History can sometimes hold interesting twist’s and lost legend, both big and small.

by | Sep 25, 2026 | Uncategorized

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A Clermont History Story

The Benches That Won a Place in Clermont History

A 1950 debate over downtown seating left a legacy you can still sit on today.

Green historic bench near the Cooper Memorial Library at Clermont Historic Village
A preserved bench at the Clermont Historic Village.

History has its twists, including small decisions that leave a lasting mark. In downtown Clermont, one such decision began with a question: Should benches be placed along the sidewalks of Montrose Street?

A downtown disagreement in 1950

Local business owners wanted benches along Montrose Street, but city council members initially rejected the proposal. Frustrated by that decision, downtown retail merchants joined forces with the Kiwanis Club of Clermont to petition the council to reconsider.

The issue had a personal connection for many involved: several business owners and council members were Kiwanians. Council President Albert Johnson was also a member of the Clermont Kiwanis Club at the time.

From Montrose Street to the Village

Over time, the benches were removed from the downtown sidewalks and moved into city storage or to other public locations. Several have been preserved and are now in use at the Clermont Historic Village and Center Lake Park.

Green historic bench beside a walkway at Clermont Historic Village
A bench along a Village walkway.
Wooden bench on the grounds of Clermont Historic Village
Another preserved bench at the Village.
Historic green bench overlooking the water at Center Lake Park
A surviving bench at Center Lake Park.

Come take a seat in history

Visit the Clermont Historic Village for a museum tour, then take a rest on one of the benches that began as a downtown debate in 1950.

Open: Saturdays and Sundays, 1–4 p.m.
Location: 490 West Avenue, Clermont, Florida 34711

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