H. Gary Morse, the developer and founder of the Villages???

[Villagesgal]

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.

[Chi-Town]

Uh-oh. There goes his statue.

[davem4616]

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.

Didn't notice it until I read your post

I recall reading somewhere that when Mr. Schwartz invited Gary Morse to come down and help him manage things it was called Orange Blossom Gardens (or something like that)...which is the area that we refer to today as 'the historic district'.

Mr. Morse, not Mr. Schwartz could easily have been the visionary and founder of the sprawling new development called "The Villages". The historic section was annexed into TV and given a Villages identity.

So, call it semantics if you want...doubtful that the Morse family is trying to nullify the work and efforts of Mr. Schwartz....his statue is still in Spanish Springs

just my guess...

[graciegirl]

Didn't notice it until I read your post

I recall reading somewhere that when Mr. Schwartz invited Gary Morse to come down and help him manage things it was called Orange Blossom Gardens (or something like that)...which is the area that we refer to today as 'the historic district'.

Mr. Morse, not Mr. Schwartz could easily have been the visionary and founder of the sprawling new development called "The Villages". The historic section was annexed into TV and given a Villages identity.

So, call it semantics if you want...doubtful that the Morse family is trying to nullify the work and efforts of Mr. Schwartz....his statue is still in Spanish Springs

just my guess...

I like what you said and how you said it.

Harold Schwartz started the development of modular homes called Orange Blossom Gardens and when Gary Morse, his son, whose mother changed his last name when she remarried, when Gary Morse came from Michigan to join his father who came from Illinois, when site built homes and the first squares came to be and things started on a much bigger scale, THEN it became;

The Villages.

[Stu from NYC]

I like what you said and how you said it.

Harold Schwartz started the development of modular homes called Orange Blossom Gardens and when Gary Morse, his son, whose mother changed his last name when she remarried, when Gary Morse came from Michigan to join his father who came from Illinois, when site built homes and the first squares came to be and things started on a much bigger scale, THEN it became;

The Villages.

Someone should write a book on how the Villages came to be what it is today

[davem4616]

Someone should write a book on how the Villages came to be what it is today


Stu I think there is one...called living in the bubble or something like that

the author had also been sending tidbits out electronically

he seemed to be an advisor for developers of other 55+ communities

[EdFNJ]

Someone should write a book on how the Villages came to be what it is today The Complete Guide to The Villages, FL (https://www.insidethebubble.net/book/) Interesting book. More for "before buying a home" but a lot of history in it.

[ficoguy]

May The Schwartz be with you.

[Stu from NYC]

The Complete Guide to The Villages, FL (https://www.insidethebubble.net/book/) Interesting book. More for "before buying a home" but a lot of history in it.

Its available as an ebook for $ 27 and is periodically updated. When you buy it you are entitled to free updates for life (not sure whose).

Will contemplate this.

[Villageswimmer]

Its available as an ebook for $ 27 and is periodically updated. When you buy it you are entitled to free updates for life (not sure whose).

Will contemplate this.


Stu,
If you haven’t visited Rohan Rec Center, you should. You can learn a lot about TV history there. Take your time and look at the many family photos and aerial shots of TV development. It’s fascinating. One could spend an afternoon there. Did you know that Katie Belle was a real person?

[davem4616]

Someone should write a book on how the Villages came to be what it is today


Stu, check out the book "Inside The Bubble" by Ryan Erisman

[Topspinmo]

Uh-oh. There goes his statue.


Don’t let outsiders know of the status, if so it might be peaceful protest as they tear it down? :icon_wink:

[Keninches]

Go to Rohan Rec, nicely done history of how The Villages started and pictures. It was Harold Schwartz, not Morse. Just because your name was changed by your mother doesn’t change your bloodline. Don’t change history.

[Rwirish]

There is one

[swooner]

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.
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.

[Kathy Plato]

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.
Absolutely remember Mr Schwartz walking in the Historic area asking if everything was all right for residents!

