COW HOUSE LAKE–SOUNDS LIKE SOME PLACE YOU’D LIKE TO VISIT–WHY NOT?

THE first half of season over—and it’s on Demand (STARZ) till new 2nd half in April…Love OUTLANDER. Am 3/4 through first book (Outlander)

Today it’s another little or practically unknown town in Florida–where else? MINNEOLA

On Old 50 (not to be confused with the new one that’s just HWY 50)just after it crosses 27 past Clermont’s tower is Minneola.

Minneola is a city in Lake County, Florida, United States. The population was 5,435 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 7,253. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneola,_Florida (as of 2014 poupulation is almost 9,500)

The town’s name is a Minnesota Sioux word and was used by surveryor (1880s) George Hull at the urging of his wife which replaced the original name for the lake (Cow House). It eventually became the name for the town as well–which when he came there had no name.

The early settlement’s existence centered around a large lumber mill that ran from the center of town down to the lake, but when the timber ran out so did this source of employment and income and the town remained obscure. (BEST BACKROADS OF FLORIDA/Waitley)

POINTS OF INTEREST http://www.montverdeumc.org/t786/activities/historical-hikes/minneola-historical-trail/

Minneola Cemetery: East side of Grassy Lake Rd., across from Pearl St. Ralph C. Humiston donated the land for this cemetery in 1884. The entrance gate was dedicated in his honor in 1953 by the Minneola Progressivites.

Site of Smith Homestead: North shore of Plum Lake Near here was the homestead of Minneola’s first settlers, Capt. William A. Smith and wife, Sylvania, known as Uncle Bily and Aunt Sally, and her aunt Elizabeth Parish. They arrived here from Georgia following the Civil War. He built a log cabin on the north shore of Plum Lake, also known as Lake Juniata or Stokes’ Lake. Later, they moved to the north shore of Cow House Lake, now known as Lake Minneola.

Jack’s Barbecue: This restaurant was started by Jack Underwood in the early 1950s.

Heddon House: Northwest corner of Main Ave. and Osceola St. (110 Main Ave.) In 1904, W.T. and Laura Heddon came to Minneola from Dowajiac, Michigan. Their family manufactured fishing tackle, and for years they tested their products in the lakes of Central Florida. Their first home was built in 1909, and the second in 1915 was at the location. Mr. Heddon built the town’s first public water system and served as mayor from 1933 to 1937.

Christian and Missionary Alliance Church: Northeast corner of Main Ave. and Washington St. (409 Main Ave). The Minneola Methodist Church was first built in the northeast part of Minneola in 1888, and was used both as a church and a school until a regular school building was erected. In April of 1894, A.K. Rowan donated this site and paid to have the building moved onto it. It was then dedicated as the Methodist Episcopal Church, North. In 1925, the building was acquired by the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. The original building was torn down and a new one was erected in 1976-78.

Straker House: Robert and Elizabeth Straker arrived in Minneola in 1884. Robert died in a mill accident, and Elizabeth operated the commissary for the lumber people. She then built and operated a boarding house for mill workers, adding several additions. The Straker House became known for comfort and good food. It burned down in about 1912, and was replaced with the present structure. A lumber mill and train station were nearby. After the Depression, the lodge was remodeled into apartments, and it was operated without overnight guests from 1964 until 1980. Then, Steve and Shari Parrish acquired it and restored a Victorian atmosphere. It opened in 1990 as the Lake Minneola Inn, a bed and breakfast establishment. It features wraparound porches on both the first and second floors and elaborate shingle work.

Lake Minneola Inn 508 Main Street This inn is a turn of the century hotel located on the eastern shore of Lake Minneola. The inn offers an escape from ordinary lodging – the rooms are furnished and decorated with antiques and collectables of the era.

DON’T FORGET MY STORE (CLICK ON STORE ABOVE) SPONSORS THIS SITE

This item hasn’t been entered on store yet–if you’re interested just mention snowman plate on Minneola Blog page (contact me at sarren126@gmail.com) for more info, price and purchase info.

AND EVEN SOME MINNEOLA COLLECTIBLES: