Approximately 40 years ago, Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young embarked on a mission to document Clermont’s history as part of the city’s 100th anniversary celebration of its founding in 1884. Their work culminated in the 1984 publication of “Clermont: Gem of the Hills, a History of Clermont, Florida, and Neighboring Communities.” This book quickly became a favorite among local historians.

Johnson dedicated countless hours to her research, armed with a trusty tape recorder and stacks of lined notebook paper. She meticulously sifted through South Lake Press archives and conducted interviews with locals, capturing their stories and insights. Her dedication ensured that a rich tapestry of Clermont’s history was preserved.

In an unfortunate turn of events, the original manuscript and printing plates were lost. However, the Cooper Memorial Library Board Association stepped in to retype over 300 pages and locate more than 200 photographs to sponsor a revised edition. The late Ann Dupee, a Library Board member, former South Lake Press owner, and Beta Theta Chapter member, played a crucial role in providing resources for this project.

The updated book is dedicated to two deceased Board Members: Ann Dupee and Ray Goodgame, who were passionate about improving the quality of life for others.

Doris Bloodsworth, a Pulitzer-nominated journalist who has reported for “The Wall Street Journal,” “Bloomberg,” and the “Orlando Sentinel,” became the primary writer and editor of this self-published book. Bloodsworth’s expertise and dedication have brought a fresh perspective to Clermont’s history.

Co-author Lisa Graham, a fifth-generation Lake County resident from Groveland, retyped the entire manuscript of the earlier book as a starting point for the new edition. Her efforts spanned 45 hours over three months.

Caryl Harris, a retired librarian from Cooper Memorial Library, played a key role in locating hundreds of images for the new book. Toni Bell, a retired high school teacher and beloved Clermont resident, researched the history of Clermont’s schools. Michelle Delaney, the editor and owner of the “South Lake Tablet,” researched Clermont’s 125th-anniversary celebration and contributed her insights from her years working at Clermont Elementary and running Clermont’s Christmas Parade.

Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young, the original co-authors, are credited for their foundational work, which significantly informed the new book.

“Clermont: From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions” can be purchased at Cooper Memorial Library, located at 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive (North Hancock), and at Sunshine Book Co., 647 Lake Ave., Clermont. Proceeds from the book sales are donated to Cooper Memorial Library.

This meticulously crafted book is not only a great read but also an excellent gift for anyone interested in the rich history of Clermont.

The post “CLERMONT: From Gem Of The Hills to Choice Of Champions” – A Chronicle of Clermont’s Rich History appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Approximately 40 years ago, Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young decided to write a book as part of Clermont’s 100th anniversary 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.

Johnson, 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 and sheets!

The original manuscript and printing plates were purged, 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.

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.

Doris Bloodsworth became the primary writer and editor of this self-published book.  Bloodsworth is a Pulitzer-nominated journalist who reported for “The Wall Street Journal,” “Bloomberg” and “Orlando Sentinel.”  

Lisa Graham is one of the co-authors. She is from Groveland and is a fifth-generation Lake County resident. Graham spent 45 hours over three months retyping the entire earlier book manuscript as a starting point for the new book.

Caryl Harris is a retired librarian from Cooper Memorial Library. Harris helped locate hundreds of images for the new book.

Toni Bell, a Jersey girl, was a beloved high school teacher until her retirement. Bell, a Clermont resident researched the history of some of the Clermont schools.  

Michelle Delaney worked in the Clermont Elementary school office featured in the historic film. She ran Clermont’s Christmas Parade many years ago and is the editor and owner of the “South Lake Tablet”. She researched Clermont’s 125th-anniversary celebration.

Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young were the co-authors of the earlier book. They are credited since they used a significant part of the earlier book for this new book.

“Clermont: From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions,” can be purchased at Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive (North Hancock).  Books are also available at Sunshine Book Co., 647 Lake Ave., Clermont.  Proceeds from sales of the book are donated to Cooper Memorial Library.

It’s a great read and an awesome gift.

The post Looking For The Perfect Gift? CLERMONT: From Gem Of The Hills To Choice Of Champions” appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Approximately 40 years ago, Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young decided to write a book as part of Clermont’s 100^thanniversary 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, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive (North Hancock).  They are also available at Sunshine Book Co., 647 Lake Ave., Clermont.  Proceeds from sales of the book are donated to Cooper Memorial Library.

The post A Great Read: “Clermont: From Gem Of The Hills To Choice Of Champions” appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Approximately 40 years ago, Miriam Johnson and Rosemary Young decided to write a book as part of Clermont’s 100^thanniversary 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.

The post “CLERMONT: From Gem Of The Hills to Choice Of Champions” appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The Library Association hopes that giving teachers and students access to the copy 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.

The post Cooper Memorial Library Association Delivers Clermont History Books To Local Clermont Schools appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The Book Launch event also will include showing a 1920s film of Clermont uncovered during the research for this book.

The new book, which will retail at $35, can be pre-ordered for a special early-bird rate of $25 at www.ClermontBook.com.

Caryl Harris, the library board president, said association members have been working on the book for over a year. The new history of Lake County’s largest city includes information from the Ice Age to the present. New details discuss the formation of the city’s signature ridges, the early Timucua tribes, profiles of the founders and historical details continuing through the recent Choice of Champions branding.

There are fresh, historical anecdotes about Clermont during the Cold War; the devastating freezes of the 1980s, which wiped out the citrus industry; the 1930s bank robbery by the infamous Ma Barker gang and folksy eyewitness accounts of early pioneer life not previously published.

“This has been a labor of love, and we’re so excited to share it with the community,” Harris said.

Harris, who retired as a reference librarian from Cooper Memorial Library, said the idea for the book began four years ago when a former history book, titled “Clermont: Gem of the Hills,” which was published during the city’s centennial in 1984, went out of print.

“We discovered the original plates no longer existed, so the book had to be retyped and more than 200 images had to be located and scanned,” said Doris Bloodsworth, who edited and co-authored the new version. “Then began the task of researching and writing the additional history.”

“Clermont, From Gem of the Hills to Choice of Champions” includes more than 70 pages of new stories and rare images.

All proceeds from the book will go to support programs at Cooper Memorial Library.

For more details, and to order the book at a special, pre-publication discounted price of $25, go to www.ClermontBook.com. The book will have a limited initial production and will not be available through Amazon or other online retailers in the near future.

The post “Clermont – From Gem Of The Hills To Choice Of Champions” (Launch Party December 2) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Bloodsworth and the Cooper Memorial Library Board have been working for several years to create a comprehensive history of the city, from 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 post Coming Soon – The History Of Clermont “Clermont: From Gem Of The Hills To Choice Of Champions” appeared first on South Lake Tablet.