[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

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]

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.

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]

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.

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]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

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]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

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]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

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]

Originally Posted by jellybeanrt

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