.

Oak Hill Cemetery is located on East Avenue, directly off Highway 50 in Clermont. This week, as hundreds of American flags wave gently in the breeze, visitors are invited to pause, remember, and honor the heroes whose legacy continues to live on through this enduring Clermont tradition.

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Frank Klum Sr., a WWII Veteran and Clermont resident before his death at the age of 101 in 2024, left his legacy in many ways not only in Clermont, but everywhere he went. Frank was a man of deep honor and loyalty to family, friends and country, so there was no hesitation among the Klum family when an idea of keeping Frank’s memory in the present came up for discussion.

Born on January 24,1923, Frank enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 9, 1941, just days from his 18^th birthday, and two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served with distinction in the 12^th Air Force during WWII. Before retiring as a Master Sergeant, Frank witnessed action in Corsica, Italy, North Africa and Sicily.

During Frank’s military service, he earned the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation and the American Defense Service Medal. After the war, Frank continued to serve in the military until 1962 before serving a 20-year career in the United States Postal Service.

Frank’s memory remains in the smiles of those who knew him, especially on their birthdays. If Frank knew you, you could count on a phone call every year from him on your birthday. He normally would not say anything when you answered the phone but seconds later, you would be entertained by Frank’s live performance of “Happy Birthday to You” melody being played from Frank’s trumpet.

After retirement, Frank remained an active member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Clermont Post 5277 and the Kiwanis Club of Clermont until his death. Frank’s infamous smile and willingness to help anyone with anything became well known among the many friends that he volunteered community service time with. Several traditions and programs that Frank instituted remain active today. But the Klum family had an idea that would allow his memory to not only be visible to everyone but would also be a place of rest for those strolling by during their walking journeys in Historical Downtown Clermont.

The idea of a park bench in Frank’s memory was borne. It’s a project that would lead to reality after careful planning and fundraising. The family raised the $1,500.00 needed to purchase and create the printed design on the bench. With the help of City of Clermont Mayor Tim Murry, the bench was installed on Eighth Street, just North of Osceola Street. A perfect place for a quick rest after walking partway up the steep hill from Osceola Street to Minneola Avenue. “We cannot thank Mayor Murry enough for helping get the bench installed. We had no idea who to turn to in the city to help us. Dad and Tim served together in the VFW Post for many years,” says Frank Klum Jr., Klum Sr’s son.

The design on the bench was created by Frank Sr’s granddaughter, Jonelle Kiselich and is in front of Broadway Pet Grooming Spa at 524 Eighth Street. The business is owned by Frank’s daughter, Cathy Lund and her daughter, Brandi Lund-Armstrong. “Cathy had tears in her eyes when she saw the bench for the first time. It is such a wonderful reminder of such a wonderful man. A man that can still provide a spot for a little rest and peace while enjoying their day,” says Frank Jr.

Downtown Clermont offers a variety of benches strategically placed along its scenic lakefront and walkway areas throughout the downtown area. These benches provide comfortable seating for visitors, enhancing the overall charm and atmosphere of the area.

Visit www.ClermontDowntown.com for more information.

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