[FredJacobs]

My understanding is that Orange Blossom Gardens, founded by Harold Schwartz, became successful and grew into a large area. Mr. Schwartz thought that Orange Blossom Gardens no longer fit because the area was much larger than a "garden" and already had designated areas. As the story goes, Mr. Schwartz held a referendum among the owners and asked them to vote for a new name. He offered them a choice of "The Villages" or "Schwartzville." The rest is history!

[bowlingal]

Stu.... there is and it's called Leisureville

[dewilson58]

Stu.... there is and it's called Leisureville


Not about TV, just a trash story to sell paper.

[dewilson58]

You are 100% correct.He is probably turning over in his grave as he watches what's become of it.


Actually not..................he worked with Gary on the vision. Things change. Sam Walton is not turning either.

[Dgodin]

Didn't notice it until I read your post

I recall reading somewhere that when Mr. Schwartz invited Gary Morse to come down and help him manage things it was called Orange Blossom Gardens (or something like that)...which is the area that we refer to today as 'the historic district'.

Mr. Morse, not Mr. Schwartz could easily have been the visionary and founder of the sprawling new development called "The Villages". The historic section was annexed into TV and given a Villages identity.

So, call it semantics if you want...doubtful that the Morse family is trying to nullify the work and efforts of Mr. Schwartz....his statue is still in Spanish Springs

just my guess...
The historic section was first and was not annexed later to the villages. The rest of the villages came into being after the golf cart bridge was completed over 441 and the first square was built. Before that a temporary square, actually a tent, existed in the historic area by the post office.

[Sailohio]

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.

I would think the Morse family knows more about the history of The Villages then you or I would. They lived it. If I were you I’d let this go.

[Kerry Azz]

That would be a sad story.

[UseYourBrain]

Why do they have different last names? Just curious.

[Worldseries27]

The author of the article could have phrased it a little more succinctly, however its main premise remains 100% spot on.
The morse children have been the expansion driving force post spanish springs and engineering the real growth of the villages. They have spent their youth and the rest of their lives in that endeavor. Let's hope they have conveyed their dreams for the villages to the next generation

[Keninches]

Go see the history at Rohan Recreation. The family put the history for all to see. It was Harold Schwartz. Gary Morse’s mother changed his name.

[Marathon Man]

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.

Actually, he is beaming with pride.

[diamond2005]

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.
The Morse family (Developer and his two sisters), need to realize, if it had not been for their grandfather (Harold Schwartz), they would not be living the life style they now have. They should honor him, and their father!

[HelenLCSW]

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.

Schwartz was Jewish — it seems they want to separate themselves from that heritage

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Without Gary , the whole place would be the historic side.

[SacDQ]

Where did the phrase “Turning Over in the Grave” come from?

[SharonW]

Didn't notice it until I read your post

I recall reading somewhere that when Mr. Schwartz invited Gary Morse to come down and help him manage things it was called Orange Blossom Gardens (or something like that)...which is the area that we refer to today as 'the historic district'.

Mr. Morse, not Mr. Schwartz could easily have been the visionary and founder of the sprawling new development called "The Villages". The historic section was annexed into TV and given a Villages identity.

So, call it semantics if you want...doubtful that the Morse family is trying to nullify the work and efforts of Mr. Schwartz....his statue is still in Spanish Springs

just my guess...

Gary Morse was Mr. Schwartz son. Mr. Schwartz was partners with some other gentlemen and started Orange Blossom Mobile Homes. When Harold bought out his partners he called his son Gary to come down and take over. Harold went back to Chicago where he worked in radio.Gary and his wife Sharon built The Villages you see today. Harold was still very much a part of The Villages but Gary was the driving force that made The Villages what it is today. Mark, Jennifer and Tracy, their children, grew up and worked in The Villages with their Dad and Mom and their work ethic was developed by their Mom, Dad and Grandfather.

