A Brief History of Mount Dora, Florida

by Gary McKechnie, Nancy Howell

Overview

Mount Dora is known for its southern charm and New England look, yet its history is just as engaging. The "Festival City" began with the arrival of pioneer families such as the Drawdys, Simpsons and Tremains. In the 1880s, it became a popular destination for Chautauqua events, when visitors gathered beside Lake Gertrude and Lake Dora for educational and cultural enrichment. In the twentieth century, Mount Dora weathered economic setbacks and racial conflict before becoming a premier city of the arts. Today, this beautiful lakefront community welcomes thousands of visitors to its numerous festivals, events and active shopping village. Join authors Gary McKechnie and Nancy Howell as they celebrate the intriguing history of their town.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781625856524
Publisher:	The History Press
Publication date:	01/11/2016
Series:	Brief History
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Nancy Howell is a former television producer and on-air personality who currently owns and operates the Coconut Cottage Inn B&B and runs Mount Dora Productions with her husband, Gary McKechnie. She also serves as the executive director of the Mount Dora Music Festival and has volunteered extensively throughout the community for many years. Her service on numerous local boards, committees and organizations has left an immense impact on the historical and cultural legacy of Mount Dora.

Gary McKechnie is a former stand-up comedian, improv actor and author of the nation's best-selling motorcycle guidebook, Great American Motorcycle Tours. He has written for National Geographic, Walt Disney World, Fodor's, Rand McNally, People, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Atlanta Constitution, Orlando Sentinel, Miami Herald and many more. McKechnie also lectures on American travel, culture and music aboard the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and the ships of Seabourn and Silversea.

Table of Contents

Foreword Gilbert King 9

Preface 13

Acknowledgements 13

Introduction 15

1 The Middle of Nowhere 17

2 What Becomes a Legend Most 21

3 Settle Down Now 27

4 Founding Fathers (and Mother) 33

5 Get Smart 43

6 Picking Up Steam 49

7 The Big Chill 53

8 Getting in Shape 59

9 The Roaring '20s 65

10 Never Give Up 81

11 On Roads, Race and Radiation 93

12 The Times They Are a-Ghangin' 103

13 Getting Better All the Time 111

14 Mount Dora Today 123

15 Mount Dora: The More You Know 129

Sources 149

Index 151

About the Authors 155