by Donna Digennaro, Clermont Historic Society
The year 1916 was a big one for Clermont and Minneola. That was the year that the very first multi-classroom school opened here. Not only did it house multiple classrooms, it also had two stories and was constructed entirely out of brick. It was a formidable structure. So formidable that it lasted for generations. Many long-time Clermont residents can remember when it was torn down.
Lucky for us, not everything was lost when the building was razed. Some forward-thinking former students got permission to go into the school and harvest items. The decedents of one such individual have generously donated those items to the Clermont Historic Village where several of them are already on display in the Village’s one-room schoolhouse. Come to the Village any Friday between 1:00 and 3:00 pm or any Saturday or Sunday between 1:00 and 4:00 pm to see a large green classroom door, a beautifully carved stair newel post, and the school’s engraved white marble dedication slab as well as photographs of the school.
Admission to the Historic Village is always free but a donation of $3.00 per person is requested. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase as are a variety of Village souvenirs.
If you are interested in the history of Clermont or in history in general, why don’t you consider joining the Clermont Historical Society? Membership is just $25.00 per person or $35.00 for a couple annually. Visit our Facebook page to see what is happening at the Village or attend one of our monthly meetings. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month in the Train Depot at the Village. The board meeting (open to the public) is at 6:00 PM followed by a presentation at 7:00 pm. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 13th.