[dewilson58]

Schwartz was Jewish — it seems they want to separate themselves from that heritage


:what:

[NoMoSno]

Tarrinson and Schwartz started selling mail-order properties called "Orange Blossom Gardens" further north near 42/441.
Later they decided further south, where the historic side is now, would be a better location for expansion.
The area around 42 is still called "Orange Blossom Gardens".

[Tadpole]

That really sucks. Harold Schwartz's statue is on Spanish Springs Town square. Will they take that down?

[Stu from NYC]

Gary Morse was Mr. Schwartz son. Mr. Schwartz was partners with some other gentlemen and started Orange Blossom Mobile Homes. When Harold bought out his partners he called his son Gary to come down and take over. Harold went back to Chicago where he worked in radio.Gary and his wife Sharon built The Villages you see today. Harold was still very much a part of The Villages but Gary was the driving force that made The Villages what it is today. Mark, Jennifer and Tracy, their children, grew up and worked in The Villages with their Dad and Mom and their work ethic was developed by their Mom, Dad and Grandfather.

Thank you for the family history.

[wrsom]

Saw it and had the SAME reaction!! Mr Scwartz was great man with the vision of a wonderful place different from ALL others! Give the man credit!!

[justjim]

The historic section was first and was not annexed later to the villages. The rest of the villages came into being after the golf cart bridge was completed over 441 and the first square was built. Before that a temporary square, actually a tent, existed in the historic area by the post office.

Just to add to your post a very large tent was erected just south of the Spanish Springs Square prior to the square being built and finished as it now stands. When the tent came down a new more elaborate sales office took its place on the south portion of Spanish Springs Square. Unlike his Son Gary Morse, Harold Schwartz often “hung out” at the Sales Office and greeted people as they came into the building. We met Mr. Schwartz in the New Sales Office on our lifestyle visit. You couldn’t ask for a nicer or more personal man who was very helpful to visitors that came to The Villages. We were waiting for our Sales Representative to show up, when he came over to greet us and ask us where we were from and “small talked” for a few minutes “ I’m Harold Schwartz and if you need anything at all don’t hesitate to call and ask for me”, Mr. Schwartz said to us. He was a hospitality guy and I believe that he meant what he said. Morse was the planner and Schwartz was the salesman and they apparently made a good team.

[graciegirl]

That really sucks. Harold Schwartz's statue is on Spanish Springs Town square. Will they take that down?

Why would you think that or post that??? What really sucks?? Harold will stay in the pond and we will be very glad he did what he did and his family honored him with the statue.

[manaboutown]

If they are still around there are some old threads addressing this topic. Several good written sources were cited in them; even a video or two were available if I recall correctly. It is a fascinating story of folks who worked hard and never gave up when faced with numerous hurdles to overcome.

[graciegirl]

Why do they have different last names? Just curious.

Gary's mother and dad divorced when he was a little guy. I would guess that would be in the early forties. (Harold Schwartz married several times) Gary's mother married a man named Morse and moved back to Michigan where she had grown up. In the early forties there was much talk of Hitler and much fear among Jewish families. I have heard this said that she changed his name to Morse to protect him from the harm that was happening to Jews in Europe. It is the tale I have been told. Gary's brother of course, from a different mother still goes by the name Schwartz. Gary's sister has recently retired from the country store and bakery she ran for years, called Brownwood, in Michigan. We have seen pictures of her wonderful donuts and met a real live person who lived in the area that knew them back then and thus the story about his name change. It is a story told us from a delightful person who lived near the old Brownwood and now lives near the new one. Gary also brought many craftsmen with him and even some landscapers too. Gary and Sharon. Sharon died of cancer and Gary remarried and lived with his wife in the compound on the North side of 466.

[tophcfa]

I am guessing Gary would not be very happy about a high density rental apartment complex being built at
the site of one of the Championship Country Clubs he created for the single family homeowners he sold their dream homes to.

