What would Harold think?
 

I wonder what Harold Schwartz would think if he could see The Villages as it is today?
I'm quite sure it isn't what he planned or anticipated.

You might be surprised the apple doesn't fall far from the tree

I often wonder what Walt would think of Disney World!

I think it could be what he anticipated............didn't he cross US441 for expansion?

I think he'd be very proud of his son & family!

What makes anybody think Harold S would not have kept on expanding as he saw more of his product being snapped up as quick as he could get it ready for market?

What would George Washington think if he could come back and see the USA now?

I think he would be very happy to see that 100,000 people, just like him--not born millionaires but workhorses--could attain the joy of single-family, concrete or frame, site-built home and lot ownership, at a price that fits their income and retirement savings....

...while never having to sit in an old 2 or 3-story house in MI, paying $500-600/month for heating fuel, only to have the thermostat set at 62 and having to wear a coat in the house, and the temp outside is -20 with a 20 mph wind making it Real Feel -40 degrees, and you get out only to get the mail if the mailbox has not been plowed in with a 6-ft high mound of snow/ice.....and Oh, Wait....you're there waiting for a plumber because the pipes froze and broke.

I agree.


I am! We are!!

Considering the fact that Harold Schwartz started out, as other developers did, selling property through the mail (newspaper, magazines, etc.), which was later prohibited by law, I think the smile on his face on his statue in Spanish Springs says it all.

Whether he dances, or spins, on his grave depends on how history peels back the onion. History. Not me.

Regardless of that, it is the residents that have funded their lifestyle from years of hard work. And they owe no debt of gratitude to anyone else other than themselves.

Except for the hospital, Harolds vision disappeared years ago. It seemed to be common knowledge that Harold was relieved of any major participation in decisions regarding future development. Along about the same time Richard Schwartz a half brother was more or less exiled to his property along route 466 and his position as head of golf operations eliminated.. Harold once joined us for lunch at Cafe Ole and shared some of his dreams. He wanted every Villages to "share" in the good things happening in the Villages. He wanted everyone to also live a wonderful life here and not necessarily be wealthy to take part. I don't recall his exact words but he wanted the fees for amenities to be as low as possible and available to everyone. At about that same time I recall priority golf at TDS as being $12 for 18 holes. Harold knew it was primarily the golf that sold homes. I am not sure Harold's vision was broad enough to handle what was was in store as the Villages grew.

We all worked hard to get here, yes. But there would not be a place like this to buy if it were not for the Schwartz-Morse family.


They have made far fewer mistakes and learned far more from them than most people would as they went along. What happened to them is financial success and I have to suspect the joy of watching their own dreams come true in founding a city like no other ever on the face of this earth, making the end of life as joyful for many as their younger years.


As the vision is coming close to being finished, I am glad we were included in it.

what would Harold say
 

I hope he would say job well done.
I for one want to thank him for his vision .I never thought my husband and I would be able to be part of this life style .We worked hard ,but are by no means financially well off. But because of Harolds vision we are able to look forward to having a retirement our friends will envy .
The dream Harold had is lived over and over with every new Villager .
THANK YOU HAROLD

Interesting question. I am certain you have an opinion or you would not have started this thread. What do you think?

Well Gracie. Maybe I will be a convert. Maybe I am a convert. But I will always be skeptical. Critical thinking.

Walt would wonder why the fifth Park is not opened in Orlando....what would be very proud of the Magic bands