Our next event at the historic Green Street Church,
510 S. Indiana Avenue, Englewood:
7pm, April 26
Rhoda Clovis “Cyprus Gardens”
Englewood’s own Rhoda Clovis will talk about her career as a model and water skier at Cypress Gardens during its heyday in the 1950s.
Rhoda has been a resident of Englewood for 54 years. She owned Rhoda’s Swimwear for 30 years.
We asked her how she became an Aquamaid:
”When I was 16, I was invited to spend a week at Beautiful Cypress Gardens to see if I was photogenic and had any Water skiing abilities (I had learned to ski on Lake Dora in Mt. Dora, Fl. Where I attended school.) I was asked to come back and work there after high school, but went on to the University of Florida. I eventually agreed to accept the position of water skier and model at Cypress Gardens.
“I married their head photographer, Trammell Pickett and moved to Sarasota and then Englewood.
“I have two wonderful sons who never left Englewood (Tram Pickett (co-owner of Berlin Sign Co) and Travis Pickett (Owner of Native Charters in Englewood). I have 4 grandchildren and 3 great grands.”
Rhoda appeared along with Esther Williams in the 1953 film “Easy To Love.”
Join us Tuesday, April 26 at 7pm at the Historic Green Street Church, 510 Indiana Ave., Englewood.
All are invited.
Admission is FREE but your tax-deductible contributions are always greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
About Cypress Gardens:
(Click for Larger View)
When Dick Pope Sr. opened his Cypress Gardens in 1936, the park in Winter Haven became Florida’s first large-scale tourist attraction. Pope turned marshland into a garden showplace for 8,000 varieties of plants and trees. By 1943, Cypress Gardens became known as the water ski capital of the world, attracting Hollywood stars and providing the setting for many movies. Cypress Gardens closed in 2009, becoming Legoland Florida Resort. Cypress Gardens remains as part of the attraction.
The Green Street Church
The Historical Society is responsible for maintaining the historic Green Street Church building and its property. These expenses include lawn mowing, water, electricity, landscaping maintenance, insurance, taxes, building upkeep, etc.
We thank all of you who are sending in donations to help us maintain this historic landmark.
CLICK THE BUTTON TO DONATE VIA CREDIT CARD
If you prefer, you can mail your tax-deductible donation to:
Lemon Bay Historical Society,
P. O. Box 1245,
Englewood, FL 34295
Thank you!
NOTE: We are now booking weddings and meetings at the Green Street Church building.
For information call (305) 504-7220.
Leave a message and we will get back to you.
Click Here for More Information
You can also contact us by mail at the above address.
Logo Designed and Carved by Robert Cashatt, 1993
MORE INFO ON THE HISTORIC GREEN STREET CHURCH
(Painting by Carmichael, 1990)