[allsport]

Didn't notice it until I read your post

I recall reading somewhere that when Mr. Schwartz invited Gary Morse to come down and help him manage things it was called Orange Blossom Gardens (or something like that)...which is the area that we refer to today as 'the historic district'.

Mr. Morse, not Mr. Schwartz could easily have been the visionary and founder of the sprawling new development called "The Villages". The historic section was annexed into TV and given a Villages identity.

So, call it semantics if you want...doubtful that the Morse family is trying to nullify the work and efforts of Mr. Schwartz....his statue is still in Spanish Springs

just my guess...

As is his body or rather ashes under the statue.

[Cranford61]

Someone should write a book on how the Villages came to be what it is todayi don’t think it will make the NYT bestseller list.

[Westie Man]

Uh-oh. There goes his statue.

heck

[graciegirl]

Tarrinson and Schwartz started selling mail-order properties called "Orange Blossom Gardens" further north near 42/441.
Later they decided further south, where the historic side is now, would be a better location for expansion.
The area around 42 is still called "Orange Blossom Gardens".

Tarrson.


History of The Villages (https://www.insidethebubble.net/history-of-the-villages/)

[pdearmond]

Has anyone heard that The Villages is going public?

[alwann]

Has anyone heard that The Villages is going public?
I can't believe the Morses would do that. It would mean they'd have to come out of the shadows and tell us what's going on.

[JoMar]

I am guessing Gary would not be very happy about a high density rental apartment complex being built at
the site of one of the Championship Country Clubs he created for the single family homeowners he sold their dream homes to.

I am guessing Gary would be very happy about a high density rental apartment complex being built there since the single family homeowners to whom he sold their dream homes saw fit not to support the facility that he rented to owners of the restaurant. Harold and Gary were developers and profit motivated. Nobody wanted to take over the facility and since they weren't in the restaurant business they made a profit motivated decision. Same with Katie Bells. We have the right to choose where we eat or shop but if those choices don't sustain the business the owner has the right to go another direction.

[Stu from NYC]

Has anyone heard that The Villages is going public?

Darn so they found out we are negotiating to buy the place.

[Rosebud1949]

More re-writing of history, watch out or Mr Schwartz's statue at Spanish Spring will be torn down...

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.

[HoosierPa]

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.

Beg to differ. Mr Schwartz would be so proud of what his Son, Grandkids, Great Grandkids have developed. I sure would be.

Those that don’t like it really should go find another better place.
You could call it “Negative Village”

[justjim]

Has anyone heard that The Villages is going public?

Nope, haven’t heard that. Where did you hear that rumor?

[asianthree]

Nope, haven’t heard that. Where did you hear that rumor?

Probably while standing in line for the free stuff at trail winds Publix :a040:

[Stu from NYC]

Probably while standing in line for the free stuff at trail winds Publix :a040:

What free stuff? Heard that was only the first day

[sallybowron]

I have heard that Sharon Morse was the big idea person for the Villages, but she died young.

[kathy1516]

Hope not. The greedy kids have destroyed the “friendliest hometown.” It’s now the up and coming annex to Orlando.

[Stu from NYC]

Hope not. The greedy kids have destroyed the “friendliest hometown.” It’s now the up and coming annex to Orlando.

Yet just like us they are still coming.and we even like it here

[JoMar]

Hope not. The greedy kids have destroyed the “friendliest hometown.” It’s now the up and coming annex to Orlando.

Disagree.....the only people that destroyed it (and I disagree that it is destroyed) are the people that live here, the Developers give us opportunities, what we do with them is on us.

[Marathon Man]

Hope not. The greedy kids have destroyed the “friendliest hometown.” It’s now the up and coming annex to Orlando.

So, you have decided to move away, right? I mean, no sane person would live in a destroyed community.

