The path to a stately Lake County home still remains, now relocated near the shores of Lake Minneola, just beyond the famed bike path used by triathletes.
"We did have the two train tracks coming through here,” says Charles Konsler, a Lake County Historian. “They gave up on the trains."
The hands of time have stood still in a village with a nod to the past. On less than an acre awaits a large amount of history at the Clermont Historic Village Museum.
"The young people today have great difficulty imagining living without electricity; without running water. Going potty in a building outside the house,” says Dolores Gano Walker pointing to an outhouse, complete with a mannequin and her Sears catalog needing privacy.
Dolores is proud to say she was born in 1926. The Clermont historian is now 88 years young, and still as sharp as a tack.
The museum Dolores is so passionate about is home to houses, a library, a WWII exhibit and the Clermont railroad depot.
All of the historic buildings that make up Claremont historic village are native to Lake County. Some began their service here almost 100 years ago, while others relocated here, after urban sprawl threatened their survival.
"We have been very fortunate to salvage two entirely different architectural styles, representing two entirely different lifestyles,” Dolores says.
The Townsand Home holds special significance.
"It's my understanding, that they were the first black family to make their home in Clermont,” she says gazing at the wood frame home.
The Kern House next door is representative of homes from 1895. Modeled after a home in new Jersey, the home is open for tours three days a week.
"We were very lucky to get that house," Dolores says.
Keep an eye out. Inside most of the structures, push a red button, and get a history lesson. Many of the buildings have audio recordings that provide background information.
The only structure recreated is a school house, designed to give an idea about what early education was all about.
"This was almost outside of town right here,” Charles concludes.
NOTE: The Clermont Historic Village Museum is open Friday and weekend afternoons.
More Information
Where:
Clermont, Lake County
Open:
Friday – Sunday
Hours:
Friday: 1pm-3pm
Saturday & Sunday: 1pm-4pm
Tickets:
Free. Donations appreciated
Address:
490 West Avenue
Clermont, FL 34711
Website:
http://www.s-lchs.org/index
Parking:
Free
Accessiblity Note:
Stairs lead into all the structures, with the exception of the WWII Quonset Hut, School House and Train Depot
GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude: 28.557298
Longitude: -81.770922
Latitude: 28° 33' 26.2722"
Longitude: -81° 46' 15.3186"
Drive Times:
From Orlando: 40 minutes
From Tampa: 1 hour, 20 minutes
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