[Kathy Plato]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

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

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

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by swooner

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]

Originally Posted by davem4616

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

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.

Actually, he is beaming with pride.

[diamond2005]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.