In 1923, Howey pioneer Helen Buck and her family drove in a Dodge Touring car from their farm in Michigan to Howey-in-the-Hills. They pitched a tent in "Tent City" and Helen completed her senior year of high school at Montverde Academy, Montverde, Florida. As the salutatorian of her class, Helen was tapped to become the only teacher for the new Howey Elementary School. 

In later years, Helen held secretarial positions for the Howey Company and then worked for Lake County School Superintendents. In 1997 she was selected as the first "Citizen of the Year" for her contributions as a town historian and fir her service to the town and Lake County. Mayor Duane Gorgas presented Helen with a Citizen salute plaque at the Towns' Birthday Bash celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the incorporation of the Town.

Among her distinctions as once being the only teacher at Howey Elementary School and spending her first night in Lake County in a tent, Helen Buck has also been crowned Miss Juicy Fruit.

Excerpted by permission from the following sources:

1.    "Through the Gates of History, Into the 21st Century". (Brochure celebrating 75 years), May 2000

2.    " Howey Cook", published by Howey-in-the-Hills Garden and Civic Club, 1995

3.    "Howey Cook, Too", published by Howey-in-the-Hills Garden and Civic Club, 2000

4.    "Short Narrative of the Town's History" by the Historic Preservation Board of the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills, July 1997