[John41]

I am guessing Gary would be very happy about a high density rental apartment complex being built there since the single family homeowners to whom he sold their dream homes saw fit not to support the facility that he rented to owners of the restaurant. Harold and Gary were developers and profit motivated. Nobody wanted to take over the facility and since they weren't in the restaurant business they made a profit motivated decision. Same with Katie Bells. We have the right to choose where we eat or shop but if those choices don't sustain the business the owner has the right to go another direction.

I do not believe it wasn’t profitable. That’s a fairy tale only the very gullible would believe.

[PugMom]

Uh-oh. There goes his statue.
:shocked::duck::clap2:

[J1ceasar]

The real driving force and success of the villages is simply statistics and the Aging of America, one of the luckiest Sons to have a father who gave him a business I won't mention the other one.

[Two Bills]

Has anyone heard that The Villages is going public?

No.
But an awfull lot of public is going The Villages!:icon_wink:

[LowOnCash]

The original developers would rather remain unseen now that they have endorsed the in-flux of thousands of new owners swarming the apartments they built destroying the original ideal of what the villages is about.

[dewilson58]

The original developers would rather remain unseen now that they have endorsed the in-flux of thousands of new owners swarming the apartments they built destroying the original ideal of what the villages is about.




:1rotfl:

[davem4616]

funny how folks that are living a pretty darn good life in TV still find little things to gripe about

if you're not happy living here and refuse to move...please, get a different hobby

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.

Sorry, but Mr Schwartz did not simply hand over The Villages to his son. The fact is that that Schwartz and his partner, Al Tarrson, were trying, without much success to develop what we now know as The Villages. They created a small mobile home park called Orange Blossom Gardens. Because sales were so poor, Tarrson wanted out.

Schwartz called his son in as a partner. It was Gary Morse who suggested to Schwartz that developments such as this needed amenities. It was Morse that built the first golf courses, pools and rec centers.

In 1983 sales of mobile homes in OBG were a total of about 400. Once Morse was brought in sales began to increase exponentially.

Now I take nothing away from Harold Schwartz. He was the founder. He was the guy that had the vision. He was in charge and needed to approve everything.

But it was Gary Morse that turned a small mobile home park into The Villages. He needed his father's permission, but without his ideas The Villages would not exist today.

Gary Morse is responsible for much of the lifestyle that we have today.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Schwartz was Jewish — it seems they want to separate themselves from that heritage

Harold Schwartz and his wife divorced during WW2. His wife remarried a named named Morse. She was afraid that if we lost the war that the Nazis would invade our country and kill all of the Jews so she legally changed the names of her children to their stepfather's name.

I don't believe that Harold's wife was Jewish but I can't find anything about that. Her name was Mary Louise Lee.

Gary Morse's actual name, by the way is Harold Gary Morse (nee Schwartz).

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

That really sucks. Harold Schwartz's statue is on Spanish Springs Town square. Will they take that down?

I doubt it. His grandchildren are very proud of what their grandfather started. The ashes of Harold Schwartz are in the box that the statue stands on.

It was his son, Harold Gary Morse that had that statue erected. I doubt that his children would take it down.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I am guessing Gary would not be very happy about a high density rental apartment complex being built at
the site of one of the Championship Country Clubs he created for the single family homeowners he sold their dream homes to.

How would any of us have any idea what Gary Morse would have thought about any of the changes and/or additions that have gone on?

A lot of these plans have been in the works for several years. Morse may even have had input into them.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

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.

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.

[diamond2005]

Without Gary , the whole place would be the historic side.

Without Harold Schwartz, there would have been no Gary Morse, and no The Villages.

[billethkid]

The original developers would rather remain unseen now that they have endorsed the in-flux of thousands of new owners swarming the apartments they built destroying the original ideal of what the villages is about.

I would suggest getting more acquainted with how many private homes and residents and property vs apartments and residents and property.

How will it affect the average villages resident?

For the most us....not at all.

