Quote:
Originally Posted by swooner
You are 100% correct. When I first came here in 1992 the only name connected to TV was Harold Schwartz. He is probably turning over in his grave as he watches what's become of it.
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While it's true that most people only knew the name of Harold Schwartz in connection with The Villages, Gary Morse had been highly involved since 1983.
Often in the case of big companies like this, there is a Mr Inside and a Mr Outside. Harold Schwartz was a personable guy that made himself very visible. I have spoken with residents on the Historic side that told stories of how he would invite people into his house for iced tea and cookies. He would personally greet people who came for lifestyle visits and give them his home phone number.
Gary Morse was different type person. He worked behind the scenes and keep to himself. He was a very private person who shunned attention and the media. He allowed his father to deal with all of that. But it was his vision and ideas that turned a little mobile home park into what we now know as The Villages.
The truth is that the two of them worked together to build The Villages.
It was in 1992, coincidently, that the name of the development was changed from Orange Blossom Gardens to The Villages. So you might have been one of the first residents of The Villages.