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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A spirit of celebration and community filled the air as the South Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Building Blocks, located at 644 Gadson Street in Groveland—an inspiring nonprofit dedicated to empowering adults with developmental disabilities.

Led by Executive Director Jillian Powell, Building Blocks is making a meaningful impact across Lake County by fostering independence, personal growth, and a strong sense of community for the individuals it serves. The organization currently supports approximately 70 adults, with participants evenly split between those living in group homes and those residing with their families.

Building Blocks offers a comprehensive day training program designed around individualized curricula, personalized goals, and coordinated care. Participants engage in a variety of enriching activities that build confidence and independence, including developing social skills, learning healthy lifestyle habits, and gaining essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and personal care. The program also emphasizes language development, practical math skills, sign language, and fitness—ensuring a well-rounded approach for adults who have aged out of the traditional school system.

The ribbon cutting celebration also highlighted the unveiling of a beautiful new outdoor patio and garden space, created in honor of Earth Day. This inviting space was made possible through the generous support of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and will serve as a hub for outdoor learning, relaxation, and community connection.

Looking ahead, Building Blocks has exciting plans to expand its front building and host future farmers markets featuring plants, fruits, and vegetables grown by program participants—further enhancing opportunities for hands-on learning and community engagement.

Building Blocks continues to be a vital resource in Lake County, providing compassionate care and practical tools that empower adults with developmental disabilities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

To learn more about Building Blocks, visit https://buildingblocksfl.com or call 352-536-9264.

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Are you passionate about Family History? Whether you have been tracing your lineage for years or are simply curious but unsure of where to begin, consider visiting the Genealogy Room at Cooper Memorial Library. Situated at 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive on the second floor, this private room is filled with research materials. It is accessible to the public during regular library hours Monday thru Saturday.

The room features four computers that provide access to the Ancestry website Library edition and Heritage Quest, along with various local digitized resources, including newspapers dating back to 1914 and historical documents such as those from Edge Funeral Home. Regardless of where you are conducting your research globally, Cooper Memorial Library has something to offer you. The Genealogy Room boasts a collection of 2,176 books, with 285 of them being recently added. These books cover a wide range of topics, including how to get started, DNA research, Native American history, Surname Bibliography, several wars, and lineage organizations like the DAR. Additionally, we have books that encompass 20 countries and 38 states, as well as periodicals from various organizations.

The Pastfinders of South Lake County Genealogical Society offers volunteers to assist you with your research. If you encounter a brick wall or feel overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available online, visit their website at https://PastfindersSLC.org to find out when research assistance is available.

The Pastfinders Genealogical Society has partnered with the Lake Library system on a project aimed at preserving our local history. We are in the process of cataloging and scanning historical documents and photographs, which will eventually be made available through the Digital Public Library of America. If you are interested in contributing your time to this meaningful project, please reach out to Pastfinders at Info@PastfindersSLC.org or visit the library on a Wednesday morning.

Pastfinders is the genealogical society serving Clermont, FL. It operates as a non-profit organization run by volunteers and is funded through membership fees and donations.

We invite you to join us for one of our free programs, visit us at the library, and think about becoming a member of the organization. Additionally, you can discover us on Facebook at PastfindersofSL.

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Since this weekend is the Groveland High School Reunion, we will be sharing some school history.

Around 1870, Simon Brown built his house and started his sugarcane crop along the Palatlakaha River. The community that formed around the river crossing on his land, became known as Brown’s Ford.

In 1896, Simon’s mother, Ellender, was buried on the neighboring land of the Dukes/Daniels family in what became known as Dukes Cemetery north of Graveyard Lake (Lake Catherine).

In 1899, Cassidina (Dukes) Daniels petitioned for a school to be built near the cemetery, likely as it also served as the community’s church. Cassidina nor her husband could read or write, but they wanted their children to have a proper education.

The school year was tailored for the farming communities, as it often lasted for just a few months , so the children could still provide the much needed labor for the family farm. Grades 1-8 were in session for six months.     

The school’s first teacher was R. B. Ervin. Ervin was the grandfather of Richard Ervin Jr., Florida’s Attorney General and Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, and Robert Ervin, a prominent lawyer in Tallahassee. Through Erwin’s influence, one of the Daniels’ sons became a minister and three of their daughters became school teachers. One of the daughters was Groveland’s well known Nellie (Mrs. Fletcher) Smith.

Another teacher was Alva Knight who went on to become Dr. Alva Knight, a prominent Chicago surgeon.

William Jessie Brown, who had taken over the Brown family farm, built the first “bridge” out of fence posts, so the girls living on the north side would be able to cross the river without getting their dresses wet on their way to school.

In 1904, as the community was moving closer to the new Taylorville train stop, Mr. Edge donated land for a new church and school, located at Greenwood Cemetery. It was known as the Union School.     

It was an upgrade from the one room shack, now with several classrooms on the first floor and a large auditorium on the top floor, complete with a stage.

The school boasted two teachers; one teaching grades one through four and the other grades five through eight.

