Mt Dora in Lake County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
1. The Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club Marker
The Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club was envisioned in 1925 by Willard Bryant and Fred Thompson, two winter visitors from Hartford, Connecticut. They approached Charles Edgerton, owner of the historic Lakeside Inn and member of the City’s Park Commission, to assist in obtaining Council’s approval for constructing lawn bowling rinks downtown.
After three years of planning, the Lawn Bowling Club was oficially organized on April 7, 1928 with 20 members. A dedication ceremony was held one week later for the three hard-packed sand lawn bowling rinks.
In 1938, the City used grants from the Federal Work Progress Administration (WPA) to add seven more rinks and lights for night bowling. An additional four rinks were completed in 1963, bringing the total to 14 rinks. The Lawn Bowling Club’s membership grew to 324 members.
The Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club is one of the largest Bowls USA affiliated clubs in the United States. The Club is a valuable historic asset which brings national and international lawn bowlers to the City.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is April 7, 1928.
Location. 28° 47.831′ N, 81° 38.677′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lakeside Inn (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sonnentag Theater at the Icehouse (about 500 feet away); The Rehbaum Warehouse (about 600 feet away); Atlantic Coast Line Train Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Mount Dora Post Office (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Joe (approx. ¼ mile away); The World War (approx. ¼ mile away); John P. Donnelly House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mt Dora.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
2. The Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club Marker
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
3. Photo Insert Top Right: Dedication of Rinks April 13, 1928
South end of rinks, standing L-R:
J.J. West, Mayor D.C. Sherman, Dan Bishop,
John P. Donnelly, “Jack” Converse, Jane Wolfert,
Francis Simpson, Linnie Holly.
J.J. West, Mayor D.C. Sherman, Dan Bishop,
John P. Donnelly, “Jack” Converse, Jane Wolfert,
Francis Simpson, Linnie Holly.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
4. Photo Insert Bottom Right: lower Rinks c. 1960’s
Public Domain
5. Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club c. 1940s
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, February 2, 2020
6. Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club Sign
Club website homepage:
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 13, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
