by Chuck Seaver, The South Lake Tablet
The Spanish, stucco-style structure located at 659 West Juniata Street in Clermont has a long and transitional history in its ninety-eight-year-old existence. A history that began as a home and has paved its way to its present use as a successful dental business. The home was built in 1925 by the late Robert C. and Nellie Hollis Hooks. Robert is the son of the late Herring Hooks, one of the original land purchasers in the Clermont area.
Robert Hooks was instrumental in the foundation of many facets of Clermont’s early days. He was a founding member of what is now the First United Methodist Church located on 7th Street in Clermont, just one block from his Juniata Street home. The church was founded in 1866 with a membership of about 10. Hooks’ family, which included the late Winnie Hooks Seaver, took pride in singing old familiar hymns with no music.
Hooks was also noted for contracting with the county to establish the first county road system in 1889. The early roads used by pioneers in the territory, now known as south Lake County, were merely trails blazed by the early settlers. For $1,000.00, Hooks opened up 38 miles of pine straw roads. Map drawings dated in 1890, show several roads connecting small communities and settlements in the South Lake and West Orange County
area.
The naming of Juniata Street has been the focus of local legend for decades. One such folk story declares that the name Juniata was actually a misspelling of Juanita, the intended name of the street when the dirt streets were platted by the City of Clermont. Legend holds two variations; The name Juanita was selected by the Hooks family in honor of a close family friend. Version two dictates that the street was to be named Juanita in recognition of a movie company and studio that made a big splash in Clermont in 1922. The company, Juanita Films, also of Tampa, New York and Chicago, had the townspeople of Clermont in a state of excitement. Unfortunately, the company folded in 1923 after making three two-reel comedies. The accuracy of either legend may never be confirmed as notes and handwritten plats have been lost over time.
Fast forward to the present time, the home that was once purchased for an estimated 10.00 near the turn of the 20th Century, is now a successful dental business. New Age Dentistry has occupied the structure since 2014. Dr. Oscar Rosario, the business owner, is quoted in his business profile “we strive to provide only the highest quality of dental care while being compassionate and sincere with each patient’s needs”.
The solid structure remains strong and continues to emulate most of its original features and style. Although the purpose of the historical home has changed, the charm and feeling of a “small town home” remains.