Several faiths, including Methodists, worshipped at the Union Church in alternating Sunday services for 15 years.

This building would serve as the Taylorville and later Groveland school for over a decade.

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The new, 51,000-square-foot Science and Health building in Clermont will feature modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and state-of-the-art facilities to support nursing and other health-related programs. The building is designed to meet critical workforce needs and significantly increase student capacity in high-demand healthcare fields.

With this landmark investment, Lake-Sumter State College is poised to train the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthen the community’s access to quality care.

***

The Live Well Foundation of South Lake County was created to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health, wellness, and well-being of South Lake County residents.

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For a second year, the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall was part of Clermont’s Memorial Day Ceremony. The traveling wall is a smaller version of the Washington, D.C. memorial that honors the great sacrifices of the Vietnam War. The Patriot Guard Riders  escorted the memorial to Waterfront Park, where it was displayed through Monday, May 26. 

The ceremony featured keynote speaker Major Stanley Lay, a U.S. Army veteran with a distinguished military career, shared some experiences and memories from his 26-year military career.  He served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Currently, Major Lay serves as the VFW District Senior-Vice Commander of District 18 and remains an active member of Clermont VFW Post 5277 where he has held the positions of Post Commander and Service Officer.

Clermont Mayor Tim Murry, retired Air Force, welcomed guests. Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks delivered the official Memorial Day Proclamation. The presentation of colors presented by the Clermont Battalion was followed by special remarks from Congressman Daniel Webster.

All veterans and active-duty service members were invited to stand and be acknowledged for their service.  Four WWII veterans, all over 100 years old, were honored for their service. 

East Ridge High School Song Director Robert Walker led the “Rhythm of the Knights”, in an arrangement of patroitic songs.

A rifle salute honored the fallen, followed by a moving performance of Echo Taps, resonating through the solemn crowd.

“We must never forget those who gave everything for this Country,” said Robert Mock, CTMC (SS), USN, Retired, and a member of the South Lake Florida Base Submarine Veterans. “As Americans, it is our duty to honor those soldiers who gave their lives and to ensure our younger generations understand that sacrifice and carry on the tradition.”

The ceremony was presented by the South Lake Florida Base Submarine Veterans, VFW Post 5277, American Legion Post 55, and the Marine Corps League Detachment 1120—organizations dedicated to honoring the legacy and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. 

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The spirit of community and compassion was on full display on Saturday, April 12, as nearly 300 people gathered at Clermont’s Waterfront Park for the 2025 Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Clermont 5K. The event, hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) of Central Florida, brought together people of all ages for a morning filled with fun, unity, and purpose.

Kicking off bright and early at 7 am, the event offered participants more than just a walk or dash. Children delighted in a lively egg hunt, and families took pictures with the Easter Bunny, making it a festive affair for everyone. Participants also received commemorative T-shirts and medals, adding a personal memento to an already unforgettable day.

Kristi McElroy, Area Executive Director of MADD Central Florida, shared the event’s success with pride: “This year’s Walk in Clermont had close to 300 attendees and doubled our fundraising goal—raising over $40,000.”

Whether walking, running, or cheering from the sidelines, attendees came together in support of MADD’s vital mission: to eliminate drunk and drugged driving, prevent underage drinking, and support victims and survivors of impaired driving crashes.

McElroy added, “We are looking forward to next year’s event as we continue to bring further awareness within our community to help save lives. Hope to see you there!”

Since its founding in 1980, MADD has been a leading voice in the fight against impaired driving. Events like the Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash 5K not only raise crucial funds but also serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together to create safer roads and stronger communities.

For more information on MADD or how to get involved, visit www.madd.org.

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The 2025 Florida Scholastic Rowing Association (FSRA) Sculling Championships took place this past weekend, April 12 and 13, at the world-class Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. Rowers from across the state gathered for two days of intense competition, with Lake County Rowing Association (LCRA) delivering a standout performance.

LCRA entered eight events and showed exceptional strength across the board, advancing to the finals in six events. Seven of LCRA’s boat crews finished in the top ten statewide—a remarkable achievement that reflects the team’s dedication and growth.

The weekend’s highlight came with a historic milestone: LCRA captured its first-ever state championship title. Junior standout Sophia Picciano secured the gold medal in the Girls Lightweight Single event, making her the first LCRA athlete to win a state title in the club’s history.

Parents and Coaches agree that this is a breakthrough moment for the program. “The entire team has been training relentlessly, and Sophia’s victory represents the heart and grit of what we’re building here,” says Vice President Dana Kelly.

The weekend’s success underscores the club’s rising profile in Florida’s competitive rowing scene and sets a strong foundation for the remainder of the 2025 season.

With momentum and excitement, LCRA athletes, families, and coaches now look ahead to the FSRA Sweep Championships and Southeast Regionals.  Stay tuned for more updates from this up-and-coming powerhouse on the water.

For more information on the LCRA, visit https://rowlcra.org/contact/

 SOUTH LAKE TABLET CONGRATULATES LCRA and Junior standout Sophia Picciano, both SOUTH LAKE Champions. 

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