Mount Dora in Lake County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Mount Dora Topic

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, October 30, 2025

1. Mount Dora Topic Marker

Inscription. John P. Donnelly constructed this building following the fire of 1922. The Mount Dora Topic & Publishing Company occupied this building for nearly 40 years with multiple owners. The most notable was Mabel Norris Reese, owner, editor, and journalist of the Mount Dora Topic from 1947-1960. She fought for justice through the freedom of the press, and her courageous use of the written word brought to light the struggle for civil rights in Lake County.

Erected 2025 by Mount Dora Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Communications • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.

Location. 28° 48′ N, 81° 38.677′ W. Marker is in Mount Dora, Florida, in Lake County. It is on North Donnelly Street north of East 4th Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the exterior wall of the building that currently houses Gold in Art Jewelers. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 420 N Donnelly St, Mount Dora FL 32757, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Orlando

and in Central Florida.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bank Of Mount Dora (here, next to this marker); Dr. T.N. Lewis Drugstore (a few steps from this marker); Rephbaum Hardware

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Dora Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Donnelly Street Through The Years (within shouting distance of this marker); Kimball’s Garage (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Dora The Beginning Years (within shouting distance of this marker); Monroe Vann Simpson Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Dora.

Also see . . .
1. Mable Norris Reese: Fearless Voice for Truth. (Submitted on October 30, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. New Project Highlights Mona Dora’s Historic Buildings. (Submitted on October 30, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
3. History of Mount Dora. (Submitted on October 30, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Mount Dora Topic Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.