EVENTS
socially speaking
HOPS Sets Spring and Annual Plans STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON | SOCIAL EDITOR Ron@ocalamagazine.com
R
ecently, the annual meeting of the Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) was held and attended by dozens of members and friends of HOPS. The meeting was hosted at the historic Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala. The in-coming executive committee of the HOPS board was announced consisting of President Brian Stoothoff, Vice President Rhoda Walkup, Secretary Rick Perry and Treasurer Dennis Phillips. Pamela Stafford serves as the past President. Stoothoff thanked the supporters of HOPS and recognized the 2020 board members for their dedication and assistance. HOPS was established in 1980 as a not-for-profit organization. In 1980, there was a proposed plan to widen Southeast Wenona Avenue which would have resulted in the destruction of dozens of historic homes. To address this issue, two citizens, Shirley Lovell and June Jaycox, contacted residents of the area and ultimately formed a citizen’s action committee. This committee eventually convinced city
leaders to abandon the plan to destroy dozens of historic homes and this committee become the Historic Ocala Preservation Society. HOPS members initiated the creation of the Ocala Historic District and, with cooperation from the city of Ocala, the 55 square block area was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Many of the city’s historic residences from the late 1800s and early 1900s remain protected thanks to the vision and determination of this volunteer organization. Now, there are four historic districts in Ocala. In addition to the Ocala Historic District, Tuscawilla Historic District was formed in 1992, Downtown Historic District in 1999 and West Ocala in 2002. Citizens who take the time to explore our city’s historic districts marvel at the magnificence. HOPS President Stoothoff believes that the historic districts promote a sense of community among its residents and offer visitors a glimpse into the past and simpler pleasures of life. Stoothoff observes, “Nothing compares to the relaxed feelings experienced while sitting on a front porch rocking chair listening to the birds chirping or riding a bicycle down a street under a canopy of tree branches dripping Spanish moss all the while admiring the beautiful architecture that surrounds us.” Stoothoff adds that the best part is knowing your neighbors by name and taking the time to wave and say hello. With the generosity of donors and members, in recent years HOPS has been able to financially support dozens of local endeavors such as the Fort King Heritage Site, signage recognizing the American National Thrift Association Hospital founded in 1925 and the David Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund. Many residents are enjoying the current 59 properties that contain HOPS signage in our historic districts that display history such as the architectural style of the building, year
Julie McCammon and Rhoda Walkup
Stephanie Howard and Sean Galloway
