Bentwood and Clara Lemont

Bertwood A. Lemont, one of the pioneers in the automobile bus­iness in the United States, died at his home on Morell (sic) street here early yesterday.  He was 74 years of age.  A native of New Hampshire, Mr. Lemont is said to have been the first person to drive an automobile south of Jacksonville.  This was in 1905, when he established a garage at Ormond Beach, which was then being developed by the late Henry M. Flagler.  He operated a garage in Ormond Beach and the White Mountains of New Hampshire for many years.  Retiring from active business in 1921, he came to Sarasota to make his home.  He reentered the automobile business here in 1930, but retired in 1934.

In 1936, Bertwood Lemont died at home on Morrell Street.  By that time, his son, Herbert was working as a mechanic and his daughter, Mary, was listed in that year’s city directory as a teacher.  Ms. Lamont continued to own the property and reside there along with her stepson and stepdaughter until 1940.  By that time, Herbert was employed as a parts manager for Gulf State Motors and Mary was working as a teacher.