[JoMar]

I do not believe it wasn’t profitable. That’s a fairy tale only the very gullible would believe.

Your right, the smart Developer or owner would take a profitable business and tear it down, what was I thinking? Your business acumen has set me straight....thank you. Oh, and you became a billionaire doing what?

[Marathon Man]

The real driving force and success of the villages is simply statistics and the Aging of America, one of the luckiest Sons to have a father who gave him a business I won't mention the other one.

Actually, the son rescued his father's failing business. Then the son changed how things were done and turned it from a failure into a raging success. Gary Morse is the true visionary and the true businessman who made the vision a reality. His father soon retired.

[Villagevip]

But, but what is going on with Paige.... ?

[Stu from NYC]

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.

Thanks for sharing the history

[mik09]

Did anyone else see that Gary Morse is listed as the founder of the Villages on page 49 of the new Villages magazine that came in today's paper? His father Harold Schwartz founded and started the development of the Villages until he handed it over to his son Gary Morse. Why is the Villages magazine not even mentioning the real developer and founder of the Villages?????
There is also a street named after Mr. Schwartz, not just one named after his son as they wrote. Why are they trying to rewrite the history of our area? Without Mr. Harold Schwartz the Villages would not exist. Just found this very odd. Give credit where credit is due and don't try to rewrite history.

It maybe because when Schwartz started it all it was called Orange Blossom Garden and not The Villages. My father originally purchased one of the first units through Schwartz.

[JoMar]

There was a documentary made shortly after Gary's death. It was produced by the family and was shown at the Sharon during the meet the Developer meeting. It contained interviews with the family, with the guys who ran construction and some humorous yet revealing moments. To my knowledge it was the only time it was shown but rolled back the curtain on how this all came about.

[Northwoods]

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.

Do you think that's true? Or do you think he is proud of his children and grandchildren for continuing to build and evolve The Villages?

[mydavid]

Someone should write a book on how the Villages came to be what it is today I think I got a CD with a look at the early days of the Villages.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Actually, the son rescued his father's failing business. Then the son changed how things were done and turned it from a failure into a raging success. Gary Morse is the true visionary and the true businessman who made the vision a reality. His father soon retired.

I believe that it was more that they worked together as a team and both came up with ideas.

Gary Morse joined his father in the business in 1983. Harold was still involved as late as 1992 and probably beyond that. So to imply that he retired soon after Gary arrived is questionable.

Harold had an office over Margarita Republic overlooking Spanish Springs Town Square. As far as I know, he went there almost every day and was still involved until his death in 2003. That's the reason that that spot was selected for his statue.

[Bay Kid]

Thank goodness for Mr. Schwartz and the family for TVs!

[jellybeanrt]

Someone should write a book on how the Villages came to be what it is today

Harold Schwartz was the founder of the Villages. The paper, magazine, made a error This started on the Historical side with Manufacture homes. His statue is on Spanish Springs. Mr. Schwartz get all the credit. Gary Morse was his son, Gary lived with his mom , l believe in Mich. Harold was a wonderful man, who would say "You can live live a millionaire on a pauper income." He was very friendly with all the residents . I have lived in the Villages 22 years, and had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Harold Schwartz . The first time l came to the Villages, there was money called Funny Money given to us for the restaurant, movies, etc. discounts
They were the best years in the Villages

[Stu from NYC]

Harold Schwartz was the founder of the Villages. The paper, magazine, made a error This started on the Historical side with Manufacture homes. His statue is on Spanish Springs. Mr. Schwartz get all the credit. Gary Morse was his son, Gary lived with his mom , l believe in Mich. Harold was a wonderful man, who would say "You can live live a millionaire on a pauper income." He was very friendly with all the residents . I have lived in the Villages 22 years, and had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Harold Schwartz . The first time l came to the Villages, there was money called Funny Money given to us for the restaurant, movies, etc. discounts
They were the best years in the Villages

Thank you for sharing