Nostalgic journey through Temple Terrace's vibrant history

During a recent council meeting, Council Member Chambers shared a nostalgic account of his childhood in Temple Terrace, reflecting on the city's history and his personal experiences since moving there in 1968. Chambers recounted how his family relocated from Tampa, where his father was a professor, to a then-developing Temple Terrace, which was characterized by orange and grapefruit groves.

He vividly described the early days of the city, including the unique method of calling volunteer firefighters using a siren atop the old library, which startled him as a child. Chambers also reminisced about the condition of the roads, which were primarily shell-packed and required maintenance with tar, leading to challenges for cyclists.

The council member highlighted the absence of modern conveniences, recalling a drive-up milk machine that served the community before the establishment of 7-Eleven stores. He painted a picture of a close-knit community where children freely visited neighbors for water and shared memories of the city's mosquito spraying truck, which created a thick cloud that children would ride their bikes through.

Chambers concluded his narrative by expressing how these experiences shaped his desire to work for the city, emphasizing the importance of community and history in Temple Terrace. The meeting ended on a positive note, with fellow council members acknowledging the value of his reflections.