* Alumni reunion news
* Ghost towns!
* 1960 - a Year to Remember
* Groveland's diverse heritage
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Ghost Towns around Groveland
 Have you ever heard of Sheridan or Varnell? Although these ghost towns that were located in present-day Groveland no longer exist, there are some ghost towns whose names remain, such as Villa City, Empire and Carter's Island.
Sheridan was located near the current intersection of Highways 33 and 50, while Varnell was near Green Valley Country Club. It was the site of one of the area's earliest schools.
This Saturday, March 13, at 11 a.m., author Steve Rajtar will present a program and slideshows on Lake County ghost towns and historic hiking trails around Groveland and Mascotte. Free! Public invited.
On March 27, at 11 a.m., Bob Grenier will talk about Civil War soldier Capt. Melton Haynes. Peggy Sloan will discuss the mission and activities of the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Groveland's earliest permanent resident was former Confederate soldier Daniel Sloan. William Slone, from whom Slone's Ridge got its name, was another early settler who was a Confederate veteran.
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| 1960 -- A Year to Remember |
The Class of 1960 will be the class honored at this year's GHS Reunion. Pictured above are the 1960 GHS varsity cheerleaders.
How well do you remember 1960?
1. What dance was introduced by Chubby Checkers?
2. This president won the closest election of the century up to that time, many believe because of his appearance during a televised debate.
3. This rock and roll icon was released from the Army and immediately scored hit songs.
4. This Alfred Hitchcock thriller was the year's most talked about movie.
5. This TV show was the first cartoon to appear in prime time.
6. Among the top 20 hits for that year were two fun songs. Can you fill in the missing words?
"She wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny ____ ____ ___ ___."
"There's a man in the funny papers we all know, ___ ___ __ __ ___ __." >> CLICK HERE t o e-mail your answers. The first one to get all correct will win Jack Speer's latest CD, Lookin' Back. |
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GHS Alumni Web site
If you wish to view the GHS Web site, and haven't joined already, contact Deborah Whitmore Hicks at WSAdmin@myfamily.com, and she will help you register.
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| Groveland's Diverse Heritage
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The Senior Jamboree, an outreach of the Groveland Historical Society, highlighted the city's rich and diverse heritage this month. Many of the turpentine workers who first settled early Taylorville were African-Americans. Lots of Swedish families came from Illinois beginning around 1911. At one time, Groveland had two Swedish newspapers. Many of the families who made citrus so successful were Italian-Americans. These groups, and others, brought strong work ethics and values that helped shaped Groveland's history.
The above-pictured citrus label was from the Micheloni-Leininger groves. Peter Micheloni was one of several Italian-Americans who became successful in citrus. Other families included: the Ciancianis, Galassis, Micheles, Giachettis, Silvas, and Mussatos.
In the early years, Groveland residents joined in celebrating the different festivals that included ethnic foods. In addition to the cultures already mentioned, there also were several German families.
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We need more docents
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Please help us staff the museum for two hours on a Saturday of your choice. It's fun and educational.
To find out more, call Marie Padgett at 352-429-4318.
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Historically Yours |
GHS Alumni News
Those who attended Groveland High School, and their spouses and guests, are invited to the 2010 alumni reunion on Saturday, March 20.
It's not too late to register. >>CLICK HERE to download the registration application or to get more information.
The historical museum will be open for the alumni and the public. See new exhibits and a special display of homecoming queens.
SPECIAL ALUMNI NOTE!
Let us know if you want any of the following, and we'll have it ready for you to pick up during the alumni reunion. Save mailing charges!
1. Images of America: Groveland, a pictorial history of Groveland and GHS. Author will be on hand to sign copies. >>Click to reserve. ===================
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HISTORY SERIES
The Groveland Historical Museum has been hosting special programs free to the public. More than 60 people attended the first two programs. Next up:
MAR. 13 -- Steve Rajtar: Historical Trails of Groveland-Mascotte and Lake County; Ghost Towns of Lake County. Especially interesting for Scouts.
MAR. 27 -- Bob Grenier: will discuss Civil War soldier and Florida pioneer Capt. Melton Haynes; Peggy Sloan will discuss the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Scenes from Feb. programs
Above: Marie Padgett (left) and Gloria Fairchild (2nd from left) join the doo wop singers, Jukebox. 
Above: Tuskegee Airman, Daniel Keel (left) spoke about his history-making experiences. He was introduced by Groveland City Council Member, and the city's first black mayor, James Smith (right).
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Giving Tree
Honors Donors
The Groveland Historical Museum honors donors with a laminated orange inscribed with their name on a wall-size tree at the museum entrance.
You can mail donations to:
Groveland Historical Society, P.O. Box 761, Groveland, FL 34736.
Suggested donations:
$25 = single
$50 = family
$100 = business
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